With so many different carriers on the market, how do you choose which one to buy?
To choose the best carrier for your cat, look for all of the key features listed below. I can’t promise that your cat will jump for joy at your thoughtful purchase; however, you can rest assured that you have put your cat’s safety and welfare first.
Key features to look for in a cat carrier;
Strong and sturdy – choose a carrier that is strong and will support the weight of your cat. A solid/firm base will help your cat feel more secure when you lift the carrier off the ground.
Secure – make sure that the carrier has a good quality locking system to secure the cat inside. Some carriers have a double locking system for extra safety. Don’t take any chances with this, it can be extremely dangerous for your cat if they break free from the carrier away from home. Some carriers might give you the option to add your own safety features as an extra precaution.
Car Safety – seatbelts save lives! Make sure you choose a carrier that has a handle for a seat belt to fit through. This will secure the carrier, and essentially keep your cat safe if you have to pull up quickly!
Ventilation – A well ventilated carrier will ensure that your cat has plenty of fresh air to breathe in. Ideally, choose a carrier that balances excellent ventilation and privacy so that your cat feels safely hidden inside.
Size matters – The carrier must be big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around comfortably, even on short journeys! Kittens grow quickly, so don’t waste your money on a tiny carrier (you can always pad out a larger carrier with comfy blankets). Never force cats to share a carrier as it is likely to increase stress and could result in injury to one or both cats! For bonded cats who have always shared a carrier, each should have plenty of room to stand and turn comfortably.
Different types of access – Some carriers have a removable top which is great for 3 reasons! 1) you can easily transform the carrier into a bed at home (which helps your cat become accustomed to the carrier). 2) your cat might prefer to be lowered into the carrier 3) some cats (one of mine included) prefer to stay in the carrier at the vets (typical eh!) and your vet may be happy to examine them while they are inside, just by lifting the lid off! Obviously, it depends what you are going to the vets for, so don’t quote me on this!
Easy to clean – Consider how easy the carrier is to clean. Some cats may have an accident on route, so surfaces that are easy to wipe down are advisable!
Useful online links
Here are a few links that will be useful for you to compare different styles of cat carriers. My advice is always to invest in the best quality carrier that your budget allows as it will need to last you a long time!
Introduce the new carrier to your cat today… Don’t wait until you need to go to the vets!
Now that you have chosen the best carrier for your cat, it’s time to make it ‘part of the furniture!’ Don’t make the mistake of keeping it hidden away in the shed or garage as your cat needs to become familiar with it. Click here to discover how you can reduce your cat’s fear of the carrier and make future trips to the vets less stressful.