Cat Transport

Getting Your Cat Into A Carrier

Getting your kitty into a carrier for transportation to the vet can be difficult. Cats typically do not like being held and the carrier is seen as as scary thing. 

We suggest purchasing some Feliway spray and spraying that into the empty carrier 30 minutes before trying to put your cat inside. Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the calming pheromones cats naturally produce, and it’s available at most pet stores and Amazon. The Feliway should help the cat relax in the carrier. 

It is often easiest to lower your cat into the carrier from the top. Some carriers open from the top, but most open on the side. If the carrier has an entrance on the front/side, set the carrier on its end with the entrance facing up, so you can lower your cat in. Make sure the carrier is stable on its end so it will not fall over and scare or injure your kitty as you attempt this. Using one hand, hold the cat’s back feet together to keep him from catching them on the carrier door, and use the other hand to hold the front feet or the scruff of the cat’s neck. If you are holding the scruff, make sure you are also supporting the cat’s back feet; never hold the cat just by the scruff of its neck. Lower him into the carrier. Close and lock the door, then slowly and gently ease the carrier down so it is sitting horizontally and you can carry it. 

If you are unable to hold your kitty to put him into the carrier (too much squirming), we suggest wrapping him in a towel first, in order to keep him more contained. This can also help him feel more secure, depending on the cat. 

We suggest leaving the carrier out and open in the house at all times, so that your cat is used to seeing it, and does not associate it only with scary things like travel or the vet’s office. This will also help it smell familiar, as your cat may eventually start rubbing against it or even sleeping in it!

Finally, it can also be helpful to try carrier training your cat. Some cats take very well to this, and it can reduce the stress of trying to force your kitty into the carrier. The caveat is that it takes time, weeks to months, and working a few minutes daily or every other day to fully train this behavior.