Many cats only see their carrier on the way to the vet, so they learn to hide when it comes out. With a little practice at home, the carrier can become just another comfy place to nap.
- Leave the carrier out in a room your cat likes, with the door open or taken off.
- Put a soft blanket that smells of home inside, and add a few treats or a favourite toy.
- Feed a meal near the carrier, then just inside it, over several days.
- Once your cat walks in calmly, close the door for a few seconds, then open it and give a treat.
- Practise lifting the carrier and carrying it around the house, and short trips in the car.
Go at your cat’s pace and stop if they seem stressed. A carrier that opens from the top as well as the front makes it easier for the vet to examine a nervous cat without tipping them out.
On the day of the visit, cover the carrier with a light towel and keep it level when you carry it. Tell the clinic if your cat is nervous: many clinics can offer a quieter time or a separate waiting area.