How to Put a Cat in a Cat Carrier

Choose the right cat carrier

First, make sure you have a carrier (bag or crate) that's the right size and good quality. Your cat should be able to stand up and turn around without feeling cramped. A carrier that's too small or poorly designed will only add to their discomfort. Don't hesitate to invest in sturdy, well-ventilated travel gear with secure closures. The cat carrier collection offers a range of approved bags and crates so you can travel with peace of mind.

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Get rid of stress odors

If you've used the carrier before and your cat was scared inside, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Wash the carrier with hot water and mild soap to remove stress odors and pheromones that have soaked in. A clean carrier free of anxiety-inducing smells will feel more welcoming to your cat. After every vet visit or stressful trip, clean the carrier this way so you start fresh next time.

Leave the carrier out in the open

Don't bring the carrier out only when it's time to leave for the vet. Instead, make it part of your pet's daily life. Leave the carrier open in the living room or a quiet room of the house so your cat can walk in and out freely. Over time, they'll leave their own scent inside and see the carrier as part of their familiar territory rather than a threatening object. One animal expert even recommends taking the lid off the crate at first so your cat gets used to the base without fear. Once they settle in willingly, you can put the lid back on: your cat will have marked the space with their scent and will no longer see it as a negative.

Build positive associations

Turn the carrier into an inviting, comfortable spot. Place a soft throw or your cat's usual blanket inside to make it a cozy little nook. The familiar scent of their blanket will reassure them and may encourage them to come rest there. You can also slip a small treat inside or near the entrance every so often. Your cat will learn to link the carrier with a tasty reward rather than a punishment. Likewise, feel free to leave a few of their favorite toys inside: if their favorite cat toy is in there, they'll go in to fetch it on their own. Play with them around the carrier, for example by dangling a feather wand or a laser dot through it, to encourage them to explore in a playful way. With patience and positive reinforcement, your cat will come to see their carrier as a familiar, reassuring place, not a prison.

Prepare your cat before the trip

A relaxed cat in a carrier is first of all a cat who was prepared before leaving. If possible, play with them and let them burn off energy before the trip so they're calmer once inside. Avoid feeding them right before you leave to prevent motion sickness (a nauseous cat will be more anxious). Make sure the carrier has a cushion or a small cozy blanket that smells like them, to reassure them from the moment they settle in. Finally, check that the carrier is properly closed and securely positioned (buckled into the seat or placed on the floor of the car) to avoid jolts that could stress them.

Use calming pheromones

Synthetic pheromones can help your companion feel more at ease in their crate. A few minutes before your cat goes in, spray a calming pheromone spray inside the carrier (for example a Feliway-type spray). These pheromones mimic reassuring facial scents and help reduce anxiety. You can get this type of product from your vet. Once it carries a soothing scent, the carrier will be more likely to feel like a neutral or positive place for your cat.

Partially cover the carrier

A common trick for calming a nervous cat is to cover the carrier during the trip. Drape a cloth or a light blanket over part of the crate, leaving the front opening clear for ventilation. Being partially covered creates a "cocoon" effect that can reassure your cat by limiting what they see of the stressful surroundings. Just make sure air circulates well and don't over-cover in hot weather, to avoid heatstroke. The site SantéVet also recommends covering the crate with a blanket so your cat feels safe during the trip.

Stay calm and reassuring

Your own behavior has a big influence on how calm your pet is. Stay as relaxed as you can: cats pick up on our stress. Speak to them in a soft voice to reassure them and avoid sudden movements. If your cat meows or scratches at the crate, don't yell and definitely don't punish them, since that will only heighten their fear. Instead, keep a soothing tone and, if you like, discreetly slip a treat through the door to take their mind off the stress. You can also give them a toy they like so they have something else to focus on during the trip. In general, stay calm and patient: your composure has a direct effect on their behavior. By being attentive and caring, you'll help your cat get through this tricky moment more peacefully.

