Cat Into Carrier
How do I get the cat into the carrier with the least amount of stress?
Practice, confidence and some luck! The last moments with your foster cat can either be a fond farewell, or a stressful moment depending on how easily they go into the carrier.
With some practice and determination, it doesn't have to be a stressful moment.
Before your cat has been adopted, leave the carrier out in the sanctuary space (and afterwards the living area) and occasionally feed the cat in the carrier. Leave some treats in the carrier for the cat to find. If they are in and out of the carrier on a regular basis they will not be afraid of it.
When the adopting family brings the carrier to take their kitty home with them make sure it's clean and you know how to use it.
When the time comes to get the cat into the carrier
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Put the cat into a smaller room with no hiding spaces - bathroom is ideal
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Put a towel or blanket into the carrier with the cats smell on it. Spray Feliway on it to help calm the cat.
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Put food or treats into the carrier as the cat may willingly go into the carrier.
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You may need to 'capture' the cat by placing a blanket over it & putting it in a purrito.
You need to be CONFIDENT when doing this. Your stress will stress out the cat. Act like you have done this 100 times before.
if you have a carrier left with you after your adopted cat leaves you and you don't drive, watch out for the monthly email about carrier pick ups. The emails will be sent at the start of the month, and you have 3-4 days to get your pick up request in. They will organise a driver to come and pick it up, usually in the last two weeks of the month.
If you drive, you can take any cleaned carriers and towels/blankets back to the Volunteer Centre at 4229C Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON M8X 1Y3. You can find opening days and times by calling 416 233 0207, emailing vc@torontocatrescue.ca, or going to google maps and searching for Toronto Cat Rescue. These hours are updated frequently. It's always best to double check with a phone call (everyone is a volunteer and emergencies happen) before you go there.