When planning for travel, a cat carrier should be included in your cat travel checklist. It could be for a journey to the veterinarian, a short walk in the park, visiting family, moving to a new house, or going on an overseas holiday.
Getting a cat carrier for your cat is a valuable investment. This is because a good carrier can provide a safe, secure space and comfort for your cat, so they will not feel anxious about travelling. This can also reduce the cat’s mental stress.
It is not recommended to use DIY cat carriers, for example: paper or cardboard boxes, tote bags, or laundry baskets. This is because cats can be injured or escape when moving around.
TYPES OF CAT CARRIER
Soft-Sided Carriers
Soft carriers are made with sturdy yet flexible materials such as polyester, nylon and microfiber.
Pro: Lightweight and easy to carry, used for cats that are good calm travellers, easy to keep when it’s not in use.
Cons: Not as sturdy or supportive as hard plastic carriers, it’s possible for cats to tear out the nylon mesh when nervous, zip can damage cat nail.
Shown here is the Soft-Sided Carriers. Front opening doors and sideways zip opening that can flat packed when keeping. One picture shows with our kittens playing in it. One picture shows the doors are zipped up and closed with the kitty waving hello in the carrier.
Hard-Sided Carriers
Hard carriers typically are very sturdy and durable, it is made of plastic.
Pro: Strong and durable that provides a sturdy space, more room for the cat to turn around and stretch, most allow for the top to be taken off, steel mesh door which is much stronger than plastic mesh, easier to clean.
Cons: Mostly does not come with padding, they are bulkier, can take up storage space when it’s not in use.
Shown here is the Plastic Carrier with metal mesh door. It has front opening door, it can be dissembled and reassembled by unfasten or fasten the side locks. The pictures show the kittens sitting inside it comfortably.
Shown here is an IATA compliant travel crates, that can be used to travel by plane. Similar design as above but made with higher design standards. The pictures show the metal mesh door slightly open and another showing our adult cat sitting comfortably in it.
Cat Backpacks
Cat backpack are a unique and interesting way to bring around your cat.
Pro: Backpacks allows carrying the cats easily, most of it provides ample padding, some provides extra accessories and extra pockets.
Cons: Can be more stressful for cats if it’s not comfortable, it can be less sturdy hence doesn’t provide the same amount of protection, some backpack carrier can force cat into an uncomfortable position.
Shown here is the Cat Backpack that we have. Front and top opening doors. One picture shows our kitten sitting happily in it, another picture shows our kittens playing around it.
This is another Cat Backpack that we have. It is similar to the ones above but slightly smaller. Front and top opening doors. One of the picture shows our kitten chilling in it.
Cat Strollers
Cat stroller are a unique and interesting way to bring around your cat. Really useful for bringing around heavy cats.
Pro: Pet stroller made it easier to move around without carry any weight, more freedom of movement, most of it provides ample padding, some provides extra accessories and extra pockets.
Cons: Can be more stressful for cats if it’s not comfortable.
Shown here is the Cat Stroller that we have. It is easier to move around and can reduce stress on the arm if bringing heavier cats.
HOW TO CHOOSE CAT CARRIER?
With so many options, how to know which cat carriers is for you?
Finding a suitable cat carrier for your fluffy friend can feel overwhelming, so consideration for a cat carrier can be based on your criteria of:
Safety – Can the carrier keep the cat in without injuring itself?
Comfort – Is it enough space? Any extra padding for the cat to rest?
Durability – Is the carrier holding itself up and the walls are not falling?
Affordability – Is the price within budget or is the cost is out of proportion?
Mindful Questions:
* Should it be soft-sided or hard-sided?
* How many doors? Opening from top? front? Side?
* What’s the suitable cat carrier for difficult cats?
* Just a basic cat carrier or fancy type carrier?
Good to know: Cats likes small spaces; sometimes larger carrier may not be necessary. Smaller carrier can make the cat feel cosy and secure. General rule of thumb is the cat carrier should be 1.5 times of the cat size.