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Why it's important for your cat to feel comfortable in a carrier

  • Emergencies & Vet Visits

    Your cat's comfort with their carrier is important for both safe transportation to vet appointments and swift evacuation during emergencies

  • Stress Reduction

    A comfortable carrier reduces your cat's anxiety during travel, which can be unsettling for many cats

  • Good Associations

    Familiarity and comfort with the carrier can create a good association with the carrier, making future trips less stressful and easier to manage

"Riding In A Cat Carrier"

How to help your cat feel comfortable in their cat carrier

• Feed your cat in and/or around the carrier. This will help them associate the carrier with something they love (i.e. eating).


• Incentivize your cat to explore the carrier on their own. To do this, make the carrier accessible to your cat in the house and leave the carrier door open. From here, sprinkle a few treats or toys in the carrier at random times during the day. This way your cat starts to associate the carrier with fun surprises.


• Build endurance slowly. A few times per week, after your cat is reliably going inside the carrier and exploring it on their own, practice closing the carrier door for 10 seconds while your cat is inside the carrier. You don’t need to take the carrier anywhere, just bring your cat inside, give them treats or a favorite toy, and then let them out of the carrier. Praise them heavily when they leave the carrier.


• Gradually increase the duration. As your cat gets more comfortable, you can increase the amount of time the carrier door is closed. You always want to open the carrier door before your cat shows any signs of stress.


• Have patience. Working slowly to help your cat feel good about their carrier will pay off when taking them in the car!