Choosing the Purrfect Cat Carrier

Does your cat enjoy riding in the car? Chances are, the answer to that question is no. In fact, most of our feline patients absolutely despise car rides! However, sooner or later, Fluffy will need to be transported. When she does, she should always be in a carrier. But what should you look for when picking a carrier? An experienced Carroll veterinarian offers some suggestions below.

 Size

Usually, when it comes to animal housing or cages, bigger is better. This isn’t the case here, however. With cats, you don’t want to go too big because they can tumble around too much in large carriers. Plus, cats also tend to feel safer in small spaces. Of course, if the carrier is too small, your furry friend may feel trapped and frightened. As a rule of thumb, the carrier should be about 1.5 times your cat’s size. Your kitty should be able to sit up, turn around, and sleep in various positions, without tripping over her dishes.

Material

Both hard and soft carriers have their own pros and cons. Nylon ones are lightweight, attractive, and easy to store. On the other hand, they do sag, which means they won’t really protect Fluffy from being jostled. They also don’t provide any real protection in case of an accident. Plastic carriers aren’t as pretty, but they are both durable and easy to clean. You may find a carrier that opens from the top a bit easier to manage.

Cardboard

You can also find some carriers made from cardboard. These should really be considered one-time use carriers. Shelters often provide these for people to bring kitties home in. They will also work in an emergency. However, they don’t last long, fall apart if they get wet, and are pretty easy to get out of.

Tips

Helping your feline pal form a positive impression of her carrier will definitely make things easier for you. Add some comfortable bedding and some favorite toys to the carrier, and offer Fluffy treats, praise, and catnip while she’s in it. You may also want to leave it out between uses. If your kitty only sees the carrier before she goes for a dreaded car ride, she may bolt for cover as soon as she spots it!

Please contact us, your Carroll vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!