Choose not-so-worn-out cardboard and cut some holes into it to provide ventilation. Then, put a blanket inside. Make sure the flaps of the cardboard are closed . Use duct tape to secure the top to prevent your cat from jumping out of the box.
Cat carriers and crates are very important to have at home as there are emergency situations that call for a quick trip to the vet. However, some pet owners don’t even bother to buy one for their cats because cats simply do not like it, or their cats don’t even leave their house in the first place. So, if there’s a sudden need to take your cat to the vet, that’s when you’ll realize how important it is to have a carrier.
Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as a cardboard box carrier that you can make in an instant and use as a temporary carrier for a quick trip to the vet.
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What is a cardboard cat carrier?
Cardboard cat carriers are homemade temporary carriers you can make for your cat out of cardboard boxes that may be already in your home or you can purchase from local hardware stores. These cardboard carriers are not meant for long term use as it’s not very sturdy and not waterproof. Cardboard cat carriers can be easily worn out since its soft and your cat may scratch it and make holes into it.
If the weather is hot or your cat accidentally spills water or defecates and urinates inside, the cardboard will eventually be useless. Simply put, cardboard cat carriers are disposable types of temporary carriers and it’s still advised by experts that you get a real carrier for your cat as you need it to restrain him during your travel to the vet.
How to make a cardboard cat carrier
It’s very simple to make a carrier out of cardboard. Simply choose not-so-worn-out cardboard you have at home or buy from a store and cut some holes into it to provide better ventilation. It’s actually not that difficult to put your cat inside the cardboard cat carrier because cats usually love cardboard boxes. Put a blanket inside so your cat will feel more relaxed and comfortable during the travel and make sure the flaps of the cardboard are closed well. You can use duct tape to secure the top to prevent your cat from jumping out of the box if he gets scared while on the road.
You can also reveal more of your artistic side for this project by creating some designs on the cardboard or making a sturdy handle to carry the carrier much easier.
Why do cats like carriers made of cardboard than real cat carriers?
Have you noticed how your cat likes to play and hide on one of your cardboard boxes at home? It’s because cats like to hide in dark and small spaces and cardboard boxes give them comfort. As a matter of fact, most cats like cardboard cat carriers than real carriers because the latter often associates with negative experience to them. However, it’s still advised by vets and experts that you use real cat carriers to ensure the safety of your cats during your travel as they are specifically designed for the comfort and security of cats.
Common questions about temporary cat carriers made of cardboard
Will a cardboard box keep a cat warm?
Cats like dark and warm spaces and thankfully, cardboard boxes are highly qualified items you can give them. You might have already noticed how cats like to hide and play with cardboard boxes. Every time a package is being delivered to your doorstep; your cat may be as excited as you are. Instead of throwing away your cardboard boxes, it can still be useful to your cat as it can be his warm spot for the day or you can convert it into a temporary carrier.
Why do cats like to sit in boxes?
There are many reasons why cats love boxes so much and some of them are they keep them warm and safe. Cats love to hide in enclosed and dark spaces because they have this instinct to hide from their predators. Since cardboard boxes make cats confined in a dark and warm space, they associate positive vibes with cardboard boxes.
Can you use a cardboard box as a cat carrier?
Yes, cardboard boxes can surely be used as temporary cat carriers. They can’t be used for long term as cardboard boxes are not sturdy enough and they can be easily worn out especially because they’re not waterproof. For tips on how to make a cat carrier out of cardboard boxes, refer to the guide we have provided above.
Conclusion
If you’re not planning to purchase a real cat carrier, then consider stocking up on some sturdy cardboard boxes so that when you have to go to the vet, you will have something to hold your cat during his ride in your car. Aside from that, you can offer cardboard boxes to your furry pals as a toy where they can hide as it can enrich them and make them happy.
