The Biggest Mistake Cat Owners Make with Their Pet's Carrier.
Jane Tompsett
Every cat owner knows the problem - your cat needs to be put in their carrier so that you can take them to the vet, or to the boarding establishment or because you are moving to a new home. And guess what? Suddenly your super-clingy and ever present furry companion has vanished into thin air!
And what's worse, when you do finally track down your bewhiskered friend after spending time you can ill-afford to waste, you are greeted by claws, teeth and rudely hissed words as you attempt to force a rigid and unco-operative cat into their carrier.
How is it that your normal, loving and co-operative pet suddenly turns into a feral wildcat as soon as their carrier comes into sight?
Well, you'll probably be amazed to hear that it's all your fault. You and you alone are responsible for making The Big Mistake.
And the big mistake is..
You tidy your cat's carrier away when you've finished with it.
We all do it. As soon as the trauma of transporting your cat from A to B is over, the carrier gets put in the garage, in a shed or in a cupboard out of sight and out of mind. And that is where the mistake is made. The hated carrier is hidden away.
So, how can you, as the guilty party, correct your error? Is it possible to change the situation for the better? Can your cat ever accept their carrier and remain relaxed and happy around it? Most certainly - and you can start correcting your mistake the minute you've finished reading this!
Bring the carrier out of storage and place it in a cat-friendly place.
Place it where it is cosy and quiet.
Line it inside with a soft blanket or cushion.
Make it attractive by placing a favourite toy or some catnip inside
Place a few tasty morsels inside.
Always leave the door wide open for free access.
Make it a fixture within your cat's everyday world.
And that's just about it. By following the above steps, you will be able to tackle changing your cat's negative associations with their carrier. Every time it comes into view, it triggers strong emotions in your cat as they will always connect the carrier with being forcefully subjected to unpleasant procedures. No wonder your cat runs off when they see it! Your task, as an owner, is to work towards changing the associations your cat has with their carrier, replacing the negative ones with good ones.
Gradually, your cat will come to accept the carrier as being part of their normal, everyday experiences and when this happens, they will be able to remain relaxed around it and in it. By also turning the carrier into a place that is attractive for your cat to sleep in, with their favorite toy and snack included, eventually the bad feelings will be chased away by good ones.
Unfortunately, any trip to see the vet will inevitably cause those bad memories to be recalled but the only way to cure that particular problem is to make your vet part of your cat's everyday, normal experience. And that is just not going to be possible, is it?
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