Getting the Right Carrier for your Cat

One of the most important considerations is the size of the carrier. Is it large enough for your cat? Squeezing a large cat into a carrier that is too small for him will reduce his desire to travel. If you adopted a cute little kitten, consider getting a carrier that will accommodate him as an adult rather than a small carrier that you will have to replace in a year or two. In addition, all carriers must have a few standard features:

• Ventilation: Any cat, but especially one that is stressed by traveling, needs to have the flow of air through the carrier to accommodate a possible increased breathing rate. Most cat carriers have vents on at least three sides to allow ample air to pass through. If your trip is lengthy or if your cat is shipped in the cargo hold of an airplane, adequate ventilation is an especially important feature. Another important feature for those long trips is an attached bowl for water so your cat doesn't become dehydrated.
• Security: Make certain it can be latched securely. Dial latch systems or pinch latches don't accidentally come loose. This is especially important if your cat is traveling by airplane. If the carrier comes in two parts, a top and a bottom, make sure that whatever prongs fasten the two parts together are strong enough to hold if the carrier is jostled.
• Top-loading feature: Many cats are more easily placed in a carrier from the top rather than the side or front. Top-loading carriers are a more recent innovation; they satisfy those cat owners whose cats put up a fuss when the owner tries to shove them into a carrier head first. Placing a cat into a carrier feet first is often easier and less stressful for the cat and owner. Top-loading carriers come in a variety of styles.
• Hard-sided vs. soft-sided construction: Carriers are required for all airline transportation. The size depends on whether your cat is being shipped in the cargo hold or under the seat in front of you. Before transporting a cat via airplane, contact the airlines for their carrier specifications well in advance of your trip. Animals must be scheduled ahead of time, so don't wait until you must fly and assume that you can just carry your cat on board as luggage.
• Soft-sided construction: Carriers are more likely to soften any blow to your cat from sliding or jostling during a trip, but they also may have less ventilation and less room to move around. In warm weather, a soft-sided carrier may be too warm. For agoraphobic cats that prefer to become invisible when they are taken on a ride, the smaller, more enclosed size of a soft-sided carrier may help make the cat feel more secure. On short trips, such as to the veterinarian's office, a soft-sided carrier may be fine for your cat and easier for you to handle.

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