Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat

by Jackson Galaxy

First, we need to change the carrier from a place of dread and fear to a destination, a portable base camp. Start by taking the carrier apart. Part of what will help undo the association is if it no longer resembles the yellow station wagon. Use the bottom part as a starting point, and turn the carrier into a cocoon. Make it cozy with some bedding that contains the scent of both your cat and you. Use treats to make that cocoon even more inviting. Give your cat a treat for any curiosity around the carrier, even if she just gives it a sniff. Remember the concept of the “Jackpot!” Treats? Now is that time. While training your cat to love her new den, break out the Jackpots. Break them out only around the carrier. Even better, get your cat eating her meals in the carrier. It may take a few times, moving the bowl closer and closer to her new favorite place, so have patience and push that Challenge Line every day! Once there is a sense of predictability in terms of your cat using the carrier not just to eat treats but to hang out, even for small periods, it’s time to begin the reconstruction. First the top—use the same techniques to reinforce the continued positive association. Then the door. Then close the door for short periods. Many cats are triggered simply by the sound of the latch closing. In that case, start with the latch taped open and then gradually desensitize. If you can get to the point where you can feed dinner with the door closed, the yellow station wagon is offi...