How to Make Your Cat Like, Well, Tolerate Its Carrier
Encourage fondness of the carrier when the cat is young.
If your older cat is currently afraid of its carrier, buy a new carrier that is completely different.
If you have had a dog and trained it to become comfortable in a crate, apply the same tactics to a cat carrier.
· Leave the carrier out at all times for the cat to explore.
· Place a comfortable pad in the carrier that will serve as a bed should your cat choose to take a nap inside.
· If roomy enough, feed your cat inside the carrier. Otherwise, place treats inside so that your cat will have positive association with going into the carrier.
· If your cat is a fan of basking in the sunlight, position the carrier in the sun’s rays to entice your cat inside.
· Place the carrier in other favorite locations around the home where your cat likes to spend time.
Once your cat has become comfortable spending time inside the carrier, slowly begin to practice carrying your cat around the home. This will help your cat adjust to the feeling of movement like that of being in the car. Next, take your cat for a very short car ride. Gradually increase the length of the rides until your cat seems comfortable. If your cat seems unafraid of the carrier, but is stressed in the car, talk to your vet about other options for helping to calm your furry friend.
Have Dog or Cat, Will Travel
There are many products available to take your pet with you on walks, hikes or on the road.
Strollers are not just for babies and toddlers anymore. Many pet parents have adopted using strollers to take their pets for walks. They are great for cats to explore the great outdoors without the dangers of cars, other animals and exposure to parasites. Strollers are wonderful for senior dogs that might not have the stamina for long walks anymore. They are also very convenient for taking pets into stores and are ideal for your pet to “hang out” next to you while you dine outdoors.
In addition to strollers, there are backpacks, sling carrier bags and pooch pouches similar to a Baby Bjorn. All of these are constructed to allow you to walk about while your pet is snuggled close against you.
When it comes to car travel, safety for your pet is a priority. Cats should always be secured in a carrier. Dogs can ride in a crate or they can be secured with a safety harness. There are many varieties of crates available. Make sure that your dog will be comfortable to adjust positions within the crate and line the bottom with comfortable bedding. A crate which provides your dog with visibility may help it to feel more secure and will also provide more visual stimulation for long trips. To help reduce anxiety, provide at least one favorite toy or chew item inside of the crate.
If your dog is not used to being in a crate, provide short periods for adjustment in your home before moving the crate into the car. Begin with brief rides and gradually increase the length to acclimate your dog. Once the crate is ready to be positioned in the vehicle, make sure to secure it so it does not slide. This will prevent your dog from becoming anxious and will also keep it more secure in case of an accident.
Based on your dog and your type of vehicle, a car harness may be preferable to a crate. There are many different harnesses available. Here is a link to some of the top-rated choices.
https://www.thedogclinic.com/dog-harnesses/car
Failure to restrain your dog or cat is not only dangerous to the pet, but can also lead to accidents when the driver becomes distracted.
