If you’ve ever tried to coax an unwilling cat into a crate, you’re probably dreading bringing your feline family member to your new home in Boca Raton – but with lots of practice (and, we’ll be honest, a little luck), you can get your cat to fall in love with her crate. That’s the key to making moving easier on your cat.
Moving to Boca Raton With a Cat? 5 Tips to Get Her to Fall in Love With Her Crate
If you’re moving to Boca Raton with a cat, use these five tips to get her to fall in love with her carrier:
- Pick the right carrier
- Make her carrier part of her day, every day
- Add personal touches to her crate
- Make crate time “treat time”
- Keep the door open, except sometimes
Here’s a closer look at each.
Related: How to move an older cat to a new home
Tip #1 to Get Your Cat to Fall in Love With Her Carrier: Pick the Right Carrier
A good crate for cats has at least two entrance and exit doors – preferably one on the front and one on the side – so your cat can get in and out easily. Ideally, at least for moving to your new home in Boca Raton, you’ll find a hard-sided crate that’s easy to pick up and won’t collapse at the sides. Your cat should have plenty of room to get in, stand up and turn around inside.
Tip #2 to Get Your Cat to Fall in Love With Her Carrier: Make Her Carrier Part of Her Day, Every Day
Cats generally love cozy spaces, so let yours get used to her crate by leaving it around the house near one of her favorite spots. You may choose to keep her carrier near her food and water bowls, or you might keep it in the living room. The idea is to leave it in one place so your cat discovers that it’s a “fixture” in your home – and she’s more likely to want to get inside.
Related: The dog-lover’s guide to buying a home in Boca Raton
Tip #3 to Get Your Cat to Fall in Love With Her Carrier: Add Personal Touches to Her Crate
Cats have a remarkable sense of smell (but you already know that, because every time you open a can, she comes running). They typically feel most comfortable in places with a familiar scent, so you can use a feline pheromone spray inside or, even better, wipe the inside of the carrier with your cat’s own bedding.
Pro Tip: If you have to wash your cat carrier, rinse it thoroughly and use an odor neutralizer so she doesn’t have to deal with unwanted soap smells.
Tip #4 to Get Your Cat to Fall in Love With Her Carrier: Make Crate Time “Treat Time”
When your cat goes into her crate, reward her with treats. In fact, you can even lure her into it by placing treats, catnip and toys inside.
If your cat is particularly reluctant to get inside, you can place it near her food dish and move it closer every day for several days. After she gets used to eating in front of the crate, move her bowl just inside the door.
Related: The pet-parent’s guide to buying a home
Tip #5 to Get Your Cat to Fall in Love With Her Carrier: Keep the Door Open
Secure the crate’s door open while it’s in your home – that way, your cat can get in and out as she pleases. After she’s used to getting inside, try gently closing the door; open it after just a few seconds to show her that it’s okay to be inside. Gradually increase the length of time you leave the door closed so she gets used to relaxing inside long before moving day.
Related: How to find the right vet in Boca Raton
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