--- title: Choosing and Using a Cat Carrier | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Choosing and using a cat carrier # Choosing and using a cat carrier Pick a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that opens from the top and the front, leave it out at home with treats and a blanket, and let your cat walk in on his own. A carrier your cat already likes makes vet visits and boarding drop-off far easier. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) and [boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/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. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [International Cat Care, traveling with your cat](https://icatcare.org/articles/traveling-with-your-cat) - [International Cat Care, taking your cat to the vet](https://icatcare.org/articles/taking-your-cat-to-the-vet) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Traveling with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) ## Read next - [Traveling with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) - [Senior cats and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/) - [What is a cattery?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/) - [Cat condos & towers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/) - [Boarding two cats together](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/multi-cat-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### What size carrier does my cat need? Large enough to stand up and turn around, but snug enough to feel secure. ### Should I use a towel over the carrier? A familiar towel can help many cats feel more secure during the drive. ### Does the kennel provide a carrier? Please bring your own for the trip. Call 707-678-6600 if you have a question about drop-off.