Carrier training in 14 days: from hiding to walking in

If the carrier only appears before a stressful trip, your cat will learn to run as soon as they see it. The fix is to make it a normal piece of furniture that sometimes has treats in it.

Days 1 to 3: make it furniture

Take the lid off if it comes off, or leave the door open. Put it in a room your cat uses, with a blanket they like inside. Do not shut the door yet.

Days 4 to 7: feed near it, then in it

• Place food bowls next to the carrier.
• Move the bowl just inside the door, then to the back, a little further each day.
• Add a few treats inside at random times so they find a surprise.

Days 8 to 10: the door

With the cat inside eating, close the door for two seconds and reopen. Build up to ten seconds, then thirty. Always open the door before they get worried.

Days 11 to 14: lifts and car

Lift the carrier a few centimetres and put it back. Walk to the door and back. Then place it in the car for a minute, engine off, with a treat. Finish every session on a good note.

On the day of the vet

Use a towel over the carrier to reduce visual stress, keep it level while you carry it and place it on a seat or in the footwell, not the boot. Take the same blanket they sleep on.

If it is not working

Go back a step. Some cats take four weeks. If your cat has severe fear, ask your vet about calming options and about a pre-visit routine.