All cats will travel outside their home sometime during their life. The needed trip may be to tornado shelter, a move to a new home or a visit to a veterinary clinic. The safest way to travel is in a carrier.  Many cats have been lost when they leaped from arms or slipped out of harnesses while being transported. 

There are a variety of carriers available.  Hard sided carriers are generally preferred because they provide more safety for the cat and can be easily cleaned when soiled.  The advantages of the soft sided carriers include a shoulder strap that helps when negotiating airports and the fact that they can be compacted when needed to fit under airline seats.  If you select a soft sided carrier, make sure that the materials are resistant to tearing. We have observed several cats tear though netting on these carriers.  A transport carrier should be small enough to be easily carried and large enough for the cat to rest comfortably. 

Lazarus, our clinic cat, checking out a cat carrier

Once you have selected the right carrier the next step is to introduce it to your cat. Cats love to hide in boxes and bags and if the carrier is part of their environment they will quickly begin to investigate.  Begin with an open carrier containing a familiar blanket. Reward your kitty first for getting near the carrier, latter for walking in and eventually for being calm when the door is closed. It is important to determine what reward works for each patient. It may be a food treat or toys such as feathers or other toys on a string. Do not begin travel training or a trip with a big meal. Motion sickness is more likely on a full stomach and will make the trip an unpleasant experience. Training should begin when you add a cat or kitten to your family however even long time resident cats can learn that carriers can be fun.  Training sessions should be fun and short. Patience is essential to success. Each day a new step is introduced. In only a few days most kitties are comfortable with walking into their carrier. 

After just a few minutes of investigating the carrier,
Lazarus decided he really loves hanging out in it

Once your cat is comfortable inside the carrier, pick up the carrier with the kitty inside and carry it a few steps and then put it down, open the door and provide a reward.  Be patient and do not move to the next step until she is relaxed in the previous step. Once the kitty is comfortable with the carrier, take the kitty on short rides and provide rewards for successful trips.  Bringing your cat with you to the clinic to pick up food or treats is a good way to provide a positive travel experience.

Successful carrier training improves the lives of owners, veterinarians, and most importantly, cats.

To see this training in action, there are several wonderful videos at:

http://catalystcouncil.org/resources/video/index.aspx?ID=102