Choosing The Right Cat Carrier: What You Should Know

Choosing a cat carrier is not the easiest task, and many people get it wrong. They end up picking the ones that are too big, difficult to carry, or uncomfortable for the cat. Trying to figure out how to choose a cat carrier can be overwhelming; there are so many different designs, colors, and styles, making it hard for anyone to know what to look for. In this article, we will look at different options of cat carriers and hope to give you some insight on how to choose the one that works best for you and your cat.

As you start to look at cat carriers, you will notice that there are a lot of them out there. Some are soft-sided, and others are hard-sided. There are even some that have wheels so that you can roll your kitty around. Others are more of a backpack-style carrier.

Soft-Sided Cat Carriers – Soft-sided cat carriers are the most popular and most common type of cat carrier. These are lightweight and easy to carry around. They're made out of a mesh material or fabric material, which means they offer great ventilation for your cat. These are typically used for transporting a single cat from point A to point B. They're not as sturdy as hard-sided carriers, and they don't offer much protection against the elements like wind or rain.

Hard-Sided Cat Carriers – Hard-sided cat carriers are heavier, stronger, and more durable than soft-sided ones. They will ensure that your cat is safe and secure during travel time. They don't have the danger of scratching through fabric that soft-sided ones do, although you should still keep an eye on your cat to make sure they don't try to scratch their way out of the carrier while you're carrying them or driving them somewhere else.

Rolling Cat Carriers – Rolling cat carriers make it easy to take your cat on the go. The wheels are attached to the base of the carrier and allow you to move your cat without having to carry them. If you have back issues or arthritis, this can be a big help. Additionally, they provide your cat with lots of room to stretch and scratch. However, be aware that the wheels can get caught on things or broken off.

Cat Backpacks – Cat backpacks free up your hands while letting you bond with your kitty in a brand new way. Cat backpacks with clear windows offer visibility for your cat so that they can see what's going on around them while riding on your back. They do not only allow you to enjoy the company of your cat but also satisfy your kitty's curiosity nicely. Getting your cat into a backpack could be a stressful experience for them as they might simply be scared of the idea of being in it. Fortunately, we've put together some helpful tips for getting your reluctant kitty into a backpack.

FRONT-OPENING VS. TOP-OPENING

Front-opening cat carriers are great for cats that like to look out a window. Cats who feel safer when they can control their own exit will also prefer this style of carrier. This design makes interacting with your cat easier while they're inside and keeps them from being too stressed. Front-opening carriers can be used as beds or dens for your cat. If you have an older cat who likes to sleep in one place, a front-opening carrier can provide them with a nice hiding spot that they can call their own.

The disadvantage of this type of carrier is that it can be easy for your kitty to escape from their carrier when traveling if the door is not secured properly when you shut it. In addition, it can be more difficult to travel with a front opening carrier if your kitty panics while you're trying to zip the door.

Top-opening cat carriers make it easier to put your cat in and out and reduce the risk of them jumping out. This type of carrier is for nervous cats or cats who are prone to scratching or biting their owners during transportation. Some cats also feel more secure in this type of carrier because they can hide away from the outside world - if they like to do that, then a top-opening carrier might be the best choice.

One disadvantage of top-opening carriers is that they don't allow you to see your cat while they're in their carrier. You also can't open them from either end, making it harder to access your cat in an emergency.

HOW BIG OF A CARRIER SHOULD I BUY?

It's tempting to buy the biggest carrier possible, so your cat has plenty of room to move around and not feel cramped. This can be a mistake since many cats will do anything they can to get out of a big carrier. A good rule of thumb is to measure the length of your cat from nose tip to tail tip, then add about two inches for space for them to turn around comfortably. They also need about an inch per pound for extra space. So if your cat weighs 15 pounds, their carrier should be about 16 inches long.

CAN I PUT TWO CATS INTO A CARRIER TOGETHER?

In general, it's not a good idea to put two cats into one carrier. The main reason is that the two cats may fight during their trip, resulting in injuries to either or both of them. Even if they do not fight, enclosed space will be stressful to them, and they may urinate or defecate inside of it, making matters worse!

There you have it — all the information you need to help you choose the right cat carrier for your cat. We hope that this guide helps you find the perfect match for your cat so that you and your fur baby can enjoy traveling together safely, wherever your journeys may take you.