Hello again, cat lovers. Carrying your pet on a trip can sometimes be quite an issue. Cats are shorter with nerves, and much more likely to refuse the cooperation or use the harness or a leash. On the other hand, some trips are necessary, like let’s say going to a vet, or a really rich cousin with bad health.
During that trip or any other, you may need to be sure that your feline friend won’t run away, and take measures for its safety. And that’s why you should consider getting yourself the best cat carrier.
Top 5 Best Cat Carriers (Summary)
Image | Product | Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Henkelion |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Paws & Pals |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
SportPet Designs Foldable |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
MidWest Homes for Pets |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | |
Petmate Two Door |
| CHECK ON AMAZON |
The 15 Best Cat Carriers
1. Henkelion
As one of the safest and most convenient cat carriers, Henkelion possesses two connecting loop handles that enable balanced carrying and a dual seat belt.
This ensures secure transport in any type of vehicle and even planes. An adjustable shoulder strap also allows for a hands-free carrying with ease and convenience.
The carrier is really light in weight, durable and waterproof. It has a four-side mesh and both the handles and the shoulder straps are padded.
Inside of it is a fleece bed that you can remove and wash inside the washing machine when needed.
- Balanced carrying with two handles
- Waterproof and durable fabric
- Very easy to carry and store
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Strap tends to break after some time
2. SportPet Designs Foldable
One of the things you’re going to like the most about SportPet Designs Cat Carrier are doors that look like a side-opening gate. This will make your cat feel safe when walking into it.
The design is sturdy and there’s also a secure lock system that locks the doors in one simple motion. The materials used in crafting this product are polypropylene that’s resistant to impact and premium polycarbonate.
Your cat will feel safe and remain calm while you carry it around thanks to the ventilation slats that are wide and smooth rounded, providing it more than enough visibility.
The handle is smooth and comfortable in your palms and you’ll be able to carry a cat that weighs up to 25 lbs because that’s how much this carrier can take.
- Large opening
- Durable clasps and ergonomic, comfortable handle
- Single-motion door lock
- Flat folding for easy storage
- Slides don’t slide into place easily
3. PROGOO
If you want to get a cat carrier that will ensure that your cat feels comfortable while you transport it from one place to another, PROGOO is a product you should look at.
It features a firm bottom place and mesh windows on all four sides so your pet will feel calm and safe and you can check up on it whenever you want.
The product also has a padded interior and soft sides, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. It’s also entirely waterproof, which makes it easy to clean both inside and out.
Once you don’t need it, you can just fold it up in a small size and store. With its 2 pounds, it’ll fit wherever you place it.
- Padded interior and soft sides for comfort
- Mesh pouch and an adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Waterproof, well ventilated and easy to clean
- Zipper isn’t very strong
4. MidWest Homes for Pets
If the assembly part of the cat carriers is the most challenging thing for you, MidWest Homes for Pets Carrier will change your mind.
It can be assembled in just four simple steps without any tools. With a built-in handle for carrying, secure door with a lock and a section that allows good visibility for your cat, this item has a design that enables excellent ventilation.
You’ll find it extremely easy to clean. There are three bright colors you get to choose from and two sizes, so you’ll bound to find the right fit for your pet.
The material from which this product is made is plastic that’s pretty durable, but still might be a deal-breaker for some cat owners.
- Provides great air circulation and visibility
- Fast and easy to assemble
- Comfortable handle and easy to clean material
- Made mostly of plastic
5. X-ZONE PET
As one of the strongest car carriers on the market, X-ZONE PET has mesh windows from strong Oxford fabric that’ll keep your cat from tearing it with their claws, while providing amazing ventilation and airflow.
The two entrances at the top and on the sides allow you to check up on your cat at any time. Besides being easy to access, this item also has locking zippers.
These auto-lock zippers ensure safety and prevent your pet from escaping. The base is thicker and sturdier, which improves balance and there’s also a comfortable bad that’s removable.
If you often travel, carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap on this product is what you’ll appreciate the most.
- Provides great air circulation and visibility
- Fast and easy to assemble
- Comfortable handle and easy to clean material
- Made mostly of plastic
6. Petmate Two Door
Superior ventilation and visibility of Petmate Two Door Cat Carrier make it a great choice for every cat owner. The ventilation is enabled thanks to vents on all sides.
