Soft Sided Cat Carrier Safety?

Hi

I recently got a 4 month kitten and spotted the "gym-bag" like soft carriers. I really liked the design. However, I was wondering if they are any less safe than the traditional hard case carriers?

The carrier would mostly be used for the vet and occasional other car trips to the cottage, etc. (less than 3 hours)

I love the soft sided ones, but only if you have a cat under 10 lbs - otherwise its too heavy for me to put on my shoulder

The only problem I have is they can move it around more and if off balance on the seat, can kinda tip over. You could strap them in thru the handle so it stays a little more steady. My rexes were fine in it - they had more fun rolling it over....

I got one when we moved here last week because Sasha would go nuts in the other. Remember I posted about her doing that. Here is the one we got and it worked great. Of course she is only about 7 pounds. You can strap it in a seat belt also.

I've got sherpa bags - they're a little pricey, but, I think good - I believe you can even take them into a plane cabin. You can strap them into the car with the seatbelts, and my grown cats have never tipped them over. They actually like sleeping in them - until they realize we're going someplace in the car.

I have 3 like this one, that I got from Fosters & Smith when they were on sale & they had a free shipping deal



I also have 3 hard ones

Then again, I also have 3 hard ones just like this, that I bought when I saw them on sale somewhere...


SOOO I have a closet of both kinds... because of sales...

We have soft sided ones. The catch is that cats can use their claws on them and tear them up a bit, but the comfort factor is better, IMO.
I use mine for vet trips and vacation trips. My daughter uses hers to take Harper back and forth to college. The last time she was ready to come home, she told Harper it was time to go see her sister (my kitten Talley), Zoey (my older cat) and the dogs. For the first time ever, Harper walked right into the crate and laid down. And no care sickeness either. Yea!

You are right they walk right in them. The whole problem with Sasha was the hard carrier. She curled up in the soft one and didnt even meow or go nuts.

Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions. I think that my Maya will enjoy riding in the car with comfort & style (until she finds out that she's going to the vet....)!