Leave it available
Place the carrier in a normal living area with a familiar blanket. Keep the door open or remove it temporarily if the design allows. The carrier should not appear only immediately before a stressful trip.
Reward small steps
Reward looking at, approaching and entering the carrier. Place treats near the entrance, then gradually farther inside. Let the cat leave freely while learning.
Practice gentle movement
Once the cat is comfortable inside, practice briefly closing the door, lifting the carrier and setting it down. Build duration gradually. Keep it level and support the base.
Plan the actual journey
Secure the carrier in the vehicle and keep the environment comfortable. Never let the cat roam loose in a moving car. Ask your veterinarian for an individual plan if travel reliably causes severe distress.
A useful next step
Choose one manageable improvement and make a note of what changes. Use the practical tools to organize the details, and return to the discussion to share what you learned.