Cat Hates Cat Carrier

[Cat_Herder]

Kenna is 8 months old, and generally well-tempered. We have a boat that we tend to visit on weekends, and we've increasingly tried to take her along, reasoning that she'd rather be with us than not. Especially since we'll be taking several trips this summer.

Anyway, she doesn't mind the boat itself, but she HATES being sealed in a cat carrier and transported by car. She whines like a violin, and that's if we manage to get her in there. She's not only smart, she's also slippery as an eel. The same trick seldom works twice, and I don't like having to mandhandle her in there.

Discovered that covering the carrier with a coat when in the car helps keep her calm, but it doesn't make it any easier to get her in.

The carrier itself is fabric with mesh door and mesh top. It even has a foldout side room that she won't use because she's too tense. Any ideas for making this less traumatic?

 

[maggie101]

I would leave her at home than a scary boat,to her. All depends on her personality. If you prefer not to,get a larger carrier so she can't grab the sides. If you have a walk in closet, hide the carrier in their ahead of time. Then pick her up,walk in,close the door

 

[gilmargl]

I bought various soft carriers thinking my cats would like them. There was no problem getting Mogi into a soft carrier the first time but once inside she just panicked.

In order to take strays and ferals to the vet, I bought a metal carrier, as it was easier to keep clean and vets could have a good look before letting the 'beast' out. As you can see, Mogi thinks its the best bed ever, and although she grumbles when I close it to take her to the vet, she still uses it as her day and night-time bed. Perhaps, your cat will feel more secure in a plastic carrier. With a cat inside, the metal carrier is rather heavy particularly when I can't find a parking space at the vet's front door.

 

[chelsmarie]

My cat similarly hates carriers. She was semi-feral (fixed and released) so I’m guessing the trapping really frightened her. First few vet visits I got her in the carrier but she thrashed so that she injured herself. Only thing that has worked is to give her gabapentin (RX through vet) a few hours before. Just makes her a bit sleepy and pliable. No more hurting herself!

 

[neely]

Here is a thread with some helpful tips and advice from members about how to get your cat into the carrier:
Nightmare getting my cat into carrier

 

[bowshi]

Hi Cat_Herder. Our cats actually love their carriers even after multiple vet visits. What worked best for us:
- Leaving carriers out in the open in the house, free for them to climb in and out of at any time
- Putting their favorite toy in there. When they go in to play with it, they are also rewarded with churus
- Hiding treats in there for them to find throughout the day
- Our cats are indoor cats. The only time they get to go outside to the patio with us is if they're in their carriers. They do love it outside and now they associated fun patio time with the carriers and don't hesitate to jump in as soon as they want to go out

The key was to tie the carrier to positive experiences, and to have it a part of their daily environment so that even when they do have to go into the carrier, it's just another part of their "home" that they're so comfortable with.

Good luck!

 

[dahlia]

Where did you get that metal carrier? It looks like something that I could maybe use for my cats (who are hard to get into a carrier).

 

[Juniper_Junebug]

I had real problems getting my kitty into the soft-sided carrier I had for her, and it was only getting worse (and more stressful) every time I took her to my mom's house. As a kitten, even the vet techs would remark on how slippery she was. Plus she would stretch her paws out and I couldn't get her in the carrier's side door.

Did some research and got this carrier, and although it's way less easy to carry, it is a comparative breeze to get her in. Just grab her and drop her in.

PET GEAR VIEW 360 Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, Black - Chewy.com

Buy Pet Gear VIEW 360 Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, Black at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

 

[Cat McCannon]

To get Belle used to going in her carrier, we place her food dish inside. Also, I’d take her outside in her carrier and let her watch the world go by. When it comes time to put her in the carrier go take her to the vet’s, drama is much reduced.

 

[gilmargl]

Where did you get that metal carrier? It looks like something that I could maybe use for my cats (who are hard to get into a carrier).

If you're referring to my thread, I bought it in Germany from a company which sells equipment for veterinary surgeries. The original model is no longer available but Amazon has this, which is slightly smaller but seems to have a solid base. I had to buy the base tray separately.
Cat Carrying Basket White

I hope this link helps to bring you to your local Amazon.

 

[Alldara]

I also leave carriers out and sometimes toss treats in etc.

You could try a harness and leash and one of these dog seats for the car instead. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09G76XSDP/?tag=

for Magnus, he used to use the small hard carrier (mostly when he didn't feel well) but then he stopped liking it. We discovered a backpack works better for him.

you can play games like having them snuffle around the carrier for treats.

 

[Cat_Herder]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'm making an effort to make the carrier her new favorite place to be. Notably by leaving it out and serving her catnip in there. Fingers crossed it pays off.