Fear Free carrier training tip: Reward that cat!

Do you recommend cat owning-clients bring their kitty to your clinic in a carrier, and suggest that those clients acclimate their cat to the carrier before their visit? Do the owners report success?

For pet owners who need help, try these tips from Mikkel Becker, CPDT, and Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM (companion animals), filmed at the CVC Special Insights Seminar on Fear Free handling techniques in Kansas City.

One of the most important tools to have on hand? Treats! Reward the pet for going into the carrier, as she stays in the carrier and when the kitty exits the carrier. This will help the cat associate the carrier as a positive experience.

If the cat won't go in the carrier no matter what the client has done, there are still options, Dr. Landsberg says. Have the client take the top off the carrier and allow the cat to use it as a bed, feed the cat near the carrier or try Feliway.