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Cat carriers: do you always take your cat to the vet in a carrier??

post #1 of 52
12/4/09 at 11:41am
Thread Starter 
Well, I have a few questions about cat carries because in two weeks I'm taking Jake to the vet for his yearly check up and shots. One, do you always use one to take your cat to the vet?? My common sense tells me definitely YES, but some of my friends were saying how they just carry their cat in their hands to the vet....
My next question is, is this cat carrier big enough?

I bought this one today it is a pretty standard one- ASPCA carrier in medium size , it was very cheap only $25, but I put it together at home and I feel like it's too small...Jake is a large cat about 20 pounds and he can't really sit in it, he has to duck, which IMO would be very uncomfortable..So I'm thinking of returning it and getting a bigger one....Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive cat carrier that will be used just for vet visits??
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post #2 of 52
12/4/09 at 11:51am
Yes they ALWAYS go to the vet in a carrier - I've seen cats FLIP when going outside & there is no way I'd be able to contain them - we've actually had people come pick up their cat at the shelter as it was picked up as a stray - got away from them when they were going out the door to take it to the vet.

I have carriers of all sizes, as I'm transporting multiple animals often & fosters - I tend to try to buy the large size or XL size when I can.
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post #3 of 52
12/4/09 at 11:52am
My vet 'requires' that cats be in a carrier - most people do use one at the practice I go to. I ended up with Sherpa bags - my cats like to sleep in them as well.
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post #4 of 52
12/4/09 at 11:52am
I've held and carried Sho in the past (haltered). But he's an unusually calm cat - he always impresses vets with how well he behaves. I wouldn't trust the others, at all.

I have carriers that are probably a little larger than need be but I feel that is fine because I have good sized male cats. When Tomas was a kitten he and Sho went together in one carrier (Tomas is whiny and undersocialized). I take the kittens all together in one carrier, too. ...I don't do this with adult cats because I like actually being able to lift the carrier, btw.

For prices, it really depends. I've gotten them for under $20 on sale - usually PetMate brand.
Think outside the box a little - here there's a farm supply store (they actually sell a lot of stuff) that has carriers a lot cheaper than other stores, and they usually have good sales on a lot of things, too. I've seen people mention that Family Dollar used to sell cheap but nice soft sided carriers.
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post #5 of 52
12/4/09 at 12:02pm
My vet won't let you in the door without a carrier (or lead for a dog).

My cats are all in the same size (Aussie made PP20 carriers), they are good up to 10kg, even my boys can sit, turn and move around.

I don't like cheap carriers, which can be flimsy and I also require airline approved. I also don't like soft sided carriers, they are not as durable and some cats can escape them.
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post #6 of 52
12/4/09 at 12:14pm
Thread Starter 
How does this type of carriers look?



What are the advantages of having a plastic carrier vs. one that is made of fabric and looks more like a bag? I'm not sure if it is more comfortable for the cat and whether or not it's better to have one that looks like a cage so that in case he has to stay at the vet he will have somewhere to stay. Do the vets have cages for animals staying overnight??
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post #7 of 52
12/4/09 at 12:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
Do the vets have cages for animals staying overnight??
Of course they do! They're larger than most carriers so that there can be room for a litter box/papers if needed. Their cages are also sterilized, which the carrier you bring in isn't.

They always have me take my carrier home and bring it back the next day when picking up the cat. Likely to save them some space.


As long as it's sewn well I don't see what's wrong with a soft carrier. I wouldn't use it for a heavier animal, though.
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post #8 of 52
12/4/09 at 12:34pm
Jake is a bog boy. I would get the largest size possible. Some of the carriers have weight limits too, not just size.

Plastic vs. fabric is a clean up issue for me. I can clean plastic easier so I choose that over the fabric carriers.

Two of my kids have no issues with the carriers or going to the vets. Rocko from day one of bringing him home in his carrier poops every single time. It is so gross. I also now for him to do that he must be really freaked out. So I took a chance and harnessed him, hoping he wouldn't poop in my car. He didn't. He loved his harness because he could pace around. I guess he needs to do that for stress release. I would walk him outside like a dog while waiting for my appointment.

My vet was okay with it.
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post #9 of 52
12/4/09 at 12:55pm
Mine go in carriers at present. But in the future Ginger will go on harness. She is so calm people at petsmart have asked if she is drugged. I hate to put her in a carrier if not necessary. The boys always go in carriers because they hate the vet and car.

I use plastic carriers, rather large, I don't buy cat ones, I buy from the dog dept. All are different sizes, Jack goes in the largest as he's the biggest.

I use the plastic carriers for my turtles as well.

