According to cats, carriers spell trouble. They associate the small metal cages with vet visits, which leads to grumpy, unwilling cats wanting to make a run for it. It also means you’ll be spending a lot of time convincing your tiny friend to get on board.
The ordeal is already hard with friendly cats, let alone wild, thrashing cats. Let’s see how to can put a wild cat in a carrier with the least losses. Be sure to check out some of the most common cat carrier questions to help you out.
How to Put a Wild Cat in a Carrier?
In order to get your wild cat in its carrier, you’ll need to be gentle, patient, and clever. First, you’ll want to lay the groundwork by putting the carrier somewhere your cat is comfortable with, such as your living room couch.
Next, you’ll pick the cat in a supporting matter rather than forcing it. Afterward, you’ll lower the cat gently into the carrier. Let’s see how the procedure is done in detail.
Putting A Wild Cat In A Carrier Step-By-Step
Step 1 – Upgrade the Carrier
Cats are hard to satisfy; they demand the jewel in the crown. That’s why they’ll only love the carrier if they feel it’s their own territory. In other words, when they feel like it’s a welcoming place.
You can easily do that by transforming it, so it doesn’t resemble a carrier. For starters, you can place the cat’s favorite bed inside. If you want to make your cat love it, even more, you can wrap the bed in one of your shirts. That way, your scent will make the cat feel safe.
Additionally, you can take the carrier’s top off. This will help put the cat at ease when entering the carrier.
Step 2 – Choose Your ‘Pickup Spot’ Wisely
It may seem irrelevant, but the place where you pick your cat up to put in the carrier can make a huge difference. For example, anywhere near the exit door is a bad place to start. On the other hand, somewhere like the living room will keep the cat relaxed.
Cats usually have favorite places. Try to put them in the carrier in one of these spots. That way, the cat will be comfortable enough not to thrash around.
Step 3 – Lift the Cat Gently
Well, with a wild cat, you don’t have a choice but to be gentle. Otherwise, it’ll let its wrath out, and you don’t want to be put at that risk.
That’s why you might want to lift it carefully. Firstly, you’ll support the cat’s bottom with one hand while placing your other hand under its front legs. Next, lift the cat and lower it into the carrier gently. When you do this, make sure the cat is facing you, and its bottom is facing the carrier. That way, it won’t feel like you’re forcing it inside.
Step 4 – Treat the Cat for Being a ‘Good Boy’
When the cat gets in the carrier, you’ll have it done for this time. But how about the next visit to the vet? It won’t go as smoothly. That’s why you’ll want to familiarize the cat with the carrier and help it feel at peace with it.
The only way to do this is by giving the cat a special treat that only comes with the carrier. That way, the cat will associate the carrier with the treat rather than the vet visit. Plus, you’ll have rewarded it for being a good boy, the rewarding title isn’t exclusive to dogs!
Step 5 – Close the Carrier and Reopen It
Now, this step is a bit tricky. You’ll be literally tricking the cat, but it’s the only way to do it.
Once your cat settles inside the comfy carrier, you’ll need to put the lid back on to go on your way. However, the sound that it’ll make will act as a trigger for the cat, and the whole ordeal will repeat itself once again.
That’s why you’re gonna perform a little, harmless trick. After you put the cat inside, you’ll close the door for only a few minutes. Next, you’ll open it again. That way, the cat won’t feel caged inside.
Afterward, close it again and cover it with a blanket (this one gets high reviews) or a towel before going on your way. You’ll only need to do this for the first time. The next time, the cat will wait for the treat, and it’ll know that the door will open again.
All the Tips You’ll Need for Putting a Cat in a Carrier
The tricks may not work every time. However, these tips won’t fail you. The key is consistency; following them every time will eventually get you the results you want.
Tape the Carrier’s Door
Cats are familiar with the sound that the door makes when it closes. They will see it as a threat, and it may jeopardize the whole process.
That’s why some cat owners came up with a smart trick to solve this. Before closing the door, tape its edges. That way, it won’t make a sound when you close it.
Have Patience
If you do this process in a hurry, the cat won’t like it. It’ll give you a hard time when you try to do it again. That’s why you need to be patient, letting the cat feel comfortable before picking the carrier up and going out the door.
You can even try to do it once at home when you’re not going to the vet. The cat will then understand that going inside doesn’t necessarily mean a painful visit to the doctor.
Take Care of the Carrier
You might want to clean the carrier before you try anything. Decorating its interiors will also be a good idea. That way, it’ll appeal to the cat more than an empty little cage does.
Familiarize the Cat with the Carrier
When you take the carrier out once every month, the cat will feel that something’s going to happen, which will drive it to act unwillingly. The right thing to do is to keep the carrier out where the cat can see it.
For example, you can keep it in the bedroom, or any room where the cat spends time. This will let the cat treat it as a part of the house, which will put it at ease around it.
Always Keep Treats Inside
Here’s a nice method to get your cat in its carrier; leave treats inside on a daily basis. When the cat gets in every day to find some goods waiting for it, it’ll keep doing it every day. That way, it’ll be easy to convince it to go inside when you actually need it to.
On the day you’re going to the vet, you can try and feed it less than usual. That way, it’ll feel more excited about getting in the carrier for a treat.
Final Thoughts
Wild cats require extra care to deal with, but they’re soft as cotton balls on the inside. Plus, it’s only natural to feel opposed to the idea of a doctor visit. We can all relate to that!
It’ll take some patience and flexibility on your part, but the end result will be worth it. You’ll have your little furry friend in its carrier in no time.
There are several ways to get a cat in a carrier, the method you use will depend on whether you have a skittish, mean, timid, or etc. So always consider your cat’s personality before trying to get them into the carrier!