Have you tried feeding her in the bottom of a hard carrier, then a ~week later with the top on it too, to get her used to it? Then you could close it when she's eating. I've done this, but only using the full carrier (swinging door and all), and it worked fine. Your mileage may vary of...
Hi, Weezil! I just joined this site to reply to you here. Over five decades I've dealt with numerous cats of my own and others, including mat issues.
I strongly suggest that you radiate confidence with your cat, faking it or not; cats certainly do pick up on our signals. Congrats on...