This also allows you to see your cat better. The doors are crafted of durable steel and there’s also an ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable grip.
Thanks to the convenient wingnut-and-bolt design, the top and bottom can be fastened securely. You can open the doors with just one hand, which is yet another amazing feature of this item.
This is made possible thanks to the easy-squeeze latch. The only thing that’s a bit challenging is the assembly, especially because some of the buyers noticed that a few pieces are missing in the pack.
- Ergonomic and durable handle
- Ventilated sides for increased visibility and airflow
- Secure design and easy-squeeze latch for one-hand opening
- Can be a bit challenging to assemble
7. AmazonBasics
Those who are seeking a soft and comfortable cat carrier with more than proper airflow will find AmazonBasics to be a great product for their kittens.
The item features two connecting loop handles that provide a balanced carrying, together with an adjustable strap. You can remove the base or add it should you need a solid surface for your pet to stand on.
All of the sides are soft and there’s a spring wire you can use to fit the carrier to the under-seat when you’re traveling with your pet on an airplane.
Both front and top have openings as well as a double zipper that ensures your cat stays inside the carrier during the transport. Finally, the fleece bad that this product comes with can be machine washed.
- Soft, mesh panels for comfort and ventilation
- Convenient carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap
- Double zippers on the top for enhanced security
- Pretty small
8. Paws & Pals
Five organic layers that absorb moisture and deodorize are what makes the structure of Paws & Pals Cat Carrier. The item also has a soft bed from fleece that will make your kitten feel comfortable.
The sides are soft and well-ventilated, which improves breathability and airflow. Two secure entryways and a zippered mesh window are also convenient features you’ll like.
You’ll find this item really easy to clean, with water and leak-resistant materials and a reinforced frame for extra durability.
The base is solid and crafted of the Velcro strip retention system, which helps in keeping it in one place. Velcro is also what a handle is made from. Adjustable straps with removable cushion are added as an extra convenience.
- Soft-sided, breathable and water-resistant material
- Removable and adjustable, cushion-padded shoulder strap
- Solid base with a double Velcro strip retention for staying in place
- Extremely small
9. Pet Magasin Airline
With a fashionable design and lightweight, Pet Magasin Carrier for Cats is also very durable and comfortable. It’s only 2.2 pounds but provides great ventilation.
This is made possible thanks to its mesh windows, carrying handle and an adjustable shoulder strap that’s padded for added comfortability.
The floor is sturdy, but you can still fold the item flat when not in use. It’s really simple to clean and conforms to all the under-seat dimensions.
The material from which is made is leak and waterproof. You should pay attention to the zippers that are rather weak and will separate after some time.
- Soft sides and a comfortable inside padding
- Mesh window for better ventilation and a padded and adjustable shoulder strap
- Lightweight, foldable and has a strong floor
- Zippers tend to separate and aren’t that strong
10. Pet Magasin Collapsible
Pet Magasin Collapsible Cat Carrier is best known for its soft sides that are flexible so they can be folded and zippered together when not in use.
Another great thing about this item is the open mesh that provides good ventilation and visibility, as well as a padded mat that’s comfortable and doesn’t slip at all.
You can carry it around comfortably thanks to the soft handle and its lightweight. Crafted from premium and breathable materials, this product is really safe.
It features a strong base that keeps your pet a firm surface to stand on and stability while being transported around.
- Open mesh and well-ventilated sides for airflow and visibility
- Soft, flexible and can be folded down for easier storage
- Hard base for stability
- Zippers can separate after some time
11. Aivituvin
Along with soft sides with a car seat belt straps, Aivituvin Carrier has a removable fleece bad that can be machine washed and folded flat for easier storage.
A durable frame allows your cat to stay upright and conforms to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines. You’ll have easy access to pockets and a self-lock zipper.
The maximum weight the product can hold is up to 16 lbs. When you want to carry it hands-free, you’ll find the adjustable shoulder strap very convenient.
There are also handles if you prefer it that way. All the zippers are strong and have a leash hook inside, so you can rest assured that your cat won’t escape.
