Nifty Tips And Tricks For Crate Training Your Cat

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kalila courban
Sep 25, 2021 12:00 PM EDT

Hello to all of our cat loving friends, cat ownership is no joke! Our cats are our children and we want only the very best for them. Imgur User and feline behaviorist "adrianaontherocks" is using Imgur as a platform to educate and answer questions about all things feline behavior. "Hi Imgur, I'm your friendly neighborhood feline behaviorist. If you're having a cat behavior issue, or are just curious about something cat-related, feel free to ask me about it and I'll see if I can help you out." Thanks, Adriana! We have tons of questions and appreciate your expertise!

Today we're tackling all things crate training. Adriana clarifies exactly what she's referring to: "a few people seem to think I am talking about crate training for leaving your cat in their crate while you are gone, overnight, etc. To be clear, this is absolutely NOT what I'm talking about. This is advice for vet visits, moves, evacuating." via Imgur. Got it, now let's learn! 

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    Cat
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    Organism - My first suggestion for cats who don't like going in their crates is simple desensitization. Find a place in your home where the crate can stay out all the time. Make it cozy with blankets inside and over it, feed the cat next to or in it, leave treats and catnip inside for them to find. For a lot of cats, this is all you need to do, and within a few weeks or a few months your cat will like their crate. However, this may not be enough for every cat. Sometimes they view their crate in
    via adrianaontherocks

    What an excellent suggestion! By creating a more comfortable environment for our cats in the physical vicinity of the crate, the cats become more comfortable with the crate as well! As Adriana says, this doesn't always work, but heck it's a great place to start. 

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    Cat
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    Font - -Get a new crate This isn't always necessary, but sometimes it can help to have a completely fresh start. Maybe there's something about the style of crate you've been using that your cat hates. Maybe it was peed in by another cat once a really long time ago and your cat can still smell it. If they have a negative association with THAT crate in particular, getting a new one can make a big difference. Size of crate is also important- some cats may prefer small crates as they feel safe in a
    via adrianaontherocks

    Comfort is key!! If your cat doesn't feel comfortable with his crate or just has too much of a negative association with it, it might be time to consider replacing it with a more comfortable option. Size is also key here, some cats prefer smaller crates, some prefer bigger. 

     

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    Cat
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    Font - -Get them comfortable with you shutting the door Just because your cat is comfortable going in their crate doesn't mean they'll be comfortable inside with the door shut. Once they will reliably go inside for treats, a toy, or whatever works for you, teach them that the door shutting doesn't mean bad things are going to happen. You may need to start off by simply touching the door with your hand while they are inside, and rewarding them with a treat if they don't move. Then, progress to cl
    via adrianaontherocks
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    Cat
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    Font - -Disassemble the crate Again, not always necessary, but if your cat is completely panicked by crates then it can help to get the kind where the top half is removable and introduce your cat first to only the lower portion of the crate. Feed them next to or on it, sprinkle catnip, do all the same things you would do with a whole' crate. Once they're comfortable with that, put the top back on, but leave the door off- and then once they're comfortable with that, put the door back on!
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    Cat
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    Font - -Get them used to the crate being moved This works in much the same way as the previous step, using small approximations. Pick up the crate for half a second, set it down, and reward your cat. Slowly increase the time you spend holding, and then walking around, with the crate. It's very important to hold the crate properly- pretend that the handle that most crates have on top doesn't even exist, and pick up the crate from the bottom so it's held securely to your chest, rather than danglin
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    Cat
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    Font - -Get them used to the door STAYING shut Start small- keep the door shut and feed them a steady stream of treats for five seconds, or give them scritches through the grating, and then open it up. Slowly increase the amount of time you leave the door shut, and cut back on how much you give them attention while they're in there- ideally, you want them to be able to remain calm in their crate even when you walk away from them. It's important to move VERY slowly as you progress through this st
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    Cat - SERVNG NORC Suce
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wholesome cat tips crate felines feline tricks training Cats crate-training
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