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Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.
OK, I’m just going to say it. Size matters.
In relation to cat carriers, that’s.
Cat carriers are the bane of many cat owners’ existence…and one of the common reasons people miss their vet appointments (“I couldn’t get her into the carrier! She scratched me after which ran off”). I’ve literally had people chase their cat across the house for hours before an appointment, and I promise, nobody is benefiting from that situation!
Imagine for a moment: you’re having your morning coffee, perhaps your bran flakes…and whoosh! Someone runs into the kitchen, throws you into a large box, tumbles you around, takes you into something that smells terrible and makes numerous loud noise and you possibly can’t arise since it’s continuously moving and you are feeling sick, you hear strange people talking, dogs barking…and suddenly you’re dumped out of this box, and standing in wait are your gynecologist, your internist, your cardiologist, your dentist, your urologist, your gastroenterologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your dermatologist… and also you’re at their mercy. You is perhaps a tad grumpy to have had your coffee ritual interrupted, too.
Remember, it’s not all that different for a cat. It could make a forte, but it surely’s not dissimilar.
Cats like going into boxes… when it’s their idea!
What Can You Do About It?
Glad you asked!
There are a lot of general rules of thumb relating to cat carriers. And remember, these are simply rules of thumb. If a carrier is to a cat as a automotive is to a human: keep in mind that all humans don’t like the identical form of automotive. Neither should cats.
Rules of Thumb For Cat Carriers
- Most cats prefer a size large enough for them to face, turn around easily, and sit comfortably upright
- It must be hard-sided, or able to take care of its shape (e.g. not collapse) when the door is opened
- Speaking of doors, at the least 2 entry/exit points. So a door and the highest easily comes off, or a door and the highest unzips, or a front and top door
- No less than one, ideally each, entry points have to be larger than your cat. This prevents shoulders and feet from easily getting stuck, and subsequently getting cats out and in of carriers from becoming a nightmare
- Beds which can be carriers (the convertibles of the cat carrier world!) are improving exponentially- and lots of cats really like them. Some are even crash-tested, because the one linked here.
- Bubble backpacks get quite a lot of flack, of late. On one hand, they’re trendy…but behaviorists think cats hate them. I’ve yet to get a cat to offer me a definitive answer, but I’ve seen feline practice in big European cities… where most individuals walk their cats to appointments from their homes, anywhere from just a few blocks to many blocks. In instances like that, the cat is up high, they’re a bit more soundproof, the cat has some visibility but can still hide… Not saying these carriers are perfect, but they’re probably higher than a conventional carrier at dog level, with numerous noise and smells wafting right in.
- Dog crates might be good for giant breeds like Maine Coons and Bengals. Though, it’s possible you’ll need to add wheels. I’ve even seen them are available on red flyer wagons before!
- When all else fails: pillowcases make an excellent emergency carrier for a cat!
Using the Carrier
Considered one of the trickiest parts a couple of carrier is its usage. Such an easy thing, that may turn into so complicated if you add one single ingredient: the cat.
I’ll be honest, rarely does putting your cat headfirst right into a carrier work. They’re masters at wriggling out. In the event you do go this route, do it confidently, and don’t hesitate. You generally get one probability to get it right.
I prefer the tip method:
- Tip the carrier on its end, and have someone hold it for stability.
- Cup your cat’s butt, and slide them butt first into the carrier.
- Generally, this is finished before your cat knows what is going on, and much less stress than attempting to stuff an unwilling cat headfirst into the carrier.
- When it doesn’t work, probably the most common reason is that the door of the carrier is simply too narrow: their butt and shoulders almost touch the perimeters, so it’s easy for these to turn into stuck as you are attempting to put the cat inside.
A cute Tortie cat sitting in a comfy carrier while on the vet
Final Thoughts On Cat Carriers
Teach cats at a young age to see the carrier as a commonplace item. Allow them treats within the carrier, and leave it out for them to sleep in on a daily basis- even for those who simply take off the front door to permit quick access. Don’t simply get it out the day you desire to use it!
Keep the carrier clean, when not in use. Cats can vomit, urinate, defecate, and shed contained in the carrier during travel- clean it out after use. Would you desire to be shoved right into a automotive with months’ old dirt, and expect that to be a fun journey? Pheromone sprays and wipes may also be used to further reduce travel stress. Put some treats, and a favourite toy or blanket, in, as well.
Treat carriers a bit like your automotive, because, essentially, to a cat, that’s what they’re. In the event that they are broken, fix them. Keep them clean, tidy, and prepared for day by day use. Sometimes, the brand new fancy ones have some bells and whistles that work rather well, and look very stylish. And sometimes, the old-fashioned ones do it best. Regardless, a carrier is important for cat ownership—just go together with what works for you, and your cat.