How To Familiarize Your Cat With A Pet Carrier

Offering Some General Advice On The Best Ways To Familiarize Your Cat With A Pet Carrier In Honor Of National Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day, August 22nd

National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day serves as an important reminder to schedule routine checkups for your feline friends. However, for many cat owners, the most challenging part of a vet visit isn’t the examination itself—it’s getting their cat into the carrier. Cats are creatures of habit, and unfamiliar situations can cause them stress. The good news? With a bit of patience and preparation, you can help your cat feel more comfortable with their carrier.

Here are some practical steps to make the experience smoother for both you and your furry friend:

1. Choose The Right Carrier

The first step is selecting a carrier that is safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Look for a carrier with:

• A top-loading option for easier placement.
• Ventilation for airflow.
• Soft, washable padding inside for comfort.

Make sure the carrier is the right size—your cat should be able to turn around but not so much space that they feel insecure.

For more information on the best pet carriers for cats on the market, click here. 

2. Introduce The Carrier Early

Place the carrier in your home where your cat can see and explore it well before their vet visit. Let it become part of their environment by:

• Leaving the door open.
• Adding a cozy blanket or bed inside.
• Placing treats or toys in the carrier to encourage exploration.

By allowing your cat to investigate at their own pace, the carrier becomes a familiar and less intimidating space.

3. Make The Carrier a Positive Space

Associate the carrier with positive experiences:

• Offer treats, meals, or catnip inside the carrier.
• Use praise or petting when they interact with it.
• Add a favorite toy or blanket that smells like them to create comfort.

This reinforcement helps your cat view the carrier as a safe and rewarding place.

4. Practice Short Stays

Once your cat is comfortable entering the carrier, close the door briefly and stay nearby. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat spends inside while rewarding them with treats or praise afterward. You can also take short trips around the house or a quick car ride to simulate the vet visit experience.

5. Calm Your Cat On The Big Day

On the day of the vet visit:

• Spray a calming pheromone, like Feliway, inside the carrier about 15 minutes before use.
• Avoid rushing; keep your movements calm and gentle.
• Cover the carrier with a light blanket to reduce outside stimuli during travel.

6. Make Post-Vet Carrier Time Positive

When you return home, let your cat exit the carrier at their own pace. Clean the carrier thoroughly and put it back in its usual spot to maintain familiarity.

 

Benefits Of Familiarizing Your Cat With a Carrier

Taking these steps not only makes vet visits less stressful but also prepares your cat for emergencies, travel, or boarding. Ensuring they’re comfortable with their carrier is a vital part of being a responsible pet owner.

Celebrate National Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day

This August 22, celebrate National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day by scheduling a checkup and ensuring your cat is healthy and happy. Familiarizing your cat with their carrier is one of the best ways to make the journey stress-free—for both of you!

 

Hire ParaMount Pet Care To Transport Your Cat!

Don’t have time to take your cat to the vet? Let us do it for you! We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services including pet transportation, in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. We post adorable pictures of pets everyday that you won’t want to miss!