Most cats see the carrier only before a vet visit, which is why many fight it. A few small habits change that.
What to look for
Choose a hard-sided carrier that is large enough for your cat to stand and turn around, with a secure latch. A top-opening or removable top lets you lift a cat in and out without pulling him through a small door. Plastic carriers that split in two are easy to clean. Avoid soft carriers with weak zippers for a cat that panics. Add a washable pad.
Make it part of home
International Cat Care recommends keeping the carrier in a quiet part of the house as a resting place, not storing it in a garage. Feed treats inside, put familiar-smelling bedding in it and leave the door open so the cat can go in and out and nap. Progress in stages, letting your cat settle at each step. A synthetic feline pheromone spray on the bedding may help; wait 15 to 20 minutes after spraying because it smells of alcohol at first.
If your cat refuses
Stay calm. Wrap the cat in a familiar towel and place him in quickly but gently, preferably from the top. Never force a cat in or pull him out. Cover the carrier with a familiar towel for the drive to help him feel secure. A frightened cat should not be left in a hot car; run the air conditioning, and see the cats-and-heat guide for Central Valley summers.
At Happy Paws drop-off
Keep your cat in the carrier in your car while you check in; a staff member carries belongings and your cat to the cattery. Mark the carrier with your name if you leave it, and bring a blanket that smells like home. Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Read traveling with a cat and boarding a cat for the first time.
A short checklist
Before the trip, check that the latch closes firmly, the bottom is lined with a washable pad, the carrier has your name on it and the cat has used it at least a few times at home. Skip a large meal right before the drive, since a full stomach and a moving car do not mix. Keep the carrier level and secured on the back seat or the floor, never loose and never on a front seat with an airbag.