If you have a cat, you’ll know it can feel like trying to wrangle an angry eel with claws into the crate when it’s time to head to the vet. But cat crate training doesn't have to feel like a battle. From creating positive associations to practising travelling, here's how to nail crate training.
The benefits of crate training your cat
Crate training pays off beyond vet visits. You might be able to reduce or eliminate the need for calming medication, which can be tricky to administer for cats who are quick to notice when something is different about their food. Outside of needing to get them checked out if they’re looking unwell, any time they need their teeth cleaned or they’re heading off to cat boarding while you’re on holiday, it helps keep every journey smooth.
Create positive associations
Start with the crate completely open and feed them their breakfast, dinner, and any treats near it. When the crate is out more often, it becomes a part of the daily routine rather than something daunting that means “scary trip to the vet” to your cat. As they get more comfortable, you can start placing their bowls inside the crate itself.
Make it a cosy spot and include something that smells like you, or pop their favourite blanket inside. If they’re still nervous about going in, get a cat crate with a removable top.
Not only does this make it less intimidating for your four-legged friend, but when you do get to the vet, it can make it easier to get them out if they’re a little apprehensive.
Once your cat is comfortable spending time in the crate, try a few low-pressure 'test runs', like carrying them around the house or sitting with them in the car for a couple of minutes.
As our cat gains more confidence and get more comfortable, you can start leaving the top lid down or the top half on. Each cat will have their own journey with crate training, so patience and reading their body language is key. As with any cat, if it doesn’t feel like their idea, they probably won’t want to do it.
Give them positive reinforcement each time, and once they’re looking comfortable and aren’t getting straight out after meal times, you can close the door for a short time.
Start with just a minute to begin with, working up to five or so minutes before opening it up again.
After a certain point, you may notice they head into their crate of their own accord. If that happens, you’ll know you’ve done something right.
Practice, practice, practice (and experiment)
As with any form of training, consistency is key. The earlier you start crate training your cat, the more readily they’ll adopt those habits. With that in mind, if you’ve adopted an adult cat or are trying to train your cat after they’ve been living with you for years, it’s not too late.
You know your little buddy best, so reading their body language and finding ways to motivate them that match their personality is important.
Not all cats are as food-centric as others. If that’s the case for your four-legged friend, you can try other methods to get them used to the crate. Does your cat love to be brushed? Groom them near the crate to start, then on top of it or in the crate with the lid off.
Are they a real catnip fiend? Put their favourite toys in there and play with them in and around the crate.
It might take a little experimenting to discover what works, but it’s worth it to make travel and vet trips stress-free for you and your cat.
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