While cardboard carriers can’t compete with hard and soft carriers, they can still be useful under certain circumstances.

So, before we dive into finding the best carrier for your kitty, take a look at some of the most common cat carriers you’ll find. 1. Rolling Carriers Another plus about luggage straps on car cat carriers is that they also double up as car seat belts. So, you can travel peacefully knowing that your cat is comfortable yet secure. Interior Safety Tether Often, cat owners make the mistake of choosing the incorrect size when purchasing carriers. The bigger your cat, the sturdier and more spacious the carrier will need to be to accommodate them comfortably.Training your cat to use a cat carrier is a great idea. A cat that is comfortable with the cat carrier will be less stressed and in turn this will make the owner less stressed. As all cats are going to need to be transported in a cat carrier at some point, it is advised that everyone take the time to get their cat comfortable with the carrier. Remember to take time with cat carrier training, only progressing to each step once your cat seems completely comfortable. Firmly but gently, place your hands over the towel and on your cat’s shoulders. Scoop up the cat, folding the blanket underneath as you do. Leave it open for a bit before traveling: Cats are naturally curious characters. So before you embark on your journey, leave the cat carrier out so that they can familiarize themselves with it and get comfortable. That way when it is time to leave, it will be less of a hassle to get them into it if they are already familiar with their surroundings. Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best cat carriers, here are a few things to consider before you make your final choice: Duration of the Car Trip

Sometimes bigger isn’t always better, so ensure that you have enough space for something that will be easy to transport. The Shape & Design of the Carrier Overall cardboard isn’t the most durable material and that’s why cardboard carriers are disposable. You’ll find a huge variety of cat carriers on the market, and deciding which one to choose can be confusing. Whichever style you go for, bear in mind it should always be large enough for your cat to sit, stand, lie down and turn around comfortably, but not so big that they’re sliding around inside it. Look for a durable cat carrier that closes securely and is well-ventilated – ideally with openings on at least two sides – as this will help prevent your cat overheating.

The best soft-sided cat carrier

This is something I’ve seen lots of people do in Greece, where we have many stray cats that need to be vaccinated and spayed/neutered. A traveling cat parent’s favorite, the hard-shelled cat carriers are more durable than other styles. The sides provide a sturdy and supportive space for your cat to relax in while traveling with you. You can choose between a top-door, top-loading case, or a single-door, depending on you and your kitty’s preferences.

On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too small so that your cat feels claustrophobic and becomes anxious while traveling. Choosing a carrier that has expandable sections that double or triples in size is your best bet because you can customize it to your pet’s needs. Material Soft cat carriers made of nylon, mesh or other fabrics are usually lighter to carry than rigid ones, and much easier to store, which can make all the difference if space is at a premium. On the other hand, they offer less protection against impacts than hard-sided carriers, are easier for your cat to damage with their claws or teeth, and depending on the fabric may be harder to clean than wipeable plastic carriers. If you’re choosing a bag or holdall-style cat carrier and you’re able to buy in-person instead of online, it’s a good idea to pop something heavy into it, to test whether the base sags or remains supportive. Cardboard cat carriers Even an average cat with 9.5 inches in height and 18 inches in length will barely feel comfortable in the Oasis carrier that’s 17.5 long and 12.25-15 inches tall. Another top choice for our beloved cats, the soft-sided Sherpa Travel Deluxe Pet Carrierprovides plenty of features to make your cat’s trip a comfortable one. The bag is patented for its unique spring-wire frame that allows you to push down several inches of the frame at the rear to conform to under-seat airline requirements.

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Cats have sharp claws and teeth, and they can easily chew their way through the cardboard. The airway holes are actually the Achilles heel when it comes to their claws unless we’re talking about moving a kitten.

Wild Explained is an independent, advertising-financed publisher and comparison service. We compare different products with each other based on various independent criteria. For cats that are much larger a cardboard box is definitely not a safe option because it can easily break apart under their weight. They could escape when you’re out in the street, in which case they will most likely fall out of the carrier and run away. When Should You Use A Cardboard Cat Carrier? However, a regular cardboard box doesn’t have proper closure, and your cat could easily escape. The cardboard might also be flimsy and your cat won’t have any issues clawing their way out of it. These carriers are not airline approved and they are definitely unsuitable for long travels because they don’t have enough room for food or water. Now if you put your cat into an unreliable cardboard carrier then you’ll start noticing even more things that could go wrong.Did you see a DIY cat carrier today that you think you will make? Maybe you saw one you will use in case of an emergency or have some ideas of your own? Whatever you decide, we hope the information, instructions, and advice we’ve provided today have been helpful. The cardboard isn’t lined so if it gets wet it will get soggy and tear from a cat’s weight. So, you’ll need to make sure you line the bottom and sides with waterproof material. Finding the best carriers for our purr-fect little companions is essential to our kitty’s peace of mind, comfort, and contentment. When moving your cat by car, comfort is usually the biggest issue.