Different types and sewing of a carrier bag for a cat with your own hands

12/02/2019 Pet supplies Share

For trips to the veterinarian or travel, you need to sew a carrier bag for your cat. Bags are expensive in the store, so it’s more practical to sew a cat bag with your own hands. Carrying bags are divided into winter (warm carriers) and summer (lightweight carriers for cats). It is best to sew a carrier from waterproof fabric such as “raincoat”; mesh for “windows” in the bag is sold in hardware and construction stores. It's called a mosquito net. Three options for bags from simple to complex.

Why do you need a carrier?

It happens that you urgently need to take your cat somewhere, but there is no suitable bag. This is especially true when traveling by public transport. For example, on a train, on a bus or on an airplane, they require that the pet be in a carrier. Therefore, for your own peace of mind, it is recommended to purchase either a finished product (we have already talked about how to choose a carrier) or sew it or make it yourself.

Decorating a bag

When the main work of making the bag is completed, you can begin decorating.

Rhinestones, beads, threads, seed beads, applique, and fur are used for decoration. Decoration depends on the tastes of the housewife, the decorations at hand and imagination.

Decorating a bag with beads

The following types of bead decoration are distinguished:

• Embroidery. This method is used primarily for decorating fabric accessories (silk, denim, cotton). In addition to beads, you can use rhinestones, coins, and ribbons.
• Pasting. It is suitable for leather, plastic, oilcloth and suede bags. Only use clear quick-fix adhesive. You will also need tweezers and a clean cloth to remove excess composition. After registration, the decor should completely stick together, this will take about two days.

Before registration, you need to create a sketch of the future drawing. This will allow you to evaluate the color compatibility and the result in advance.

The bag can be decorated with bead appliqué. The future decoration is woven separately and then simply glued or sewn to the bag. You can use this method if you plan to create a small beautiful accent on the bag in the form of a flower or a funny character.

Video tutorial on making beaded jewelry for decorating a bag

The video tutorial demonstrates how to make a bright brooch from beads on felt. The brooch can be used to decorate a bag.

What you need to sew a carrier

First of all, you will need a cat. You need to take measurements from the animal so that the finished carrier is spacious and comfortable. You also need to take:

• thick fabric;
• cotton fabric. It will act as a lining;
• material for making the base. For example, it could be a plastic sheet, thick cardboard or MDF;
• threads, scissors, needles;
• sewing machine;
• foam rubber or other pillow filling;
• paper for making patterns;
• mesh fabric or eyelets for ventilation;
• lightning;
• padding polyester - optional.

To avoid mistakes, you must first make patterns on paper. Only then transfer them to the fabric.

Carrying bag in the form of a backpack

You can sew a carrier-backpack made of thick fabric with wide straps for the back yourself, choosing the color and design to your liking. However, it is easier to remake a finished backpack by making a viewing window covered with mesh. Carrying a pet in a backpack, the owner remains mobile, his hands are free and he can go on a real journey. The walking backpack for cats is equipped with mesh viewing holes on the sides, which allows the pet to look around.

This house is practical to use, compact and easy to wash in a washing machine. More convenient for humans than for animals - the pet can shake violently when walking. Being behind you and not seeing its owner, the cat may experience stress. In hot weather, the backpack heats up from the heat of the human body, which can lead to overheating of the pet. This type of carry is reliable and convenient, but in terms of space and comfort it is inferior to classic bags with a hard bottom.

How to take a measurement

You need to start preparing patterns from the base of the carrier. Its length should be such that the animal fits completely, taking into account the fact that the head and tail should not be pinched. The width of the product is selected in such a way that the cat inside can stand up and calmly change the position of its body. As for the height, everything is simple - the animal should be spacious in a standing position and nothing should hinder its movement. It is better to take into account the height even taking into account the length of your pet's ears.

After all the patterns on paper are ready, they can be transferred to the fabric and base material. The fabric should be cut taking into account seam allowances.

How to choose a ready-made

It all depends on the duration of your trip with your pet:

1. The requirements for short walks are not too high. The only thing that should be taken into account is the size of the cat.
2. For a long move, you will need a large bag that allows the cat to change its position. It must have a specially installed container for food and drink. It should also be equipped with a mesh for good ventilation. On long journeys, it is recommended to periodically release the animal on a harness into fresh air.

The general requirements for such products are as follows:

• the bag must have reliable fasteners (zippers, latches, fastex);
• equipped with a protective mesh for visibility and air circulation;
• have a hard bottom.

How to sew a cat carrier with your own hands

We put the lining and front parts of the pattern together and sew them together first with threads, then using a machine. If you need a warm carrier, then you can insert a padding polyester between the lining and the outer part of the carrier. Next, you need to connect all the parts together: the base and the walls.

The zippers must be sewn to the top of the bag.

We cut out a small window on one side of the product and sew mesh fabric into it to allow air access. Another option is to install grommets on the sides.

For ease of transportation, attach handles or a shoulder strap.

We sew a pillow for the cat separately. It should be the same size as or slightly smaller than the base. As a filler, you can use foam rubber or a special filler for pillows (for example, synthetic down).

