Make the carrier part of the room
International Cat Care advises letting a cat become comfortable with the carrier well before the journey, so it does not only appear when a vet visit is imminent.
- Choose a sturdy carrier. International Cat Care notes that one opening at the top makes it much easier to lift a cat gently in or out.
- Leave it in a room your cat already uses, with the door open and fixed so it cannot swing shut.
- Add bedding your cat normally sleeps on, and an item of clothing from their favourite person. A soft cloth wiped around your cat's face and then inside the carrier adds a familiar scent.
- Put treats inside from time to time, and let your cat go in and out and sleep in it if they choose.
Practise in short, voluntary steps
Build familiarity before you ever close the door. These steps are our own practice plan based on that advice.
- Reward calm interest near the carrier. Let your cat choose the distance.
- Place a treat near the entrance, then on later occasions slightly farther inside.
- Keep the door open throughout early practice, and let your cat leave whenever they want.
- End before your cat becomes uncomfortable, and try again another day. Never push your cat in or close the door unexpectedly.
Weeks before versus the day itself
Practice builds a familiar carrier; the day of travel still needs calm handling.
Weeks before
Carrier out at home, door open, familiar bedding and occasional treats inside. Your cat visits it on their own terms.
On the day
If your cat panics at the sight of the carrier, keep it close but out of sight. International Cat Care suggests wrapping your cat in a familiar towel and placing cat and towel in quickly but gently; a top-opening carrier makes this easier.
During the journey
Hold the carrier from underneath rather than by the handle, avoid swinging it, and cover it with a cloth. In the car, secure it in a footwell or on a seat with a seatbelt, on a towel to keep it level.
- Take spare bedding that smells of home in case it gets soiled.
- If carrier practice does not help your cat settle, ask your veterinary team for individual advice before the next visit.
FAQ
How long does carrier training take?
It varies between cats. Start well before any planned trip, keep sessions short and let your cat set the pace rather than working to a deadline.
Should I close the door while practising?
Not in early practice. Keep it open and fixed so it cannot swing shut, and let your cat leave freely. Closing the door is a later step.
Is a top-opening carrier worth it?
International Cat Care notes that a carrier opening at the top makes it much easier to lift a cat gently in or out.
Sources
NutriPet editorial reviewEvidence library
- Taking your cat to the vetInternational Cat Care
- Travelling with your catInternational Cat Care
Try the carrier practice in NutriPet
NutriPet's cat training includes an Explore the carrier practice that keeps the door open and lets your cat choose the distance. It does not cover door-closing or travel. Training practice requires a NutriPet Pro subscription.