Carrier Training

One of our amazing fosters has been working with one of our shy cats, Yeti. Yeti Belly is famously hard to catch and get in a carrier (as are lots of kitties) but next week is moving day for foster mama!

This method is HIGHLY recommended if you have a kitty who is afraid of the carrier (or you picking them up!) - in case of emergency, moving or going to the vet for a checkup - check it out!

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- First, we got Yeti used to the carrier being around and open. We used an open top carrier so he could check it out from the front, or the side.

- Once he got used to it being there, we started offering him some wet food as a treat inside the carrier. At first he was hesitant, but when left alone, he went inside and gobbled it right up!

- After a few days of treats in the carrier, we shut the top opening to get him used to being a little more contained. He still ran right in to gobble up the treats

- In a few more days, we started gently swinging the door shut while he was eating his snack (don't worry, no tails were harmed in the process!) but not closing it all the way yet.

Then, Yeti Belly went into his carrier, ate his snack and his foster mama closed the door. He is ready for the big move!!

A lot of people think that cat's can't be 'trained' or avoid taking their kitty to the vet for regular checkups because they don't like the carrier... regular vet visits are SO important for kitties, especially as they get older, because they are really good at hiding when they don't feel well. Using this 'fear free' method - you can get even the most elusive kitty comfortable with going into their carrier on their own, and be prepared in case of emergency!

Thank you to Yeti's foster mama for working with him and helping him be his very best kitty self!