Cat carriers are very important for cat owners. But bear in mind that choosing between a soft or hard carrier for your furry feline simply means fully understanding what, when, and how you are going to use it for.
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Hard carriers vs. soft carriers
There are pros and cons with both hard and soft carriers. The soft carriers are lightweight and easy to store. If you chose the hard version, it gives your cat better protection. If you need to bring it on an airplane, you have to check if it is approved for travel.
Know why you need a carrier
For instance, traveling cross-country with your cat in a car might need a different carrier than if you are taking him to your vet. If you are traveling with your kitty by plane, then things can become more complicated since airlines have different strict regulations for animal carriages. In this article, you’ll know more about traveling with your cat using a soft or hard cat carrier.
Things to consider when choosing a carrier for your cat
When you decide on any mode of transportation, the things you look for are often durability, affordability, comfort, and safety. The same things should also apply when you’re choosing a carrier or any transportation gear for your cat.
As a cat parent, picking out the best soft or hard carrier for your kitty is definitely worth taking time to think the most important things over. If you’re in the middle of a deciding process whether to buy a hard or soft one, then you came to the right place.
Some cats prefer soft carriers while other cats prefer hard carriers. The best carrier might be depended on the intent. Chose hard if your cat is afraid of travel, is destructive, and/or an escape artist. Chose soft for more comfort and if your cat is well-behaved outside your home.
Animals A2Z
Choosing the best cat carrier for your furry feline is definitely a worthwhile investment because a good cat carrier can be able to provide more security for you and your cat, and can also help make your travel less stressful. Remember that traveling with your cat without a carrier can be very dangerous not only for your cat but for you and the other passengers as well. This is because a nervous and loose cat can easily climb anywhere in your car, including your steering wheel, in front of your dashboard, or even under your pedals.
The moment there’s something that will frighten your cat, he can easily cause trouble in the road as he can scratch or bite you and impede your ability to hit the road safely. Furthermore, a cat who’s not safe and secured in his carrier can eventually bolt from your arms or from the car and could get injured or lost before you can even react. Definitely, this is the last thing you want to happen.
What makes a good cat carrier?
The moment you look for a cat carrier online or go to a pet store near you, there are a lot of cat carriers you can choose from such as cardboard, cloth, little, big, colorful, soft-sided, hard plastic, and many more. To choose the best one, all you need to do is to look at it from the perspective of your cat. All cats like dark, cozy and comfortable places.
One thing that is worth mentioning is the fact that you should never think of using a box as a courier to transport your furry friend. While it’s true that there are some cardboard carriers available, it’s actually meant for a very short use like a hop between a breeder or shelter and your home. However, you need to remember that these temporary carriers are not very suitable for repeated use. Simply put, your cat is safer in a solid plastic or fabric box.
Common questions about cat carriers
Do cats prefer small or large carriers?
When it comes to choosing the right carrier for your cat, size really matters. A cat carrier generally must be 1 ½ bigger than the size of your feline friend. If your carrier is bigger than your cat, then it can be very uncomfortable trying to carry and balance the cat carrier without having him slide from one corner to another.
Can you use a soft carrier for your cat?
While it’s true that soft-sided carriers are a quite popular and sturdy option for traveling with your cat, they should only be used for felines that are calm and good travelers. You should also take note when buying a carrier for your cat that it must be sized correctly to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
Is it illegal to drive with a cat, not in a carrier?
Yes, it’s legal in most states to ride in a vehicle without a carrier as long as they are restrained properly and do not pose any restriction to the driver. However, each state also has its own laws when it comes to distracted driving with kitties loose in the car or sitting on their lap.
Conclusion
So, what cat carrier should you buy? A soft or hard one? No matter what you choose, just make sure that the cat carrier must be user-friendly and it should be something that won’t cause you and your cat any stress. Aside from that, it should also be cozy and comfortable for your cat and must be easy to clean. If you want to make sure you’re buying the right one for your cat, consider asking some recommendations from your trusted veterinarian.
