Q. | I recently purchased a cat carrier for my cat, but am having a very difficult time getting her in it. Is there an easier way? |
A. | We have all had or seen cats which detest cat carriers, and who will do anything to stay out of them. There are some easier methods to get a cat into a carrier, and there are ways to get a cat to enjoy, or at least tolerate, a carrier.
Start placing absolutely wonderful treats (e.g., very small pieces of cooked chicken) just inside the carrier. If the cat is too afraid to get that close to the carrier, place the treats as close to the carrier as you can without making the cat afraid. You can do this several times a day. Start using a word such as 'inside' as you place the treats in the carrier. Let the cat eat the treats and then leave on his own. Slowly move the treats farther and farther into the carrier so now your cat will go into the carrier to get the treat. Do not close the door on the cat. Now you can start feeding his regular meals in the carrier. Continue to use the word 'inside' or whatever word you choose, when you put the food in the carrier. He will now be associating the carrier and the word and action of going 'inside' with good things happening. When he is comfortable going in and out of the carrier, start shutting the door for very short periods of time (seconds) and then longer and longer periods so being enclosed in the carrier becomes commonplace. Also put a soft blanket or towel in the carrier to make it more hospitable. Now when you need him to go in the carrier, he will probably do so willingly.
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Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
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