Getting your Cat Used to a Backpack or Carrier
Petra’s backpack is a safe space for her on all our adventures.
Having a backpack or carrier that is your cat's personal and safe space on every trip away from home is key for a successful and stress-free experience. Whether we are hiking, skiing, or going to the vet, we wanted Petra to have her own space that she always felt secure and safe in. We often get asked how we went about getting Petra so comfortable with her carriers and travel, so we created a list of tips and tricks that we used when training our kitty. They key is really to just create the most positive experience possible with each interaction your cat has with the carrier. If the only time you use a crate or backpack with your kitty is to take them to an uncomfortable vet experience, they may be a bit apprehensive to hop in to go for a hike. Consistency and repetition are super important to create a positive association with the carrier.What you need:
The right type of carrier:We use two carriers, a backpack for adventures like skiing, and hiking and a training bag for the vet, travel, and anything else you can think of. Make sure you have the proper dimensions and comfort for whatever adventure you might be headed on.
Favorite TreatsFavorite Toys
Backpack Training
1) Desensitize the carrier
When you first get the backpack or carrier, don’t force you kitty to get in. Instead, put it in a common area that your cat plays and fill it with her favorite toys and treats. 2) Play with the backpack
Playing with and around your new backpack or carrier with help acclimate your kitty to the new bag. You don’t want them to view it as a place where they will be trapped, but rather somewhere where they are safe and comfortable. Try games like hide ‘n seek that promote security in their new bag. Reward them with treats if they enter the bag on their own. 3) Keep the bag in a common area
In general, you want to make your cat familiar with the carrier so keep it in a place that they can access it, but as they are just getting used to it have it in the living room or wherever all their toys are. 4) Start with short and frequent trips
You can start in the house, just simply walk upstairs or down the hall and then take them out and give them treats. Gradually increase that and head outside, walk to the end of your driveway or to the end of the block. 