Ways to Get Your Cat in a Carrier for a Veterinarian Trip

Getting your feline friend into a carrier for a veterinarian visit might be the least of your problems in the broader sense of your life, but at the time, this process can be a frustrating conundrum. Don't worry: One of these three tips is sure to work and make life easier for both you and your cat. Some cats are not as opposed to carriers as you might think.

  1. Let the Cat Walk In

    • Give them time to get used the carrier at home. Leave it around for them to explore and even walk into while they're still in the house. This will get them used to the carrier and will help them see it as a non-threatening object. When the time comes to go to the vet, they might just walk in themselves. This cat trick is one of the most effective methods at your disposal.

    Place Carrier Upside Down

    • Put the carrier with its back-end on the ground and the door facing the ceiling. This strategic placement often works because when the carrier is upright, the only way the cat can fight its owner is to put its claws and feet out. It's better to set the cat in headfirst.

    Treats

    • Reward your cat or kitten for doing something positive. When the carrier is sitting waiting for them to hop in, put a treat or some food inside to associate the carrier with good things. This trick will make the cat more willing to get in the carrier for a vet trip.