How to Train Your Cat to Use a Pet Carrier

For most cats, a carrier looks less like transportation and more like personal betrayal. This step-by-step guide shows how to turn that suspicious box into a place your cat will enter calmly, willingly, and without filing a formal complaint.

Jun. 29, 2026

Est. read time: 4 min.

Before You Start Carrier Training

What do you need?

A cat carrier with a removable top half
Your cat’s favourite Catit treats
A soft blanket your cat already likes

Important rules

Take it slow. Only move to the next step when your cat is relaxed.
If your cat shows fear or stress, go back one step.
Never force your cat into the carrier.

A person opening the top of a white, cat-shaped pet carrier with a clear front door on a wooden floor

Step 1: Get Your Cat Comfortable in the Carrier Bottom

Remove the top half of the carrier and place your cat’s favorite blanket in the bottom half.
Kneel beside it and toss a treat onto the blanket.

A person placing a treat into a white, cat-shaped pet carrier with a yellow blanket inside on a wooden floor

When your cat stands, sits, or lies on the blanket, reward with another treat and some gentle affection.

A fluffy cat eats treats from a white, cat-shaped PIXI feeder on a wooden floor in front of a sofa

Try to only interact with your cat while they’re on the blanket.
If they step off, toss another treat onto the blanket and repeat.

Over time, your cat will learn that staying in the carrier means rewards.

A fluffy cat sits inside a white, cat-shaped PIXI carrier on a wooden floor in front of a sofa

Step 2: Add the Top Half of the Carrier

Goal: Get your cat used to the full carrier shape

Add the top half of the carrier while your cat isn’t inside, but don’t add the door just yet.
Toss a treat onto the blanket inside the carrier.
When your cat enters, offer an extra treat through the ventilation openings at the back of the carrier to encourage your cat to get all the way inside.
When your cat comes out, don’t reward them with attention. Instead, toss another treat inside the carrier.

A fluffy cat resting inside a white, cat-shaped hooded bed on a wooden floor in front of a sofa

Step 3: Add the Door

Goal: Help your cat get comfortable with the door

Attach the door but keep it fully open.
Place treats toward the back to encourage your cat to go inside. Do not close the door yet! Repeat until your cat is comfortable inside.
When your cat’s inside, place a treat near the front so they will face the door.
Gently close the door and feed a treat through the door opening.