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.
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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)![]()
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)![]()
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)![]()
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)![]()
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)![]()
A nice hard carrier that is approved for airline use. It has a couple of compartments and can hold animals up to 25 lbs.
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Can you help?
Don't even think about using a cardboard box!
More Pet Carriers on Amazon
Lots to choose from

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)![]()
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

Bags make lousy carriers.
Guestbook for your feedback
Let me know what your thoughts are.
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ivchoto
Feb 14, 2011 @ 5:34 pm | delete
- Great article! You can find mor tips on: http://thepetstrollers.com
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mysticmama
Jul 26, 2009 @ 1:19 pm | delete
- Helpful advice, great lens :-)
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KimGiancaterino Jul 19, 2009 @ 10:53 pm | delete
- Great tips for cat owners. I love the photos.
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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.
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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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