Carrier love: a step-by-step lesson for cats

You'll need

• sturdy plastic or wire cat carrier
• washable blanket or towel smelling of home
• tasty treats or dry kibble
• feline pheromone spray (optional)

Why it matters

Most cats fear the carrier because it only appears right before an unpleasant vet visit. Left open in your main living space, it becomes a comforting resting spot your cat retreats to.

Before you start

Clean the carrier with mild soap and warm water, then air-dry fully. Place it in your cat's favourite room with the door propped wide open or removed.

Step by step

1. 1

   Make the carrier a fixture

   Set the open carrier in your cat's favourite room as a permanent fixture of your home rather than hiding it away in a cupboard.

   Move on when: Cat walks past or sniffs the carrier without running away or tension.

   Tip: Pick a quiet, warm corner where your cat already loves to rest.

2. 2

   Furnish with cosy bedding

   Line the bottom of the carrier with a soft washable blanket or towel that already carries familiar home scents, giving your cat secure footing.

   Move on when: Cat steps near or checks out the bedding voluntarily.

   Tip: Synthetic washable fabrics absorb moisture and prevent slipping on the plastic base.

3. 3

   Deliver daily treats inside

   Once a day, drop a small handful of favourite treats or pieces of kibble inside the carrier and let your cat discover them on their own.

   Move on when: Cat voluntarily walks into the carrier to eat the treats without hesitation.

   Tip: Do not push your cat inside; let them choose to enter and find the reward.

4. 4

   Reward spontaneous lounging

   Whenever you notice your cat resting or napping inside the carrier during the day, quietly drop a high-value treat between their paws or offer gentle praise.

   Move on when: Cat naps or grooms inside the open carrier at least once daily.

   Tip: Keep your voice soft and movements calm so you do not startle your cat.

The cue

Say

“None. The open carrier serves as an inviting retreat”

Hand signal

None

If it isn't working

Runs away at the sight of the carrier

Start feeding treats on the scented blanket several feet away, then shift it closer over several days until it sits by the entrance.

Door swings and startles your cat

Unclip and remove the door completely while training, or wedge it firmly open against the wall with a towel.

Mastered when

Cat voluntarily enters the open carrier to nap or lounge on three consecutive days.

Video check: Film your cat strolling into the open carrier unprompted and settling down comfortably on the blanket.

Variations

• Move the open carrier to another favourite room and let your cat discover the treats inside.
• Offer the daily treat handful at a different time of day and let your cat enter on their own.

Teach this first

• Clicker training for cats: how to charge the clicker →

Learn next

• Enter the carrier on cue: a step-by-step lesson for cats →