How To Get An Aggressive Cat Into A Carrier (12 Tips)
The dread of the cat carrier and going to the vet is a common theme among cat owners.
I’d hazard a guess that cats and their humans dread it in equal measure!
But you’ll be pleased to know it doesn’t have to be this way.
With a little patience, forethought, and understanding you can make the cat carrier and vet visits much less stressful – for both of you.
Why is my cat being aggressive?
Let’s start by thinking about how the cat feels.
Imagine you’re dozing peacefully in your warm, cozy bed when someone suddenly comes along, grabs you, stuffs you into a tiny box, and then shuts the door so you can’t get out.
I mean seriously, who wouldn’t put up a fight if that happened?!
It’s important to make the distinction that a cat behaving aggressively (because he’s scared of going into his cat carrier) is not the same thing as “an aggressive cat.” So let’s just get that out of the way now and figure out what to do instead!
Fight or flight
Restraint is scary for animals. They don’t know what’s happening or why, and feel unsafe and out of control.
This is obviously a frightening situation to be in.
As the animal runs out of options, his fear escalates to the point where he becomes angry and resorts to aggressive behavior. Because if he can’t escape (flight), the next best option is to resist (fight).
These are completely natural responses.
Cats and veterinarians
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, 82.8% percent of dog owners make at least one trip to the vet for preventive care per year, but only 54.3 percent of cat owners do so as well!
Cats are naturally good at hiding signs of injury, illness, or pain, which is why it can be hard to notice if there’s something wrong. This is a survival strategy that dates back to their ancestors.
In the wild, a sick or injured animal is an easy target for predators. So cats have evolved to mask their symptoms until they’re in a safe place where they can try to recover.
Unfortunately, this means that by the time a cat owner notices something’s wrong and takes them to the vet, the problem may have become quite serious.
And that first vet visit can be a doozy! Car rides are scary and unfamiliar, the vet office is full of strange smells and sounds, and then there’s the whole being poked and prodded thing. No wonder our kitties get stressed out!
So it’s not surprising that some of us cat parents decide the stress and the struggle isn’t worth it.
How can I help my cat feel less anxious about his carrier?
Preparation is key – don’t wait till you’re leaving for your vet appointment or till you have an emergency. The best way is to start getting your cat used to his carrier today!
Here are my 12 tips based on many years of experience:
#1. Get the right carrier
There are all sorts of carriers on the market, from hard-sided to soft-sided to collapsible.
It’s hard to say which are the best cat carriers. Each cat and cat owner will have their individual preferences. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in, and has a big enough doorway for him to fit through comfortably.
You might also want to consider getting a carrier with a top opening, as this can make it easier to get a resistant cat into the carrier.
Alternatively, you can detach the top section of many front-loading carriers, which can make it easier to load a reluctant cat. Of course, you then have to hold the cat in place while you reattach the roof and carrier door!
But it can be helpful at the vet’s office if the cat is too scared to come out of the carrier on his own. The vet staff may even be able to examine him while he’s in the bottom section of his carrier, minimizing the need to handle him.
Personally, I prefer hard carriers but I’ll leave it to you to select your preferred or best carrier.
#2. Make the carrier a safe place
Set up the carrier in your home ahead of time so that your cat can get used to it and start associating it with good things. You don’t want the only time he ever sees it to be that scary trip to the vet.
Put a soft towel or blanket in the bottom of the carrier, place it in a room where he spends a lot of time, such as the living room or bedroom, and leave the door open so he can explore it and get used to it being around.
If he likes to sleep in a particular sunny spot, put the carrier there.
The towel or blanket should be something he has already slept on so it has his scent on it. This will make him feel more secure. If he’s really bonded to you, you could place a T-shirt you’ve slept in inside the carrier to make it feel more familiar and safe.
You might also want to put some of his favorite toys or some tasty cat treats inside the carrier to entice him in.
Cat nip is another good way to start building up a positive association with the carrier.
If he’s still resistant to going into the carrier, try placing his food dish just outside the carrier entrance so he has to go in to get his dinner.
The goal is for the cat to see his carrier as a safe haven, not a scary prison or enclosed space where he feels trapped.