- Soft sides and a removable fleece bed
- Hands-free carrying with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Hardboard base with a rugged frame for stability
- Net on the front panel can tear easy
12. Cataria
Designed with safety in mind, Cataria Cat Carrier has soft mesh panels on all four sides that improve ventilation but can also be restrained with a pet seat belt.
The item looks like a semi-sphere and a design like this will surely prevent your kitten from escaping the carrier. On the other hand, it’ll keep it cozy and you can check up on it through the transparent cover.
You can carry it as a bag or use the adjustable and padded shoulder strap for hands-free carrying. The material is light in weight and durable, so it’ll last you for a long while.
It’s also resistant to wear and tear and waterproof, but the frame isn’t very stable, which might make stability and balance a bit challenging.
- Transparent and breathable design
- Waterproof and wear-resistant
- Four soft sides for proper ventilation
- Not very stable frame
13. Purrpy
With safety in mind, Purrpy Cat Carrier can be used together with your car’s seat belt, so it doesn’t move when you drive. The stitching is really well done and made to last.
The material used in crafting the product is resistant to harsh weather conditions. Together with the soft and cushioned base, soft, adjustable shoulder strap and padded handles, this item is reinforced and durable.
There are three possible entrances and more than enough pockets where you can keep your pet’s toys and treats.
Mesh ventilation on both sides and at the top secures proper airflow, while lockable zippers keep your kitten inside the carrier. Reflective strips will make the item visible in the darkness.
- Lockable zippers and reflective strips for safety
- Mesh ventilation and a comfortable fleece pad
- Weather-resistant with reinforced structure
- Way too small for bigger cats
14. SportPet Designs
As one of the easiest items to assemble and store, SportPet Designs Cat Carrier is collapsible and really lightweight, so you can easily fold it when not in use.
Mesh panels are constructed in such a way that it provides amazing ventilation, way better than the one you can find in other similar products.
Being lightweight means you won’t have trouble carrying this item around. It does have wires, but they can be removed when you need to wash it.
Zippers are pretty secure with the O-ring, so your kitten won’t escape. If your pet weighs up to 10 lbs, this product is a great choice for you.
- Lockable zippers and reflective strips for safety
- Mesh ventilation and a comfortable fleece pad
- Weather-resistant with reinforced structure
- Way too small for bigger cats
15. Siivton
Featuring an elegant design, Siivton Cat Carrier is unique for its expandable interior space that creates extra room for stretching.
Multiple entries and two mesh windows allow you to put your cat in and out with ease, while also improving air circulation. All of the entries are secured with zippers.
This prevents your pet from escaping and the material is sturdy enough to prevent your cat from ripping it with claws.
The high-density EVA board serves for protection and a cozy fleece bad can be removed and washed in a washing machine.
- Very spacious with 4-ways expansion
- Breathable mesh with additional ventilation
- Multiple entries and very lightweight
- Zippers aren’t very sturdy
What are Cat Carriers and the Benefits of Using It
As we said, sometimes is necessary to bring your cat for a trip with the car, airplane, train or just through the crowded area. The best cat carrier is here to make the experience easier for both you and your cat.
Cat carriers are comfortable and safe, and your cat will be relaxed by your personal scent and presence. Of course, some people use homemade solutions, like cardboard boxes, sports backpacks or laundry baskets, but we strongly advise you against it.
Those solutions are not safe and can seriously harm your cat if anything unpredicted happens.
Usually, the cat carrier has one or more entrance sealed with the safety zippers or some other solution, space where your cat is put and a handle for carrying.
That’s the basic description, and we will guide you through everything that cat carrier market has to offer, to the smallest details.
Types of Cat Carriers with Pros and Cons
Foldable type – also known as collapsable type
Top cat carriers can be made from fabric types with the firm base, or sturdy plastic materials. The great thing about them is that they can be folded when not used, so it removes the problem of storage.
Just flat them and put them under the bed or in a drawer. Their main problem is often that they are not sturdy enough for the stronger cats or bigger breeds.
Top opening type
The cat carriers with the top opening are handy to put your cat in. They are a life savior if your pet is anxious and you have a hard time convincing it to get inside the carrier.
