The carrier comes out of the cupboard, and the cat vanishes. Twenty minutes later you are late for the appointment, scratched, and the cat is wedged behind the washing machine. Studies suggest that the stress of the journey is one of the main reasons cats see the vet far less often than dogs — which means problems are found later.
The good news: carrier training works, even with adult cats.
Choose the right carrier
- Sturdy, with a removable top half. The vet can examine your cat in the bottom half without tipping them out.
- Openings at the front and top.
- Large enough to stand up and turn around, and lined with something absorbent and familiar.
Avoid wicker baskets and soft bags that cats can scramble out of.
Make the carrier furniture
- Leave the carrier out at home all the time, with the door off or tied open.
- Put a soft blanket that smells of home inside.
- Drop treats and catnip in it regularly, and feed meals near it, then just inside it.
- Once your cat goes in happily, close the door for a few seconds, then open it and reward. Build up slowly.
- Lift the carrier briefly, then put it down and reward. Then carry it around the room.
- Take short car trips that end at home with a treat.
On the day
- Some vets suggest skipping breakfast to reduce car sickness and make treats more appealing — ask your vet first.
- Cover the carrier with a towel so your cat feels hidden.
- Carry it with both arms, like a precious parcel, rather than swinging it by the handle.
- Secure it on the car seat or footwell so it doesn’t slide.
- Calm music and a quiet voice help.
Synthetic feline facial pheromone sprays may help some cats feel calmer. Spray the blanket about 15 minutes before the cat goes in — never spray directly onto the cat.
In the waiting room
Keep the carrier off the floor on a chair or shelf, facing away from dogs, covered with a towel. Many practices have a cat-only waiting area or will let you wait in the car until they are ready.
Medication for very anxious cats
For cats who become extremely distressed, your vet may prescribe a medicine such as gabapentin to give a couple of hours before the visit. It can make a big difference, for both the cat and the quality of the examination.
After the visit
A cat returning home can smell of the clinic, and other cats in the household may react with hissing. Keep the returning cat separate for a while, and rub them with a cloth that smells of home.
Questions owners ask
How do I get an uncooperative cat into a carrier?
Stand the carrier on its end with the opening facing up, and lower the cat gently in back feet first. Or use a top-loading carrier. Long term, carrier training is far easier.
Is it okay to carry my cat in my arms to the vet?
No. Even calm cats can panic outdoors or in a busy waiting room and escape.
My cat gets carsick. What can I do?
Short practice trips, a covered carrier and an empty stomach help. Your vet can prescribe anti-nausea medicine for longer journeys.
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