When choosing a carrier for your cat, you may be thinking that it’s a good idea to buy a bigger one. Actually, it’s not always the case, and neither is a carrier that’s too small for your cat. If you buy a cat carrier that’s too big for your feline friend, chances are it will leave him feeling anxious and isolated. Aside from that, a big carrier will keep throwing your cat against the sides when you’re carrying it and he will not feel safe inside. On the other hand, a small cat carrier isn’t comfortable at all as your cat can’t move around.
How to choose the right carrier size for your cat
When shopping for a cat carrier, make sure you buy one that has enough space so that your cat can freely lie down, turn around, and stand up comfortably. If you are planning to buy a cat carrier for longer travel than a trip to the vet, make sure that you buy a carrier that has also enough space for water and food bowls.
There are actually plastic cat carriers with built-in water and food bowl, which is very handy for your travel. However, if your budget won’t allow for this high-end cat carrier, then make sure that the one you choose can accommodate the bowls for the entire travel duration. However, you don’t want the carrier to be very large either. All you just need is a cat carrier that can make your feline friend feel safe and comfortable during your travel. This means not too big, and not too small.
Importance of choosing the best carrier for your cat
While there are various types of carriers available in the market, another important thing you need to take into consideration aside from the size is the style and it’s usually dependent on what type of feline you have. For instance, if your cat is a bit aggressive, you may choose a cat carrier with multiple openings. Sometimes, aggressive cats are hard to put into a carrier and one best way to put them in is to use the opening on the top than the front entrance.
The same thing also goes for those cats to really love to scratch. If your cat is like this, you need to use a hard plastic cat carrier as it’s more secure and durable in the long run compared to a soft fabric cat carrier which can be easily worn down and torn up. This means that you always have to consider the general behavior of your cat before you purchase something for them. For example, when buying a cat carrier, consider your cat’s behavior when relying on its loop fasteners, hooks, and zippers to make sure that your cat will be secured inside.
Aside from that, you should also bear in mind that the carrier will need to be cleaned once in a while, which is especially true if your kitty is prone to motion sickness. Most soft fabric carriers have a hard base that’s completely removable for cleaning purposes. Usually, the rest of soft cat carriers can be washed in a washing machine but the hard base has to be maintained by hand. On the other hand, a hard case cat carrier is much easier to clean since you can simply wash it with water or wipe it out.
Common questions about how to choose a cat carrier
What size of cat carrier do I need?
If you’re planning to buy a cat carrier, the most important thing to consider is the right size. Experts recommend that you choose a cat carrier that’s one and a half to two times bigger than your furry feline. The style of the cat carrier highly depends on you and your cat’s needs and preferences. However, if your cat resists whenever you try to put him inside the carrier, then go with a cat carrier that has a top opening.
Do cats prefer hard or soft carriers?
In order to keep your feline friend secured in his cat carrier, it’s best that you invest in a high-quality one. There are lots of cat carriers in the market with different designs, sizes, and shapes. Usually, soft cat carriers are very lightweight and made of fabric, which makes it much easier to store. On the other hand, hard cat carriers are designed to provide sturdier protection.
Can a cat carrier be too big or too small?
Yes, a carrier can be too big or too small for your cat. When looking for a cat carrier, make sure that your cat can be able to sit, lie, stand, and turn around inside the carrier. If the carrier you buy for your cat is too big for him, then it can be difficult for your cat to balance and for you to carry the carrier itself without having your kitty slide from both sides.
Conclusion
Not all cats like to be placed inside the carrier, which is why you have to find ways on how to give your feline friend positive associations with his own carrier. You can do this by putting his favorite blanket, cat toys, or treats inside his carrier and he will think of it more as a safe and comfortable place. With lots of research, you’ll definitely be able to find the right carrier for your cat and the most important thing to remember is the size.
