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 Even if you never plan on taking your cat
anywhere, you should have a carrier on hand.
In an emergency, such as having to evacuate
your home during a fire or severe weather,
you don’t want to try holding a panicked cat
in your arms.
Traveling by car is also safer with the cat
in a carrier. A cat roaming around the cat’s
interior can put you at risk for an
accident.
That said, I realize it isn’t so easy for
many owners to get the cat into the carrier.
Much of kitty’s reluctance may come from the
fact that the only time he sees the carrier
come out of the closet is for that
much-hated trip to the veterinarian.
There are some ways to help your cat learn
to like the carrier… or at least not hate it
quite so much.
·
Desensitize your cat to the presence of the
carrier by leaving it out all the time. Use
a kennel-style plastic carrier, leave the
door open, and place a folded towel inside.
Leave the carrier out for use as an extra
napping place for kitty.
·
Casually place a treat near the carrier a
few times a day. Gradually place the treats
closer in subsequent sessions. Eventually,
work up to placing the treat on the lip of
the carrier’s entrance.
·
Leave the carrier door open and place a
small dish of food in the back.
·
Use a fishing pole-type toy and conduct play
sessions around the carrier.
·
Use clicker training so you can click and
reward the cat whenever he goes near the
carrier.
·
When kitty is comfortable going in the
carrier, close the door, pick the carrier up
and walk around the room. Immediately reward
your cat.
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