How to Get a Cat Into a Pet Carrier Explore this Article parts 1 Putting Your Cat in Their Pet Carrier 2 Acclimating Your Cat to Their Pet Carrier Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Francine Miller
Last Updated: November 14, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. This article has been viewed 161,245 times.
You need to take your cat for a trip in their pet carrier, but your cat is really not interested in cooperating. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to feel like a life-or-death struggle every time you need to take your cat somewhere. There are simple things you can do to make the whole process way easier, and we'll show you how!
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Putting Your Cat in Their Pet Carrier
1 Place an extra towel or newspaper inside the carrier. The stress of being in a carrier may cause your cat to urinate. An extra towel or newspaper will help soak up the urine so that your cat does not have to feel the ‘soil spot’ in the carrier.[1]XResearch source [2]XResearch source If you use a towel the cat does not usually sleep in, it can help to spray it with cat pheromones.
2 Position the carrier. Front- or top-loading hard-sided carriers are ideal for learning how to put your cat into a carrier.[3]XResearch source If you have a front-loading carrier, place it on its end with the opening facing toward the ceiling.[4]XResearch source This way, you will be able to place your cat in the carrier safely and with a relative amount of ease.
It may be helpful to place the carrier against the wall to keep it from falling back as you are trying to place your cat inside of it.
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3 Pick up your cat. How you pick up your cat is very important to safely placing her in the carrier. Wrap one arm around her hind end and position your other arm under her chest.[5]XResearch source For the arm supporting your cat’s back end, use your hand to hold her back legs.
Her hind end should be against your chest, with the rest of her body facing away from you.
If your cat is prone to struggling and scratching, use a thick towel to pick her up.
4 Lower your cat into her carrier. Slowly put your cat’s hind end in the carrier first.[6]XResearch source By lowering her in this way, she will not feel like she is being forced into the carrier with no way out.[7]XResearch source
If your cat starts to struggle, put her down and give her time to calm down before trying again.
5 Close the carrier door and reposition the carrier. When your cat is safely in the carrier, secure the latch and position the carrier with its bottom on the floor.[8]XResearch source Give your cat treats if she behaved well when being placed in the carrier (e.g., no biting, scratching, or excessive struggle).
6 Cover the carrier with a towel or pillowcase. Placing a towel or pillowcase over the carrier makes it feel more snug and safe to your cat, reinforcing the idea that the carrier is a place of comfort and safety. When traveling in the car, covering the carrier can help block out the fact that the car is moving but your cat is not.
Your cat’s sense of balance can be disrupted during car travel.
Do not cover the carrier on a hot day.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Acclimating Your Cat to Their Pet Carrier
1 Start the acclimation process early.[9]X Expert Source Francine MillerCertified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview The earlier in your cat’s life that she becomes comfortable with her carrier, the better. Kittens tend to be more adaptable than adult or senior cats,[10]XResearch source so it is best to start the acclimation process when your cat is a kitten. If you have an older cat, the acclimation process will probably take a bit longer.
For unavoidable travel before the cat is acclimated, follow the steps above as slowly and calmly as time allows. Making the carrier experience as low-stress as possible will help with proper acclimation later.
If you plan to take the cat with you on a long drive, it's best to start acclimating the cat a few weeks or even a few months in advance.
2 Leave the carrier out at all times.[11]X Expert Source Francine MillerCertified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview To cats, the presence of a pet carrier usually means something bad is about to happen, like a trip to the vet's office.[12]XResearch source If you take the carrier out only when you need to take your cat somewhere, then she will likely learn to fear it. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the carrier out on the floor all the time.[13]XResearch source
Leave the carrier door open. This will allow your cat to enter and exit the carrier as she pleases, without fearing that you are going to close the door on her.[14]X Expert Source Francine MillerCertified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview
3 Place the pet carrier in a favorite location. Even with unlimited access, your cat may not want to enter the carrier if it is in a location where she does not frequent. Put the carrier in one of her favorite spots, such as by a window that gets lots of sunlight.[15]XResearch source
4 Make the inside of the carrier enticing for your cat. The carrier should feel like a place of comfort and safety to your cat, even if she’s not exactly thrilled about being inside of it.[16]XResearch source One way to entice your cat into the carrier is to make it smell familiar to her. For example, place her favorite towel or blanket in the carrier.[17]XResearch source
Spray cat pheromones (available at your local pet store) in the carrier.[18]XResearch source
Place some kibbles, treats, or catnip in your cat’s carrier.[19]XResearch source [20]XResearch source Replenish the supply when needed.[21]XResearch source
If she has some favorite toys, place those in the carrier as well.
