Cat Carriers for Safety and Comfort

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How To Select A Cat Carrier for Safety and Comfort

There are many different types of cat carriers. They come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and accessories. Some are soft, other hard. Some are collapsible, some not. Here, I'll cover the different types of carriers that I've used over the past 30 years and also share with you the latest in carriers. Every cat owner should have a carrier. A cat or kitten should not be carried in your car without a carrier. They should be in it at all times. It is their safety net should you have to make a fast stop or you are in an accident. Loose cats can cause accidents so please do not take the chance.

My Blog has been HACKED and is down temporarily so some photos are not loading on this site.

Important!

Cats should ALWAYS be in a carrier while riding in a vehicle.

Hard vs. Soft Carriers

What's the difference?

I prefer hard carriers because I have multiple cats and if I have 1 cat in a carrier, one of the others sits on top. Most of the soft carriers crush down so the cat in the carrier is actually sat on.

The other reason I like hard carriers is that I can stack them when not in use. Or, if in an emergency (see How To Fireproof Your Cats for more info) and I need to grab everyone -- I have 14 cats to evacuate in an emergency -- I can put stack them in the staging area or in the car.

Soft carriers work for people with one 1 or 2 cats and they want to be able to fold them up to take up less space. They also only weigh 2 pounds, so they work well to carrier in your motor home, if you have one.

This is not a cat carrier 

Aran 3 Double Door, Hard Pet Carrier

25 x 17 x 17 inches

Aran 3 Double-Door Pet Carrier

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

This is a great product allowing you to open either end to extract your cat. Also has easy to open slide locks on the side for cleaning or to get Bootsy out. Sometimes a cat gets scared at the vet's office and hides at one end of the carrier. Now, you can get her out easily.

Vari Kennel Ultra - Medium Size

28 x 20.5 x 21.5

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 28 Inch, For Pets 25-30 Pounds, Bleached Linen/Blue

Amazon Price: $48.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

A nice hard carrier with 1 door, plenty of ventilation, and wing nuts if you need to remove the lid for cleaning or to get your cat out.

Intermediate Kennel Cab Pet Carrier

24 x 16.7 x 14.5 inches

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 24 Inch Pet Carrier, For Pets 15-20 Pounds, Moss Bank/Brown

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

This carrier is approved for airline use and includes handy storage compartments on top. Will hold animals up to 20 pounds.

Bergan Comfort Carrier Soft-Sided Pet Carrier, Large, Black

19 x 10 x 13 inches

Bergan Comfort Carrier Soft-Sided Pet Carrier, Large, Black

Amazon Price: $30.19 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

If you need a soft carrier -- say you are traveling and need to keep the weight down. This weighs only 2.5 pounds. It has a shoulder strap, great ventilation and several convenient pockets. Can up pets up to 22 lbs.

Large Kennel Cab Pet Carrier

26 x 18.5 x 16.5 inches

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Fashion Pet Carrier, 26 Inch, For Pets 20-25 Pounds,Deer/Brown

Amazon Price: $30.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

A nice hard carrier that is approved for airline use. It has a couple of compartments and can hold animals up to 25 lbs.

This lens donates all royalties to FIV Cat Rescue

Can you help?

FIV Cat Rescue's mission is to 1) stop the killing of FIV cats, 2) find lifelong homes for them, 3) educate the public about FIV (Feline immunodeficiency Virus), and 4) promote spay and neuter to reduce cat over-population, spread of FIV and euthanasia.

Don't even think about using a cardboard box! 

More Pet Carriers on Amazon

Lots to choose from

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Cat-Woman (that's me) Strolling a Kitty 

Cat Jogger Stroller

Get your exercise while your cat gets fresh air

Zephyr Cat & Dog Stroller - Orange

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

This is a great stroller to use to take cats on walks. Indoor cat love them as it allows them to get out in the fresh air. We use these to stroll around town and events to find forever homes for foster kittens.

More Cat Strollers

A great way to exercise

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Bags make lousy carriers. 

Guestbook for your feedback

Let me know what your thoughts are.

  • ivchoto Feb 14, 2011 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    Great article! You can find mor tips on: http://thepetstrollers.com
  • mysticmama Jul 26, 2009 @ 1:19 pm | delete
    Helpful advice, great lens :-)
  • KimGiancaterino Jul 19, 2009 @ 10:53 pm | delete
    Great tips for cat owners. I love the photos.
  • Janet1 Jul 18, 2009 @ 8:46 am | delete
    I remember when you took the picture of Kira in the bag. I can't believe she's 15 years old.
  • SquidooKimberly Jul 17, 2009 @ 11:09 am | delete
    LOL Loved the photos. My younger cat looks just like the one on the soft-side cooler. He'd do that, too.

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Pet carrier - Car-Seat 

Pet Gear Signature Pet Car Seat & Carrier for cats and dogs up to 20-pounds, Aqua

Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Traveling with your cat or dog? Then try this great pet car seat!

Soft Cat Carrier 

Sherpa Sport Duffle Pet Dog Cat Airline Approved Carrier Medium Blue 18"l X 11"wx 10.5"h

Amazon Price: $48.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Try this sturdy, airline approved, cat carrier. Not just for traveling either.

Hard and Sturdy Cat Carrier 

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 24 Inch Pet Carrier, For Pets 15-20 Pounds, Moss Bank/Brown

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

This sturdy cat carrier with last for years!