When you travel or go on adventures with your cat, taking your cat with you in the car is usually a part of the equation. And of course, any time you need to take your cat to the vet, you're going to have to take her in the car. Traveling the world with your cat, or even making short trips to the grocery store, can feel like a challenge-especially if your cat has a tendency to run away or is at high risk for health problems.
Even cats who only leave the house to go to the vet need a safe way to get there. The perfect cat carrier can be hard to find, but it's worth it when you do.
First, why should you use a cat carrier?
While it may be tempting to let your cat roam free in the car, it is not safe for anyone. Your cat should be in a carrier at all times.
Ensure your cat's safety
Carriers keep your cat safe and eliminate the possibility of your cat getting in the way. Cat carriers provide an extra layer of security to protect your cat from injury while traveling to your destination. It also gives your cat a safe, secure place to relax, making travel less stressful for both you and your cat.
Second, what to consider before buying a cat carrier？
Choosing the best cat carrier for your needs depends on many factors. Here are some things to consider before you shop.
- How large is your cat?
- How long does it take to get your cat in?
- Will the carrier keep my cat dry?
- How many vents does it have?
- Can the carrier be wiped down quickly?
- Is the carrier easy to wear?
If you're only taking short trips (like to the vet or to visit friends), the carrier only needs to be big enough for your kitty to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Traveling longer distances or cross-country? You'll need a larger carrier to give your cat more room to move around, stretch out, and attach a water and food bowl.
This is probably the most important factor to consider, especially in an emergency. You want to be able to get your cat inside quickly and efficiently. This is why we recommend a top-loading cat carrier: It is much easier to drop a cat in from the top than it is to cram her through the front door. A top-loading carrier, or one that can be taken apart and reassembled, will also make visits to the vet easier.
Some carriers are lined with washable, absorbent, removable pads for your cat's comfort. But it helps if these liners can also absorb water or other liquids quickly and thoroughly. If cats have accidents in the carrier, they'll be more comfortable if their paws and bodies stay dry. If your carrier doesn't do the job, try this trick from Dr. Mitchell: Line the bottom with puppy training pads.
Most carriers are already designed with oxygen flow in mind. But there is a caveat: Too many openings can be intimidating to cats, who would rather hide than see the world. If possible, get a travel carrier with relatively solid sides so your kitty feels protected.
Carriers are almost cat-proof, which means you don't have to worry about your cat shredding or otherwise destroying your carrier of choice. But they often take a beating, especially with bodily fluids, says Dr. Mitchell. So how easy it is to clean is an important consideration.
If it's heavy now, it's going to be a lot harder to carry once your cat is inside. You want to be able to get out of a burning building quickly and safely with your cat in the carrier, so portability is important.
Third，How to choose the right cat carrier?
- Safety First
- Consider size
- Comfort Factors
A carrier should be easy to use and provide a safe way to transport your cat. There are many options and features to choose from. The most tried and true carriers are hard plastic carriers. They are sturdy, easy to carry, and easy to clean if your cat has an accident or gets carsick. But there are also soft-sided carriers and rolling luggage-style carriers that are just as attractive. The safest carrier is one that's easy for you to use and provides a safe environment for your cat.
When fully grown, your cat should be able to stand, sit, and turn around in the carrier. This means getting a carrier that's about one and a half times your cat's size. If the carrier is too small, you may have trouble getting your cat into it, and she won't be comfortable. If the carrier is too big, you may have trouble carrying or balancing your cat, which won't make for a comfortable ride.
Cats practically demand comfort, and a carrier should be no exception. Choosing the right size carrier is part of keeping your cat comfortable. You should also consider the number of openings and whether or not your cat will want to look out. Having more than one opening can make it easier to get your cat in and out of the carrier. Likewise, the ability to see out may be important for some cats, while others may prefer to have a blanket or towel placed over the carrier to create a dark environment.
Fourth，Different types of cat carriers
- Cat Carrier Bag
- Cat Carrier Backpack
- Wearable Carriers
The beauty of a soft-sided cat carrier is that you can fold it up when you need to store it in a small space, such as under the seat of an airplane or train, or when you store it at home. Another advantage of soft cat carriers: The mesh openings make your cat feel "hidden.
The biggest advantage of a backpack cat carrier is that it's easy for you to carry your pet around, although you may not be able to see your cat while it's on your back. Plus, they have a top-loading opening that makes it easy to get your kitty in.
Following the baby carrier trend, wearable dog carriers have become popular. They free up your hands and make transporting your dog almost effortless. They are only useful for small pets. Shoulder sling carriers allow your dog to snuggle inside or keep his head free to watch his surroundings. Some have zippers for added security and are washable and lightweight.
Last, How to get your cat used to the carrier?
Once you've chosen your carrier, it's time to start training your cat to like it. At this point, it's important to keep the carrier out and visible, just like any other piece of furniture. Hiding the carrier and only taking it out for trips to the vet will reinforce the negative association. But keeping the carrier in plain sight just makes it another part of the house. Elevated places can sometimes be best. Just make sure the carrier is stable wherever you put it.
As another part of your training preparation, place something familiar to your cat in the bottom of the carrier. This can be a favorite blanket, towel, or even a piece of clothing that has her scent on it. You can also try a blanket or towel sprayed with a cat pheromone such as Feliway®. Just wait until it's dry before letting your cat approach it. If your kitty is particularly reluctant to enter the carrier, you can remove the top (if your model allows) and leave it completely open.
Finally, it's time to start some positive associations with the carrier. You can do this by placing some of your cat's favorite things around the carrier wherever you have it in your home. Cats often respond well to positive reinforcement, so try placing treats or catnip inside the carrier so they feel comfortable getting in and out. You can also play with toys around the carrier. A dangling toy or laser pointer that can be moved in and out of the carrier works well.
As your cat becomes more comfortable around the carrier, you can also try feeding her regular meals near the carrier. Start by feeding your cat outside the carrier. Over time, you can try putting her food inside the carrier to see if she's comfortable eating inside. If your cat isn't ready, don't force the issue. You can always try again the next day.
Conclusion
No matter what type of carrier you choose, be sure to take the time to get your cat used to it. Unlike litter boxes, which cats have very strong feelings about, most kitties do like their carriers. Training your cat to like a pet carrier doesn’t happen overnight. This process can take days, weeks, or longer depending on your cat’s age and temperament.
