Coaxing cats into pet carriers without the stress

Dear MEOW:

My cat is absolutely terrified of the pet carrier and it’s a huge battle to catch her to take her to the vet. It is frustrating and stressful for us both. Can you give me some ideas on how to make this work for us both?

— Marian Dear Marian, Many cats are very fearful of carriers and going on trips to the vet and travelling in the car. They seem to sense or “read” your body language in advance when you need to put them in the carrier. Here are some good, safe tips to make the process easier:

1. Feed your kitty a treat or lure with a favourite toy, into a small room — then close the door behind you. Have the carrier in a concealed place in the room. When you and your cat are together in the room, open the carrier door as wide as it can go and position it for an easy entry of the cat. Speak softly, move slowly, and quietly move your cat into a corner where you can gently enfold it in a small towel or baby blanket. Swath the cat completely in the blanket and pop it and the blanket in the car- rier, secure the door and off you go.

2. For long-term stress reduction and conditioning, leave the carrier with the door open and begin to routinely feed your cat its meals, its treats and put its favourite toys in the carrier. Keep the door open at all times, and encourage your cat to move freely around and into it. Over time, the kitty will see it as just another part of the furniture and will have much less stress when it’s time to go to the vet.

3. If the above advice does not work, consider using one of Calgary’s house-call veterinarians, where your cat can be seen in the comfort of your home.

Send your questions to info@meowfoundation.com

KOA

My name is Koa and I am named after an exotic Hawaiian wood that ranges in colour from light to medium brown, with reddish and orange tones, just like me. I’m ready for a loving home to snuggle and keep people warm with my beautiful fur. Who needs a wrap when you have me? Are you the one who wants to rub my soft tummy? Love, Koa

When you adopt from MEOW you save two lives: the life of your adopted cat or kitten and that of another waiting for rescue. MEOW Foundation is a no-kill foundation for stray and abandoned kittens and cats in the Calgary area.

For more information go to our website at www.meowfoundation.com and check out our catalogue of available kittens and cats. You can submit an application online, send us an e-mail or call us at 403-230-6033.