Most cats simply do not like the carrier. It is a fact of (cat) life. How can one not understand them, after all? Without knowing why, they suddenly find themselves imprisoned in a box, moved here and there with no idea of what is going on around them, transported to places with unknown smells and sounds. Yet, sometimes kittens need to be moved from home: vet visits, travelling, moving are all part of a cat’s life, whether she or he wants them to be or not.
Sometimes all it takes is a little patience, the right carrier and the cat fits into the dreaded box without too much effort, but what if there is nothing to be done? What if he runs away every time or becomes aggressive? What if our cat does not tolerate travelling at all?
Through counselling we will learn about the elements of aversion to the carrier and the most effective habituation plan to make this critical moment as sustainable as possible, for cats and humans.
Write a message to info@aliceguardaigatti.it or fill in the form.
I will get back to you as soon as possible!
WHY THE CARRIER IS ESSENTIAL
So that in emergency situations you do not have to resort to makeshift means, such as cardboard boxes, or, worse, have to hold your cat in your arms, a carrier should always be available in the home, preferably one for each cat.
The carrier is neither a fad nor an optional extra, but the only means of transporting your cat safely. Its use is also required by law when travelling by car. Frightened cats can become dangerous for themselves and others, and sometimes the mere movement of the car or the slightest change such as sudden braking, a bump or a honk is enough to send kittens into a panic.
Transporting your kitten should therefore be carefully planned and kitten-carrying accustomisation implemented as early as possible, from the time your kitten is a puppy.
HOW TO INVITE THE CAT INTO THE CARRIER AND MAKE THE JOURNEY LESS STRESSFUL
- Choose the right carrier. Avoid soft carriers: they may suggest greater comfort, but in reality they will give your kitten a feeling of lack of stability. They also won’t protect your kitten from bumps and can easily tip over. Forget wicker baskets too: if kitty were to relieve himself during the journey, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. Choose carriers that are sturdy, washable, waterproof, escape-proof and wide and tall enough to allow your cat to stretch and turn around in comfort.
- Make the carrier as comfortable (and ‘invisible’) as possible: create a soft layer by slipping your kitty’s favourite covers over the base of the carrier. You can also consider using one or more absorbent sleepers to protect the carrier and interior from any droppings. Many cats will also feel more protected with a light but blackout cloth placed over the carrier: they will think they are ‘invisible’!
- Start early, move slowly: the ultimate goal is to get the cat into the carrier voluntarily. Although this may sound like utopia to some, the first step is to make the carrier a familiar object anyway and gradually invite your cat to associate the ‘evil box’ with welcome elements.
- Stay positive (and smart): have you ever had your cat disappear on the very day you planned to take it to the vet? Almost as if he had read your mind! Well, cats have this faculty. At the mere thought of having to take the cat in for a visit and having to chase it around the house, many of us enter – understandably – into a state of anxiety. The problem, however, is that our agitation will be clearly perceived by our feline friends. The same applies to that whole series of typical actions, such as pulling out the vaccination booklet, which our cat will immediately pick up on. Being at least aware of this can help us to ‘smarten up’ and make an effort to show calmness and firmness (breathing deeply helps!).
- Take advantage of the help of pheromones and flower essences: the use of synthetic facial pheromones can help create an air of familiarity for your kitten, but don’t underestimate the effectiveness of flower therapy as well. There are flower essences that work on typical emotions and sensations such as terror, the memory of a traumatic event, a sense of disorientation, etc.. All without any side effects.
- Cleanse everything! In the interdigital spaces of their paws, cats secrete alarm pheromones: substances that are odourless to us and are produced under conditions of fear, for example during a car journey. These pheromones can be deposited on the bottom of the carrier and trigger an alarm response in the cat that sniffs them. This means that it is essential to clean the carrier well after each journey to remove traces of these odour messages.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE CAT NOT WANTING TO GET INTO THE CARRIER
What if you are unable to teach your cat to enter the carrier safely on its own? Giving in to his refusal might be an unwise choice. What if you need to rush him to an emergency veterinary clinic? Or what if I need to board him at the last minute?
Playing it safe and being guided by an expert in feline behaviour, giving yourself time to get your cat used to the practicalities of moving, will set you up for success when you really need your cat to get into a carrier, and fast.
As a Feline Relationship Counsellor and Animal Floritherapist, I can help you identify and follow the best carrier habituation plan for your cat. Besides practical advice related to the journey and its preliminary and final stages, I will also be able to advise you on the most effective combination of flower essences to support your kitty’s emotional sphere during these critical moments. Enjoy your trip!
1 - ITHE FIRST CONTACT
Write me an e-mail using the contact form or at info@aliceguardaigatti.it and tell me why you need my help: I will get back to you for a brief chat. If the case falls within my competence, we will make an appointment for a home visit.
Do you live outside Lombardy or is it not possible to meet? No problem, a video consultation can be arranged.
2 - VISITING YOUR HOME
The time has come to get to know each other! I will come to your home and here the case study will begin, which will last between 1 and 2 hours. The visit comprises 3 moments:
- Listening: you will tell me everything you know about your kitten or kittens, their history and your cohabitation.
- Observation: I will ask you to show me the house to collect clues and study it through the eyes of a cat…
- Discussion: I will give you my initial thoughts on the case and the first steps to be taken, weighing up the pros and cons and feasibility together.
3 - A TAILOR-MADE PLAN
Thanks to the impressions and information gathered through observation of the animal, the family and the environment, and after analysis of materials that you will send me (diaries, videos, photos and materials about your cat), I will share with you all the advice and recommendations to follow for a new life with kitty.
Here I will need maximum co-operation and commitment from the whole family to be able to achieve good results together!
4 - HOW IS IT GOING?
It has been a few weeks, how is the situation with your feline companion evolving? Some time after the visit, 14 to 30 days depending on the case, we will get in touch for a new discussion.
We will take stock of the situation, understand what is working and discuss any changes or adjustments to the initial plan.
If you are ready to improve your relationship with kitty or take on a new challenge together, write to me!