LVH News

Carrier Training

Before the vet visit:

1. Acclimate your cat to the carrier weeks to months before your cat even needs to travel in the carrier. This could mean your carrier begins to serve as a ‘normal’ household furniture item. Check out our Cat Carrier Rodeo article for more details.
2. Consider utilizing the synthetic feline facial pheromone called Feliway. This product can help to calm many cats whenever something is about to change (or has changed) in their environments. Simply spray a towel with the product 20 to 30 minutes before you need to leave the house (this gives the spray time to dry) and place the towel inside the carrier. Be sure to use a towel or blanket that your cat has already been using in the carrier to keep the familiar scents – these familiar scents can also serve to comfort your cat.
3. If your cat has been acclimated already to the carrier in the weeks to months prior to the visit, you may be able to drop some treats, catnip, or a favorite toy in the carrier and have your cat walk right in on the day of the trip.
4. As you are leaving, consider covering the carrier with a towel (make sure the carrier is not left anywhere too warm!). This will minimize the visual stimulation of being carried to the car, etc.
5. Try bringing along a few of your cats favorite toys and treats. We may be able to use these during the exam to help keep your cat comfortable (and possibly playful!).
6. Below is a video with a great overview of cats and carriers from the Catalyst Council.

Learn more about ways to acclimate your cat to a carrier here