Bad associations

Many cats become fearful the moment they see the cat carrier, because they associate it with negative experiences. From a cat's point of view, the carrier usually only shows up for unpleasant situations: most of the time it means a trip to the vet or a long ride away from home. The carrier typically stays shut in a closet and only comes out for vet visits, which is why the sight of it can cause panic. Over time, your cat learns to expect something stressful as soon as you bring it out. On top of that, during those visits the cat gets stressed and leaves fear pheromones inside the carrier. These specific scents soak into the fabric and remind your cat of earlier anxiety. As one specialist puts it, a cat fears the cat carrier because of "the negative association between the object and an unpleasant event, and the lingering odors/pheromones that stress them out right away."

Losing familiar surroundings in a confined space

Cats are deeply attached to their territory and daily routines. Being put in a cat carrier means a sudden break from their familiar environment. They find themselves shut in a tight space and taken off to the unknown, which creates a strong feeling of insecurity. Being abruptly enclosed in such a small space only adds to a cat's unease and distress. What's more, during the trip they face unfamiliar stimuli (car noise, motion, strangers nearby) with no way to escape, which feeds their fear. Some cats also suffer from motion sickness, feeling nauseous and uncomfortable in the car, which deepens their dislike of the carrier. In short, the cat carrier scares your cat because it means loss of control and bad past experiences. By working to change those associations (see the section on getting your cat used to the carrier), you can gradually reduce that fear.

Take safety precautions

Transporting an aggressive or very resistant cat can be a real challenge. The first step is to think about your safety and your cat's before you try to get them into the carrier. If your cat tends to scratch or bite, protect yourself with thick clothing, gloves, or a towel. Ideally, choose a hard-sided cat carrier with a top opening (or a lid that comes off easily): this makes it much easier to get an uncooperative cat inside. Set up the carrier ahead of time in a small, quiet room, with the door open and standing upright (or with the lid removed) to keep handling time to a minimum when you place your cat inside.

The towel technique

A trick often recommended by feline behaviorists is to wrap your cat in a large, thick towel to gently restrain them. Approach your cat calmly, then wrap them gently but firmly in a towel or blanket thick enough to protect you from scratches. Hold them against you, swaddled like this (a "cat burrito"), making sure to cover their paws and support their weight. Then stand the carrier upright with the opening facing up, and lower your cat, still wrapped in the towel, through the top opening. Quickly close the door or lid, then slide the towel out through the bars if possible. This method lets you contain a panicked cat without hurting them and without getting scratched.

Carry them firmly but gently

If you're not using a towel, there's another effective way to carry an aggressive cat and get them into the carrier without getting hurt. Scoop them up in a curled position, tucking their head under your arm (at the elbow) and placing one hand under their hindquarters. Hold them against you firmly so they can neither scratch you nor wriggle free. A snug hold can even have a slightly calming effect on them. Always keep control of the head to avoid bites. Never grab an adult cat by the scruff of the neck (this isn't recommended, especially with a stressed cat). Face them toward the carrier opening and guide them in headfirst with one confident motion. Doing it this way minimizes the risk of scratches and escapes at the critical moment you put them in the carrier.

Last resorts for extreme cases

If your cat remains unmanageable despite all these precautions, don't take unnecessary risks. For cases of intense stress, talk to your vet: they may prescribe a mild sedative or a natural calming aid to give before travel. There are also pheromone diffusers and calming supplements that can reduce fear-related aggression. Finally, don't hesitate to ask someone else to help with handling: with two people, it's easier to secure a reluctant cat. What matters is staying in control while avoiding injury to your companion or yourself. With calm and a good method, even a strong-willed cat can be placed in their cat carrier safely.

Comfort and reassurance for your pet

Yes, it's generally recommended to put a blanket (or a cat cushion) inside the cat carrier. A cat mat or a small soft blanket on the bottom gives your cat better comfort during the trip and protects them from direct contact with plastic or metal. Also, if you use a blanket that smells like home or like your cat, they'll be reassured right away by that familiar scent. A cat carrier lined with something cozy will feel like a safer, less chilly place for your cat.