Just unzip the opening, put your cat in and zip it back. Easy as a pie. Also, the top opening gives you an option to pamper your restless cat and eases the veterinarian’s effort when you need to vaccinate or treat your pet.
Beware, because some sly cats can easily open the top opening from inside.
Expandable portable cat carriers
This option is mostly reserved for the carriers made of softer materials. Usually, the sides of the carrier can be expanded, providing your cat with some extra space to stretch, roll and lie down during the long trips.
That is accomplished by using mesh material, that is soft and secures the airflow. On the other side, mesh material can be really easy to tear, especially if your cat is nervous or aggressive.
Pet Strollers – rolling down the river
Small wheels are attached on the base of the carrier, just like in airplane luggage. With this option, you can easily transport your pet when it gets too heavy to carry around. Just pull out the telescopic handle and let the Mittens enjoy the trip.
Watch out for the speed bumps! This type is made with some extra space and options, as it is mostly targeted for longer trips. However, some cats don’t like the sound of the wheels and can get scared, especially if the ride is bumpy.
Always make a test drive before using this type, just to see how your cat will react.
Hard-sided plastic cat cages
This type is almost indestructible, no matter how strong your cat is, she won’t get away from this one. Hard-sided carriers are scratch-resistant, give more security in the case of the accident and they are easy to maintain and clean.
Just wash them with the hose and let them dry. However, they can sometimes be pretty hard to carry, as they are bigger and not so flexible. Also, they might lack the comfort needed for your cat.
Soft-sided cat travel crate
Usually made from polyester, Velcro or similar materials, soft-sided type gives your cat the maximum comfort while traveling. The base is firm, and the walls are pleasantly soft, but that can have its downsides, too.
If you are not careful while choosing, you might end up with the carrier that your cat can easily shred to pieces with its claws, or escape by opening it from the inside.
Also consider the fact that they are kinda hard to clean up if your cat doesn’t tolerate the trip quite well, and is prone to vomiting or relieving itself inside the carrier.
Cat Backpack Carriers
These cat carriers are worn as backpacks and typically there are 2 types by the material. One type is with soft sides and with a “space bubble” which allows your cat to see clearly and maybe that will help your cat to panic less.
The second type is from solid ABS plastic which is anti-scratch and waterproof and it will last for a long time. Both types are usually airlines approved because of their sizes and shapes.
Airline approved cat carriers
This type is limited to a certain weight and dimensions, depending on the rules of the airline. The cabin-approved cat carrier must be able to fit under the airplane seat, so that can be a limiting factor.
But, being close to your cat will calm her and make her trip more enjoyable. Otherwise, your cat goes to the cargo space, on the special section just for the pets.
The general rule is that cabin-approved cat carrier is soft-sided, while cargo-approved one must be hard-sided. But it’s always a good thing to check the dimensions allowed twice before the flight, especially if you are changing between the lines.
Portable cat carriers for multiple cats
This is a great idea, which can quickly turn into a horrible one if you don’t follow certain rules. First, you must make sure your cats will tolerate one another during the trip, and second, you must make sure your pets have enough space.
Some brands offer the cat carriers with the firm barrier, so that’s a good idea to use. This type of cat carriers is mainly used for transferring the kittens, as bigger cats would be a pretty heavy burden to carry, and tend to be more aggressive.
Also, some airline companies strictly forbid more than one cat per carrier, while others have no problem with it.
How To Choose The Best Cat Carrier For Your Kitten
To choose the truly great cat carrier, we must consider everything, even the smallest details. After all, it’s the thing that keeps our precious pet safe and secure, so it must be perfect.
Here is a list of things you must think of when choosing the ideal cat carrier.
Size and capacity
Your cat will not mind some extra space in the carrier, on the contrary. But a cat carrier size that is too bulky can be quite impractical and heavy to manage. Also, a carrier that’s too big will not give your cat the feeling of safety.
For the sake of the practical use, the cat carrier must be at least 1.5 sizes of the cat. That size gives your cat enough space to stand up, crouch, stretch, roll over and eat or drink without any complications.
Measure your cat’s length, from the head to the end of the tail. Then measure the height, from the bottom of the paws to the highest part of the back. Add an inch or two, just to be sure, and the problem is solved.