5 Feed your cat in her carrier.[22]X Expert Source Francine MillerCertified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview If your cat seems comfortable spending time in her carrier, try feeding her when she is inside of it. Initially, however, she may not want to eat her meals inside of her carrier. Rather, she may feel more comfortable eating her meals near the carrier.[23]XResearch source
Place her food bowl a few feet away from the carrier. Gradually move the bowl closer to the carrier each time that you feed her.[24]XResearch source
If she doesn’t want to eat the food when you move the bowl closer, move it back and start the process again.[25]XResearch source
Ideally, your cat will work up to eating from her bowl when it is inside the carrier. If she does this, try feeding her in her carrier every day.[26]XResearch source
Your cat may not eat in the carrier if she senses you watching her—she may think you will close the door behind her. Stand far enough away from her so that she can eat without that suspicion.[27]XResearch source
6 Practice closing the carrier door.[28]X Expert Source Francine MillerCertified Animal Behavior CounselorExpert Interview Being inside the carrier could feel like a trap to your cat, so she will need to become comfortable with you closing its door. When she enters the carrier, briefly close the door. Immediately give her a treat, then unlock the door and let her out.[29]XResearch source
Do not practice closing the door when your cat is eating.
Start by closing the door for only a few seconds. When you repeat this process, slowly increase the amount of time you leave the carrier door closed before offering her a treat and letting her back out.[30]XResearch source
Give her a treat only if she does not get upset or try to get out when you shut the door. If she does either of those, decrease the amount of time you keep the door closed.[31]XResearch source
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Expert Q&A
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Question What do you need when you get a cat? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Expert Answer Basic supplies would include a littler box and litter; appropriate food and a few toys. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
Question How do I catch a cat? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Expert Answer For a tame cat, calling it to you and picking it up will work. For a stray or wild cat its best to use a live trap. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
Question Where is the scruff on a cat? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Expert Answer The scruff of a cat is that part of the neck right behind the head where there is ample loose skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6
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Video
Tips
Your pet carrier should be large enough for your cat to turn around in. It should also be easily disassembled, which is particularly important if your cat is sick, injured, or will not come out on her own.[32]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Consider giving your cat a verbal command to enter her carrier. Toss a treat into the carrier and say ‘in’ when she walks in. Give her lots of praise immediately after she walks in. Repeat this process until she can enter her carrier after your verbal command, but before you give her a treat.[33]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Cats are creatures of habit. If not given time to acclimate to the carrier, your cat may see it as an unwelcome disruption to her normal routine. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Trying to put your cat into her carrier at the last minute will increase her stress, which could cause her to bite or scratch you.[34]XResearch source Allow plenty of time before your desired departure time to get her into the carrier. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do not put your cat in a makeshift carrier, such as a laundry basket or pillowcase. Makeshift carriers can injure or traumatize your cat.[35]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do not remove your cat from her carrier by pulling her or trying to shake her out.[36]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Francine Miller Certified Animal Behavior Counselor This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. This article has been viewed 161,245 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 30Updated: November 14, 2025 Views: 161,245Article SummaryX
Getting your cat into its pet carrier can seem like a daunting task, but there are some helpful tricks to make the process easier. If you have a few hours or days to get your cat used to it, leave the carrier in your cat's favorite spot and put treats or its favorite toys inside. If your cat goes into the carrier on its own, close the door, give it a treat, then let it out again. When it’s time to transport your cat, turn the carrier face-up and lower your car into it backwards. This will be less scary than going face-first. Unless it’s a hot day, cover the carrier with a towel to make it feel more cozy and safe. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to speak to your cat while you put it in its carrier, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 161,245 times.
