How to Train Your Cat to Use a Pet Carrier

What do you need?

• A cat carrier with a removable top half
• Your cat’s favourite Catit treats
• A soft blanket your cat already likes

Important rules

• Take it slow. Only move to the next step when your cat is relaxed.
• • If your cat shows fear or stress, go back one step.
• • Never force your cat into the carrier.

1. Remove the top half of the carrier and place your cat’s favorite blanket in the bottom half.
2. Kneel beside it and toss a treat onto the blanket.

3. When your cat stands, sits, or lies on the blanket, reward with another treat and some gentle affection.

4. Try to only interact with your cat while they’re on the blanket.
5. If they step off, toss another treat onto the blanket and repeat.

Over time, your cat will learn that staying in the carrier means rewards.

Goal: Get your cat used to the full carrier shape

1. Add the top half of the carrier while your cat isn’t inside, but don’t add the door just yet. 
2. Toss a treat onto the blanket inside the carrier.
3. When your cat enters, offer an extra treat through the ventilation openings at the back of the carrier to encourage your cat to get all the way inside. 
4. When your cat comes out, don’t reward them with attention. Instead, toss another treat inside the carrier.

Goal: Help your cat get comfortable with the door 

1. Attach the door but keep it fully open.
2. Place treats toward the back to encourage your cat to go inside. Do not close the door yet! Repeat until your cat is comfortable inside.
3. When your cat’s inside, place a treat near the front so they will face the door.
4. Gently close the door and feed a treat through the door opening.

5. Reopen the door after 1–2 seconds.
6. Repeat, gradually increasing the closed-door time.

If your cat gets stressed, go back and repeat this step more slowly.

Goal: Prepare for real-life travel.

1. Briefly lift the carrier with your cat inside and place it back down.
2. Reward calm behavior.
3. Slowly increase how high and how long you carry it.
4. Progress to walking indoors, then outdoors.
5. Finally, practice placing the carrier in the car.