While crate training is more commonly associated with dogs, it can also be a useful tool for making your cat feel comfortable and secure when traveling. In addition to being a safe way to transport your cat, a crate can also serve as a safe haven for your cat in unfamiliar or stressful situations.
Unfortunately, crate training a cat can be challenging because many cats associate crates with negative experiences. For cats, a crate can feel more like a portable prison than a safe space. The mere sight of a crate can trigger fear and anxiety, making it difficult to prepare your cat for crate training.
However, with patience and the right approach, most cats can be trained to see and appreciate a crate. Here are some tips on how to successfully crate train your cat.
The 8 Tips for Crate Training a Cat
If you want to teach your cat to see a crate as their own personal kingdom, the following strategies can make the transition easier for both of you. These tips can be used individually or combined to make the crate more appealing to your furry friend.
1. Move Food Inside
Leave a trail of your cat’s favorite treats leading up to the crate, or simply serve their meals inside the crate. During this training phase, keep the crate door open to reduce your cat’s fear of being trapped.
If your cat is hesitant to eat inside the crate, place the food bowl or treats as close to the crate door as possible. However, make sure the food is far enough away so that your cat will be willing to move closer to eat it.
With each feeding session, gradually move the food closer to the crate while ensuring your cat is comfortable with the change. When your nervous cat finally ventures inside, remove the top of the crate until they are comfortable enough to eat inside the bottom of the crate.
2. Close the Crate Door
Encourage your cat to stay inside the crate by offering a treat or toy while they are inside. Once they are relaxed and playing with their toy, close the crate door for a few minutes, then reopen it before they get distracted from their treat. Gradually increase the amount of time the crate door stays closed.
If your cat gets nervous when you close the door, keep the intervals short. Close it for just a few seconds and then open it to reassure them that it’s not a trap.
3. Add a Cue
Getting a panicked cat into a crate can be quite a struggle. However, you can counter this by training your cat to willingly go inside their crate in a few different ways. First, teach your cat to follow a hand or stick target into the crate. Alternatively, you can use a toy or treat to lure your cat into the crate.
Whichever method you choose, the best way to get your cat into the crate on command is to pair a hand signal or verbal cue with the treat. This way, your cat will be rewarded every time they get into the crate.
For example, you can say the word “in” and immediately place their treat inside the crate. Over time, your cat will associate the verbal cue with their food.
4. Encourage Exploration
Instead of letting your cat’s crate collect dust in the attic or basement between vet visits, consider leaving it out and treating it as a piece of friendly and fun furniture. This will encourage your cat to get comfortable and familiar with the sight of the crate.
You can randomly drop new toys and treats into the crate throughout the day, even when your cat is not around. The treats will entice your cat to explore the crate and see what other delights await inside.
If your cats are overly affectionate, you can pet them while they are inside, making the crate a great spot for attention-seeking.
