Tips for Helping Your Cats Get Used to the Carrier & Get Them Inside

Key Takeaways

• Learning how to get a cat in a cat carrier helps take some of the stress out of car rides. It also makes it easier to get out the door for their vet visits!
• Get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it out to explore at all times. It’ll remove the negative association they have with the carrier, making it a neutral part of their environment.
• The best way to get a cat in a cat carrier is SLOWLY! Your cat should be in front of you so you can keep an arm around their chest while you slide the collar over their head; adjust the collar, and zip the bag closed.

We believe most cats respond very well to our Cozy Comfort Carrier. Once their heads are through the collar, they tend to relax because they don’t feel the confinement that scares many cats about a crate. But some cats are more nervous, and many others do not like being picked up or handled. For those cats, some acclimating may be necessary before you take them to the vet or on a trip. Learn how to get a cat in a cat carrier (without fighting tooth and nail) with these tips!

Leave the Carrier Out 

Leave the soft cat carrier out for your kitty to explore. It should be out and open at all times so they get used to seeing it around. Think about it: your cat only sees their carrier when something “scary” or unpleasant is about to happen, like a vet visit or nail trimming! By leaving the carrier out all the time, you remove their association between the carrier and those scary times. They become desensitized to seeing it! Follow these tips for how to get a cat in a cat carrier:

• Make sure you put the carrier in a place they already feel comfortable. Putting it in a favorite sleeping spot is one of the best ways to help get a cat in a cat carrier.
• Place a shirt or towel with your scent on it inside the carrier to make it more enticing.
• Allow your kitty to explore on their own terms.
• Don’t rush the process and try to put them in the carrier too soon.

Create Paw-sitive Associations

If your kitty seems more comfortable with the cat carrier, you can start creating more positive associations with it. This will help you when you’re practicing how to get a cat in a cat carrier like Cat-in-the-Bag’s. 

Is your feline food-motivated? You can place cat treats at the entrance of the carrier. Gradually move them further to the back of their carrier so they have to go all the way inside to get their treat. 

Is your kitty more toy-motivated? You can place a toy in their carrier instead! You could also play with a wand toy near the bag so they associate it with quality time with their human. 

Have Short Sessions in the Cat Carrier

Time to practice actually being in the carrier! Try working with your cat on the floor to put them in the bag if they don’t like being picked up. Here’s the best way for how to get a cat in a cat carrier like Cat-in-the-Bag’s:

• First, open the bag and fold back the top part.
• Place your cat in front of you, facing away from you so you can keep an arm around their chest. 
• Slide the collar over their head and adjust the collar snugly on their neck before zipping the bag closed.
• Once they’re in the bag, hold them in front of you for a few minutes. Talk to them and pet them.
• If they don’t mind being picked up, hold them on your lap for a short time.
• Take them out of the bag by opening the zipper the whole way, then loosening the collar.
• Pull the collar back up over their head to free them quickly from the bag.

Practice Moving the Carrier…With Them In It

Now that you know how to get a cat in a cat carrier like ours, you can get moving! Place them in their carrier and carry it around your home for short bursts. You can give them treats for their calm behavior. 

Slowly increase the amount of time you’re carrying your cat around so they get used to being in the carrier. The best way to get a cat in a cat carrier (and keep them calm)? Be patient and pay attention to how they’re feeling to get a cat in a cat carrier. Stop if they’re showing signs of stress. This may include:

• Flattened ears
• Increased vocalizations/hissing
• Tense body language
• Fur standing on end
• Tail flicking back and forth

Take Short Walks and Drives

When you’re learning how to get a cat in a cat carrier, you want to take your time. Start by taking short walks with your kitty in their carrier. You could also take a short drive, like once or twice around the block. If you have a more nervous feline, bring a friend or family member along so your cat can sit in your lap while in the car. Otherwise, you can use your Cozy Comfort Carrier’s seat-belt pass-through loop to keep them secure in the car.

Give your cat a treat at the end of their session so they associate being in their carrier with a positive experience, and not something stressful like a vet visit.

How to Get a Cat in a Cat Carrier

Every cat’s temperament is different. We believe most cats will tolerate our carrier well, and will  even grow to love it. Others may need some time to get used to it. The best way to get a cat in a cat carrier is with a little patience and a lot of love! 

Want more how-to’s like how to get a cat in a cat carrier, how to cut your cat’s nails, and how to clean your Cozy Comfort Carrier? Our cat blog is the purr-fect solution!