One of the top reasons cat owners do not bring their cats to the vet often enough is the process of catching the cat, “stuffing” it into the carrier, then listening to it meow all the way to the vet. Cat owners feel bad for Kitty and don’t want to put it through all of that. However, there are ways to make this easier on Kitty and Kitty’s owner.
First of all, consider the type of carrier you use. You want a sturdy, appropriate sized carrier for your cat. Ideally you should use a separate carrier for each cat, especially if you bring them to the vet together. Sometimes the smell of the vet on a cat upsets the other cat(s), even when they normally get along well at home.
Soft sided carriers are becoming very popular for ease of use and sturdiness. Most have a flap that opens in the front and on the top for ease of loading and unloading Kitty. Some soft carriers are collapsible for easy storage.
There are a couple downfalls to soft sided carriers. One is ability to clean them. If Kitty soils himself on the way to the vet, the carrier cannot be efficiently cleaned out as would a plastic carrier. Be sure to place an absorbent pad or thick towel in the carrier to help absorb accidents. Check to see if the carrier is machine washable. This is also important is one cat is ill and you want to disinfect the carrier before using it for another cat.
The other downfall will become apparent later in this blog.
Most cat owners have plastic carriers. There are several types of these carriers. Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a plastic carrier:
- Loading: You want a carrier with openings at the front and at the top. Often it is easier to load and unload Kitty from the top, especially at home.
- Assemble/Disassemble: Some cats do well when examined in their carriers, which is only possible when the top can be easily removed. Also, rather than dragging Kitty out or “dumping” Kitty out, it is easier on Kitty to have the top of the carrier removed, allowing easier access to Kitty.
- Secureness of Locks/Bolts: Some carriers have screws or clips to attach the top and bottom. Make sure these are secure and look to be able to hold a 12-15 pound cat (or heavier if needed). Some do not hold well with heavier cats and we do not want them to fall apart while you are carrying Kitty to your car.
Now that you have a good carrier, the next step is getting Kitty used to the carrier. To do this, leave your carrier set out in the open where Kitty spends a lot of time. Leave soft bedding in the carrier and a favorite toy. You may also put a small handful of food or a treat in the carrier. Do not pay attention to the carrier. Eventually Kitty’s curiosity will take over and she will inspect the carrier. Ignore Kitty while she’s sniffing around the carrier or taking the offered treat. In time, you will probably see Kitty napping in the carrier. Now the carrier is not as big an enemy as it was before.
Note on soft sided carriers: This may or may not work depending on the structure of your carrier. Not all soft sided carriers have rigid enough frames to be able to do this exercise.
So, how about actually getting Kitty into the carrier to go to the vet? Start about a half hour before you have to leave so that you’re not “panicked and rushing around.” Kitty will sense your panic. If you can toss a few treats or favorite toy into the carrier and Kitty follows, fantastic. If not, calmly take Kitty into a small room without hiding places, such as a bathroom. Shut the door, and collect the carrier. Enter the bathroom with the carrier and close the door behind you. Calmly pick up Kitty and gently place her in the carrier. It is probably easier to load Kitty into the carrier from the top rather than the front.
Acceptance of the carrier will not happen overnight. It takes time and patience. You may also use Feliway sprayed in the carrier 30 minutes prior to loading Kitty or as a plug in near the carrier to help relax Kitty.
Suburban Animal Clinic recommends that ALL CATS BE PLACED IN A STURDY CARRIER FOR TRAVEL. This helps keep cats safe during travel, helps lower driver distraction when cats are safely confined, and allows cats some security & safety upon arrival to their destination. Suburban currently carries well-structured, soft sided carriers in our in-clinic pet corner. Please talk to a staff member if you have any questions regarding your cat or cat carriers.