HOW TO GET YOUR CAT TO LOVE THEIR BACKPACK

Okay so you have the cat backpack, now how do you get your cat to actually like it? The best thing to do, is go slow and allow your cat to explore it on their own. You want to make sure your cat enjoys being in their backpack, because it can act as a safe place for them when out on the trails, plus it’s a great way to travel with them, even if not hiking! Here are a few of our tips to help make the backpack a happy and fun place for your cat!

Training Tips:

1. First, choose the best backpack for both you and your cat. If you still are searching for the right one, check out this post for some help!
2. Once the backpack arrives, leave it open and in a spot that your cat goes to a lot (in the living room, bedroom, etc.).
3. Put one of your shirts inside to make it smell like you to entice your cat to go inside.
4. Use positive reinforcement.
   1. Play near the backpack at first, then try throwing the toys inside for your cat to get. Treating the backpack as a toy will make it seem less scary to your cat.
   2. If your cat is food motivated, place some treats inside to get them to go in.
5. Use the backpack daily so your cat sees you taking it. Even if you just take it with you and leave it in the car while grocery shopping, then bring it back in with you. When your cat sees you using it, they may become more interested in it.
6. Once your cat goes in willing, trying to close them and walking around the house for a couple of minutes, then let them out and give treats.
7. When you go outside for the first time, keep it to about 5 to 10 minutes and try to stay in a quieter area (like your backyard or a quiet park). You can increase the time every day if your cat is handling it well.

Note:

If you plan to use the backpack as a carrier to the vet too, make sure that that is not one of the first few trips your cat takes in it. It could make your cat associate the backpack with a negative experience.