A highly disregarded but absolutely crucial item when owning a cat would most definitely be a carrier. Owners will purchase litter boxes, toys, bowls and scratchers in advance, but many times, oddly a carrier will be on the bottom of the list or completely overlooked.
We cannot stress enough how paramount a carrier is for the safety of a cat. Even the most docile of felines could be startled by a sudden loud noise and jump out of his or her owner’s arms into the street, potentially leading to a major accident.
But with so many options available in the market, owners may be confused as to which carrier is most suitable for their feline friends. Every cat and owner have different preferences, hence there is never a one size fits all approach to choosing one. However we can list the criteria which can be considered if you are planning to purchase a carrier.
Safety and Durability
Opt for a sturdy plastic or metal wire model of good quality. Fabric carriers may be appealing for aesthetic purposes, but do not last as long and can easily be torn up or worn down. Cats could also surprisingly (or not!) be able to push their way out of the zippers!
Entry and Exit
We recommend a carrier with both a top and front opening. Carriers with a top opening enable you to easily lower your cat from above and take her out if your cat is not trained to the carrier. Front loading carriers which also have an option of removing the entire top section are helpful as they can be taken apart in the middle and have the top half removed. This is not only easier to put your cat in and take out, but also more convenient as your cat can remain in the bottom of the carrier during a check-up at the vets. Cats may feel more secure and experience less anxiety when they can remain in their carrier during the check up.
Size
Carriers must be large enough for your cat to sit, adjust their positions and lay down comfortably, yet snug enough so travel does not seem like an amusement park ride. Although they come in many sizes, even the smallest of carriers may be too big for a tiny kitten. In this case, lining the bottom of the carrier with a thick blanket or towel will help her feel cosier and prevent her from slipping and sliding during travel. As your kitten grows, make sure to adjust the carrier to support her increasing size and weight.
Easy to Clean
In general, sturdy plastic carriers are easier to clean in comparison to fabric ones as they have a leak proof bottom and are easier to wipe. Many cats do get carsick, urinate or defecate inside their carriers during travel due to stress and anxiety, and an easy to clean carrier will allow for the exam room team at the vets to clean the inside completely so your cat does not have to ride home in the remnants or odours of eliminations or vomit.
Ventilation and Privacy
Our feline friends like privacy, especially when in unfamiliar territory. Look for a carrier that offers some type of visual shield, yet with good ventilation. In the case that it is difficult to find a carrier with both options, an easy solution will be to cover the carrier with a towel during travel. It will significantly decrease the likelihood of your cat experiencing motion-induced anxiety or stomach distress.
After purchasing the right carrier, make sure to spray the inside and blankets/towels covering the outside of the carrier if any, with calming pheromone sprays (such as Feliway) and leave the carrier at home in an area which is easily accessible for your cat to make sure she can become friendly with it (see our blog regarding carriers and stress for more information).
At The Cat Vet, we offer cardboard carriers at no extra cost. However, these are only temporary and always highly advise clients to purchase a long lasting one to ensure the safety of their cats.
For more information, please feel free to call us at 800CATVET!
