Tips to Get Your Cat to Stop Crying in Their Carrier

 

Struggling to get your cat in its carrier without sad meows? This in-depth guide provides tips to reduce carrier anxiety and get your cat comfortable.

Getting your cat to stop crying in their carrier can be a frustrating challenge for many pet owners. 

As much as we love our furry friends, those sad meows emanating from the carrier are heartbreaking. 

But don't lose hope - with some training and patience, you can get your cat comfortable with their carrier.

As someone who has pets products online for my own cats, I know the hassle of getting a crying cat into a carrier firsthand.

My cat Lucy used to wail nonstop when I needed to take her to the vet, which stressed us both out. 

But after trying various techniques, she now walks into her carrier without a peep. Here’s how I did it:

Introduce the Carrier Early

Cats often develop negative associations with their carrier because they only encounter it when going to unpleasant places like the vet. 

The key is introducing your cat to its carrier well before they have to use it. Place it in a room they frequent and let them explore it on their own terms. 

Leave the door open and put treats or catnip inside to build positive associations.

I left Lucy’s carrier out with treats for weeks before her first vet visit. 

By then, she saw it as a source of good things rather than something to fear.

Make the Carrier Comfortable

A bare carrier can seem cold and uninviting to a cat. Make it cozy by:

• Lining it with soft blankets or a worn t-shirt with your scent
• Spraying some feline pheromones inside
• Leaving treats or toys inside

I spray Lucy’s carrier with Feliway and keep her favorite fuzzy mouse inside. She now snuggles down happily for the ride.

Take Short Practice Trips

Gradually get your cat used to entering the carrier and being moved around in it through short practice sessions. 

Briefly close them inside with treats and go for a short walk or drive around the block. Keep doing this, extending the time as your cat relaxes.

My neighbor thought I was nuts as I walked circles in the yard with Lucy in her carrier! But it paid off - she’s now accustomed to the motions of traveling.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Never force your cat into their carrier, which will make them more fearful. Instead, positively reinforce entering voluntarily. 

Try tossing treats inside so they walk in themselves. Praise or give more treats when they remain calm inside.

I clap and give Lucy treats when she enters her carrier without fuss. She’s learned it’s a good thing to do.

Use Feline Pheromones

Feliway or other feline pheromone products can help calm anxious cats. Spray some inside the carrier 15 minutes before use. 

There are also plug-in diffusers that continuously emit pheromones during travel.

I use both the spray and a pheromone collar in Lucy’s carrier. It really takes the edge off her nerves.

Ask Your Vet About Medication

For extremely anxious cats, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medication to use before vet visits. 

There are oral medications or wipes that provide mild sedation during travel. Never give your cat medication without your vet’s guidance.

When Lucy was spayed as a kitten, the vet prescribed oral medication since she’d be woozy after surgery. It kept her calm on the car ride home.

Be Patient!

Getting your cat comfortable in their carrier requires regular training over an extended period. 

You may need to spend weeks or months on the techniques before seeing significant improvement in their behavior. 

Stick with it and don’t get frustrated - the payoff of a cat who travels without anxiety is well worth it!

While it took work, I felt so relieved the first time Lucy hopped in her carrier ready for a vet appointment without a hint of protest. 

Just be consistent with the training and your cat will get there too!