#3. Location, location, location
Rather than placing the carrier on the floor in a busy area of the house, try putting it on a higher surface, such as a table or chest of drawers in a quieter part of your home.
Being elevated will make your cat feel more secure. Having said that, some cats prefer to go low and hide underneath things rather than perch higher up. In which case, you can probably find a cozy corner or even on the floor inside a cupboard.
You could also try hanging a towel or blanket over the carrier to help muffle outside noise and create a feeling of calm.
If you have more than one cat, make sure the carrier is in a room where your kitty feels safe and comfortable, away from any potential bullies.
#4. Gradually acclimate your cat to the carrier
Once your cat is comfortable going in and out of his carrier on his own or he’s choosing to curl up and sleep in it, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while he’s inside.
Start with just a few seconds, and gradually increase the length of time as he gets used to being closed in. If he seems stressed, you’re going too fast and need to go back a step or two.
You could also try feeding him his meals inside the carrier with the door open, and then gradually closing the door while he’s eating.
#5. Get him used to being handled
If your cat isn’t used to being picked up and cuddled, he’s going to be even more resistant to getting into a carrier.
Start by gently petting him all over, including his paws and tail, and reward him with some of his favorite treats at the same time. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend handling him.
If he’s resistant to being picked up, try using a soft towel or blanket to help scoop him up. You could also try placing one hand under his chest and another under his hind end so he feels supported.
I recommend trying this when he’s in a relaxed mood only. If he’s not, or if he changes his mind, abandon and try again another time. The intention is for the experience to be a positive one. This is especially important if you have a nervous cat.
Once he’s used to being handled, try gently placing him in the carrier. If he resists, don’t force him. Just try again later.
#6. Stay calm
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about getting your cat into the carrier, he’s going to pick up on that and it’s going to make the whole process more difficult.
Talk calmly and soothingly to your cat throughout the process, and move slowly so you don’t startle him.
If he’s still resistant, don’t force him. Just try again later when you’re both feeling more relaxed.
From personal experience, if you have an unsocialized cat who’s scared of people and getting him into his carrier can be unpredictable, make sure you allow for enough time. Don’t wait till five minutes before you’re due to leave for the vet’s office!
If necessary, get him into his carrier an hour or two early and let him sit there in a quiet place to calm down and regroup before the car ride.
#7. Go at your cat’s pace
Some cats will take to the carrier right away, while others will need more time to adjust.
Go at your cat’s pace and don’t try to force him into the carrier if he’s not ready. Just keep working on building up a positive association with the carrier, and eventually he’ll come around.
#8. Positive reinforcement
One of the most effective ways to train your cat to go into his carrier is by using a clicker.
Start by clicking every time he goes near the carrier or looks in its direction. Follow every click with a reward. The reward should be something he really loves and values highly.
As your cat starts to get the idea that going near the carrier will be positively reinforced, you can raise the stakes. See if he pokes his head inside or places his front paws inside and click and treat for that.
You can also throw in treats or catnip as a lure just to get him started. Eventually, he’ll be completely inside the carrier and you’ll reward him for that too, of course.
From there, you can start to delay the reinforcement for a few seconds so you start building up the length of time he is in the carrier.
And once he’s comfortable with that, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while he’s inside.
International Cat Care has an excellent series of videos outlining the steps for training a cat to go into his carrier. I would recommend checking them out!
#9. Make a game of it
Games and play are always a great way for animals to learn new things as they’re in a positive emotional state and less likely to fear things.
One option is to thread a piece of string through the holes in a cat carrier and pull it so that your cat feels compelled to chase it. You can use a laser pointer to get a similar result.
Just make sure to let your cat “catch” a toy mouse or a treat so he can end his predatory sequence, be rewarded, and not be left feeling frustrated.
#10. Be patient
Unless you have a major emergency, try never to force your cat into his carrier. This will only make him more anxious and stressed, and it will make future carrier experiences even more difficult.
#11. Get your cat used to car rides
If you can, try to get your cat used to the carrier and going for car rides long before you actually need to take him to the vet.
