Buying a Cat Carrier

Cat carriers are used to transport your cat in a safe and secure manner. The most common journeys that you will make are to the vet or to the cattery. Most vets will insist that cats are bought in to the surgery in a carrier. A carrier will also prove invaluable in an emergency so it's an essential item for cat owners.

Types of Cat Carrier

There are three main types of cat carrier available: soft, rigid or cardboard. Each has different features, so you will need to consider the benefits and select the type that will be best for you and your cat.

Soft cat carriers are made from a firm material and often have soft padding on the inside. A removable liner will help to make it more practical to clean. A supporting frame will provide additional strength to ensure that your cat’s weight is easy carried. A soft cat carrier will come with handles and straps for you to use when lifting and carrying, and the material walls also allow for useful side pockets. The walls frequently have netting windows which provide good ventilation. It is important to consider the ventilation for your cat whilst traveling, and always make sure that there is a good flow of air. The main advantage of a soft cat carrier is that they are easy to store as they can be folded up and will take up less space than a rigid carrier.

Rigid cat carriers are usually made from a tough plastic, although they can also be made from a plastic coated wire or wicker. The plastic rigid carriers can come with a plastic door, or with a wire door which is a stronger alternative. Rigid cat carriers tend to be very strong and durable. They can be stacked whilst being stored and also during transport, which is an advantage if you have more than one cat. The main advantage of a rigid cat carrier is that they are easy to clean as they can simply be wiped clean.

Cardboard cat carriers are adequate for use in an emergency but they are not recommended for regular use. Cardboard can break or be torn by the cat. Cardboard will also weaken when it is wet, which can occur when your cat urinates or if it rains whilst you are moving your cat.

Cat Carrier Features

With a range of different models of cat carrier available, it can be useful to think of what features you would like your cat carrier to incorporate. Size will be one of the first features that you will look at. The carrier should be large enough for your cat to be comfortable and that will mean that they can stand up, turn around, ly down and stretch out. At the same time the carrier needs to be small enough for your cat to feel secure. If you are buying a kitten it is a good idea to look for a carrier that will be the correct size for your cat once they are fully grown. Remember that you will need to have a carrier to transport your new cat home.

The strength and quality of the carrier are key features of cat carriers. Look for carriers with durability and a good lock system. The handle will need to be strong, and the hinging on the door solid. These factors will make the carrier difficult to escape from, and will keep your cat safe. A good safety feature found in a lot of carriers is that they can be secured using a car seatbelt. Remember that ventilation is important. If you are undertaking a long journey you will need to be able to place food and water bowls into the carrier.

The positioning of the door will affect how you can place the cat inside the carrier (especially important if your cat does not want to go inside!). Some carriers have detachable tops, whilst others are designed with both top and front doors to try to ease the process of your cat entering and exiting the carrier. Another point to consider is how easy the carrier will be to clean. Some carriers have a waste collection gutter built into the design.

Using a Cat Carrier

It is a good idea to get your cat accustomed to their carrier before you need to use it. Placing your cat into an unfamiliar carrier will cause them additional stress in an emergency. To assist with reacting to an emergency, make sure that your cat carrier is in an easy to reach place and not hidden away in the loft. Not only will the carrier be vital for transporting your cat, but the small enclosed space of the carrier will help your cat to feel more secure in the event of an injury or illness.

Do not use your carrier solely for vet visits, as your cat will develop a negative association with the carrier. It is good practise to leave the carrier open in your house with familiar bedding inside. When your cat enters you can feed them treats. Some cats will happily sleep and play in their carrier once they are acclimatised to it. If your cat does resist entering the carrier, it is easiest to place them into the carrier tail first. If your cat is fighting, a towel can be wrapped around their body to protect you from getting scratched – just make sure that their head is still free.

If you are traveling in a car it is safest to place the cat carrier onto the back seat and secure it with the seat belt. If you are traveling in an aeroplane you will need to check with your airline on the current flying regulations. Airline approved carrier designs are available, but it is advisable to check the regulations first. If your cat suffers from travel sickness remember not to feed them for a couple of hours before commencing travel.

Cat Carriers - Recommended Shops

With so many carriers available to buy online, we think these pet shops offer the best selection and the best prices.

Argos

A nice range of cat carriers from Argos.

Pet Supermarket

Cheap cat carriers in a range of materials at Pet Supermarket. Have a look now.

PetPlanet

All types of cat carrier can be found at Petplanet - see the range now.

Zooplus

Lots of cat carriers including airline approved models from Zooplus.

Seapets

High quality cat carriers from Seapets. Take a look now.