Dear Miss Behavin’:
My cat was recently diagnosed with a medical condition and as part of her treatment plan she needs regular vet checkups every few months. My only problem is that she hates going in her crate, and if she’s stressed then I’m stressed. Help!
That’s definitely not a fun experience for you or your cat, so let’s try to work on your cat’s fear and anxiety and create a positive association with getting into the crate.
Many cats can be quite fearful of enclosed dark spaces, especially if they do not have enough room that allows them to easily enter the crate and turn around. The first step is to assess whether your crate is large enough or too small for your cat. Your cat should have enough room to not only turn around in the crate but also to stand up. This will allow the cat some comfort space within the crate; should it become scared it then has the room to back away inside the crate.
Next would be to assess the material of your crate. If your cat has associated negative experiences with a hard crate, then you may need to try a crate of completely different material. Try swapping out the hard crate for a soft crate and vice versa. Be sure to pad the inside of the crate with a towel or blanket to provide extra comfort and security for your cat.
Once you have established which crate or crates are the best possible options, then you will need to start working on rewarding your cat for going near the crate, smelling or touching the crate, and lastly entering the crate. At this point, try not to force the cat into the crate. Even if the cat is half way in the crate, forcing it can cause the cat to panic and may be enough to push the cat back to step one in the process. Instead, choose a quiet location, use a soft calm voice, and encourage your cat to explore the crate, rewarding each interaction with lots of praise, and maybe even a cat treat, wet food, or anything your cat finds yummy (and is cat friendly!). Keep these introduction sessions short and sweet, and practice on a daily basis.
For some cats this may take a few days and for others it may take a week to weeks; just keep going at your cat’s pace and plan in advance of the vet appointment. Before you know it, your cat will enjoy time in the crate, waiting for the next yummy reward, without even leaving the house.