My Cat Hates the Travel Crate!!

Does this sound like your fabulous feline? Don’t worry, you are not alone! There have been plenty of occasions where one of our clients has called on the day of arrival, to say that the kitty cat has taken off upon sighting the cat travel crate, and can’t be found anywhere. This is obviously very stressful for both the felines and the humans, especially when you have travel plans to attend to!

Every kitty cat is different, but here are a few tips that you could try which may help alleviate your cat’s fear or dislike of their travel crate.

• Rather than hiding the crate until the morning you are ready to leave, try leaving it in an obvious place that your cat frequents, like the laundry or in a spare room, so that they can see it all year round and know that it is not something to be feared
• Place bedding and familiar items or smells inside the crate, so that they learn that it is a friendly environment
• Try placing your cat’s meals next to the crate, or you could even try placing their favourite treats just inside the crate for an extra positive experience!
• Spray the crate with a product like Feliway ‘happy pheromone’ spray about half an hour before using it, which is proven to help reduce stress
• If possible, consider using the crate for something other than a trip to the vet once a year. Try putting your kitty in the car for a really short trip every now and then, that does not result in a needle at the other end!
• Consider the type of cat carrier you are using. There are many varieties on the market, and part of the solution could be as simple as finding the right carrier for your kitty.

Aiming for a stress-free transport experience for your furry feline is the best way to overcome cage phobia. It’s all about reducing the ‘surprise’ element, instead building on a positive association with their cage!