Being able to relax when confined is an important life skill for kittens and cats. For example, confinement may be necessary in any of the following situations:
A crate for a pet is like a crib, travel sleeper, or playpen for a small child. It is a safe area that can be associated with resting and sleeping. When crate training is done carefully, most cats derive comfort and security from their crate. The familiar cozy crate can be brought along during travel, allowing your cat to have a "home away from home."
Crate training can start at any age. Starting early makes training easier. The majority of cats adjust to crate confinement easily. If you notice any signs of distress and are concerned about your cat’s comfort, for example if they salivate, persistently vocalize, try to escape, or do not settle, consult your veterinarian before continuing with your training plan.
"When crate training is done carefully, most cats
derive comfort and security from their crate."
There are many pros and cons to consider when choosing a crate.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
If the crate is used for sleeping or confinement, the crate should be large enough for the cat to comfortably lay on their side, stretched out, and have room for a small litter box. For travel, the crate should be large enough for the cat to comfortably stand, stretch, and turn around, but no larger.
For travel, smaller crates are more secure and offer better protection during sudden stops. Larger crates are more comfortable for confinement in the home.
Your cat needs daily social interaction as well as physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. Crating or planned confinement is an excellent management tool for times when your cat cannot be supervised or needs a quiet rest period. Make sure your cat receives plenty of opportunities for exercise, and social interaction. Extended periods of confinement are not healthy for animals.
Positive reinforcement training is the best way to help pets learn to accept confinement. Before a training session, make sure your cat has had exercise and an opportunity to eliminate.
Make the crate a place for quiet enjoyment. Think of ways to encourage happy, still behavior. Ideas include:
At first, leave the crate door open when providing happy, quiet experiences. Once your cat expects and enjoys the rewards, close the door and sit near the crate so that your cat is not alone and you can continue to offer rewards.
Finally, after a few successful sessions, try walking away for short periods of time, returning, and again relaxing in the area while your cat remains crated. Be sure your cat remains relaxed.
If your cat or kitten strongly resists being inside the crate, begin training just outside the crate. Offer the fun toys and treats on a soft fleece placed in the immediate vicinity of the crate. Gradually, over a period of a few days or weeks, move closer and closer to the crate for quiet fun time and sleep time.
It is normal for some cats to vocalize briefly, try to open the crate door, or act fidgety when confined, especially when confinement is new. Observe from a distance. If the behavior lasts a short time and does not escalate, watch and wait a short time to see if your cat will settle. If possible, avoid letting your cat out while they are meowing or scratching, as they will learn that those behaviors result in being released. However, if signs of significant distress are present, you will need to let your cat out and then create a new treatment strategy. You may share a short video of the behavior with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. They can help you design a well tolerated treatment modification.
Once your cat willingly goes into the crate, it is time to introduce a cue to ask them to enter. Set up a few training sessions each day.
Practice from further and further distances until your cat will happily run to their crate from anywhere in the home.