Rating of the best carriers for cats and cats in 2021

Having become the owner of a mustachioed pet, it’s time to take care of his comfort. In addition to the standard set of everyday accessories, you will need to purchase a carrier in case you transport your animal. Since any travel is stressful for a pet, you should try to minimize it. Therefore, an ordinary bag will not work; the cat will be uncomfortable in it. The rating of popular cat carriers presented in this article will help you make the right choice.

It is important that the cat is comfortable being inside.

Which carrier to choose: requirements

A cat should not be afraid to travel in a bag.
Good carriers for cats must be roomy and reliable. It is unlikely that your pet will calmly react to being placed in a confined space. Usually a cat in such a situation begins to behave inappropriately. In order not to further injure the animal, it is worth creating favorable conditions for it. Therefore, when purchasing, certain points are taken into account.

Size

As for the size, it should be such as not to hinder the cat’s movements (he could stand up, sit down, lie down). Therefore, they choose depending on the configuration of the animal. It is advisable that it also include a drinking bowl and a feeder (usually attached to the inside of the door). This is an important factor during long-term transportation. If there is a short transportation, a standard carrying bag will be enough, where the fluffy will lie comfortably.

Selected depending on the size of the pet

If the kitten is small, it is better to immediately buy a large bag, taking into account the future dimensions of the pet (for example, Sphynxes and Maine Coons differ significantly in size).

When transporting two pets, preference is given to models with a partition.

For two cats, buy a model with a partition

Material

When choosing a material, they are again guided by the time spent on the road with the cat. Main criteria:

• If the furry leaves the house only for the next visit to the veterinary clinic or another place located within walking distance, models made of soft textiles are suitable. They are lighter, more convenient to use and inexpensive.
• For kittens, a wicker basket is the best option. For one-time walks this is just the thing.
• But for a long trip it is more practical to buy a plastic container. It is convenient to transport your pet on any type of transport (plane, car).

Regardless of the type, it must have a hard bottom - one of the main conditions. Feeling the hard floor under its paws, the cat feels safe and calms down faster. It is important to have inspection holes to provide an overview of what is happening outside. Being in ignorance and darkness, the animal begins to get nervous. It should also close securely so that the cat cannot open it on his own and retreat.

Weight of carrier and cat

When choosing, you should think about yourself. If you are planning a long journey on foot, it is better to take a lightweight structure or on wheels. This is a significant nuance if the pet is heavy. We must not forget that you will have to carry this valuable cargo yourself, even to the car.

The weight of the cat is also taken into account. Any model is suitable for a kitten. It’s more difficult if you have to move an adult, well-fed cat. Then focus on the following recommendations from experts:

What is it and why

The carrier bag is a convenient, beautiful device that ensures, first of all, the safety and peace of mind of the pet. Cats become anxious when there are a lot of people around and panic when they see noisy children or dogs. The same can be said about dwarf breeds of decorative dogs, which begin to get nervous if they see a large dog, or maybe even a cat.

Automatic cat feeder with dispenser and timer, for wet and dry food

An important role is played by comfort and coziness inside the device. In addition, there will always be the smell of a cat in the bag, which is tantamount to a document that confirms ownership of the territory. After washing, despite the fact that the product emits a pleasant smell for humans, the cat will feel its unique “aroma”, since its sense of smell is tens of times sharper than that of humans. For washing, it is better to use special products for a cat’s house or use baby powder. The carrier must meet certain requirements:

1. Strength. The structure must be strong, since the cat will initially do everything to get out. When purchasing, the latches, locks, and materials of manufacture are checked.
2. Bottom. It should be as tough as possible, because the cat, having rested its paws, begins to calm down and feel out of danger. If the bottom sags and moves under the paws, uncertainty, anxiety and, as a result, stress appear.
3. Window. If the surrounding environment is visible, the cat's anxiety gradually disappears. If there is no viewing window, the cat becomes very nervous in the dark.
4. Retainers. Cats are free-spirited and cunning, so they can easily open a primitive lock and run away if the owner is careless. It is necessary that the lock be more complex and reliable.
5. Dimensions. A cat will not have positive emotions if the surrounding space is limited. She likes to stand comfortably, lie comfortably and move when desired.