Once he’s comfortable with his carrier, please it in the car for a few minutes with the engine off. Give your kitty treats then remove the carrier again.
After a few times of this, you can turn on the engine. Same deal. As you build it up, you can start taking him for a ride around the block, or even just down the street.
This will help him associate the carrier and car rides with something positive, rather than only with scary vet visits and being confined against his will.
#12. Ask a professional
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, it may be time to ask for help from a professional animal behavior consultant or veterinary behaviorist.
They will be able to assess your cat’s behavior and emotional state and come up with a plan specifically for your situation.
How to pick up an angry cat?
Honestly, when your cat is angry or scared, the last thing you want to do is try to pick him up. But sometimes, it’s necessary.
So if you have an emergency or just haven’t had time to make any of the above preparations, you still have a few options.
If possible, confine the cat in a small room, like a bathroom. This way, he can’t hide under the bed or behind furniture.
Sometimes, an unwilling cat may manage to get himself behind (or under – yes, been there, done that!) the outlet pipe at the back of the toilet. But at least it’s easier to get him out from there than from under a bed.
Once you have your cat cornered, approach him slowly and calmly. Talk to him in a soothing voice and avoid direct eye contact.
If your cat knows and trusts you, and depending on his temperament, he may allow you to gently pluck him out. But don’t count on it!
If they’re really scared, even the most placid of cats can still lash out.
It helps if you have another person so they can stay on one side of the cat while you stealthily make your move on the other.
If you don’t have someone to help you, you can try using a broom or cushion (anything that can be used as a visual barrier) and placing that behind the cat. If he lashes out at it, at least it’s not your arm!
The next step is to gently cover the cat with a thick towel so his legs are trapped underneath his body. You need to wrap him up like a burrito (aka the burrito method), so to speak. Be firm but gentle.
You may or may not want to cover his head. Some cats feel safer with their heads covered as it feels like they’re hiding and can’t be seen.
Once kitty is safely wrapped, you can pick him up from underneath by scooping him up in your arms and placing him in the carrier (if it’s a top-loading carrier).
If you have a front-loading carrier, position it on its rear side so the entrance is pointing up towards the ceiling. Gently lower your cat in facing backward. Don’t worry about the towel, the cat will work that out for himself.
This video demonstrates how to do this:
Whichever type of carrier you have, make sure you quickly shut the door and secure it before the cat can get back out again. The towel should help slow him down a bit too.
If he still manages to make a move, take care not to shut his paws or tail in the door.
If you don’t have a towel, you can pick your cat up the same way – but make sure you have a good hold on all four paws so he can’t lash out and scratch you.
This video demonstrates how to do this:
Why is my cat scared of the cat carrier?
There are a few reasons why your cat may be scared of the cat carrier.
For one, he may have no prior experience of it. If you’ve only recently got a cat carrier, your cat will be unfamiliar with it and therefore view it with suspicion.
Alternatively, your cat may have had a negative experience in the past that has led him to associate the carrier with fear or anxiety.
Perhaps he was confined in the carrier for a long journey and felt stressed and uncomfortable, or maybe he was taken to the vet and ended up having an unpleasant, painful, or scary experience.
Whatever the case, it’s important to try and help your cat overcome his fears so you can both avoid a hugely stressful ordeal when it’s time to go to the vet.
How do you transport an angry cat?
Once you have your cat safely secured in his cat box, double check all the fastenings and the door.
I once took our rescued street cat Curtis to the vet in a cat box that was missing one of the door fasteners. Not a problem I thought, he’s a nice boy, he won’t try to escape.
Famous last words. Of course he did!
As soon as we arrived at the vet and got out of the car, he muscled his way out through the door of the cat box before I even realized what was happening.
Curtis was gone and I spent the next hour climbing all over metal railings in the industrial park next door trying to find him. Every time I got a glimpse he’d disappear again and appear somewhere completely different.
It was hard not to panic. I knew I had to get him back. Eventually I crept up on him from behind and grabbed his tail. I know, ouch! But it was the only option.
I got him back into his carrier, made sure I held the door firmly shut and finally made my way into the vet’s office.
So don’t be like me – check your doors and windows folks!
