How to Put a Cat Into a Cat Carrier With a Minimum of Fuss

Let your cat become accustomed to the carrier.

It's a rare cat that enjoys being put into a carrier. Leave the carrier out for your cat to explore, so it is not a foreign environment when you need to use it. Make sure the carrier is the right size for your cat -- and for you to carry. When it's time to place your cat into the carrier, adopt a simple technique to avoid a battle with the claws.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Carrier
• Towel

1. When you are ready to put the cat in the carrier, place it out of view with the door open.

2. Catch the cat in your usual way and behave as you normally do when you hold and pet him. Keep a towel with you.

3. Wrap the cat snugly in the towel, with his head sticking out and his four legs inside. Make the bundle small enough to fit through the door of the carrier.

4. Place the cat, towel and all, into the carrier. Leave the towel inside the carrier and close the door. When the cat crawls out of the towel, he can use it as a pad inside the carrier.

Tips & Warnings

• Some cats are comforted by the scent of Feli-Way, a generic cat hormone. You can try spraying a small amount inside the carrier before you put the cat inside.

• Don't bother to put treats inside the carrier to entice the cat. As much as cats love snacking, they really lose their appetites when faced with the prospect of being stuffed into a box.

References

• Pet Place: Selecting the Best Cat Carrier