For your information! It is not recommended to rent a carrier bag - the cat will feel uncomfortable and anxious in it, as it has a foreign smell.

Staying in public places is of great importance. You won’t be able to enter shops, cafes and other public places with a cat, but with a special house the security will let you in, even if you see body parts or fur. On long trips by rail or air transport, you cannot do without a special bag.

On wheels for two cats

Varieties

It would seem that it could be easier to buy a cat carrier. But in this regard, as when choosing any product, you need to know the preferences of the person who will use it. Usually, no difficulties arise, since the range of such products in stores is large and varied.

Plastic box

Plastic box
Leader in popularity, due to a number of factors:

• made of durable material that guarantees a considerable service life (more than 5 years);
• spacious;
• rigid frame (it’s comfortable for cats to stay inside);
• do not absorb different odors;
• permitted for air travel.

Along with many advantages, there is a significant disadvantage - boxing takes up a lot of space in the apartment.

Backpacks for cats

It is more convenient for the owner to carry the pet in a backpack.
This type is not much different from a fabric bag. The only, but significant, positive point is the presence of straps that allow you to put the backpack on your shoulders and free your hands.

The method of transportation is clearly convenient for the owner, but the cat will have to sit in an uncomfortable position during the journey. In addition, he will shake violently, which may lead to vomiting.

Carrying bags

Purring Carriage
In the form of a bag, it is good in many ways. It is easy to fold and put away somewhere for storage when not needed (does not take up much space). Equipped with comfortable handles. With such luggage you can safely enter public transport or a store. Only in terms of comfort for purring, this is not the best option. Designed for transporting animals over short distances.

The disadvantages are the following:

• if the pattern is without a frame, the fabric bends under the weight of the pet, which creates discomfort for him;
• due to synthetics, there is poor air circulation (in summer the cat will be especially stuffy in such a bag);
• The fabric is waterproof, so you can’t get caught in the rain;
• The cramped interior will cause panic in the animal - at least a little extra space is required.

To ensure that your purchase lasts as long as possible and does not fall apart after the first use under the weight of your pet, you need to check the strength of the seams in advance. It is desirable that they have plastic reinforcement.

Trolleys

This model looks like a frame textile bag, but on wheels and with a retractable handle. The presence of many pockets on the sides allows you to take the necessary little things with you.

Bag on wheels for long trips with a cat

The design is convenient for both the owner and the animal being transported. You can't do without it when traveling long distances.

Basket

Suitable for kittens
Wicker baskets have many advantages, which is why they are often preferred by mustachioed owners. Firstly, the model is practically weightless, so it will not be difficult for a person to carry it with a cat. Secondly, thanks to the rigid frame the cat feels completely safe.

The downside is that the materials from which the carrying baskets are made quickly absorb foreign odors. Once a cat relieves itself once, it will turn into a permanent toilet.

Metal cage

Carrier cage for dogs and cats
This is an improved modification of the plastic box. It has a wide viewing angle, so the cat will not feel like a prisoner in a dungeon. These are made of wear-resistant material and will last for many years. Caring for it is simple - just periodically wipe it off from dirt.

Winter carry

Winter version
Similar models are insulated from the inside. Usually the bottom and sides are lined with foam rubber, fleece or fur. Winter ones are needed in severe frosts or for placing a cat in the luggage compartment of an airplane.

Some models provide the ability to unfasten the warm lining. Then the carrier can be used in the warm season.

Sling carrier

A convenient modification for carrying a pet, freeing the owner’s hands.
This is a kangaroo backpack, which is known to many young mothers. The bag is put on in such a way that the passenger is located on the owner’s chest. At the same time, your hands are completely free. The straps are soft and do not put pressure on the shoulders.

Care and storage rules

Each type of carrier requires different care. For example, plastic boxes or metal cages can be wiped with a damp cloth or washed with suitable products. Fabric models are washable, some in the washing machine. It’s good if the products do not absorb odors. To combat unpleasant “odors,” products that the manufacturer may recommend are used.

For example, wicker baskets or textile bags absorb odors and require a special approach to care. Special disinfectants are produced: Sterillium, Bacillol, Hospisept. With their help, any material can be effectively processed.

