I’m sure we’ve all been there: when it’s time to go to the veterinarian, you pull out the carrier and, all of a sudden, your chill, purring kitty transforms into a terrified fluff ball, darting under the bed and hissing like a tiny wildcat. The carrier isn’t just a box; for many cats it’s a symbol of stress, associated with visits where they’re poked by strangers.
What if it didn’t have to be this way? What if the carrier could be a place of comfort and safety and not always signal impending doom? Carrier training is about more than getting your cat from point A to point B—it’s about turning a highly stressful event into a manageable situation for both of you.
Before going on any trips: Make the carrier a friend, not a foe
The golden rule of carrier training is patience. They’re already stressed by the sight of it; if we panic, they’ll feel our emotions. Think of it this way: if they can’t trust us, who can they trust? Not the carrier. Take a deep breath and avoid last-minute scramble. The key is to make the carrier a regular, non-threatening part of your cat’s environment.
- Introduce it slowly: Don’t bring the carrier out only for trips. Keep it in a common area of the home—the living room is a good place. Open the door and take off the top if you can. Deconstruct the carrier so it essentially becomes a cozy cat bed.
- Make it inviting: Put one of their favourite soft blankets or towels inside—something that smells like home. Toss in a few favourite treats or a pinch of catnip or silvervine. Let your cat discover it on their terms. The goal is for them to wander in and out of their own free will.
- Positive reinforcement: Once your cat is comfortable near the carrier, make it even more appealing. Create a trail of treats leading into it. Play with their favourite toy, luring them inside for a few seconds. When all four paws are in, reward with a treat and lots of praise. Clicker training is worth exploring; targeting works well. You can even offer a small meal just inside the carrier. Since food won’t always be available in the carrier (e.g., if your vet advises fasting before a procedure), start phasing in other positive associations too—play, praise, or a gentle brush if they enjoy it.
Keep sessions short and positive. Always end on a good note so they keep coming back for more.
During the trip: Keeping your cat calm
You’re seeing success, and now your cat is a pro at chilling in the carrier. But the journey itself can be a new challenge.
- Secure the carrier: In the car, place the carrier on the floor behind the front seat, or secure it with a seat belt in the back seat. This prevents sliding that can scare your cat. When carrying the carrier, cradle it rather than swinging it by the handle. Cover the carrier so they don’t feel exposed and vulnerable outside the home.
- Cover it up: Place a towel or thin blanket over the carrier, leaving the front partially uncovered. This provides security, reduces visual stress, and helps muffle scary sounds.
- Consider calming aids: This isn’t one-size-fits-all, but about 15 minutes before you leave you can spritz a little cat-specific pheromone spray inside the carrier. It mimics natural feline pheromones and may help your cat feel relaxed and secure. If that’s not your thing, scent enrichment and cat-safe herbs are another option.
- Stay calm yourself: Cats are masters at reading our emotions. If you’re tense, they will be too. Stay calm, use a soothing voice. Remember: you are their safe space.
After the trip: The importance of a good landing
The journey isn’t over when you get home. How you handle the return can make or break the next trip.
- Reward bravery: Once you’re home, open the carrier door and let your cat exit on their own—don’t force them out. When they come out, offer a high-value reward (a spoonful of favourite wet food, a tube treat, or freeze-dried chicken).
- Back to normal: Leave the carrier out and open for a few hours—or even a few days—so it isn’t immediately associated with stress. This reinforces that it’s a normal part of their environment.
- Give them space: After a visit, your cat may smell different. If you have multiple cats, you might notice tension. Give them space to re-acclimate and don’t force interactions. In some cases, you may need to reintroduce them slowly. If post-vet tension is common, keep the returning cat in a separate room so they can groom and regain the home/colony scent. If things escalate, consider reaching out to a cat behaviour consultant.
By following these steps, you’re not just training your cat to like their carrier—you’re building trust and confidence. You’re teaching them that you have their back and, even when things are a little scary, you’ll guide them through gently.
Pro Tip: Step your carrier training up to the next level
Your cat is in the carrier and chilling like a pro. It’s time to elevate their skills. These advanced steps build on the trust you’ve already established. The carrier isn’t a bad thing; it’s a portal to new adventures—and sometimes just a trip back home.
- Deconstruction method: The carrier isn’t a solid box but a set of building blocks. Take the entire carrier apart. Using just the bottom half, place one of their favourite blankets or their bed inside. This helps the carrier feel like furniture, not a trap. Add a favourite toy or scent enrichment like catnip or silvervine. Reward with praise and treats whenever they show interest in sitting or lying down.
- Reassembly, step by step:
- Roof on: Place the top half back on, but don’t install the door yet. Now it’s a cozy cave. Repeat the positive reinforcement: place treats inside, encourage them to go in, and reward bravery. The goal is for them to enter this new “cave” with zero hesitation.
- Door installed: Once they’re comfortable with the roof, install the door—but leave it open. Let them go in and out freely. This is critical for trust; they need to know they can always get out.
- A moment of containment: When they reliably enter on their own and remain relaxed, gently close the door without locking it. Let them nudge it open and exit. This teaches that the door isn’t a permanent lockdown. When they’re ready, try locking the door for a second or two, then immediately unlock it. They’ll learn you’re in control—and that you’ll let them out.
- Practise a mock trip: The goal is to make the “end result” less scary.
- The short lift: With the door closed and a treat or toy inside, gently lift the carrier a few inches, set it down, open the door, and reward calm behaviour.
- Front-door adventure: With your cat secured in the carrier, step just outside the front door for a moment, then come back in and let them out. They’ll learn the “outside” isn’t always a car ride.
- Engine-off car sit: In tougher cases, the car itself is the trigger. Start with the engine off. Secure the carrier in the car, give a treat, wait briefly, then go back inside. Repeat over several days. Eventually, turn the car on for a moment, then shut it off. Separate the engine sound from the stress of travel.
- Joy ride: Take a quick drive around the block. Don’t go anywhere—just drive for a minute or two, return, and let them out. Not every car ride ends at the vet.
- The confidence booster: For new kittens or cats, this is a game changer. Call your vet clinic ahead and ask if you can pop in for a quick “fun trip” with no appointment. Many clinics are happy to help. Walk in, say hello to the staff, give your cat a treat, and leave. The more times your cat visits the vet office without anything scary happening, the less they’ll fear it later.
The process may feel tedious, but it’s an investment in your cat’s long-term well-being. You’re not just training a behaviour—you’re building trust, one tiny step at a time.
Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Behaviour? Let’s Chat!
If your cat is trying to communicate and you’re unsure what they’re saying, I’m here to help. Book a free pre-consultation call, and we’ll go over what’s happening and how I can support you. Whether it’s litter box troubles, aggression, anxiety, or something else, we’ll talk about the best steps to restore peace in your home.
Book a Free Pre-Consultation Information Call with Krista, a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant & Fear Free Certified Professional in Ontario, Canada.
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