How to Choose a Cat Carrier

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A cat carrier is an essential accessory for your cat. Your cat shouldn't be traveling in anything but a carrier. While you may not be planning to take your cat for trips right away, you will need to drive him/her to the vet now and then. So, it makes sense to invest in a cat carrier. You'll need a cat carrier that is strong and durable, to hold your cat safely. It'll need to be spacious for your cat to want to enter it at all. Lastly, you will feel a lot better about your purchase if it is easy to clean.

Tips on how to pick the right cat carrier

• Pay heed to the size of your cat – You’ll need a carrier that is approximately 1.5x the size of your cat. It shouldn’t be too big, neither should it be too small. If the carrier is too big, you risk your cat tumbling around in it, during the transportation. If it is too small, the cramped space will only add to your cat’s anxiety. If possible, leave a little room for your cat’s feeding bowls to fit inside the carrier. It’s always best to get an adult-sized carrier as your kitten will grow to be an adult someday. You can tumble-proof the carrier for them with blankets and towels until then.
• Pay heed to your cat’s temperament – Is your cat a calm traveler. While this is an unlikely character trait in a cat, some cats are less anxious while traveling than others. If your cat belongs to this group of felines, you can consider getting nylon or other such soft carriers for them. However, if your cat, like most cats, detests traveling – spend on a plastic carrier. These carriers come with a steel gate, to safely contain your cat inside and are also bite/scratch proof. Make sure your plastic cat carrier’s handle can support your cat’s weight.
• Never attempt to transport your cat in a cardboard box – Doing so is not recommended at all. Unless it is an emergency. Even then, cardboard boxes are not strong enough to contain a scratching and biting cat. They can easily escape from one. If you must, cut out ventilation holes on the sides and cushion the box with an old blanket which contains your smell.

What do you do after?

Choosing the cat carrier is only half the battle managed. You will then need to acclimatize your cat to the carrier before you can even think of transporting the cart anywhere in it. Cats detest traveling and grow readily anxious when made to travel forcibly. You will need to find ways to help your cat make positive associations with the carrier before they agree to have themselves transported in it.