Getting Your Cat Comfortable with their Carrier
with Dr. Lenyr Muñoz
Getting your cat to the vet can be challenging--we understand this! Most cats vanish the moment you are thinking about taking them to the vet! (Obviously because they can read our minds.)
Even the mellowest cat can be stressed by the change in routine. Imagine your day to day life at home suddenly being upended by an unexpected trip. Cats are very much creatures of habit, so anything new can be stressful to them.
How to Prepare
It's best to get them acclimated to the sight of a carrier from day one. If this wasn’t possible, it is still good to get them used to seeing a carrier in the home in a space where they frequent so they can smell it and not be threatened by it. Make it attractive by feeding them treats near it, then in it. You can also use catnip or even feed them in the carrier. Some cats even like sleeping in them when they are part of their daily “furniture.” You can also use a feline pheromone diffuser or spray near the carrier. Feliway also makes wipes that can be used to wipe down plastic carriers and infuse them with its comforting scent.
A carrier should be comfortable for the cat AND for you. The advent of pet “backpacks” is part of this, as it is easier to carry them on our back than by straining our shoulders with the typical carriers with a handle on top.
Get the Right Carrier
Carriers that are easy to open and sized so that the kitty has room, but not so much that they are being jostled around by movement! Carriers have multiple ways to open them so it is easy to sneak the kitty out without needing to ‘dump’ them out or yank them out. It's best for the kitty to come out on their own if they are comfortable!
Some ideal carriers to consider: Cat Backpacks, Sleepy Pods
Slow and Steady (Don't Force Them)
If they don’t go in readily on their own, you’ll want to gently get them into the carrier. Carriers which are top loading or backpacks tend to be easier to get the kitty into. You can always lower them in backwards – backside and back feet first.
Accessories
Most cats enjoy hiding, especially when they are in unfamiliar territory. A towel OVER the carrier is often a nice touch for them to have extra privacy and less stimuli from the outside world during transport. We also recommend having nice, soft, familiar smelling items inside the carrier with your kitty too.
How to Safely Remove Them
It’s best for them to come out on their own first and it’s how we prefer they come out here too! If they must be removed from the carrier, the easier the carrier is to dismantle, the better. Or if it has top loading functionality, the top can be opened up and your cat gently scooped up from there.
If All Else Fails
Develop an anxiety medication treatment plan with your veterinarian. There are several anti-anxiety options to give to cats to calm them and have them be happier with the entire process, and at the vet. Ask us for recommendations if your kitty has been known to be extremely stressed out by vet visits!
We hope you found these tips useful and that they help you keep your pet happy and healthy! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. As always, we’re here for you and your pets.
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team