Cat carriers and crates keep your cat safe and secure while traveling. Of all pieces of cat furniture, carriers are probably the most important.
Felines don’t like being in a closed box, so it takes effort to get your cat used to a carrier. But it is possible.
Don’t put your cat in a carrier right after you bought it. First, put it in a room that your cat frequents.
Put a warm pad in it or some of your unwashed clothing, some of your cat’s toys or a tasty treat, leave the door open, and wait.
You will see … it won’t take long before your cat will start to explore the carrier and go in!
Unfortunately, you’re not there yet …
Leave the carrier this way for a few days. Very likely you will see your cat accept the crate as just a nice and cozy piece of furniture.
Once you reach this point, you should go one step further to get your kitty used to cat carriers. If you have a garage, put the carrier in your car and let your cat in. Close the door and tuck in a few treats. Open the carrier again and let your cat out.
Repeat it a little later, but this time you close the door and start your engine.
Make a test drive.
Don’t make it too long. A few times around the block is sufficient.
Return home and give your cat a treat. Your cat (or kitten – this trick works also very well with little felines) is on its way to become an experienced car passenger!
Depending on your taste and needs, you can choose from a variety of carriers. Famous brand names are Whisker City and Samsonite.
Petmate produces comfortable pads, available in a variety of popular crate sizes. The covers are washable and removable cover, with nylon on one side, warm fleece on the other.
Size is very important.
Cat carriers should be no more than one and a half times the size of the cat.
Your cat must be able to lie down flat, and to stand up and turn around. Ventilation is another important issue. Your cat should get fresh air all the time.
Some carriers have a snap that can be attached to a car’s seatbelt.
Generally, there are three types of cat carriers.
Hard carriers are durable and accepted on most airlines.
The hard carriers are perhaps the most popular perhaps. These are made of polypropylene. Foam pads or an old blanket can be put inside to make the crate more comfortable.
Some airlines also accept soft carriers, made of more flexible material.
Again your cat should have enough space to move, sleep and turn around. Soft carriers can be put under your cabin seat in an airplane.
Only advised to use on short distances are cardboard cat carriers.