Materials used
Soft-sided cat carriers mostly use Velcro, polyester, polycarbonate, Oxford, leather, artificial leather and other similar types of materials. Hard-sided cat carriers are mainly built from hard plastic or similar materials.
Some even have metal parts of construction, to ensure safety and sturdiness. There are carriers made from metal, too, but they are kinda robust, heavy and not so practical to use.
Mash parts are used to ensure the ventilation and the airflow, and plastic is used to provide your pet with a window for a better view. Usage of the materials varies from brand to brand and most manufacturers use a different combination of materials to ensure the maximum safety and useability of the carrier.
Comfort for the cat
Along with the safety, the comfort of the cat is the most important option when choosing the cat carrier. We discussed the matter of the size and capacity, now we are going for the interior part.
Ventilation holes and mash windows are quite necessary, as well as windows for the view. Multiple entrances provide easiness of entering and leaving the carrier, and soft materials inside provide your pet with comfort much needed for longer trips.
An option to insert an extra mat or food and water bowls is nice, too.
Durability
Your cat carrier should serve its purpose for a long, long time. Not just for the sake of the money, but for the sake of the habit. Cats tend to bond with their belongings, and changing the carrier often will increase their animosity towards the new one.
Usually, sturdier materials last longer than the fabric ones, but there are always exceptions. If possible, look for the carriers with double stitches, metal screws instead of plastic ones, and quality zippers, as they are the moving part and thus prone to malfunctioning.
Portability and weight
Lightweight cat carriers are made from modern man-made materials and their portability is exceptional. However, that usually means a relatively low weight limit for the cat, which can be an issue for bigger breeds or chubbier pets.
Cat carriers that have metal parts and are made from firmer materials, like hard plastic, weigh increasingly more, and that affects their portability, making them quite hard to use on longer trips.
Buying a stroller type will fix the part of the issue, bud bear in mind that you can’t use the stroller in a crowd or on an airplane.
Easy of maintenance
Hard built cat carriers are much easier to maintain than the soft-sided ones. If buying a soft-sided one, make sure it has a lot of removable parts. Because of its size and material mixture, cat carriers aren’t suitable for the washing machine entirely, but there are parts of it that are.
Make sure to pick one that you will clean with ease, even during the trip, because small accidents can always happen.
Security of the pet
Cat carriers are built to keep the cat inside and make sure that she is safe inside. Always respect the weight limit labeled by the manufacturer, otherwise, you risk breaking the carrier.
All the zip locks should be safety ones, and it’s not a bad idea to combine the cat harness with the carrier. Bear in mind that cats are escape artists, and can fit even through the smallest holes.
So take special precautions on the quality of the soft side materials and mesh, as they are most prone to claw damage. Using the extra straps that go over the entrances will give you an extra level of safety, too.
What is the Difference Between the Top Cat Carriers and Regular Ones?
Through this article, we provided you with reviews of the best cat carriers on the market. All these products are made using the finest materials, those who guarantee you and your cat safety, comfort and peaceful sleep.
That amount of safety isn’t achievable by using unchecked materials or cheap copies. All that comes with the price, which, frankly is a bit higher than using the shoebox or a sports backpack.
But guarantee provided by the renowned manufacturers, and feeling that your cat is safe and comfortable, that cannot be achieved with the cheap knockoffs, that use god-knows-what materials in producing.
Does spending more means more quality?
Spending a fortune on anything doesn’t guarantee you any level of quality. Be very careful with cheap manufacturers and offers that are too good to be true.
Of course, fine quality materials and personal style touch always come with a price, but you know what doesn’t? Your cat’s safety is priceless.
If you are new in the world of cat carrier backpacks and especially if you have a small kitten, you can start by experimenting on smaller, cheaper products for some short trips, but just be careful. Every high-quality product will justify its price in the end.
Tips on How To Prepare a Cat for a Travel
- Start with the smaller, shorter trips as a process of getting your cat used to a backpack.
- Avoid going to the vet’s office on the first couple of trips because your cat can associate a backpack with an unpleasant experience.
- Always treat your cat with a snack when she behaves well it the backpack
- Develop a “Pavlovian response” in your cat. Backpack equals fun equals trip equals snacks.
