How to get a kitten in a carrier: our guide

Most cats don't like carriers. They don't get used to it as kittens, they hate it even more when they grow up and even older, mellower cats put their foot down and meow "no!" to the prospect of getting in one.

But it isn't an impossible task, and getting a kitten comfortable - or at least tolerant - with a carrier is essential. Whether it's vet visits, traveling abroad or for emergencies, cat carriers are a huge help.

Key challenges include a cat stressing out, getting aggressive or becoming scared when in one. Here, we break down how to address these challenges, how to pick the right carrier for your kitten and common mistakes to avoid.

High-quality pet insurance

Nothing beats being early

As a new owner, the best thing you can do for your little bundle of joy is protect them throughout their life. We'll be with you all the way.

Protect your pet

Choosing the right carrier

Picking the right carrier is essential for your cat's comfort and safety. There are four main types of carries:

• Front-loading

• Hard-shell

• Soft-sided

• Top-loading

Front-loading

Front-loading carriers allow cats to enter from the front. They're popular because it can be more comfortable for a cat to enter, making it easier for them to get used to.

Benefits include:

• Better comfort for certain cats

• Lots of ventilation

• Training benefits because of the added comfort

Hard-shell

This is a sturdy carrier that's usually made out of plastic or metal. It's a good choice if you're regularly travelling with your cat.

Benefits include:

• Sturdy construction

• A secure door

• Durability and security

• Easy to clean

But hard-shell carriers can be bulky and a bit uncomfortable, so choose yours carefully.

Soft-sided

Soft-sided carriers tend to be more portable and flexible. They typically have materials like fabric, mesh or nylon and are lightweight, comfortable options.

Benefits include:

• Airline-friendly

• Easy storage

• Easy to carry

• Extra comfort

• Good ventilation

• Lightweight and portable

Top-loading

A top-loading carrier is one with a door at the top. Some cats prefer to go into their carrier this way, while others don't. It's important to test which type of carrier your cat likes.

Benefits:

• Easy loading

• Less stress for some cats

• Popular, meaning there are lots of options

Things to consider before getting a carrier

Cleaning and maintenance

Consider how easy the carrier is to clean and maintain. We recommend a carrier that's easy to clean and vacuum, as they can get pretty dirty fast.

Closing mechanism

Making sure the carrier is secure is the most important part. But some closures aren't strong. For example, some soft carriers use zippers, but these can easily become undone with force from a kitten or a cat.

Think about which entry is better for your kitten; some would prefer one at the top, while others would prefer to be led in with one on the side.

Cost

There are all sorts of price points for carriers, but expensive doesn't always mean best. It's better to pick a price point and find the best option within that range, but try not to go too cheap if possible; poor materials often mean it'll need to be replaced quickly or the design cuts corners.

Size

Some cat breeds get big, while others stay small. So try to get a carrier your cat will comfortably grow into. Some cats will prefer a snug carrier, while others prefer space.

Getting your kitten comfortable with the carrier

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement training is an important part of all cat training; you need your cat to associate their carrier with positive experiences.

First, place the carrier in a familiar space at home. Then, open the door and add soft bedding, treats and toys in it.

Then, let the kitten explore at their own pace, rewarding them when they calmly enter the carrier.

Encourage entry over time

Use things like catnip, pheromone sprays and treats to entice your kitten into the carrier. You can also feed them their meals in there.

Once your cat is comfortable, gradually introduce closing the door, and reward your cat when they stay calm. Let them out if they're getting stressed, and never negatively reinforce behaviour.

Practice short trips

Once your kitten is comfortable with the carrier and closing the door, take them on short trips. Introduce them to driving in the car, monitor their reaction and adjust as needed.

Remember: be patient, consistent and positive.

How to get a kitten into a carrier when necessary

Sometimes, you may need to get your kitten in a carrier when they're not used to it, like taking them to the vet in an emergency.

Some owners use the towel method, where they carefully wrap the kitten in a blanket or towel (not too tight, nice and loose) to calm them down before placing them inside.

Using a top-loading carrier helps with this. Never use force; always stay calm and patient.

How long can a kitten be in a carrier?

You should keep your kitten or cat in the carrier for as short a time as possible. If you're on a long trip, make sure they get some time outside the carrier (it helps if your cat is leash-trained for this).

If they need to stay in there for a while, make sure they have food, water and a toy. Some kittens and cats feel more comforted when their owners put a blanket over the carrier, too.

Make sure you chat with your vet about leaving your kitten in a carrier if they have any health conditions.

Common scenarios where you'll need a kitten carrier

Moving home

You'll need a carrier for your kitten or cat when moving house, and you need to be especially careful as cats are more likely to go missing when moving home.

Some tips include:

• Keep your kitten in a safe space

• Gradually introduce them to your new home

Travel

This is likely to be the most common reason for using a carrier. The main things to look out for are:

• Keeping the carrier secure in the vehicle

• Making sure the carrier is comfortable for long journeys

• Pack essentials

Our cat travel guide can help.

Vet visit

Visiting the vet is another common scenario, and this is the likelier one to cause your cat stress.

We recommend:

• Forming positive associations with the vet, if possible (treats, toys and praise)

• Pre-visit training to reduce stress

• Using pheromones or calming sprays

Common mistakes to avoid

Common mistakes include:

• Forcing your kitten into the carrier

• Ignoring signs of discomfort and stress

• Only bringing out the carrier when needed, forming a negative association

You need to follow positive reinforcement principles. 

How kitten insurance can help

Our kitten insurance can help with unexpected health issues with comprehensive vet fee cover, a host of ManyPets Perks and 24/7 access to a professional video appointment through FirstVet.

High-quality cat insurance

Insure all nine lives

We know your cat knows best. But let's keep them protected from any unexpected accidents or illnesses - just in case.

Protect your pet