CAT CARRIERS

A must for your cat's safety and security!

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Cat Carriers should always be used for transport to the hospital for the safety of all!  Traveling in the car with a loose kitty is very dangerous and can lead to an accident.  Cats can be very frightened when they are out of their own environment, they can bolt out of the car when a door is opened.  Noises, sounds, or smells of the animal hospital may overwhelm them and they may attempt to escape.  A frightened cat may accidently bite or scratch their owners or others.  Provide your kitty with the safety and security of a cat carrier!

The ideal carrier should have an easy open and removable top, as well as a front door. Kitties do not like to be shoved into, or pulled out of their carriers, so easy open tops are best.   Many cats also prefer to stay in the bottom half shell of their carriers during their exams. 

Below are 2 examples of easy open carriers. 

Aran Double Door Top Opening Cat Carrier by Marchioro

The Petmate Double Door Deluxe Cat Carrier

If you don't have a carrier, ask us for a temporary loaner carrier!

Cat carriers should be left out and accessible at home. Toss treats into the carrier frequently, allow your cat to play, eat, and sleep in the carrier so that it represents a fun and safe haven. If you only bring the carrier out once a year for the "dreaded" car ride to the vet, it will become an object of fear and anxiety!                                    

Teach your kitty to enter the carrier willingly.  Here are some links and videos with tips on how to acclimate your cat to the carrier.

Training Cats to Love Their Carriers.pdf  A great handout from Dr. Sophia Yin

Cats & Carriers: Friends Not Foes  A helpful video offering 5 simple steps for cat owners to use cat-friendly carriers.

Tips for Taking your Cat to the Vet   Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, Feline Practice, offers tips and advice on taking your cat to the veterinarian. Regular vet visits can improve your cat's quality of life and keep your feline healthy and happy.

Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian A handout on reducing the stress of veterinary visits for you and your cat.

Cat Carrier Training with Dr. Neilson  Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Jacqui Neilson demonstrates cat carrier training.  Dr. Neilson is demonstrating a positive reinforcement technique called "Clicker Training".  The click marks the desired behavior when the kitten offers to enter the carrier, Dr. Neilson rapidly follows the click with a tasty treat. The same result can be achieved with just a treat if your timing is quick!

Cat Carrier Training with Dr. Neilson Day 2   Day 2 of Cat Carrier Training with Dr. Jacqui Neilson and Bug.

Use Feliway Pheromone spray to spray your cat's carrier, as well as inside the car, about 15-30 minutes prior to the trip.  Apply a squirt of spray into each corner, and the roof and floor of your cat's carrier, and on to any bedding inside the carrier before each trip. Feliway Spray will help the carrier feel like a safe and secure enviroment.  You can purchase Feliway right at Deer Run Animal Hospital!

It is always easiet to train kittens, but with patience older cats can learn too.  Once you have your kitten or cat acclimated and loving the carrier, begin with short car rides just for fun.  Let the cat know the car ride has rewards too, remember to treat and praise relaxed behavior.  Try to avoid only putting your cat in the car for veterinary visits.  Teach your kitty to love car rides!

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