
03/09/2025
Carriers are so important for the safety of your fur baby!
The Importance of a Cat Carrier – A Hard Lesson Learned
Cat owners, I need to talk to you about something incredibly important: bringing your cat to the clinic safely.
Several months ago, a client arrived at our clinic carrying her 17-year-old cat in her arms. She assured us her cat was calm and had never once tried to escape. But as she reached the clinic door, a car sped by. The sudden noise startled the cat, and in a split second, she jumped out of the owner’s arms and ran off.
Despite searching everywhere, the owner never found her cat.
I cannot stress this enough: no matter how calm, old, or well-behaved your cat is, never bring them to the vet without a secure carrier.
Here’s why:
🚗 Loud Noises & Sudden Movements – A slamming car door, barking dog, or unexpected noise can send even the calmest cat into full panic mode.
🐕 Loose or Leashed Dogs – Many dogs come to the vet on leashes or in carriers. Even the friendliest dog can startle a cat, and an unrestrained cat may react by bolting.
🏃♂️ Unpredictable Cat Behavior – Even if your cat is normally fine being held, fear can override trust. Once they jump and take off, they are nearly impossible to catch.
🏡 Losing Your Cat for Good – If your cat escapes in an unfamiliar area, they may not know how to find their way home. The risk of them getting lost, injured, or worse is incredibly high.
I know carriers can be a struggle. But they protect your pet. If your cat hates the carrier, try:
✅ Leaving it out at home with a blanket inside so they get used to it.
✅ Using pheromone sprays like Feliway to help keep them calm.
✅ Placing treats or food inside before trips so they associate it with something positive.
✅ Covering the carrier with a towel during transport to reduce stress.
At the end of the day, a cat carrier isn’t just for convenience—it’s a lifesaving necessity. Please, for your cat’s safety, always use one.