Practical benefits of a blanket

Slipping a blanket into the cat carrier also has practical advantages. If there's a little "accident" (urine, vomit) during the trip, the blanket will absorb some of the mess, sparing the bottom of the carrier and your cat's coat. It's easier to wash the blanket or swap it out along the way if needed than to clean the whole carrier. A blanket also helps cushion your cat and keeps them from sliding around too much when the vehicle brakes or accelerates. Just be sure to choose a blanket of the right size (not too thick or bulky) so it doesn't take up the carrier's interior space. In short, placing a blanket inside the cat carrier adds to your cat's well-being and safety during the journey. To go further in preparing for trips with your companion, check out the best blogs on Le Félin.

As a general rule, it's best not to keep a cat shut in their cat carrier for more than 2 to 3 hours at a stretch without a break. On long trips, plan regular stops so your cat can drink, relax, and possibly use a litter box. A cat can tolerate several hours in the carrier if needed, but shouldn't go beyond about 6 to 8 hours without being let out (except for air travel, which has its own specific rules). After 8 hours, stress, thirst, or natural needs can put them at risk. Ideally, plan the trip to minimize time in the carrier, and never leave your cat alone in the carrier inside a parked car (risk of heatstroke).

2. What should I do if my cat meows constantly in their cat carrier?

If your cat vocalizes a lot during the trip, it's expressing stress or discomfort. First, make sure it isn't hungry or thirsty and doesn't urgently need to pee or poop. Talk to it softly to reassure it, but don't scold or yell (that would only increase its anxiety). You can try partially covering the carrier with a cloth to calm your cat by reducing visual stimuli. Check that the temperature is comfortable (neither too hot nor too cold) and that the ride is as smooth as possible (gentle driving, no unnecessary jolts). If your cat still keeps meowing nonstop, be patient: some cats settle down after a few minutes, while others may meow the whole way. What matters is to stay calm and not take your cat out of its carrier until the place is safe. Over time, as your cat gets used to traveling, the meowing should decrease.

3. Is a soft cat carrier or a hard-sided carrier better?

Both options can work, but each has its advantages. A soft cat carrier (made of reinforced fabric) is lightweight, less bulky, and often allowed in the cabin if you travel by train or plane. It can be more comfortable for both the cat and the person carrying it, but it offers less protection in the event of an impact. A hard-sided cat carrier (made of rigid plastic) is safer in the car: it protects your cat better and is easy to clean after an accident. It often has a sturdy metal wire door. The best approach is to choose based on how you'll mainly use it: for short trips on foot or by public transit, a soft carrier may be enough, while for car travel or very restless cats, a hard-sided carrier is recommended. Above all, make sure the carrier, soft or hard, is well ventilated, securely closed, and the right size for your cat.

4. How do you properly clean a cat carrier?

Cleaning your cat carrier regularly is important to get rid of stress odors and keep things hygienic. For a hard plastic carrier: take apart the removable pieces (door, lid) if possible, then wash everything in warm soapy water (a mild detergent or castile soap). Rinse thoroughly to remove any product residue, then dry well. You can also disinfect gently with diluted white vinegar, which neutralizes odors without being toxic to cats (rinse well afterward to reduce the vinegar smell). For a soft fabric cat carrier: check the label, since many models are machine washable (delicate cycle). Otherwise, scrub by hand with warm water and a mild soap. For stubborn pee odors, baking soda is effective at neutralizing them (sprinkle it on, let it sit, then vacuum). Be sure to let the carrier air dry completely before using it again to prevent mold.

5. Can you put two cats in the same carrier?

It's not recommended to put two cats together in the same carrier, except for very short trips and only if the two cats get along exceptionally well. When stressed, even cats that are normally close can become aggressive toward each other if confined together. On top of that, the space would be very tight for two animals, which would add to their discomfort. It's better to plan on one carrier per cat so each has its own safe space. If you truly have no other option (for example, two inseparable kittens on a short trip), choose a cat carrier large enough that they aren't pressed against each other, and watch their interactions closely. Ideally, though, each cat should travel separately to avoid fights and keep stress down.