Cat Carriers
Why do we need cat carriers?
Many cat owners like to involve their beloved pet in many aspects of their life and take them with them when they travel. In this case you’ll need to ensure the safety of your kitty while traveling, moving or for any other reasons that you may need to transport it from one location to another. Moreover, veterinarians prefer that your feline friend is contained in something when coming in for an appointment.
Cat carriers make it convenient to transport your furry feline when you need to travel. Cat carriers are small portable boxes or cages which provide an excellent means of transportation. Some carriers have the provision to be converted to strollers or car seats as well. Almost all cat carriers come with a handle on top, though some are easier to carry in your arms like baby slings or backpacks rather than using the handle. There are essentially three kinds of cat carriers based on the type of materials used and the comfort level they provide.
Cardboard cat carriers
Cardboard carriers are suitable for your cat if decide to keep your cat indoors and can be used for emergencies. Pros: Ensure that your carrier has holes for ventilation also allowing your cat to see outside. To save space, the cardboard enclosure can be flattened and you can even make it yourself with a suitable box to save cost. Cons: They are not very strong and easily break. They are suitable for kittens rather than heavy or older cats. Moreover, there are chances of your cat getting stressed when being transported, they may urinate /defecate that would destroy the cardboard. They can even tear their way out of the cardboard.
Soft Cat Carriers
If you want to travel or go away for a short trip with your cat, a soft cat carrier may be a better option. They are generally made of firm but flexible material. They can also be taken into passenger part of an airplane; if your airline lets you transport pets at all. Pros: They will last longer than cardboard carriers. Depending on the type of the material, you might also be able to fold up the soft carrier to save space while it’s not in use. May be of benefit in households where there are several cats.
Hard Cat Carriers
If you have enough storage space in your home a hard cat carrier is a great option. It is usually made of tough and durable metal/plastic. Pros: It is the most durable and sturdiest of all available pet enclosures. It will last longer when compared to soft or cardboard carriers. A more convenient type of hard carrier available is a two-door carrier which is both a front opener and a top opener. Cons: Hard carriers take the most in storage space in your home, as they are less flexible than cardboard or soft carriers.
A good cat carrier should be durable, easy to clean, large enough to accommodate your pet and airline compliant. It must have enough food/water storage and ventilation. It is equally important to choose the right size carrier for your pets and accustom your pets to their carrier. Introduce the new home to your kitty when it is calm by leaving the carrier in a room with some cat treats inside. Let it sniff out, explore and love the carrier.
Reference links and information to help you shop for cat carriers:
A new versatile and comfortable product was introduced in the US market recently, named Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. It helps save your money by serving as a carrier/bed combo.
The most recent and distinctive invention among the various cat carrier types is the Climate Controlled Pet Carrier. A more affordable retrofit version would be this cooling fan which can be easily attached to an existing cat carrier that you might already have or ad a little bit of comfort to the new one.
