Cats are known mainly known for their adorable whiskers and endearing meows when they want attention. However, a lot of non-cat owners do not know that it is not always the case. They do not act friendly all the time because they get easily irritated and disappointed by things.
This is especially true when visiting the veterinary clinic for a monthly check-up. Cats get aggressive when they know that they are being brought to a place they are not familiar with. Here, you will learn the proven methods on how to get an aggressive cat into a carrier.
What Do You Need to Take Note Before Putting Cat Into Your Carrier?
Mind the Carrier’s Location
First, make sure that the carrier is placed somewhere in the house/apartment unit that your cat loves to sleep or stay. You have to organize the area that they love in a manner that will not make the carrier a foreign object. This will trick them into thinking that a cat carrier is a place they can feel safe.
Check if They Are Comfortable
Once they accepted this new change in the environment they stay in, ensure their comfort. Put comfy blankets or towels inside the carrier when they are not sleeping there to warm them up. Cats are known for loving a warm temperature so make sure that you do it for them.
Neutralize the Scent
Cats have a very strong sense of smell and when you accidentally sprayed some human cologne inside the carrier, they will not like it. You can neutralize the scent of a newly-bought cat carrier by washing it and using a scent-free fabric softener.
Prepare Some Tasty Treats
They love treats and snacks and will do anything to have a taste. Remember that you will not do this to bait the cat into the carrier then close it. It will cause them trauma. What you will do is to put snacks around the carrier to make them feel comfortable around it.
Read More: 5 Best Calming Treats for Cats on a Budget
Do Not Rush With the Process
Be patient when doing this because nobody likes to get rushed even your cat. Trust the process and make sure to do the methods carefully (will be discussed below) to show love and warmth to your furry friend.
Make the Carrier a Part of Their Environment
Another thing to bear in mind is buying a cat carrier that goes well with the color scheme of the area in your house where you will put it. Cats are very intelligent animals and they know when there is a foreign object in their territory.
Play Games Inside and Outside the Carrier
In your free time, play with your cat around the cat carrier and if you have the chance, inside the same. You can use a variety of toys like cat lasers, catnips, cat teasers, and mouse cat toys.
Help Them Familiarize With the Carrier
Set up a cozy bed inside the carrier to attract them into sleeping inside the carrier. They need to be familiar with the carrier enough to not be too aggressive when you put them inside. You can put toys and their other favorite things inside to make the process faster.
Set up Cat Toys
As mentioned above, you can play games with your cats inside and outside the carrier. This being said, make sure to buy the toys they love inside the carrier to lure them into exploring the same. And when they get comfortable enough, that’s your cue that you’re ready to bring them to their veterinary appointment.
Read More: 7 Toys for Cats to Play With Alone While You’re at Work
Close the Carrier When They Are Comfortable
Last but not least, do not traumatize your feline friends by closing the carrier even if they are not comfortable inside. This will turn an aggressive cat into a more aggressive cat. They just need more time to adjust so you have to prepare them at least a week before you need to bring them out.
Learn More Here: What Can I Give My Cat To Calm Her Down? 8 Effective Solutions
Best Ways To Get an Aggressive Cat Into a Carrier
Below are the methods that are proven and tested by seasoned cat owners and professionals to get an aggressive cat into a carrier:
Treat Method
Step 1
Call your cat to feed them with snacks or extra kibbles apart from the meal they had earlier. No cat will ever resist their hunger.
Step 2
Leave a few treats from their bowls to the cat carrier. And because of their curiosity, they will follow the path until they ate all the kibbles.
Step 3
Put lots of snacks inside the carrier and after they got in completely and while they are eating their treats, carefully close the carrier.
Burrito Method
Step 1
Get a soft and comfy towel or blanket that can fit inside the carrier. You can use a dry and clean towel that you have been storing in your closet for the longest time ever as long as they do not have a suffocating smell.
Step 2
Swiftly go in the direction of your cat with their backs behind you then wrap them like a burrito and apply some restriction when they try to go away. But, don’t suffocate them.
Step 3
Put them inside the cat carrier and make sure that they are comfortable and alive while in there. And because they are wrapped, it means that you can’t do that much when it comes to adjusting the blanket. But this method is not recommended for long flights.
Laser Pointer Method
Step 1
Get a cat laser, play with your cat first and make sure that they are into it. Give them a couple of minutes to enjoy the game. Make it look like you want to play the laser game for eternity.
Step 2
Then little by little, get the laser pointer near the cat carrier without them noticing it. Be careful not to directly point the laser inside the carrier because that will make them suspicious.
Step 3
Lastly, lure them inside the carrier and have someone close the carrier as quickly as possible without harming your furry friend. And if you are alone in doing this, don’t worry because what you can do is to do the laser game near the cat carrier.
Cat Toys Method
Step 1
You can buy new ones or just use their favorite toys at home and put some outside the carrier first. Figure out whatever your cat’s favorite toy is. This is crucial to luring them inside the carrier.
Step 2
Then, put a couple more inside the cat carrier to ensure that they will be safely held inside. They will be entertained while you’re on your way to the clinic.
Step 3
When your cat gets inside, close up the carrier and ensure their comfort.
How Long Can My Cat Stay In the Carrier?
According to seasoned cat owners and experts, cats can stay in the carrier for up eight (8) hours long. If you are just in the car while traveling from one place to another, you can give the cat a breather every two (2) hours while at the stopover. However, some need to, unfortunately, keep their cats for more than 10 hours in the carrier because of the long flight.
You can find out more information on how long can your cat stay in the carrier in this article.
Final Thoughts
Cats can get very aggressive and this can be a hassle when you wish to bring them on your next travel. However, this can be remedied by preparing beforehand and using the right methods on how to get an aggressive cat into the carrier. You need to take serious notes of ensuring their comfort and safety/ Do not treat them like wild animals just to quicken the process but like a family that needs love and affection. Cats need patience from their owners to create a special bond. To provide that to let your cat trust you and make it easy for you.
