Ask The Trainer - How To Crate Train A Cat

Comfy and safe

This month at Pet Puzzle we're tackling a common issue among cat owners.

“I have to take my cat to the veterinarian, but I can’t even get him into his carrier! Last time I spent two hours trying to catch him and when I did, it turned into a big wrestling match, and I just got badly scratched. Help!

Reluctant Tiger Wrangler”

You’re not alone! Not being able to get the cat into a carrier is one of the main reasons owners skip their cat’s regular veterinary visits. Cats have a knack for vanishing at the mere sight of a carrier, and it's understandable why. We tend to keep carriers in an attic or in a closet and pull them out only when it’s time to go to the vet (not a fun event for most cats!), so the cats quickly start associating the two events.

So here is my easy tip. Keep your carrier out all the time. Place it in a quiet spot and turn it into just another piece of home decor. Cover the top with a towel or a blanket, so it looks a bit different. Place comfy blankets or a bed inside to make it cozy. Casually drop a treat or two in there every day. Allow your cat to investigate it on their own terms. This will turn the carrier from a scary item to a safe space that will give your kitty comfort when they’re in the vet office. There are further steps to fully crate train your house tiger, but this is a solid starting point.

On the day of the veterinary visit, invite your kitty inside with some extra yummy treats (don’t use too many if your cat is scheduled for anesthesia). Once you get back home after the visit, put it back in its place and continue dropping some treats there.

Few things to keep in mind about cat carriers:

-              Make sure it’s large enough so your cat can comfortably stand up and turn around.

-              A solid, hard bottom will make the cat feel more secure.

-              Always support the bottom of the carrier with one hand. It adds stability and reduces the risk of an accident if the carrier comes apart.

-              Carriers with detachable tops allow your veterinarian to examine your cat while it remains in the bottom part. This reduces stress for the cat and risk of injury for the humans.

-              Unless your carrier is crash-tested, don’t fasten a seatbelt around it. Instead, place the carrier on the floor behind the front seats for safety.

Here are some other things you can do if your cat is extremely stressed about veterinary visits or if you don’t have time to get them habituated to the carrier:

-              Consider an in-home visit from a veterinarian who offers that service or a mobile vet. This is helpful if your cat doesn’t usually hide at the first sight of strangers in their house.

-              Ask your veterinarian if a pre-visit medication would be helpful and recommended in your cat’s case.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform vet visits from dreaded experiences into manageable outings for both you and your kitty.

Do you have a question I could answer in my newspaper column? Let me know in the comments!

Be kind to yourself, your animals, and others!