- Never leave your cat unattended in a backpack. Disaster can happen in a moment.
- Never open the backpack in the middle of the car or public transportation travel, no matter how sadly your furball meows.
- Combine the backpack with the leash and the harness to avoid incidents. As soon as you open the backpack, the first reflex of a cat that’s not used to trips is to run.
- If you are going to travel by plane, get yourself an airline approved cat backpack so you don’t get separated during the flight. If you do get separated, don’t worry – on every plane, there is a special part of cargo space secured for pets, with the appropriate temperature and pressure.
- When your travel involves leaving the country, your cat needs to be microchipped and have all the medical records and paperwork ready.
- Study the laws and the customs of the foreign country that you are planning to visit with your pet so you don’t get in an unwanted situation, especially in public transportation
How To Prepare Your Cat For a Trip in 10 Easy Steps
Step 1
Visit your vet. He will give you lifesaving advice about your cat’s current health and provide you with the medicine that you will eventually need in case something goes wrong
Step 2
Give your cat some food and water, but don’t let her get overstuffed. Moving causes nausea to everyone, including the cats, and the last thing you want is your pet vomiting in the carrier. Also, make sure she used the litter box.
Step 3
If your cat has never traveled before, take her to a few shorter test trips, to observe her behavior and get her used to an idea of traveling.
Step 4
Make sure your cat is microchipped and has an ID tag with all the updated information. If traveling abroad, prepare your cat’s documents and inform yourself about the customs of the destination country.
Step 5
Prepare the carrier: put her favorite blanket and some toys inside, to make the carrier feel like home. Also, bring additional food and water, and a travel litter box would be a good solution.
Step 6
Resist the urge to release the cat from the carrier during the trip, which can cause fatal accidents. Also, use a top cat harness as an extra precaution.
Step 7
For a longer trip, plan short stops every few hours, if possible. That will allow your cat a bit of relaxing time and some fresh air.
Step 8
If you are staying in a hotel, double-check if the pets are allowed. Also, do a room inspection before releasing your cat from a carrier. Search for holes in a wall, rat poison or anything similar that could harm your cat.
Step 9
Never leave your cat unattended during the trip. She is stressed enough, and accidents take moments. Also, never leave her in a locked car. That is irresponsible, and in some states, strictly forbidden.
Step 10
Whenever possible, pamper your cat through the carrier openings, and stay close to her all the time. Your familiar scent will be relaxing for your pet.
How To Safely Travel with a Cat Carrier Onboard
The cat will show hostility to a cat carrier, as it will with any new strange object in her surroundings. But it is a problem that is easily fixed with just a little patience and some tricks from the sleeve.
The first thing is to introduce the carrier in her personal space like it’s nothing. Put it next to her bed and leave it open. Throw some of her toys inside, along with some treats, or familiar things to her like her collar or harness.
Her curiosity will prevail, and she’ll get inside the carrier. Don’t let yourself get carried away (bad pun, I know) with success, and act like it’s nothing. Eventually, your cat will get used to a carrier, and you should let her use it as a bed sometimes.
Throw inside your old T-shirt, so she connects the carrier with your scent and pleasant experiences. That way, once you take your cat on a trip, she won’t mind it.
The last thing you want to do is just to grab your cat and put her inside the carrier. That can cause severe trauma and make every future trip attempt a living hell.
How To Clean and Maintain Cat Carriers for Traveling
I am more than positive that you listened to our advice and will choose the cat carrier built exclusively from the most quality materials available in the market. If that’s the case, don’t worry. Hard-shelled carriers are oh so easy clean and maintain.
You can literary wash them with the help of the garden hose and some mild detergent. All the trip “accidents” you can solve using wet wipes. However, with the soft-sided ones, the process is just a bit more difficult, but nothing more.
Remove all the parts that can be washable in the laundry, and for the other parts, scrub, Johnny, scrub. Some warm water and a gentle detergent or soap are needed. Never use any stronger chemicals, as they might damage the sensitive fabric and give the carrier an unpleasant smell.
Leave your cat carrier to dry on the sun or on the air, spray it with some antibacterial spray, and it’s good as new. You should wash the carrier after every trip, and wash it well.
