Cat Carrier Training Simplified
The goal of this exercise is to teach your cat to love being placed in their carrier so they won’t be so stressed when it comes time to take them to the vet. The number of sessions needed for each step will depend on your cat and their previous experiences with carriers. If they have had multiple negative experiences with their current carrier, it could be helpful to start fresh by purchasing a new carrier of a different design.
What you’ll need for this training:
A cat carrier with a removable top
Your cat’s favorite treat (something that DELIGHTS them)
Your cat!
Step 1: Ensure your cat’s carrier is a regular part of the environment.
Leave it out, encourage them to use it as a resting spot by making it cozy with their preferred bedding, and reward them with a treat whenever you catch them resting there.
Step 2: Pair placement into the carrier with something delightful. Repeat for as many sessions as needed until your cat waits in the bottom of their carrier for treats rather than jumping immediately out.
Session 1 with Towhee. Carrier is set on the ground, Towhee is picked up and placed into carrier. He is given several treats while he remains in the carrier. Pipit is also given treats for being near the carrier. We want them to LOVE it. Session length: 1 minute
Session 1 with Pipit. Pipit is placed in carrier (note this one is too small for him so was just used for practice). Pipit is fed several treats while remaining in the carrier. Towhee is also fed treats for approaching the carrier. Session length: 35 seconds.
Step 3: Increase the challenge once they can remain in the bottom of their carrier for several seconds between treats.
Towhee is sitting in the carrier. The lid is placed over him, I feed him a treat through the lid, then take the lid off. He remains in the carrier so I repeat this step once more. Note: I lift him out of the carrier to end the session, and he walks right back into it. This is a great sign that he’s learned he gets his favorite treats by sitting in the carrier!
Positive associations can be learned quickly! You can tell your cat is starting to love their carrier when they choose to walk into it on their own, or remain inside of it for longer intervals between treats.
They’re starting to love this carrier! Towhee walks into the carrier on his own, I move the carrier and Towhee moves with it. Pipit is nearby too and both are given treats.
Step 4: Continue adding elements that replicate carrier use while pairing with something the cat finds delightful. This includes:
Closing the lid
Keeping the lid closed for variable durations
Lifting the carrier*
Walking with the carrier
* We recommend lifting and holding the carrier from the base, rather than the handle. This will be more stable and comfortable for your cat!
[Audio removed due to loud background noise in this clip]
Towhee is in his carrier with the lid closed. Pipit is placed into his carrier, and fed several treats. Towhee’s body language is relaxed so I intermittently feed him treats through the carrier lid while I close Pipit into his carrier. I lift Pipit’s carrier from the base, set it down, give him a treat, then give Towhee a treat. Pipit’s carrier is opened, and he gets a treat for remaining inside. The same is repeated for Towhee. Note both cats have the opportunity to leave their carriers but choose to remain in them for several seconds. This is a GREAT sign that they now LOVE their carriers.
The total training time for Towhee and Pipit was 35 minutes spread out over 6 sessions. The number of sessions your cat needs will depend on multiple variables, including their past learning experiences. Additional training tips:
Keep sessions to 2 minutes or less
Aim to end on a positive note, when things are still going well
Give them the choice to walk away if they want, and reward them generously when they choose to approach and remain in their carrier