FAQ: Carriers & Crates for cats

Many cats are calmer when they can see less while travelling, so carriers with solid walls or a mesh that can be partly covered often suit nervous cats better. Curious cats may like more of a view, but ventilation must be good either way.

Yes, a light cloth or towel over part of the carrier helps many cats calm down because they see fewer triggers. Keep the ventilation openings clear and do not cover the whole carrier in hot weather.

The lighter the empty carrier, the easier it is to carry the cat, especially a heavy one. A carrier that is too light and flimsy can be unstable, though, so look for a balance between sturdiness and weight and check the stated maximum pet weight.

Thin mesh can be clawed or chewed through, especially by a very stressed cat, which may then escape through the hole. Check the mesh before every trip and replace the bag if tears appear.

Many carriers can be secured by threading the seat belt through the handle or special loops, and some bags have dedicated straps for this. Check for seat belt attachment points before buying, as a loose carrier flies forward under hard braking.

Some cats start walking into a carrier calmly within a few days, others need several weeks of short daily practice. Start well ahead rather than the day before a trip or vet visit, and go at the cat's pace.

Yes, a carrier that always stands open in the room becomes an ordinary piece of furniture, not a sign that something unpleasant is coming. Many cats end up sleeping in it, so there is no need to chase them on travel day.

First let the cat walk in and out freely, then close the door briefly and give a treat, later lift the carrier, carry it around the room and gradually move on to short car rides. Repeat each step until the cat stays relaxed.

Yes, a food bowl next to the carrier and later inside it is one of the most effective ways to build a positive association. Move the bowl further in bit by bit until the cat eats calmly with its whole body inside.

Start with parts of the carrier: leave just the bottom half without the top as a bed, with familiar bedding and treats. Once the cat uses it calmly, add the top without the door, and only later put the door back on.

For many cats they do: a favourite toy or a little catnip tossed into the carrier encourages exploring it. Catnip does not work on every cat and makes some more excited, so watch how yours reacts.

Synthetic cat pheromones help some cats feel calmer. They are usually sprayed on the bedding or inside the carrier a while before the cat goes in, so the alcohol can evaporate; follow the maker's instructions.

The cat most likely links the carrier with unpleasant things, such as the vet or a car ride, because it only appears on those occasions. Keeping the carrier out all the time and pairing it with treats gradually weakens that association.

Often the easiest way is to stand the carrier on its end with the door facing up and gently lower the cat in back end first, supporting its chest and hindquarters. With a top-opening carrier it is even easier; stay calm and act quickly.

Yes, a cat that fights hard is often easier and safer to put in when gently wrapped in a thick towel so it cannot scratch. The towel can stay in the carrier, as it smells of home and helps the cat settle.

If the carrier is not normally out, bring it out well ahead rather than right before leaving, so the cat does not panic and hide. Before the visit, close the doors to rooms where the cat likes to hide.

Do not pull it out by the legs: unscrew or lift off the top half of the carrier and let the cat climb out by itself, or lift it out in a towel. Carriers with a removable top make this much easier.

Yes, a treat or a play session right after a trip or a training session helps the cat link the carrier with something pleasant. Just do not overfeed right before a drive if your cat gets car sick.

Yes, even a calm cat can be scared by dogs, noises or smells at the clinic and wriggle out of your arms. In a closed carrier it is safe, and many clinics advise against bringing cats without one.

Keep the carrier on your lap or a bench rather than on the floor, turn the door away from other animals and cover the carrier with a light cloth. If the clinic has a separate cat waiting area, use it.