When you're getting ready to visit your veterinarian, one of the most challenging steps can be convincing your feline friend to go into their carrier. Understanding why your cat may be unwilling to go in the carrier and how you can make it easier for them can help keep the claws from coming out.

Carrier Reluctance and Ways to Combat It

Cats are sensitive to changes in smell or environment, and carriers can feel like a scary new place. This can be for various reasons and lead to cat carrier stress, which is when your pet will become anxious while inside the carrier.

The difference in smell between your home and the carrier is a common reason for reluctance. One solution to this is to keep your carrier in a room that your cat often frequents or to add a blanket that has been washed with the same cleaning materials as any other bedding your cat uses.

Your pet may also have negative associations with the carrier. If you only use the carrier to transport your cat to and from the veterinarian's office, they will associate the object with stressful experiences. Try to encourage your kitty to explore the carrier at other times, such as placing their food, a treat, or a favorite toy inside. This will get them used to the carrier being a safe area.

Carrier Additions That Can Help

While ensuring that your carrier feels like a welcoming environment for your pet is one of the most important steps, there are also elements you can add to a carrier that can help make the experience overall easier. When cats are anxious, dark spaces become their preferred hideout. You should look for a carrier that provides shade, or if you have a more open style carrier, wrapping it in a towel or blanket can provide the cave-like qualities that are needed.

Using a pheromone spritz can also be helpful, as it will make the carrier smell cat-friendly. Talk to your veterinarian about what options are the safest for your pet.

Finally, if your cat reacts well to catnip, it can be a simple solution. Adding some catnip into the carrier before you need to leave will encourage your cat to enter the carrier, and the catnip will help reduce their stress.

Getting your cat into their carrier doesn't have to be stressful for you or your pet. Talk to the veterinarians at Animal Hospital of New Albany, in New Albany, OH, for more tips on reducing your cat's anxiety. Their team takes pride in delivering outstanding pet care with compassion and kindness. They provide a wide range of veterinary services to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy. Call (614) 855-9643 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to meet their team.