Transporting cats in carriers is safest for both the owner and the pet.  If it is difficult to get your cat into a carrier or your cat does not travel well in the car, here are a few tips to help make it easier.

SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE YOUR DATE OF DEPARTURE:

1. Leave the carrier out with the door open and allow your cat to go in and out.  Place treats, food or toys to encourage him/her to explore the carrier.

2. Take short car trips around the block with your cat so he/she does not make a bad association with being in the carrier.

3. Keep a familiar smelling bed or towel in the carrier to comfort your cat.

On the day of departure, do not feed your cat a few hours before to reduce the chance of your cat getting sick, which will increase his/her dislike of the carrier. Your cat will hopefully enter the carrier without too much difficulty.

HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO GET YOUR CAT INTO THE CARRIER, TRY THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

1. Twenty minutes before trying to get your cat into the carrier, spray Feliway (a pheromone that helps reduce stress, available at Centrepointe Animal Hospital) onto the carrier.

2. Place your cat in a small room (bathroom, for example) before bringing out the carrier.

3. Tilt the carrier so the door is facing the ceiling. Pick up your cat, keeping control of the front and back legs and lower him/her into the carrier back end first. Then shut the door and lower the carrier back down onto the floor.

It is always best to acclimatize kittens to carriers and car trips as soon as possible, but even adult cats can become accustomed to it with some time and patience.

If you have any other questions, please contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital.