Cat Carriers in 2023 – Top Products Rated

Cat Carrier

What is a cat carrier?

Cat carriers are portable and made to carry a cat in the most comfortable way possible. They come in the form of cages, boxes, crates, etc. They are broadly divided into two primary types based on their opening style- one type opens from the top and the other opens at the front.

The top openers are mostly in the form of cages which has hinges on the roof. While the front openers are made of plastic in most cases with a door that is made of metal. There is a handle on top of most cat carriers, although it is easier to carry some of them in your arms.

Selecting the best cat carrier

Here are a few factors that you need to consider while buying a cat carrier:

The size

Size is of the utmost importance when you choose a cat carrier. A basic rule that most cat owners follow is to always go for a cat carrier that is 1.5 times larger than the size of the concerned cat. If however, the carrier is too huge, it will be an extremely uncomfortable journey for your cat. It will keep tumbling from this end to that inside the carrier. While, a really small carrier will add to the caged up feeling of your cat.

See if the carrier has the right balance because your cat will be inside. Make sure that your cat can stretch, lie down, and sit comfortably inside the carrier. Also, other important things like the water and the food bowl of the cat should be able to fit inside if you are planning to travel for long distances. Going for a bigger sized carrier is also better because your kitten will grow and then you can fit the bigger cat into the same carrier without spending any more money.

The material

The next important factor is the material with which the cat carrier is made. The behavior of the cat should be noted while buying the cat carrier because you can go for a carrier with soft material if the cat is peaceful while traveling.

A quick trick while buying is to place some heavy object inside the carrier, like a heavy bag or something to make sure that the bottom doesn’t give away. A carrier with zips on the side and the top is better for you because making your cat enter the carrier then becomes a lot easier.

However, if your cat is jumpy when it travels, then a carrier that is tough like a hard plastic or a metal one has to be bought. More often than not, your cat will put up quite a fight while going into the carrier. In that case, carriers with the top open are always a better choice than the front open ones.

The ventilation

Remember that the ventilation is very important as your cat will be inside that carrier for some time. Go for a carrier that has two-sided windows at least. Cats tend to feel suffocated inside small spaces. These windows will prevent that from happening.

The fastening

Since the balance of a carrier is very precarious, you have to choose one that does not make your cat constantly topple over. This is why we often suggest people to go for carriers with belts that work like seatbelts. They will allow the carrier to be seated firmly onto the seats of your car so that the safety of your cat is guaranteed.

The opening

Cats are mostly wary of closed up spaces and there is a high chance that your cat will not agree to go into that carrier. You should buy a cat carrier that opens from the top which makes the whole process faster and more convenient for you. Your cat can quickly be placed inside the carrier and it cannot come out immediately.

Plus, if you are taking your cat to a vet, then your cat can be examined from the top while it can sit comfortably as well. This helps cats that are fearful of unknown surroundings. So, you kill two birds with one stone!

Tips for using a cat carrier

The first thing you need to do is to make the cat carrier seem homely for your cat. Familiarize your cat to the carrier by using it at random times. For instance, just let the door open if the carrier is a front opened one. Put some cat treats inside so that your cat enters it to have them. Let your cat relax inside. Place a blanket or a rug that your cat loves, inside the carrier.

You could also use some cat toys to make the cat carrier more fun.Initially, when your cat enters the carriers on its own, lock the door only for a few seconds to show your cat how it works. This will take long but your cat will gradually learn to get used to the process.

You can also take the carrier outside once in a while and leave it there with your cat inside. This will let your cat feel safe and it will recognize the carrier and the surroundings as a part of its territory. Placing the carrier in a room or a place in the house where your cat usually hangs out is a good idea to make your cat feel comfortable with it. Using the carrier only when you go out or while traveling is one of the worst mistakes you can make. So, use it as frequently as you can.