Taking your cat to the veterinarian is a crucial part of pet care, but it can be a frustrating task trying to get a cat into a carrier when they don’t want to go. This unfamiliar experience can be frightening for your pet, so they might hide, wiggle, and scratch to get out of it. Before your next trip to the veterinarian, use this guide to address this issue.

What to Look for in a Carrier

If your cats already dislike their carrier, it can help to start over with a new one. Both hard plastic carriers and soft cloth ones work fine. Make sure your cat has enough space to stand up, lie down, and turn around inside, and that the bottom is comfortably padded with a blanket or towel. Carriers that open from the side and the top make it easier to get the cat in and out for pet care at the veterinary clinic.

How to Train Your Cat

When you bring your carrier home, leave it somewhere in the home with the door open, and then walk away. This lets your cat explore this unfamiliar object when they feel like it. They'll probably go in all on their own, as this is exactly the kind of place cats like to be — a small, enclosed area that hides them but lets them see out. If you need to encourage them a little more, put treats or toys inside.

Once your cat is comfortable going inside, practice closing the door for a few seconds at a time, then work up to longer times. Reward the cat with a treat or pets each time. Once they're comfortable resting inside with the door closed, start to gently pick the carrier up and then try carrying it a short distance, once again rewarding the cat each time.

For more pet care advice, visit Woodworth Animal Hospital in Waynesboro, VA. With 78 years of experience serving the Shenandoah Valley, they treat a wide variety of animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small animals in addition to cats and dogs. Call (540) 942-5163 to schedule, or visit their website.