How often should I retrain my cat to use the carrier?

Consistent carrier retraining perpetuates positive feelings and vigilance against reverting to fear responses. Without assurance of positive reinforcement, cats forget positive experiences. Monthly refreshers protect your investment in training. These periodic practice runs help limit the struggle and stress associated with trips to the veterinary office or travel emergencies.

Tailor the frequency of training sessions to your cat's personality. Anxious cats need more frequent sessions than calm cats. Following acute stressors, such as moves or vet visits, retraining increases. Aversion behavior may indicate behavioral regression, necessitating adjustments to the schedule.

Reward systems give retraining a successful edge. Use special rewards such as freeze-dried chicken for carrier sessions only. Use vocal praise as a reward when the cat is quietly behaving. Don't punish resistance. Positive reinforcement keeps long-term cooperation from your feline friend.

Variations in the environment promote real-world preparedness, for example, practice in different rooms at different times of the day. Add carrier variations, such as backpacks, if needed. Also, consider including unfamiliar people during your practice sessions. These exposures foster confidence in changing environments.

Regular retraining is proven to benefit your cat in the event of an emergency. Cats are conditioned through repeated practice to enter carriers to travel in an emergency. This works rather than you attempting to towel wrap them and risking an injury. Just keep to your exact schedule to ensure your cat travels with you reliably.

Read the full article: Choosing the Right Cat Carrier Size Guide