Pet Care  » Training Your Cat to be Transported in a Pet Carrier

Training Your Cat to be Transported in a Pet Carrier

Do you travel or going to spend time away from the home and

would like to take your cat with you. There is good news! You

are able to take them with you. Pet carriers are available in

most major discount stores and pet stores.

Training the behavior is just important as selecting the correct

carrier for your cat. First thing that you will want to do is

train your cat to be comfortable in an enclosed area. If your

cat is not use to being in an enclosed area this is the first

place that you will want to start.

Step by step your can achieve this with little resistant from

the cat. Putting your cat in enclosed area can cause stress with

the cat. You will want to be careful with these steps.

First pick out an area that the cat is familiar with. Maybe like

the bathroom or a closet, but big enough, so that you will be

able to be in there for a short time. Let the cat investigate

with the door closed and you in with him to find that there is

no fear. At this time you will want to be talking to him

assuring there is nothing wrong. For the first day do this a few

times, so that they start to get comfortable. One thing you will

want to do is take a few of the cat's favorite items that are

small. Remember the goal is a small pet carrier so there will

not be a lot of room for other items. Favorite toy, blanket,

pillow or any small item that is his will help with him to be

comfortable. One of the reasons for this is the item has his

scent on it so this will tell him that this is also part of his

territory. During the stay, you will want to have small treats

to give him for reward for being good. Petting him and making a

relaxed atmosphere will also be important.

Remember to reward your cat when he is doing a good behavior....

When this is accomplished, the next step is to find a carrier

that is right for him. Learning and searching sites and talking

to pet store about this will help you with the right choice. You

do not want a carrier that is too big and too small. There are

also different types of carriers. You may at this time want to

learn more about collapsible houses to use on the trip. This

will make the cat happy and safe when you are at your

destination. Your cat will be able to have an area that is

confined but also for the cat to enjoy fresh air and the view.

With the carrier you will want to open it and make sure the door

is securely open. At this point you do not want the cat to get

trapped in the carrier. Now put some of the cats favorite toys,

blanket, pillow or items that you used in the closet, put them

in the carrier. This will attract him to be curious about the

carrier. A good idea would get some catnip to put in the

carrier. Catnip is a scent that cats love and will attract them.

Once you have let the carrier out for a couple of days and see

that your cat has become really curious and maybe not entered it

yet. This will be a time that you will want to play games with

the cat. Put the favorite toy that you play with in the carrier

tell him to find it. Show the cat where it is, by placing him in

front of the carrier. Once this is achieved, play with him in

the carrier. Put the cat carefully and gentle in the carrier

while petting and making him relaxed. Once you have done this

play with the toy to let him know that he doing a good job.

Remember to reward your cat when he is doing a good behavior.

Once this has been done and you are able to move away from the

carrier a few time in the next couple of days make this a good

play time. This will allow the cat to get use to the carrier.

After you see that he is achieved this, now is the time to work

slowly with the door. Place the door in a closed position while

talking to him. Then open the door do this for a few times to

make sure that he is comfortable with it. Once you see that he

is comfortable then you will want to close the door, not locked

just closed and move away. So that he is able to see you but you

are not right there. Do this for a couple of days or till he is

comfortable.

Next step lock the door, making sure he is comfortable with the

actions. Make sure closing and locking is not making any loud

noises as this will startle him and it might be the end of kitty

going with on the trip. Once you see that he is comfortable,

continue to back up till he is unable to see you. At this time

there should be no resistant to him being in the carrier with

the door lock.

Finally pick up the carrier with him in it and walk around the

room. You should do this for a couple of times till you know

things are working. Now the challenge is taking the carrier to

the car, place it so that your cat can see you. Now go for your

first ride. Remember loud noises will startle him. Drive

quietly, safely with him in the car. This will be very important

not only the first time but every time.

Once things are comfortable for you and your cat, pack your

bags, the cats items you will need to take with and off you go

on your trip. Have a save and enjoyable one.

About the author:

Tony Robinson is a webmaster, international author and cat

lover. Visit his website at http://www.officialcats.com