What is the most horrifying thought when you need to visit a vet with your cat?
For some, it may be managing the associated stress, but for most, it’s how on earth they will get their cat into a carrier. After all, most cats are afraid of carriers, right?
With this photo guide, you will learn how to get a cat into a carrier in six easy steps. It works very well, even with cats who already know that a carrier means a vet visit and who run from the carrier like it’s on fire. Read below for more tips.
IMPORTANT: However, if your cat is aggressive and bites you when you put him inside the carrier, this method may not be the best choice.
1. Place the cat carrier so it’s facing the ceiling and get your cat from under the bed. To skip the getting-cat-from-under-bed step, you may first get the cat and have another person place the carrier facing up. Or, you can leave the cat carrier accessible all the time so the cat is not afraid of it.
2. Pick your cat up and hold his front legs in one hand and both of his back legs in your other hand. Leave one of your fingers between each set of paws, like shown in the picture. This will prevent your cat from getting out of your grip. Holding your cat like this may be useful in many situations.
3. Place your cat in the carrier, back feet first. When he’s inside as deep as you can put your hands in, release his back legs and move him even further into the cat carrier.
4. Start closing the door with your free hand, and release the other hand just before the door closes.
5. There you go. Your cat is in the carrier. Remember, this method works well for most cats; however, if you are dealing with an angry cat, you might consider another method such as first wrapping your cat in a blanket and getting him into the carrier with it or, if he’s way too aggressive, maybe not getting him into a carrier at all, .
6. Remember to treat and pet your cat when you let him out of the carrier, so there’s something positive for him in it. This is very important if you think you might need to get him in there again some time.
Now, how about taking it to the next level? Have you heard of cats who go into carriers voluntarily? Yes, they do exist. The guide how to train your cat to love his carrier tells you how. It may take a while, but it’s simple.