How To Help Cats Overcome The ‘Carrier Barrier’

InnovationScienceHow To Help Cats Overcome The ‘Carrier Barrier’ByJen Reeder,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jen Reeder is an award-winning journalist who specializes in pets.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 04:54pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.It’s important to help cats overcome the “carrier barrier” so they get the veterinary care they need.gettyCats receive far less veterinary care than dogs in the United States, which concerns veterinarians. According to a report from the nonprofit CATalyst Council, an estimated 70% of pet cats did not visit a veterinary practice in 2024 and over 80% did not receive wellness care — while 30% to 35% of owned dogs missed an annual visit.One of the top reasons for this disparity is the fact that so many cats resist traveling in a carrier, and so many people dread trying to get them into it, according to Hazel C. Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP-Emeritus and president of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.“They try to hide, which leads to chases, searches, the broom under the bed, all sorts of potential concerns,” she said. “Then the physical restraint of getting a cat into a carrier can lead to scratches, mauling, screaming, you name it. Caregivers crying, throwing up their hands, the cat then getting more upset. It's sort of one of these never-ending enlarging whirlwinds of potential problems.”Hazel C. Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP-Emeritus is president of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.Courtesy of Dr. Hazel CarneyIt’s important to help cats overcome the “carrier barrier” so they get the veterinary care they need, according to Dr. Carney. “Without routine veterinary care, cats often use up eight and a half of their ‘nine lives’ before we have a chance to intervene,” she said. “Cats by nature hide any illness as a self-preservation technique — much better than dogs. So a cat that doesn’t re...