Getting your cat into a carrier and staying inside can be tricky. Just like humans require safety while traveling, Cats do too.
Pet experts and veterinarians always advise that using a cat carrier to move your cat from one place to another can be helpful.
Here are some tips that can help you get your cat used to the carrier, how you can make your cat feel comfortable in a carrier, and, most importantly, finding the right type of carrier for your cat.
Cat In A Carrier- Know What It Feels And Thinks
What is A Cat Carrier?
Some experts say that it is very safe to move cats around in the right type of carrier and to make sure they get used to it, it is better to start the process of introducing your cat to a carrier as early as possible so that its tendencies and instincts can be put to beneficial use by the pet owners to ease the cat into getting into the carrier.
Reasons A Cat Requires A Carrier
Your cat can despise traveling, but at some point, it has to be moved safely to a vet’s office for a checkup or moved from one home to another, and even when going out on vacation, it requires safe transportation.
Sometimes it is necessary to confine your cat to a cage, like while you are at work or outdoors, to keep your cat from turning your house upside down.
Reasons Why Might Not Like Staying Inside A Carrier
Some cats act out by scratching the furniture, while some start spraying around the house. It all depends on the lifestyle of your feline friend and the type of carrier you pick out for your cats.
When a cat is kept inside a carrier, it loses the freedom to move around the house freely, eat, exercise, drink, and do many other activities.
Getting Your Cat Acquainted with The Carrier
Cats tend to feel trapped and become anxious while confined to small spaces, so they act out, leading to behavioral changes.
When it is necessary, it is possible to keep your cat inside a carrier, but it is certainly better if they are trained properly for it from a very young age.
The sooner the training is started, it will be easier on your feline friend and you.
I/C:
Reasons To Buy Cat Carriers:
- Cat Carriers provide a safe environment for rescue kittens and also pets.
- They help in transporting injured pets.
- They are a must-have for pet owners who love to travel.
- They provide a comforting and secure space for cats while being moved around from one place to another.
- They can be used in cases of emergencies like taking the cat to the vet or transporting them somewhere when they are hurt.
- Keeping them in the carrier while going out for a short errand so that they don’t mess up the house or run away.
The Right To Start Carrier Training The Cat
Getting your cat acquainted with a cat carrier also includes taking steps to make the cat feel comfortable, free, and protected inside the carrier and also picking out the right carrier for them.
It is better for the cat and for the owner to start kennel training for the cat as soon as they arrive at the house as a kitten.
Introducing The Cat To The Carrier
Training your cat to use and stay in the carrier takes a lot of time and patience from both your cat and you, but it can be done with a fair few simple steps.
Start by introducing your cat to its carrier, first in its room, and then let them sniff the carrier out. Let the cat come around the carrier on its own time.
Steps to Make Your Cat Feel Comfortable in A Carrier
First, ensure they don’t get inside the carrier easily. Once the cat looks comfortable with the cage being near it, you can let the cat enter the cage, but for short periods with intervals.
Once the cat starts going in and out of the cage on its own accord, it is safe to close the door while they are inside the cage.
Leaving The Cat Inside The Carrier
Once it has been long enough, you can also try leaving them alone inside the carrier and try making quick runs to the store and running errands, when the cat is completely comfortable with its carrier, you can start leaving it inside the carrier for longer periods, leaving for work or school.
Taking Care Of The Cat Inside The Carrier
After the cat is comfortable, you can start playing with them while they are inside the carrier. To ease them more into it, you can start putting food at the top of the carrier’s button or tossing toys inside the carrier to keep them entertained and occupied.
Never leave the cat in its carrier for long unless and until they are comfortable staying inside the cage.
Selecting The Right Carrier for Your Cat
As much as it is important to carrier-train your cat in its early life, it is also important to choose the right type of carrier for your cat.
You can seek advice from veterinarians about how an appropriate carrier should be. Always look for a carrier that is sturdy and impact-resistant. Carriers made with fiberglass or impact-resistant plastic are better.
MustHaves In A Cat Carrier
It is always better to choose a carrier with both a top and a front opening, which can help veterinarians examine your cat from the top while they sit in the bottom of the carrier without taking them out.
The carrier must be easy to clean. It is not advised to cage your cat unless and until there are certain reasons at play, like safe travel or a visit to the vet.
Other Factors To Consider While Buying A Cat Carrier
Finding carriers that come apart easily without making loud noises is very important as it might startle the cat, and they should also be small enough to be carried around by you and cozy enough for the cat.
According to studies, many cats prefer carriers with sides that offer a visual shield so they can have some privacy.
I/C:
Factors To Consider While Buying A Cat Carrier:
- Safety-The carrier must be sturdy and comfortable for the cat.
- The carrier must be easy to clean.
- It must be crash-tested to prove the durability of the carrier, and it should be modeled so that it can be easily kept on a flat surface.
- Buying a carrier with a top and front opening or a very large opening can help the cat move in and out easily.
- Cats like privacy, so it is better to look for a carrier with some kind of visual shield on it.
- The carrier should provide ample ventilation for the cat.
- The appearance of the carrier must also be considered, and it should be well-built to be left inside the house.
Carriers-A Must Have For Cat Lovers
It is also very important to let your cat feel comfortable in his carrier, and so is selecting the right type of carrier for him, which can help him feel right at home.
Some cats hate to travel, but using the right pages and tricks makes it easy to make them better travelers inside the carrier.
Conclusion
I hope you can understand from the article above how vital it is to let your cat ease into moving around in a carrier and what a cat goes through while being caged, making it comfortable for them as you, and this can make your journey smooth without a grumpy cat by your side.
I/C:
Tips to Maintain Cat Carriers:
- They should be cleaned often with cleaning equipment that won’t break the carriers or detergents that affect the health of the cat.
- They should be placed in the locations of the house where the carrier is not prone to breaking easily by getting hit by something or falling.
- They should be placed in areas where the temperature stays at a moderate level.
- Toxic materials should not be used to clean the carrier.
- The materials placed inside the carrier should also be cleaned thoroughly.
- If a food bowl is placed inside the carrier, it should also be cleaned properly, and the bowl must be emptied, washed, and refilled regularly.
- The outer area of the carrier should also be wiped down every alternate day to maintain the health of the cat so that it doesn’t contract any infections.
FAQs
Can cats be too old to learn how to stay and be moved around in a carrier?
No, certainly not. Cats can be taught and trained at any stage of their life to stay in a cage, but it is always better to start the training sooner than later since that will be easy for both you and the cat.
Is it possible and healthy to keep my cat inside the carrier while I am at work?
Keeping your cat inside the carrier while you are at work or anywhere outside your home is certainly possible and safe. If the cat is properly carrier trained, it can stay in the carrier all day long without any accidents.
Where is the best place to put an indoor cat carrier?
The best place to put an indoor carrier cage is in a part of the house where it is quiet and is not exposed to too much traffic noise, which can help the cat feel at peace, also, the temperature of the place should not be too hot or too cold.
Is there a time limit to keep your cat inside a carrier?
As long as the cat is provided with ample water, food, and toys to keep company, there isn’t a certain time for a cat to be kept inside a carrier.
What are some of the best brands of cat carriers that I can buy for the smooth and safe movement of my cat?
According to the New York Magazine, some of the best cat carrier brands and models include
– Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
– Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
– Petmate Two-Door Top Load
– Petsfit Expandable Travel Pet Carrier With Fleece Mat
– Lollimeow Rolling Pet Carrier With Wheels
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.