My cat who helped me through my college years used to love to visit my parents with me during holidays.  Gamble, who lives with me now, would prefer to visit people at our own house.  Both of them were taught to travel well in a safe cat carrier.  I even keep a cat carrier open in my office with a soft bed in it.  Gamble likes to sleep in it sometimes while I’m working. 

You may not plan on taking your cat with you on holiday visits, but it’s wise to help her acclimate to some travel – if only for those annual vet visits.  Here’s how you can help: 

1. Purchase a cat carrier.  It should be just big enough for your cat to stretch out in – the cozier the better.  Line it with a soft, non-slipping bed.  Use removable non-skid shelf liner under the bed if necessary.  Place it in a frequented room of your house – like the TV room, the office, or the bedroom.  By the way, 3-piece, hard plastic carriers with removable tops are the most convenient for vet visits, and more stable for carrying than cloth carriers.
2. Make fun things happen in the carrier.  Leave the door of the carrier open and toss treats in there; poke little string toys through the holes; or even feed your kitty in the carrier sometimes. 
3. Practice.  Every once in a while invite your kitty in the carrier, close the door and just carry her across the room.  Put the crate down gently, open the door and continue playing with her in the carrier.  Remember this is supposed to be enjoyable, so avoid “testing” long trips until you’re sure she’ll be calm for short trips.

One last tip…use a spring clamp or small bungee during travel to secure any part of the carrier that might rattle – like the door.  A quiet ride will be much more pleasant for your cat than a noisy one. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of admissions and behavior services at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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