Reader Success Stories
Trish Rhode
Jun 26, 2020
"The last two times my 14 year old cat has been in a hard carrier he has moved residences and the first move meant he lost his other mom and dog. I bought a soft carrier for him and he knew what it was right away and started panting. it worked."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Francine Miller Certified Animal Behavior Counselor 8 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 30Updated: November 14, 2025 Views: 161,245
Trish Rhode
Jun 26, 2020
"The last two times my 14 year old cat has been in a hard carrier he has moved residences and the first move meant he lost his other mom and dog. I bought a soft carrier for him and he knew what it was right away and started panting. it worked."..." more
Janece Robertson
May 7, 2018
"It was helpful learning ways to get a cat inside, by using a pillowcase & by putting the back end of the carrier down to put cat in. Also good to know how to hold a cat to get her inside."..." more More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Francine Miller Certified Animal Behavior Counselor This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. This article has been viewed 161,245 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 30 Updated: November 14, 2025 Views: 161,245 Article SummaryX
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684 
1 Place an extra towel or newspaper inside the carrier. The stress of being in a carrier may cause your cat to urinate. An extra towel or newspaper will help soak up the urine so that your cat does not have to feel the ‘soil spot’ in the carrier.[1] [2] If you use a towel the cat does not usually sleep in, it can help to spray it with cat pheromones. 
2 Position the carrier. Front- or top-loading hard-sided carriers are ideal for learning how to put your cat into a carrier.[3] If you have a front-loading carrier, place it on its end with the opening facing toward the ceiling.[4] This way, you will be able to place your cat in the carrier safely and with a relative amount of ease. 
3 Pick up your cat. How you pick up your cat is very important to safely placing her in the carrier. Wrap one arm around her hind end and position your other arm under her chest.[5] For the arm supporting your cat’s back end, use your hand to hold her back legs. 
4 Lower your cat into her carrier. Slowly put your cat’s hind end in the carrier first.[6] By lowering her in this way, she will not feel like she is being forced into the carrier with no way out.[7] 
5 Close the carrier door and reposition the carrier. When your cat is safely in the carrier, secure the latch and position the carrier with its bottom on the floor.[8] Give your cat treats if she behaved well when being placed in the carrier (e.g., no biting, scratching, or excessive struggle). 
6 Cover the carrier with a towel or pillowcase. Placing a towel or pillowcase over the carrier makes it feel more snug and safe to your cat, reinforcing the idea that the carrier is a place of comfort and safety. When traveling in the car, covering the carrier can help block out the fact that the car is moving but your cat is not. 
1 Start the acclimation process early.[9] The earlier in your cat’s life that she becomes comfortable with her carrier, the better. Kittens tend to be more adaptable than adult or senior cats,[10] so it is best to start the acclimation process when your cat is a kitten. If you have an older cat, the acclimation process will probably take a bit longer. 
2 Leave the carrier out at all times.[11] To cats, the presence of a pet carrier usually means something bad is about to happen, like a trip to the vet's office.[12] If you take the carrier out only when you need to take your cat somewhere, then she will likely learn to fear it. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the carrier out on the floor all the time.[13] 
3 Place the pet carrier in a favorite location. Even with unlimited access, your cat may not want to enter the carrier if it is in a location where she does not frequent. Put the carrier in one of her favorite spots, such as by a window that gets lots of sunlight.[15] 
4 Make the inside of the carrier enticing for your cat. The carrier should feel like a place of comfort and safety to your cat, even if she’s not exactly thrilled about being inside of it.[16] One way to entice your cat into the carrier is to make it smell familiar to her. For example, place her favorite towel or blanket in the carrier.[17] 
5 Feed your cat in her carrier.[22] If your cat seems comfortable spending time in her carrier, try feeding her when she is inside of it. Initially, however, she may not want to eat her meals inside of her carrier. Rather, she may feel more comfortable eating her meals near the carrier.[23] 
6 Practice closing the carrier door.[28] Being inside the carrier could feel like a trap to your cat, so she will need to become comfortable with you closing its door. When she enters the carrier, briefly close the door. Immediately give her a treat, then unlock the door and let her out.[29] 
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. 
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