Automatic waterer for cats, LED battery-powered bowl substitute

Pet carriers should be stored in a dry, preferably ventilated place. Textile ones are folded and packed in a bag, plastic and metal ones are covered so that dust and dirt do not stick to them.

Dangerous! You cannot give a carrier for transporting other people's cats or dogs. You can become infected with a virus, fungus, herpes and other diseases.

Why do you need a cat carrier?

Beginning cat owners often do not fully understand the importance of purchasing a carrier, believing that they can do without it. But even basic periodic trips to the veterinary clinic or other trips with the animal will be fraught with difficulties - this becomes clear after the first such attempt. Cats generally do not tolerate any changes well, so during the journey to their destination they are unlikely to sit quietly in their arms.

It is for such cases that special attributes are provided so that the pet does not feel discomfort and behaves calmly.

Minuses

Fabric products:

• You cannot take your pet with you on a multi-day trip.
• They easily absorb odors; cat waste is sometimes difficult to wash off.
• There is no solid frame or protection for the pet.

Plastic containers:

• Large, heavy, fat pets cannot be carried for long in such boxes.
• Sometimes you can run into a fake. In such a product, plastic impurities contain substances that are toxic to animals.

Wood wicker carriers:

• They do not tolerate moisture and water, and lose their original quality when it rains.
• Due to the design features, the cat will freeze or get wet during precipitation.
• They strongly absorb unpleasant odors, and the carrier cannot be washed.

Metal cages:

• The product is not insulated from cold and heat.
• Not suitable for rainy or cold weather.
• The cage is heavy and bulky, making it difficult to carry in your hands.

How to train a kitten to be carried

It is not enough to purchase a product for your mustache. It will take time for him to get used to it, to go inside without fear and stay there for a long time. It is recommended to place the portable device within the cat’s field of vision a few days before the planned trip.

The object that appears will definitely not go unnoticed. After sniffing and repeatedly penetrating inside, he will get used to it. For this you need to reward him with something tasty and pet him. And when you next try to put him in a bag (backpack), there will be no resistance or fear.

Expert advice

Samples of carrier bags
Experts advise putting additional accessories in the carrier that will help the cat endure the trip more calmly and comfortably. These include:

1. Reusable and disposable diapers. They will provide the cat with hygiene.
2. Drinkers and bowls. It is not recommended to feed the cat several hours before travel, otherwise it will get seasick. Drinking is necessary for a healthy pet, especially if there is a long journey ahead.
3. Sippy bottles are convenient.
4. Rugs, blankets. To maintain your pet's well-being, you should place soft bedding in the carrier. 2-3 days before the trip, it should be placed in the place where the cat sleeps so that it is saturated with his smell.
5. Treats. During long-term transportation, the pet will have to be fed. It's better if the food is your favorite.
6. Toys. A stressful situation will be smoothed out if your favorite toys are nearby.
7. Remedies for sedation and against motion sickness. It may come in handy if the cat panics and begins to behave aggressively.

Familiar and comfortable items, goodies, and entertainment will help the cat not only quickly adapt to the move, but will also create comfortable conditions.

If the animal refuses to sit in the carrier

When any attempts to train a cat fail, you can resort to some tricks. For example, all sorts of goodies are laid out near the box (bags, cages). There is a little space inside too. It is better to leave the premises yourself so that the animal does not feel embarrassed. Returning back a few minutes later, you can see a different picture - the cat happily eats the offered treats, without even being afraid to take them from the carrier.

You can lay your favorite bedding on the bottom, on which your pet is used to lying. But violence cannot be used in this matter. Otherwise, fear will become firmly entrenched in the animal’s mind, which will make any travel difficult.

Guarantees

Warranty service and its terms vary from pet store to pet store, but there are three main points for each service option:

1. Replacement of damaged or defective goods upon purchase. If a defect is discovered, you have the right to contact the pet store for a refund or replacement of the product.
2. Replacement of individual carrying parts that have failed. If there is a breakdown, the store will install a new grille, lock or latch. All work is carried out free of charge for the duration of the warranty period.
3. Announcing the terms of the warranty and issuing a warranty card. The warranty card proves the buyer’s right to receive the store’s technical support services. Immediately after purchase you must be given this paper.

You should review the specific warranty terms before making a purchase.