New Crate
As I've mentioned previously, Glindy
refused to enter her new
Portable Pet Home on our recent trip together. Part of it may
have been her anxiety level, but part of it was doubtless due to
the unfamiliarity of the crate and the new-vinyl smell that
accompanies most of the portable crates.
So, I ordered a different one in advance of our next outing. I
ordered a
NozToNoz
Model X-36 Sof-Krate from SitStay.com, which is a wonderful
steel-frame crate that isn't appreciably heavier than the Portable
Pet Home (which comes with a plywood floorboard for stability that
adds some weight).
Some of the reasons I think this crate will provide a better
training experience:
- It has a zip-open top, which is better for luring her into the
crate, and for providing tactile rewards for time spent in the
crate.
- It has a steel frame, so the 14-pound cat pouncing on the top of
the crate won't damage or collapse it the way it does the Portable
Pet Home.
- Leaving open the top prevents the cat from pouncing on the the
crate in the first place, which means I can safely leave it set up
around the house for familiarization.
- The 36-inch length fits better in my car, so it will be easier to
take along regularly. - It fits various crate mats better than the
roomier but non-standard 38-inch Portable Pet Home. I bought the
Slumber Pet 35x22x1" memory foam bed for Glindy's traveling
comfort, and it fits *perfectly* inside the borders of the steel
floor frame.
Mostly, I'm confident that with more positive reinforcement in the
new crate before we travel, Glindy will be happier and more
confident in retiring to her crate when we're on the road again.
Time will tell.