Your questions about cat carriers answered
What is the best cat carrier?
With a host of handy features, as well as eye-catching design and robust build quality, the Catit cabrio came out on top as our best buy. It performed perfectly during testing, and, while there’s no guarantee a trip to the vet will ever be easy, this carrier could certainly remove some of the stress from the situation.
Alternatively, the Ferplast atlas 20 deluxe is an excellent choice, with good visibility for you and your cat, and easy access through the top and the front. The Petsfit expandable pet carrier, meanwhile, is a great soft carrier, with its clever, spacious design. If you’re looking for a budget option, however, consider the Pets At Home roadrunner carrier.
What materials are best for a cat carrier?
“The material for the cat carrier is less important than the design,” says Blue Cross vet Anna Ewers Clark. “Having a carrier that opens at the top is key to keeping your cat happy. It’s also important to make sure the carrier is easy to clean and assemble or disassemble, especially if you have more than one cat,” Clark adds.
How to get a cat into a cat carrier
This can be difficult but, preparation is crucial, says Clark: “Getting your cat used to the carrier before you need to travel is essential. You can do this by leaving your carrier out as a comfy bed all the time, not just getting it out when you travel. You’ll then need to choose whether your cat would prefer to go in head first or tail first. It’s really important to avoid stressing your cat, not only does it make it hard to get them in their carrier at the time, but it will be even harder the next time.”
What should I put inside the carrier to soothe my cat?
Clark recommends a non-slip blanket or vet bed, as this will “provide the smell of home and help stop them slipping”. However, big beds “make the carrier very hot and restrict your cat’s space”, which means they should be avoided. Clark adds: “Newspaper or absorbent pads can make the floor even slippier, so use these with care and make sure there are non-slip, soft items, too.”
What type of carrier is best for a kitten?
There are dedicated kitten carriers available but “if you use an adult cat carrier for your kitten, adding an extra blanket can make them feel more secure. But remember not to block the ventilation holes”, says Clark.
How we tested
For this guide, our reviewers teamed up with the felines in their lives to test a series of cat carriers, in a variety of styles and materials. Our reviews are based on factors such as convenience, ease of cleaning and comfort. We looked at the same qualities for each carrier. These included:
- Comfort: We assessed how comfortable each carrier felt for the cat, including space to move, ventilation, and overall interior design.
- Ease of use: We tested how simple each carrier was to open, close, and load the cat into, including strap and door mechanisms.
- Convenience: We looked at how practical each carrier was for everyday travel, including portability, weight, and ease of carrying.
- Ease of cleaning: We checked how simple each carrier was to clean, including removable liners, wipeable surfaces, and access to all areas.
- Security: We evaluated how safe and secure each carrier felt, including lock systems and overall sturdiness during movement.
- Durability: We assessed how well each carrier held up to regular use and scratching, and whether materials felt robust.
- Design and style: We considered the overall look and structure of each carrier, including different styles and materials.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lois Borny is one of our in-house IndyBest writers, who has lived with cats for most of her life. She is familiar with cats’ needs, and the considerations and challenges associated with travelling with them. Lois has also reviewed the best cat food and the best gifts to buy for cat lovers. Pete Wise is a product reviewer who has also written about cats. Both writers know what to look out for when it comes to carrying your feline passenger safely.
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