Leslie
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post #10 of 52
12/4/09 at 1:02pm
Hi, I always use a carrier, mine is quite large but, most cats sit/lie down so as long as there is enough room for your cat to do this then thats fine, its only a short journey. I prefer cat carriers as if my cats were to get scared when we got out the car I would never forgive myself if they escaped from my arms. x
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post #11 of 52
12/4/09 at 1:08pm
That carrier looks a little small for a big boy like Jake. I have one that is considered OK for "small dogs and cats" and there is no way I'd get either of my girls (approx. 12 lbs each) in them. They might fit, but getting them in would be a challenge. I have a larger one now (big enough for both of them to fit) and they can basically walk into it without having to crouch, etc.

I've also put a luggage strap around the carrier for extra support...I just don't trust those tiny little latches.
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post #12 of 52
12/4/09 at 3:09pm
I use carriers or a pet stroller. I have several different types of carriers. I rarely use the plastic ones anymore because my cats like the fabric ones better.
I have on Sherpa bag, one Sleepypod and a few that look like canvas bags.

Most of my cats are very calm and would not mind being carried in my arms, in fact most of them I let out of the carrier when we're in the car because they prefer it, so I use a seatbelt harness instead.
However when I go to the vet I still have them in a carrier in the clinic, because you never know if there may be dogs in the vet's waiting area which may go ballistic when they see a cat and may even get loose and go after your cat if they have a really high prey drive!
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post #13 of 52
12/4/09 at 3:35pm
I always use the plastic carriers when we go to the vet. My cats tend to be skittish, especially there, and would not just stay calmly in my arms. Plus, a hard sided carrier is better protection against any dogs that might be in the waiting room or parking lot.

I do "walk" my cats on leashes, but I feel that it wouldn't be safe for them at the vet.
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post #14 of 52
12/4/09 at 4:38pm
Depends on the cat ... I have two that need the hard side ( shockingly they are the semi ferals ) ... the boys go in large soft side on wheels ... I also have harnesses as my main vet is a small practice ( one dr one tech ) and often the cats can roam if they want
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post #15 of 52
12/4/09 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone, I ended up getting a soft dog carrier. Jake seemed to like it a lot better, he went right in to explore while with the other one he would not go near...I really like it because it also has pockets like a bag and I can carry it on my shoulder and it's nice and soft on the inside
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post #16 of 52
12/4/09 at 6:09pm
We use medium size carriers anytime the cats are in the cars. They are show cats and well used to riding in the carriers (mainly to the shows). As soon as I get them out Charlie and Jack will hop in. Charlie taught Jack to go in the carriers.

Charlie had that habit of wanting in the carrier even tho he was retired from the shows, so I had to keep the doors closed. We don't have a show till January, so I'm hoping that Jack will remember what Charlie taught him - he's pretty good about going in there when its out.
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post #17 of 52
12/4/09 at 7:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ut0pia View Post
Well, I have a few questions about cat carries because in two weeks I'm taking Jake to the vet for his yearly check up and shots. One, do you always use one to take your cat to the vet?? My common sense tells me definitely YES, but some of my friends were saying how they just carry their cat in their hands to the vet....
My next question is, is this cat carrier big enough?

I bought this one today it is a pretty standard one- ASPCA carrier in medium size , it was very cheap only $25, but I put it together at home and I feel like it's too small...Jake is a large cat about 20 pounds and he can't really sit in it, he has to duck, which IMO would be very uncomfortable..So I'm thinking of returning it and getting a bigger one....Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive cat carrier that will be used just for vet visits??
A lot depends on how far away your vet is. Mine is only 1/2 mile away, so if I'm taking several cats I can still put one in the small carrier that I got for my first kitten. It's a tight fit, but she isn't in there for more than a few minutes. It definitely doesn't work for longer trips.
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post #18 of 52
12/4/09 at 7:32pm
I see you already got a different carrier that you and your kitty are more comfortable with, and that's great! But, in case anyone else is following this thread and is curious...I have that exact carrier in your original post, and my 12 pound boy and my 6 pound girl have ridden in it together for a short trip to the vet. I certainly wouldn't put them both in there for a long ride, but they were fine for a short 20 minute trip, they always sleep together and prefer to ride together in their crate. As far as wondering about him being able to sit up, my cats always end up laying down when they're in the crate and it's being moved - just because it feels unstable, so even if there was head-room, I don't imagine they would use it!

To answer the other part of your question, yes, I always have them in the carrier to take them to the vet (or to transport them anywhere) - it's just safer that way!
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post #19 of 52
12/4/09 at 8:20pm
I have the carriers from sturdy that I use for cat shows.
Yesterday I took Cleo and Wrinkles for a shot and Cleo had a attitude because she did not feel well.
She was hissing and growling at Wrinkles and smacked her.

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post #20 of 52
12/4/09 at 8:46pm
Mine also go in plastic carriers - the vets strongly urge cat owners to use them and dogs must be on lead or in a carrier (Unless they are being wheeled in in an emergency).

