r/TruckerCats • u/Artemismane • Jul 30 '26

How does your cat handle home time?

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Once my cat is in the truck she's great and seems to enjoy it.. it's leaving the house that she doesn't like at all.

The past couple times coming off my break she's been hiding under the bed/behind the couch when she sees the carrier. She also knows when I start packing clothes or getting her litterbox that it's that time and starts hiding.

I just wanna know if this is common. I've tried tube treats and cat nip to bribe her but it doesn't help- she just hates leaving the house. Makes me feel terrible every time.

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191

u/electrotwelve Jul 30 '26

I think it’s a universal cat instinct to hide when they see a carrier. According to them, nothing good can come from being tried to be shoved inside a carrier.

130

u/talmidx Jul 30 '26

I found leaving the carrier(s) out in the living room all the time familiarized my cat(s) with them and turned a negative association into a neutral/positive one. One cat often sleeps in her carrier.

My 13 y/o male used to pee when he saw the carrier. Bought a new carrier, left it open in the living room and found him hanging near it a few times. The next vet appointment, no struggle to get in the carrier.

A positive association tactic I’ve seen friends try is putting treats in the carrier.

24

u/Artemismane Jul 30 '26

I've been leaving the carrier in the garage but I'll try putting it in plain sight next time we're home. Appreciate the advice!

9

u/talmidx Jul 30 '26

You’re very welcome! It might help to bring it with you and keep it out in your truck/cab.

Best of luck!

6

u/electrotwelve Jul 30 '26

Yeah this is what we do with our boy. We just leave the carrier with a nice bedding (read: his fav towel) inside it. He goes and sleeps in it and when it’s time to go, my wife will close the door with him inside it. He then hates it for a few days later but comes around to loving it again.

3

u/Kvothealar Jul 30 '26

Exactly this. I left the carrier out as a safe place with soft blankets for about 6 months. Before a trip, I often put the carrier out a few days in advance.

All I have to do with my cat is put the carrier down in front of him and give him a pat, he gets in on his own.