The Ultimate Pet Parenting Tip: Teaching Mr. Whiskers to Love the Carrier

Thank me later!

Do you have a feisty kitty and escape aficionado who you can never get into his carrier? Most pet parents have experienced this before—not to mention the hassle of taking your cat to the vet and the embarrassment while he sings the song of his people in the waiting room.

I used to be one of those cats! But in October, I spent 16 hours in my carrier on the way from the US to Spain. So, how can you get your cat to tolerate or even love his carrier? There’s no foolproof method, but this may offer some surprising results!

1. Start Early

The best time to train a cat to love his carrier is when you first take him home. The next best time is long before you need to use the carrier. Yes, that means long before that vet trip you’re dreading. Starting even a week before can make a difference, but you’ll get the best results if you get the carrier at least a month before.

2. Get the Right One

You know your cat better than anyone else in the world. Think carefully about what spaces they might feel comfortable in and plan accordingly. Will they want to see outside? Do they need a waterproof carrier for accidents? 

You should also check the requirements behind why your cat needs to be in the carrier. For example, airlines usually have specific dimensions for their planes. No, you can’t just grab any carrier online that claims to be TSA-certified. TSA isn’t flying you to Cancun, and honestly, thank goodness for that!

You’re also better off choosing one that’s smaller. Most cats like to be in cozy places and feel secure in a smaller space. Throwing a blanket or jacket over the carrier can also add to the cozy feeling.

3. Make It Friendly

What’s Mr. Whisker’s favorite fix? Is it a dollop of yogurt, a spoon of tuna, or some catnip treats? Start placing some of his favorite treats inside and allow him to get used to the carrier as just another cool spot in the house. Eventually, he’ll start wandering in there on his own.

Here are a few other things you can try to make it cozy:

• Try Feliway spray to calm him down.

• Use catnip if he’s into that sort of thing.

• Put something that smells like his favorite person inside.

• Place a favorite toy inside.

4. Capture the Kitty

With any luck, you’ve convinced your cat that the carrier is a great place to hang out and take naps. He’ll start to spend more and more time there throughout the day. That’s when you’ll have to find the nerve to lock him inside.

Start small with about a minute and then gradually increase the time. When you let him out, be sure to give him a treat, an ear scratch, or whatever else he likes. This will help him associate the time in the carrier with positive experiences.

Training your cat to chill in their carrier can be a game changer. Whether taking your cat to the vet or on an 8-hour flight, it can open up a world of possibilities as a pet parent.