Cat Carriers: Why You Need Them, and How to Pick the Right One

Cat Carriers

Traveling the world with your cat or making even short trips to the grocery store can feel like a challenge—especially when your feline is prone to bolting or at a high risk of health concerns. But there’s no reason to worry—not when Charlie, our Chief Feline Officer (CFO) has got you covered.

In this article, Charlie will help you understand the importance of investing in a cat carrier. He’ll also help you make sense of the many cat carriers on the market and reveal your one-stop shop for all your kitty carrier needs.

 

First, Why Should You Use A Cat Carrier?

Whether you’re driving your cat to the veterinarian or on a night-long road trip, it’s important to ensure your cat’s safety—and a cat carrier can help you with that.

And no, Charlie is not talking about the DIY carriers you craft out of tote bags.

We’re talking about actual cat carriers, which are crafted by experts.

Here’s why you should use them.

Guarantee Your Cat’s Safety

Carriers keep your cat safe and eliminate the chances of your cat getting in the way.

A loose, nervous cat could climb anywhere in the car, including the pedals and dashboard, and try to run off. If it feels frightened or threatened, it can bite or scratch you, impeding your ability to drive safely.  

Provide An Extra Level Of Security

Cat carriers provide your feline with extra security to protect them from getting injured en route to your destination. It will also provide your cat with a safe, secure space to chill, making the travel less stressful for you and your feline.

Easy To Get Around

A cat carrier is a convenient way to transport your cat from point A to point B. It’s less stressful for both parties and provides a comfortable environment for the cat.  

 

Shopping For a Cat Carrier? Here Are Some Factors to Take into Account

Charlie understands that the world of cat carriers can be complicated, but that’s no reason why you should let a marketing executive sell you a sub-par carrier.

Here’s what you should consider when shopping for a fur-tastic cat carrier:

Size

Cat Carriers

A big carrier can make your cat slip and slide, while a small carrier can make your feline feel suffocated.

So, how do you know what the right size is?  

According to Charlie, you should choose a carrier one and a half times the size of your cat. It would provide your cat a sense of security and make it less prone to physical and emotional harm. It will also give them room to stand, turn around, and lie down, so they can watch the world revolve around them.

Take the Mod Capsule Carrier by K&H, for example. The easy-assemble carrier has no weight restrictions and 2 openings for maximum convenience.

What makes this carrier special? Its top opening. You just have to unzip the top, open the lid, place your cat inside on the comfy, cozy pillow, and get ready to travel.

If you have more than one cat, you may be tempted to cram them all in one carrier, but Charlie advises against it.

Cats can get stressed by all the movement, so even if they get in all buddy-buddy, there’s a good chance that their fight-or-flight response would cause fights en route. A cat that has been attacked will resist getting inside the carrier the next time, so it’s advisable to have one for every kitty.  

Styles

A cardboard carrier is a temporary means of transporting your cat. It’s a hassle to clean and doesn’t provide much security, but some carrier styles are more suitable for cat travel. These include:

Soft Carriers

Soft Cat Carriers

These carriers are made of firm but flexible materials.

The City Voyager, for instance, is made with durable but lightweight nylon and features removable zippered mesh. It has a sturdy, hard base that will keep your cat comfortable and safe. It also features a padded shoulder strap for your convenience.

With this carrier, you and your kitty can have a stress-free jaunt around town.

Backpack or Rolling Suitcase Style Carriers

Backpack or Rolling Suitcase Style Cat Carriers

They’re durable and strong, give the cat a view of the surroundings, and are easy to carry. The Breezy Cat Carrier, for example, can be used in two ways. You can use it as a handle — as an actual suitcase, or wear it as a backpack and get exploring.

What makes it special?

Well, it has a wide bottom, which gives your cat plenty of space to move around, and a tinted window, which allows your cat to take in the view while being protected from the harmful rays of the sun.

It also features an intelligent ventilation system that offers air temperature control and minimizes noise to ensure optimal comfort.

Word to the wise: There are plenty of options on the market, but beyond a cute, eye-catching design, they serve little purpose. So, do your research and stick with tried-and-tested brands, such as Politically Incorrect Pets, to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety.

Closures

Cat Carriers Closures

Most carriers have two openings—one at the top and one in front. They’re helpful for cats who resist getting into the carrier. These openings make it less stressful to coax your feline in and out of the carrier. It gives them multiple points to explore and offers different views, too.

Do you have a feline that bolts at the first sight of freedom?

Charlie advises that you look for a cat carrier with a latched front gate, such as this airline-approved Cozy Carrier. It allows you to get your cat out of its carrier while keeping it secure. It’s well-ventilated and dark, so your cat feels protected.

Even the most clever cat won’t be able to weasel its way out of it!

Maintenance

You’ll need to clean the carrier regularly, so ensure you look for carriers that you can easily vacuum for easy maintenance. Cat carriers with removable padding are also good options, as you can easily toss them into the washing machine.  

It will also:

  • Provide your feline with familiar scents to curb their stress, especially when they’re traveling to different, unfamiliar environments.
  • Give your cat a cozy place to rest. Uncomfortable travel? We don’t do that here.
  • Keep your feline from slipping and sliding from one side to the other, so they won’t feel like they’re on a roller coaster ride.   

Basically, it will enhance their travel experience.

 

How to Train Your Cat to Use a Carrier: The 101 You Don’t Think You Need but Actually Do

Cat Carriers

Is your cat resisting getting inside the carrier? Here are some tried-and-tested ways to train your cat to see the carrier as a safe space.

  1. Start them off young.
  2. Place the carrier in the living room or bedroom lined with a towel your cat has used before. The familiarity of the scent will lure your cat in, and they’ll get comfortable quickly.
  3. Place some treats or toys in the carrier. Once your cat gets inside, you can close the door. However, if the cat shows discomfort, open the door and walk away.
  4. When your cat is willing to get in on its own, start introducing your cat to the car.
  5. Leave your cat in the vehicle for a few minutes, then give it a treat when you get it outside. Your cat will develop a positive association with the carrier and will no longer feel stressed when inside the car.
  6. Now, you can start taking your cat on short trips and eventually increase the distance as your cat gets comfortable.

This process might take some time, so be patient and avoid shortcuts. Otherwise, you’ll do more harm than good.

 

The Best Cat Carriers For Your Feline

Cat Carriers

If you’re looking for good carriers that are safe for short and long trips, head to Politically Incorrect Pets.

They have a great selection of some of the finest cat carriers to ever exist. They’re cute and comfortable for both: pet parents and the pet themselves. Some options, such as the Cozy Cat Carrier, City Voyager, and Sherpa Cat Backpack are also airline-approved, so you’ll be covered whether you’re making short trips to the vet or long trips by air.

 

Final Notes

Charlie hopes this has made it easy for you to find a cat carrier that will keep your pet safe in transit and provide comfort and protection.

Disclosure:

Putting your cat in cargo can be stressful for you and your feline. So, make sure to check with the airline well in advance to confirm their policy on in-cabin travel.

While we’re on the subject, also make sure to label the carrier with your contact information. If your kitty gets separated from you on your travels, it can help you get it back.