That way, you keep your pet healthy and your carrier in a good condition, so it can last for years. All these cleaning tips and tricks are also applicable for a best cat backpack carrier, too
Does and Donts To Do With a Cat Carriers and Crates
DO:
- consider your cat’s habits when choosing the carrier
- take all the extra options included in the carrier
- have patience with your cat, as trips can be quite stressful for her
- treat your cat with a high-class product
- choose a carrier that is comfortable for you to carry
- pet your cat whenever you can during the trip
DON’T:
- get cheap with the carrier. The quality always pays off.
- swing the carrier as there is no tomorrow. Otherwise, it’s vomit cleaning in order
- ever let your cat free during the trip
- use the cardboard box or a laundry basket, it was just a metaphor. Seriously, don’t do that.
- ignore the manufacturer’s safety precautions. They were put with a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of cat carrier do I need?
The general rule is 1.5 times the size of your cat. That gives her enough space to stretch, turn around and plot world dominance. The carrier that is too small will cause your cat anxiety and claustrophobia, and she will not feel safe in a carrier that’s too big.
If you have a kitten, feel free to buy a carrier that is bigger and then fill the excess space with some mats, blankets or toys.
How to disinfect a cat carrier?
Cleaning the carrier is just a step before a more important one – disinfecting it. Disinfectants only work on an absolutely clean surface, so don’t skip any part of the cleaning.
The disinfectants kill all the germs and parasites that can harm you and your pet, so it’s a habit you must adapt, for the sake of you and your pet. The market offers a various choice of pet disinfectants, so use the one that will guarantee the best results.
Also, you can make your own remedy by mixing one cup of bleach with one gallon of water, but be careful, cause bleach can damage your skin or the carrier surface, if used incorrectly.
Is a hard or soft cat carrier better?
It all depends on your cat’s preferences. Well-trained and well-behaved cats have no problem using any of the types, or both. The general rule is that hard carriers provide extra safety and the soft ones are easier to use.
Are soft-sided cat carriers safe?
Of course, they are, if you choose the right product. General concerns about the opening of the carrier inside or scratching the sides of it are mainly related to low-quality products.
But, to be honest, hard-sided carriers do offer a larger amount of safety when traveling by car or a train. For the other types of travel, the soft-sided carrier is absolutely sure.
Should I put a blanket over my cat carrier?
If your cat is anxious and darkness relaxes her, yes, you should do it. It is also recommended for the first few tips that include crowds, like public transportation, crowded waiting rooms or airports.
However, some cats like seeing the owner all the time, so make a few short tests with your cat to see what suits her the most.
How long can cats stay in a carrier?
If your cat is grown up and has no difficult medical conditions, she can stay up to 6 hours inside the carrier, although it’s not recommended. It’s always better to take short breaks for food, water and potty.
A longer stay in the carrier can disrupt your cat’s feeding habits and bladder control. The cat can even spend the night in the open carrier inside your hotel room, although it’s not as near comfortable as a durable heated bed for cats.
How to calm down your nervous and anxious cat?
Always use her regular carrier, and don’t try to introduce a new one without proper training. Spray the carrier with some catnip and throw her favorite blanket inside along with some toys.
Talk with your cat using a soft and calm voice and take every opportunity to pamper it a bit. Cats react to the owner’s scent and being close, so take that in mind, too.
Take short brakes during the longer trips, every hour or two. If that all fails, talk with your veterinarian about some anti-anxiety medications, to calm your cat. There is a variety of choice from homeopathy remedies like essential oils, to hard cat sedatives, that aren’t prescribed that often.
Short conclusion
So, cat lovers, our mission is done. As promised, we have guided you through the wonderful and neverending world of cat carriers. Take your time, choose wisely and surprise your cat with the greatest cat carrier ever!
Until next time, feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions. See you!
Photos from: belchonock / depositphotos.com, bezzznika / depositphotos.com, belchonock / depositphotos.com.
Big pet lover and a dog training and behavior expert who loves to share his knowledge and experience. Happy owner of two amazing dogs Labrador Bela and Jack Russell Terrier Piksi and one cuddly cat Tom.
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