Choose a cat carrier that is the correct size for your cat. Your cat should feel comfortable and able to lie down. Choose a plastic carrier if you don’t travel often with your cat, as it is easy to clean. Is your cat comfortable with travel then you can choose one in fabric if you like. Make sure it closes secure and is easy for you to carry.
Looking for the right carrier for your feline friend can be difficult because of the wide variety of cat carrier styles and sizes available in the market. But you shouldn’t worry about this chore since knowing your cat well can help you a lot to decide what is best for him with the safety and comfort of travel in mind. As a cat owner, you probably know by now what’s best for your cat’s travel. With this informative post about cat carriers, you can be able to come up with the right decision on how to choose the right one for your furry friend.
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Types of cat carriers
There are two different types to chose from:
- Hard cat carriers
- Soft cat carriers
Hard cat carriers
These are made of plastic and usually come in large sizes. Hard cat carriers are also different compared to dog crats that have a removable top section. Otherwise, these types of cat carriers are enclosed with plastic and have a wire door on one side of the crate. Hard cat carriers are also very easy to maintain making it a safety gear for your kitty.
Hard cat carriers are also much heavier compared to the soft type of cat carries so they might not be very suitable for travel that requires many stopovers or relocation.
Soft cat carriers
Soft cat carriers are the best carriers if you want a more space-saving and lighter carrier that looks like a bag with netted openings on both sides. These types of carriers let your cat have proper airflow and for him to be able to know what’s going on outside. Soft cat carriers are highly recommended for short trip travels since they can be easily folded or stored into corners whenever necessary.
However, the downside of soft cat carriers is that the soft surface is harder to clean and maintain and this is something that you’ll have to from time to time since cats usually end up having accidents during travel most especially when they get motion sickness.
Tips on how to choose the right cat carrier
When it comes to choosing the best carrier for your cat, it’s very important to make sure that it’s spacious enough for him to turn around and lie down comfortably. Aside from that, there are also some other considerations which can help you choose the right carrier for your cat and these are the following:
- No matter what type of carrier you buy for your cat, you need to ensure that you place a blanket or towel inside during your travel so that your cat will feel more comfortable when lying down.
- A cat carrier that has a top opening will also make your cat less stressful and your life easier. Also, with this type of cat carrier, you can be able to lower your furry friend into the carrier without fuss since he can be able to enter the carrier much easier.
- Bear in mind that although you do not want your cat carrier to be very small, you also don’t want it to be too big since cats feel more safe and secure in cozy areas. Thus, cat carriers that are too large may make him anxious during your trip.
Common questions about how to choose the right cat carrier
Can you put 2 cats in one cat carrier?
This usually depends if your cats get along well or not. Also, if you’re planning to put 2 cats in one carrier, make sure that your carrier is large enough that both of them can lie down comfortably. On the other hand, if your feline friends don’t get along well, go crazy outside, or are sick, then it’s highly advised that you use separate carriers for each of them.
How much space does your cat need to have in a carrier?
The carrier you give your cat needs to be roomy. Thus, you should make sure that the carrier has enough space where your cat can turn around, stand up, and lie down from time to time. But you also have to take note that cats are not comfortable with very big carriers as oversized ones can only make your cat feel anxious and lonely during your travel.
How do I encourage my cat into a soft cat carrier?
If you have already bought a soft carrier for your cat but he won’t cooperate when using it, then you can try adding some toys, treats, and soft blanket inside to make it look more appealing and cozier. If it doesn’t work, you can simply swaddle your furry friend and gently place him inside.
Conclusion
When shopping for a cat carrier, make sure that it’s user-friendly and shouldn’t be something stressful to use. You should also consider the materials used and look for something that’s easy to clean, maintain, as well as comfortable for your cat to use. If you want to make sure you’re giving the best carrier to your cat, it’s highly advised to ask a recommendation from your trusted veterinarian.