Place a base on the bottom of the carrier and a pillow on top. The carrier is ready!

To simplify the manufacture of the carrying case, you can buy a ready-made bag of a suitable size, cut a ventilation hole in one of the sides and sew mesh fabric to it. Or also install grommets on the sides. It’s good if the bag already has a hard bottom, then you won’t have to prepare the base.

Adviсe

• Choose natural materials as lining fabric. Otherwise, the cat may not be comfortable.
• It is not necessary to make zippers at the top; they can also be placed on the sides.
• The mesh fabric should be dense enough so that the cat does not tear it with its claws, but not rough so that the pet does not get hurt.

Which form and type should you prefer?

There is a wide choice of cat carriers. They have different shapes, appearances, and designs. When purchasing, you need to consider how often your pet travels and over what distances.

The form is:

• Bags
• Boxes

The bags are not very spacious. They are equipped with a frame that holds its shape. The side most often has the appearance of a mesh so that the pet can breathe freely. Bags can have a bright design. If your pet rarely needs transportation, then you should choose a carrier in the form of a bag. It does not take up much space in the apartment and is inexpensive.

Cat bag

The boxes look like a suitcase or a small house. They have handles and wheels. They are spacious and comfortable. You can put a bowl of water and food. Boxes are suitable for long-term transportation. If you like to often travel outdoors with your pet or go to the country, boxing is well suited.

Box for transportation

Cat carriers also come in hard and soft varieties.

Hard ones can be in the form of a container, backpack or basket. The container is convenient due to its spaciousness. The cat will feel safe as its movements will not be constrained. You can put a bowl of food or water in the container.

Container

The backpack has a special porthole. During the road, the cat will be able to observe what is happening. This will calm her down because she will be able to see her surroundings. Transporting in complete darkness can be stressful. The backpack is convenient for those who travel with a pet on a bicycle. The owner can go and not worry about the safety of his cat.

Backpack

The basket is not suitable for long-term transportation, but it is suitable for trips to the veterinarian. It looks like a regular basket. The difference is that there is a lid that only the owner can open. The cat will not get out of it on its own.

Transport basket

Soft carriers come in the form of bags, backpacks and sling carriers. These bags are good because they are small in size. They take up little space in the house. However, they can cause inconvenience to the animal. Cats will not feel the bottom, and movements will be constrained. A soft carrier is worth choosing when your pet is rarely transported.

Semicircular carrier

Semicircular carriages

People often buy semicircular shaped carriers. They have comfortable handles and a hard, replaceable bottom. Some bags have a mesh insert. They often have attractive designs, with colorful embroidery and patterns. Thanks to the material, they fit easily into a closet and do not take up much space.

Model with long handles

Carriers with long handles

Bags with long handles are convenient. They can be hung over your shoulder when your pet becomes difficult to carry. The bottom is hard and the sides are strong, but at the same time the cat will not be able to hit.

Option with 4 zippers

These carriers have a rectangular bottom and 4 zippers on each corner. This option is convenient when your pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian. For example, trim your nails. Pets break out during this procedure. Thanks to the bag with 4 zippers, the paws can be taken out separately, so the cat will not be able to scratch or bite.

Benefits of soft carriers

Soft carriers

Soft carriers are often purchased for transporting animals because they have many advantages:

• They are convenient to store in the apartment. Soft products do not take up much space. They fold and compress easily, so they can be easily stored in a closet
• They have a dense frame. The walls do not bend, but at the same time they are not solid. The cat will move comfortably, she will fall asleep peacefully and will not hit her head.
• Presence of pockets. You can put a cat toy, a bag of food, etc. in them.
• Soft carriers often have a mesh window. The cat will feel calm during the trip and observe the world around it.

Unusual carriers for cats

Some cat bags have unusual shapes and designs. They attract people's attention to themselves and their pet. These bags include:

• Backpack with porthole

Backpack

Outwardly, it resembles an ordinary backpack. The difference is that the cat backpack is made of hard material, and there is a window on the front side. Thanks to him, the cat can look outside while driving.

• Suitcase

Suitcase

It can be confused with an ordinary suitcase. It has wheels and a handle. But the cat's suitcase has a window so that the cat can look at its surroundings.

• Basket

It is made of straw and differs from the usual one in that it has a tight lid to prevent the pet from getting out.

What else can you use instead of carrying?

What if it’s not there, but the cat needs to be taken urgently, for example, to a veterinarian? Then a regular bag will help. The one in which you pack your things when you travel somewhere. It is important to understand that the bottom of such a bag must be hard. To make your cat feel comfortable, place a blanket or towel there. When transporting an animal, you should try not to shake the bag, do not place it on unstable surfaces, and also make sure that there is enough air inside.

A homemade carrier made from a box is also suitable for a calm cat. To do this, you need to find a product of the required height and width. Cut ventilation holes in the sides or tops of the box and place a blanket on the bottom to make your pet comfortable. And for ease of transportation, wrap the box with tape and build improvised handles.

As you can see, making a carrier with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. However, a carrier out of a box, and sometimes even a homemade carrier bag for cats, may not be suitable for restless pets or wild animals. Therefore, it is better for them to buy a strong and durable carrier.

