Cats don't like to be confined, and traveling stresses them out. But sometimes caging a cat is necessary for health, safety or travel guidelines. The following steps will make caging less stressful for you AND your cat.
Things You'll Need
- Cat carrier/cage
- Bedding
- Cat treats
- Favorite toys
- Feliway or catnip spray (optional)
Instructions
Getting Your Cat Used to the Cage
Start young. If you have a kitten, introduce her to the cage right away. Put her in it and take her for short trips. She'll see occasional caging as part of life. If your cat is older and hasn't been acclimated to caging, don't worry.
Keep the cage out. The cage should be in an area your cat frequents. Leave the cage door open. Allow your cat to explore the cage, climb on it and mark it. He'll perceive the cage as part of her environment and not as a "warning sign" that a trip to the vet or another unpleasant experience is coming.
Make the cage comfortable and appealing. Lay bedding in the cage and throw a few favorite toys inside. Catnip or Feliway® scents can increase your cat's comfort with the cage. You can buy catnip or Feliway sprays at most pet stores.
Create positive associations. Leave treats in the cage for your kitty to find, or give her a treat when she goes in on her own. This teaches her that good things happen when she goes in the cage. If your cat loves to play, dangle string inside the cage or throw items into the cage so she can chase after them.
Getting Your Cat Into the Cage
Block exits and common hiding places. An hour or two before caging, limit your cat's options for escape by closing doors or shutting him in one room with few or no hiding places.
Take your time. If you're in a rush, your cat will pick up on your stress and be more likely to hide or fight. Be flexible, and start the process an hour or two before you absolutely must have your cat caged.
Watch your body language. If your cat picks up on your expectation, she'll hide. Continue with normal routines. Have a bite to eat, do some housework, read or watch TV. When your cat is nearby and relaxed, pick her up and talk soothingly while you bring her to the cage and deposit her inside. If she gets away, go back to what you were doing and wait for her to emerge again.
Avoid chasing. When you chase your cat, he perceives you as the enemy, adding tension to your relationship.
Praise and reward. Once your cat is closed into the cage, praise her and offer treats, even if she's too nervous to eat them. Remember that she doesn't understand the need for caging, so let her know you're still on her side by talking soothingly to her.