How do I keep my cat secure in the car?
Your cat should stay securely in his carrier while traveling in the car.
The safest place for the carrier is on the floor in front of one of the passenger seats. You can secure it by looping the seat belt around the handle or by using a bungee cord.
If you have an SUV or hatchback, your cat can travel in the back, but his carrier should be securely fastened so that it doesn’t slide around.
Some cats like to see out the window and some don’t. You’ll be able to figure out your cat’s preference based on his behavior. If he’s looking curiously around him he probably wants to have a look.
But if he’s cowering in the back of his carrier, he might feel more comfortable if you cover the carrier with a towel or blanket.
Try to adapt to his preferences so you can help alleviate his anxiety somewhat.
It’s also important to make sure that your cat has plenty of ventilation and that the car isn’t too hot or too cold.
How do you calm a cat in a carrier?
Traveling with a cat can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.
First, talk to your cat in a quiet, calming voice. Avoid raising your voice or scolding him as this will only increase his anxiety. Instead, simply reassure him that everything is okay.
Don’t “shush” him either. To some cats, this sounds like hissing, which is a hostile feline behavior and likely to add to his agitation.
Sometimes covering the carrier can help calm a cat down. because it allows him to feel more secure and less exposed. You can use a towel or blanket for this purpose. Just make sure that there’s enough ventilation so your cat can breathe and doesn’t overheat.
A good option is to cover all sides except the front, so he can see what’s going on but isn’t so stressed about trying to see what’s behind him.
Additionally, playing some calming “cat music” or using Feliway pheromone spray can help to create a more relaxing environment.
Some cats suffer from motion sickness so driving at a more sedate pace and not making any sudden turns can help make for a more comfy ride.
How should I carry my cat into the vet’s office?
If possible, when you’re on the move with your cat, hold the carrier against your chest with both arms underneath it to make for a smoother ride.
If you carry it by the handle it can get very bumpy and uncomfortable for the cat, adding to his already sky-high stress levels.
When you get to the vet’s office, it can be a good idea to leave kitty in the car so he has time to regroup now the engine is quiet and the motion of the vehicle has stopped.
I often do this and pop in to tell reception I’m there. Then I hover just outside the door and wait to be called in. This way you can avoid the stress of the waiting room altogether.
If you do take the kitty in, try to avoid any dogs and place the carrier on a chair so the cat is elevated and can see what’s going on.
You can cover the carrier (ideally with something that has the cat’s scent) so the cat doesn’t have to stress about what’s behind him but leave the front uncovered so he can see out.
I always make sure my cat can still see me, either by standing in front of him or sitting next to him and chatting to him.
As you may have realized, my cat’s welfare is my priority rather than what the other pet owners or vet staff may think of my strange antics and annoying hovering!
Note that some vets have special cat-friendly hours or dedicated waiting areas for cats and their owners. Consider finding a vet that offers something like this if your cat is super stressed.
One vet we’ve often been to has special cat shelving in the consulting room so cats can climb up there if they felt safer. The vet will then conduct the exam with the cat on the shelf. Loved this idea!
Finally, some vets are cat specialists and see only cats, which can be a good option if your cat is scared of dogs.
Final thoughts
As anyone who’s ever tried it knows, getting an aggressive cat into a carrier can be a challenge – but it’s not an impossible task. Remember, your kitty is just scared and defending himself as best he can.
By using positive reinforcement and building up positive associations with the carrier, you can help your cat start to enjoy spending time in his carrier and regard it as a safe place. This in itself removes an enormous stressor when it’s time for that trip to the vet.
If all else fails, you can always use a towel or blanket to help get him into the carrier. Just make sure you do it quickly and calmly, with as little fuss as possible.
By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to successfully transporting your cat in no time. Good luck!
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Resources
- Cat Carrier Training – International Cat Care
- Cat Friendly Practice®
- FEAR – Animal Emotions/Module 7 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses
- How to put your cat in a carrier – Winnipeg Humane Society
- Pet ownership stable, veterinary care variable – American Veterinary Medical Association
- Putting your cat in a cat carrier – International Cat Care
