When deciding on the right carrier for your cat, there’s lots of factors to take into consideration, like safety, durability, affordability and how comfy it’ll be for your cat. Choosing the right one will determine your cats love for their carrier, as the wrong size/type of carrier may make training your cat to love their carrier harder. In this blog, we discuss how to choose the right carrier for you and your feline.
How Big Should My Cat Carrier Be?
Choosing the right cat carrier is a worthwhile investment for your feline as a good carrier will make travelling less stressful for both you and your cat. Your cat should be able to stand, sit up, turn and comfortably lay down in their carrier. A good rule to follow is, look for your carrier to be a size one and half times bigger than your cat. Don’t pick a carrier that is too big for your cat as trying to balance their weight will be uncomfortable for your cat and you may find they slide around inside.
What Are The Different Types Of Cat Carriers?
Here at L&L, our carriers come in a variety of features and benefits that may suit you and your cat. We’ve broken down popular carrier styles below to help you make an informed decision on what may be suitable for your new cat carrier.
Hard Plastic Carriers
Most plastic carriers will feature a door on the roof and a door on the side, whilst also being able to take the roof completely off, making trips to the vets with an anxious pet easier for your veterinarian to access. Plastic carriers are also generally easy to clean and very durable.
Soft Carriers
Usually made with flexible material, soft carriers are often not as bulky as hard plastic carriers, making folding them down when not in use easier. They’re a little harder to clean should your cat get poorly whilst travelling and if your cat loves to scratch, the wear and tear may show easier on a soft carrier.
Rattan Carriers
Rattan carriers are probably the most stylish way your cat will travel, and they’re more environmentally friendly than a plastic carrier which makes them a more attractive option, however they are generally smaller, so it’s really important you get the right size for your cat. They often only have one door which may not be a problem for most cats, but if your cat is nervous, you may want to opt for a carrier that has an opening at the roof too. Rattan carriers are also great to double up as a bed around the home which will help build a better relationship between your cat and the carrier!
Cardboard Carriers
Cardboard carriers are great as a temporary mode of transport. They’re usually make around the same size and won’t allow your cat to turn comfortably or get comfy and lay down. Your cat may also chew through the carrier, or push open the door which is dangerous whilst travelling.
Do Cats Prefer Hard Or Soft Carriers?
Depending on your cats temperament, weight, size and habits will depend on their preference. Your cat may feel more protected in a hard carrier, however they may feel more comfortable in a soft carrier. The size and weight of your cat may also affect your choice on carrier as all carriers come in different sizes, and one may be a better suit for your cat than another.
Can You Put Two Cats In One Carrier?
In most cases, it’s better to have separate carriers that fit each of your cats, rather than having them both travel together. Often, putting two cats into one carrier will be uncomfortable and stressful - even if they do usually get along.
