Carrier Training a Kitten and Making Car Rides Calm

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

For many cats, the carrier means one thing: the vet. A kitten raised to see the carrier as a comfy den will have an easier life. A little planning now makes every future trip calmer.

Choose a good carrier

Look for:

• Sturdy construction that will not collapse.
• Good ventilation on several sides.
• Top and front openings, so you can lift the kitten out without pulling.
• A secure latch.
• A removable top, so the vet can examine the kitten in the bottom half.
• Size. Large enough for the kitten to stand and turn, but not so large that it slides around.
• Easy to clean plastic or fabric.

See how to choose a cat carrier.

Make it a den

1. Leave the carrier out, in a room where the kitten spends time, with the door open or removed.
2. Add a soft blanket, or a worn T-shirt with your scent.
3. Place treats and toys inside. Scatter kibble in the carrier.
4. Feed meals near, then in the carrier.
5. Use pheromone spray, if desired. See do cat pheromone diffusers work.
6. Let the kitten nap inside.

See carrier training a cat.

Closing the door

Once the kitten goes in readily, close the door for a few seconds while giving treats, then open. Extend the time. Pick up the carrier and carry it around the room, then set it down and reward. Increase gradually.

Car ride practice

1. Put the carrier in the car while parked, with the kitten inside, for a few minutes, with treats.
2. Start the engine, then turn it off.
3. Drive around the block, then go home.
4. Gradually lengthen trips, and include fun destinations, not only the vet. A short drive that ends with play helps.

See how to travel with a cat by car.

Car safety

• Secure the carrier with a seat belt on the back seat, or wedge it on the floor behind the front seat. Do not place on the front seat, where an airbag could injure it.
• Cover the carrier with a light cloth, to reduce visual stimulation, but keep ventilation.
• Keep the car quiet, with gentle music at most.
• Keep temperature comfortable. Never leave a kitten in a parked car.
• Do not let the kitten out, since a loose kitten can interfere with driving, or escape.
• Bring supplies. Towels, wipes, a small litter box for long trips, water and food. See cat first aid kit.

Motion sickness and stress

Signs include drooling, panting, yowling, vomiting, diarrhea and peeing. Tips:

• Feed a small meal or none a few hours before trips, as your vet advises.
• Drive smoothly.
• Use a comforting blanket.
• Take short trips often.
• Ask your vet about anti-nausea medication or calming aids. Do not give human medicines.

See signs of stress in cats and helping a cat who hates the vet.

At the vet

Keep the carrier covered in the waiting room, and place it on a seat or your lap, away from dogs. Let the vet open the top, and allow the kitten to come out in its own time. See kitten first vet visit.

Cleaning

Wash the carrier regularly with mild soap, and dry. Remove odor from accidents with enzyme cleaner. See how to remove cat urine odor.

Emergencies

Keep a carrier handy, since you may need to leave quickly in a fire, storm or evacuation. See disaster planning for cats.

Harness training

Combine carrier training with harness training for more freedom. See kitten harness and leash training.

Packing a travel kit

A small bag ready by the door helps: a towel or blanket, spare bedding, wipes, a bottle of water, a few treats, a favorite toy, copies of vaccine records and your vet's number. For longer trips, add a collapsible litter tray and a small amount of litter. Having everything ready reduces stress for you, which helps your kitten stay calm.

Practice makes progress

Trips that end somewhere pleasant teach the kitten that the carrier does not always lead to the vet. Try a short drive followed by a treat or play session at home. Over time, the carrier becomes routine.

Rewards after the trip

Always finish a trip with something pleasant, such as a favorite treat, play or a quiet cuddle. Let your kitten walk out of the carrier in its own time, and keep the carrier available at home. Over weeks, the carrier turns into a place of calm, and car rides stop being a big event. Praise generously and stay calm yourself, since kittens read your mood.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your kitten has severe car sickness or fear. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.