How to Get a Cat Into a Pet Carrier

You need to take your cat for a trip in their pet carrier, but your cat is really not interested in cooperating. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to feel like a life-or-death struggle every time you need to take your cat somewhere. There are simple things you can do to make the whole process way easier, and we'll show you how!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Putting Your Cat in Their Pet Carrier

The stress of being in a carrier may cause your cat to urinate. An extra towel or newspaper will help soak up the urine so that your cat does not have to feel the ‘soil spot’ in the carrier.^{[1]XResearch source}^{[2]XResearch source} If you use a towel the cat does not usually sleep in, it can help to spray it with cat pheromones.
2
Position the carrier. Front- or top-loading hard-sided carriers are ideal for learning how to put your cat into a carrier.^{[3]XResearch source} If you have a front-loading carrier, place it on its end with the opening facing toward the ceiling.^{[4]XResearch source} This way, you will be able to place your cat in the carrier safely and with a relative amount of ease.
- It may be helpful to place the carrier against the wall to keep it from falling back as you are trying to place your cat inside of it.
3
Pick up your cat. How you pick up your cat is very important to safely placing her in the carrier. Wrap one arm around her hind end and position your other arm under her chest.^{[5]XResearch source}^{[6]XResearch source} For the arm supporting your cat’s back end, use your hand to hold her back legs.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Her hind end should be against your chest, with the rest of her body facing away from you.
- If your cat is prone to struggling and scratching, use a thick towel to pick her up.^{[8]XResearch source}
4
Lower your cat into her carrier. Slowly put your cat’s hind end in the carrier first.^{[9]XResearch source} By lowering her in this way, she will not feel like she is being forced into the carrier with no way out.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If your cat starts to struggle, put her down and give her time to calm down before trying again.
When your cat is safely in the carrier, secure the latch and position the carrier with its bottom on the floor.^{[11]XResearch source} Give your cat treats if she behaved well when being placed in the carrier (e.g., no biting, scratching, or excessive struggle).
6
Cover the carrier with a towel or pillowcase. Placing a towel or pillowcase over the carrier makes it feel more snug and safe to your cat,^{[12]XResearch source} reinforcing the idea that the carrier is a place of comfort and safety. When traveling in the car, covering the carrier can help block out the fact that the car is moving but your cat is not.
- Your cat’s sense of balance can be disrupted during car travel.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Do not cover the carrier on a hot day.^{[14]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Acclimating Your Cat to Their Pet Carrier

1
Start the acclimation process early.^{[15]XExpert SourceFrancine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview. 10 September 2020.} The earlier in your cat’s life that she becomes comfortable with her carrier, the better. Kittens tend to be more adaptable than adult or senior cats,^{[16]XResearch source} so it is best to start the acclimation process when your cat is a kitten. If you have an older cat, the acclimation process will probably take a bit longer.
- For unavoidable travel before the cat is acclimated, follow the steps above as slowly and calmly as time allows. Making the carrier experience as low-stress as possible will help with proper acclimation later.
- If you plan to take the cat with you on a long drive, it's best to start acclimating the cat a few weeks or even a few months in advance.^{[17]XResearch source}
2
Leave the carrier out at all times.^{[18]XExpert SourceFrancine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview. 10 September 2020.} To cats, the presence of a pet carrier usually means something bad is about to happen, like a trip to the vet's office.^{[19]XResearch source} If you take the carrier out only when you need to take your cat somewhere, then she will likely learn to fear it.^{[20]XResearch source} Therefore, it is recommended to leave the carrier out on the floor all the time.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Leave the carrier door open. This will allow your cat to enter and exit the carrier as she pleases, without fearing that you are going to close the door on her.^{[22]XExpert SourceFrancine Miller
  Certified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview. 10 September 2020.}
Even with unlimited access, your cat may not want to enter the carrier if it is in a location where she does not frequent. Put the carrier in one of her favorite spots, such as by a window that gets lots of sunlight.^{[23]XResearch source}
4
Make the inside of the carrier enticing for your cat. The carrier should feel like a place of comfort and safety to your cat, even if she’s not exactly thrilled about being inside of it.^{[24]XResearch source} One way to entice your cat into the carrier is to make it smell familiar to her. For example, place her favorite towel or blanket in the carrier.^{[25]XResearch source}
- Spray cat pheromones (available at your local pet store) in the carrier.^{[26]XResearch source}
- Place some kibbles, treats, or catnip in your cat’s carrier.^{[27]XResearch source}^{[28]XResearch source} Replenish the supply when needed.^{[29]XResearch source}
- If she has some favorite toys, place those in the carrier as well.
5
Feed your cat in her carrier.^{[30]XExpert SourceFrancine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview. 10 September 2020.} If your cat seems comfortable spending time in her carrier, try feeding her when she is inside of it. Initially, however, she may not want to eat her meals inside of her carrier. Rather, she may feel more comfortable eating her meals near the carrier.^{[31]XResearch source}
- Place her food bowl a few feet away from the carrier. Gradually move the bowl closer to the carrier each time that you feed her.^{[32]XResearch source}
- If she doesn’t want to eat the food when you move the bowl closer, move it back and start the process again.^{[33]XResearch source}
- Ideally, your cat will work up to eating from her bowl when it is inside the carrier. If she does this, try feeding her in her carrier every day.^{[34]XResearch source}
- Your cat may not eat in the carrier if she senses you watching her—she may think you will close the door behind her. Stand far enough away from her so that she can eat without that suspicion.^{[35]XResearch source}
6
Practice closing the carrier door.^{[36]XExpert SourceFrancine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview. 10 September 2020.} Being inside the carrier could feel like a trap to your cat, so she will need to become comfortable with you closing its door. When she enters the carrier, briefly close the door. Immediately give her a treat, then unlock the door and let her out.^{[37]XResearch source}
- Do not practice closing the door when your cat is eating.
- Start by closing the door for only a few seconds. When you repeat this process, slowly increase the amount of time you leave the carrier door closed before offering her a treat and letting her back out.^{[38]XResearch source}
- Give her a treat only if she does not get upset or try to get out when you shut the door. If she does either of those, decrease the amount of time you keep the door closed.^{[39]XResearch source}
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Question
What do you need when you get a cat?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Basic supplies would include a littler box and litter; appropriate food and a few toys.
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How do I catch a cat?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
For a tame cat, calling it to you and picking it up will work. For a stray or wild cat its best to use a live trap.
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Where is the scruff on a cat?
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
The scruff of a cat is that part of the neck right behind the head where there is ample loose skin.
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Tips

Cats are creatures of habit.^{[40]XResearch source} If not given time to acclimate to the carrier, your cat may see it as an unwelcome disruption to her normal routine.
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After a veterinary visit, the inside of the carrier will have scents of the veterinary clinic that your cat will not like. When you get home, scrub and rinse out the carrier with hot water.^{[41]XResearch source}
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Your pet carrier should be large enough for your cat to turn around in. It should also be easily disassembled, which is particularly important if your cat is sick, injured, or will not come out on her own.^{[42]XResearch source}
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Warnings

Trying to put your cat into her carrier at the last minute will increase her stress, which could cause her to bite or scratch you.^{[44]XResearch source} Allow plenty of time before your desired departure time to get her into the carrier.
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Do not put your cat in a makeshift carrier, such as a laundry basket or pillowcase. Makeshift carriers can injure or traumatize your cat.^{[45]XResearch source}
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Do not remove your cat from her carrier by pulling her or trying to shake her out.^{[46]XResearch source}
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