I have three large cats and the medium size dog kennels are big enough for them to tun around in, lay down and if needed a small litter pan.
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post #21 of 52
12/4/09 at 8:50pm
Mine always go to the vets in a carrier.He requires that they be in one. I would not risk them freaking out and escaping getting from the car to the office. I use plastic carries. I did have one of the soft sided ones with a sherpa type bottom. But my cats would dig their claws into the bottoms and what a struggle to get them out. So I switched to plastic I just put a big towel in the bottom..
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post #22 of 52
12/4/09 at 10:06pm
I use big plastic carriers myself. I got them from the dog dept at the pet store. You could fit both of my cats in one of them. However I never do that, I like to give them their space. My cats freak out, cry, claw and hide in the cage at the vet and in the car. I wouldn't risk taking them out of the house without a carrier because I might lose them.
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post #23 of 52
12/5/09 at 1:55am
Please, please, always bring your cat to the vet in a carrier. Even a cardboard box with a lid and airholes is preferable to nothing. When I worked at a Vet's office you wouldn't believe how many clients brought their pets without any form of restraint.

Our animal hospital was flanked on 3 sides by wooded marsh and a busy airport, and fronted by one of the busiest streets in town. Our policy was to always have all pets restrained; you wouldn't beleive how many people ignored it though. A gent brought a large orange cat with no form of restraint once. The cat got away from him in the parking lot and dissappeared into the marsh. Even after an hour of searching, he was never to be seen again to my knowledge.

Reasons to use a carrier:

1. Even the nicest calmest cats do flip out on occasion. Often the trip to the Vet is the only traveling your cat ever does. That is a stressful situation to any animal.

2. Protect your cat from other animals that may become aggressive or ill behaved -maybe even your kitty. We had a sweet lovable domestic who was dog agressive.

3. Carriers are also for the Vet staff's protection; the 2 times I was bit working there it was a cat that did it.

4. Protect you cat from contagious illness. If your pet or someone else's might have a contagious illness you are keeping them safe by having a way to prevent unintentional contact.
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post #24 of 52
12/5/09 at 7:41am
In a pinch, you can use 2 laundry baskets secured with rope to transport your cats. We did this when we rescued 2 cats and they had to be taken to the vet immediately. We didn't have a carrier, and didn't have time to get one, so we just took 2 laundry baskets (same size or one bigger than the other and turned 1 upside down on the other and tied them together. It worked very well and the vet appreciated our resourcefulness.
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post #25 of 52
12/5/09 at 9:08am
I would never bring Cammy or Abbey without a carrier, you can never tell how someone else animal will behave. There's always a roomful of dogs when I go in.
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post #26 of 52
12/5/09 at 10:35am
By-the-way -- so that there's no problem getting the cat into the carrier, I keep my carriers out, and open, with the bedding inside. My cats use the carrier as beds - so, when it's time to take them someplace they aren't so afraid of being inside them.

I started keeping the carriers inside, for emergencies - so, they'd be handy in case we had to vacate the house - that's when the cats started using them as their afternoon napping place.

They've been back and forth to the vet with no ill effects. Maybe the carrier is now considered a "safe place" for them ??

Just thought I'd mention this in case you're interested.

Plastic carriers are easier to clean and sanitize.
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post #27 of 52
12/5/09 at 1:03pm
Yes, I do that too-- leave the carriers out where the cats can see them and get used to them. My cats LOVE their carriers and especially the pet stroller because they see it as a favorite napping spot instead of a scary thing that comes out when they go to the vet.
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post #28 of 52
12/5/09 at 3:17pm
Anywhere I take my cats, they go in a carrier. I would NEVER, unless the animal was literally too weak from illness to put up a fuss about anything, take an animal anywhere without some way of restraining it. A sturdy cardboard box might be good enough, for a limited amount of time, but certainly no less than that. Every time I've taken my cats to the vet, there have been dogs around, and if I'd been just carrying them by hand (...in addition to the fact that I would have lost an eye if I tried to carry my semi-feral Squirrel by hand for that long), they would have gone utterly batpoo crazy.
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post #29 of 52
12/5/09 at 3:28pm
I ALWAYS bring Amadeus to the vet in his carrier. Its just safer and easier, wouldn't want him jumping out of my arms and getting hit by a car, it also protects him from other animals while in the clinic.

He also wears a harness and a leash at the same time for extra safety and so it is easy to take him out and control him since he like to jump on everything and chase things.

Right now I have a soft 'backpack' carrier for him, but I think he is going to need a bigger one soon.
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post #30 of 52
12/5/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by white cat lover View Post
Yes they ALWAYS go to the vet in a carrier - I've seen cats FLIP when going outside & there is no way I'd be able to contain them - we've actually had people come pick up their cat at the shelter as it was picked up as a stray - got away from them when they were going out the door to take it to the vet.

I have carriers of all sizes, as I'm transporting multiple animals often & fosters - I tend to try to buy the large size or XL size when I can.
Same here, my vet would probably lecture me if I brought them in without one, and its always useful to have it there should there be a dog in the waiting room or the cat needs surgery or something and should rest after.

Saying that, I do walk Autumn on a harness - she comes to the store with me etc, but I still feel more comfortable with her in a carrier at the vet
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