cat carriers.

I need a cat carrier for my cat when we move to our new home. Its six hours to travel, without stops, but I have to small children, so I'll have to stop frequently, so it will be even longer. I don't live near any places to buy a cat carrier, and I can't afford much, so I was thinking of making my own out of a cardboard box. Has anyone ever done this, or know how, or have recommendations? TIA.

cardbourd if a mellow kitty would likely work ... Do you have a walmart??

I was young, and it was quite some time ago, but I'm pretty sure I remember a cat's head pushing out of the top of plastic box my family was trying to use to transport our cat, and my trying to keep the cat in. (I stray to get neutered? I hope so, although I don't explicity remember us doing that. The memory doesn't contain a lot of context.)

So don't just use a cardboard box, but, as you can see from Laureen's link, cardboard carriers are cheap.

THanks all. I live about fifty two miles from the nearest WalMart. I suppose I could order a cardboard one online...if its big enough. He's such a large cat, I wouldn't want him to be cramped up for six+ hours.

You could use a trick we use for other animals at work; buy a large, sturdy, plastic bin, and use a soldering iron to poke air holes in it. If you already have a soldering iron, this method should be cheaper than buying a carrier. I'm really surprised you don't live anywhere near where you could buy one; I've seen them at grocery stores and many other places.

I just saw pet carriers the other day in Home Hardware here in Canada. I wasn't really expecting them to have them.

I would check around some stores that sell a variety of different items and see if you find any surprises!

Just keep in mind that cats can scratch their way out of cardboard carriers.

My Aunt's cat Tiger will eat cardboard carriers.
She got a free one from the vet it only lasted 2 trips he chewed
the heck out it. I think a plastic or other material would be better.

Do NOT use a cardboard carrier for a trip that long! Our local shelter doesn't even let people take a cat home in one. If you can't find a place nearby to buy a carrier, you should be able to buy one online--there are plenty of pet supply vendors online.

Also, if you plan to stop frequently, you will need to insure that the cat is secure, especially if you plan to let it out of the carrier. It should be in a harness with a leash or something. I've read that many cats are lost because their families are careless when traveling with them. Remember that your cat will be under tremendous stress and might easily bolt if loose for even a minute.

Cardboard wouldn't work for my cats, they'd dig their way out in no time.

You're talking to the Queen of finding Deals

Petmate Pet Taxi Cat Carrier $18.99 - Free Shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Taxi-F...5733771&sr=8-1



ON orders over $25... add a handfull of kitty toys & your set. lol.

Of Course I dont know how BIG he is... you could just order the Large one which has Free Shipping on its own.

http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Taxi-F...5734412&sr=1-1

Hope this Helps!

Also I have seen carriers at second hand shops. If you have anything like that around they are cheaper, just remember to clean it out before putting a pet in it. We got our carrier from a friend whose cat had passed away, so carriers can be found many places.

Manda