How to make friends with a cat with a new bag

The cat carrier is an unidentified object. It doesn't look like a box or bed in which a pet is used to sleeping. At first, the animal may be afraid of a new object. There is no need to force the cat into the bag. She may experience stress and break out every time she needs to go to the doctor or go to the country.

The cat needs to be introduced to a new object in the house. Let the cat inspect the carrier herself when she is calm. The pet must understand that the bag does not pose a danger to it. You can put some food or treats inside the carrier. At first, the cat will approach her with caution. But after doing this several times, the cat will get used to it and will not be afraid, and going outside or traveling out of town will not become a test for the owner.

Types by material of manufacture

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Each type of carrier is made from its own material, which has advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic

Plastic containers are often used to move pets over long distances. The only downside is its large size: it will be quite difficult to find a place for it in transport, and it is also inconvenient to drag. However, it is easy to clean, has an unlimited service life, and the cat feels very comfortable in it, since it is protected from accidental touches.

Main varieties

There are the following models of carriers for domestic cats:

• from fabric;
• frame product;
• plastic box;
• backpack;
• basket.

There are other varieties, but the types listed above are the most popular. Therefore, they will be discussed below.

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Fabric bag

Products of this type are made from various synthetic materials. Thanks to this, they have the following qualities:

• ease;
• practicality (easy to clean);
• ease of storage.

Externally, this carrier resembles a lady's or travel bag. The similarity is given by both the shape of the product and the presence of comfortable handles and straps. This is a great choice for a vet visit or a walk. But this carrier is not suitable for long trips.

Frame

This product has a rigid frame that gives the bag a certain shape (for example, a house or a tent).

Pets love these carriers because they feel comfortable and protected inside.

The disadvantages of such devices include the impossibility of long-term transportation of the animal in the hands. Machine washing is not possible here - cleaning must be done by hand.

Plastic box

Carrying in the form of a plastic container is considered the best option. This box has a number of positive characteristics:

• durability;
• strength;
• good ventilation;
• excellent pet protection;
• the animal inside such a carrier can take any position. You can also place a toilet, food and water bowls inside.

This device is ideal for long trips and air travel. But the box is not very suitable for hand carrying, as it is bulky and heavy. A cheap container often has an unpleasant synthetic smell, which can scare off the cat.

Backpack

Carrying such a plan is convenient for the owner, but inconvenient for the animal. The backpack is roomy and well ventilated. It is easy to care for. When used, it leaves the animal owner's hands free. Assumes the presence of an inspection hole for the pet. The downside is that the animal cannot take any position in it.

Due to the lack of contact with the owner, the cat may become nervous. The backpack is used when traveling short distances.

Basket

The basket-shaped carrier is made from environmentally friendly materials. It is durable and easy to clean. It can transport both a kitten and an adult animal.

Similar article: Effective remedies for the smell of cat urine: traditional methods and chemistry

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the pet can chew through the bars and run away.

Adviсe

1. The fabric for a homemade carrier should be selected taking into account weather conditions; for hot summer trips, something lighter and more breathable is required so that the fluffy does not get too hot. The best option is to have several carriers for all occasions.
2. You can sew foam rubber between the fabrics or fill them with synthetic padding to ensure the softness of the sides of the carrier.
3. The mesh holes can be supplemented on top with visors that can be closed if necessary. In case the weather is very cold.
4. Everyone knows that cats are very capricious. It is almost impossible to force a cat to do something without its wishes, and any attempts at coercion can result in extreme stress for the pet and scratches for the owner. Therefore, you should definitely “introduce” the animal to its new “house”. The carrier should be associated with something positive and calm. You can give something tasty in the carrier so that your pet enjoys being inside. It is necessary for the pet to get used to the new property for several days.

Making a carrier with your own hands from available materials and ensuring a comfortable journey for the animal is not so difficult. The main thing is to have desire and a good mood!

Here's another option

Yes, I promised sizes for a large bag. (27x30x42).

Thank you for your attention! I wish everyone a great spring mood!

to the list of articles

A very convenient and stylish carrying option is a bag with long handles that can be worn on the shoulder. The master class below will help you make such a bag.

• main fabric;
• lining fabric;
• filler (sintepon or foam rubber);
• matching threads;
• lightning;
• a piece of fiberboard or durable cardboard;
• sewing machine;
• chalk for marking fabric;
• scissors.

From the main and lining fabric, as well as the filling material, we cut out the parts in accordance with the pattern.

A – the length of the cat (from the front paw to the tail in a standing position);

B – cat’s height from floor to neck.

Operating procedure:

1. Using a sewing machine, sew the side seam on the main fabric, lining and filling.
2. We attach the corresponding bottom part to the main fabric part. We sew the lining parts together in the same way.
3. We insert the lining into the parts made of the main fabric, filling them with filler.
4. Sew a zipper on top.
5. From the remnants of the main fabric we make handles of the required length and width, and sew them to the carrying bag.
6. Since the cat's head is expected to stick out of the bag during transport, it is recommended to sew a small cord with a carabiner and collar inside the bag to prevent the animal from jumping out of the carrier.