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Cat Carriers..

post #1 of 31
6/27/11 at 9:20pm
Thread Starter 
So, I am going to go out this weekend and shop for a new carrier. Right now, I am using 2 old pet voyageur carriers. One is missing the latch and the other is cracking at the top where the handle is. Besides, Parker is a bit too big for the small carriers. He just doesn't have any room to get comfy.

I was just wondering what you guys use. I need one that is well ventilated, cozy and that I can secure easily in the car. The ones I am using now are terrible for getting a seat belt around and I feel like if we were in an accident or anything, the seat belt would just slide away from it and the carrier would go flying.

I like the look of the mesh ones...but how well do they stand up against claws?

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
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post #2 of 31
6/27/11 at 9:54pm
Petmate 2 door (sometimes called "double door") deluxe, size medium, or large is what I think is the best. It's sturdy, comfortable, well-ventilated, and easy to get cats in and out of. Seat belt goes through handle on top door. Best prices I've found are on line.

Robin
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post #3 of 31
6/28/11 at 12:57am
Petmate - this is the one I just received

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063KG5U
Petmate 21277 Kennel Cab Fashion Pet Carrier, Large

It does have a place for the seat belt to be attached.

I get the large one and it's used daily for cat napping.


Today another one arrived and Gray couldn't wait for us to put it together, put the bedding inside, and get it down for him to climb in - I wish I had the camera ready. He then fell asleep in it. The one in the picture was his, but the other 3 started claiming it before he could get in it - so I guess he's got his own now? Although, Gigi and their daughter were inside it later - poor daddy!

The only thing with this type is the clips that secure it from popping apart when you're carrying a heavy cat - there were complaints of them releasing and dropping the cat out - they may have fixed it as the one we received today seems more secure than the one I just bought in the Spring of this year. For added protection I put a bungee cord around the carrier.

Otherwise, it's really a pretty nice carrier. The size is great for two medium sized cats to sleep together inside.

We have a total of 4 carriers (and 8 cats) - 3 like this, one smaller one, and then we have one kennel we use for Buddy. We're just trying to be prepared for leaving in an emergency.
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post #4 of 31
6/28/11 at 7:50am
I like the Kennel Cabs, too. I usually buy the Medium size for regular-size cats, but I have a few Intermediate size carriers for larger cats. The Large is too large for me to want to use for regular visits to the vet, but it is a very nice size for traveling. Amazon seems to have the best prices, although the carriers they have at Wal-Mart are about the same price (their color is ugly, though! On Amazon you get a color choice).

You can put zip ties in the holes under the latches for extra security.
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post #5 of 31
6/28/11 at 10:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willowy View Post
I like the Kennel Cabs, too. I usually buy the Medium size for regular-size cats, but I have a few Intermediate size carriers for larger cats. The Large is too large for me to want to use for regular visits to the vet, but it is a very nice size for traveling. Amazon seems to have the best prices, although the carriers they have at Wal-Mart are about the same price (their color is ugly, though! On Amazon you get a color choice).

You can put zip ties in the holes under the latches for extra security.
Yes, Amazon has a better selection for sure, and this one is free shipping.

I guess I don't see holes other than the large holes in the carrier, is that where you mean. Zip ties are a great idea - I'd even be willing to make holes in order to secure without the bungee cord - although, the bungee allows for ease in taking the carrier apart.

Thanks for the idea.
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post #6 of 31
6/28/11 at 9:41pm
Thread Starter 
I may very well have to order on Amazon. I glanced at Wal Mart today..just to see. They had one TINY carrier there.

Stopped to get cat food, and that place had one good sized one but waaay over priced. I am willing to pay a few extra bucks if I am sure its sturdy and can be properly secured.

Anywho, thanks for the suggestions!
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post #7 of 31
6/28/11 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GloriaJH View Post
I guess I don't see holes other than the large holes in the carrier, is that where you mean. Zip ties are a great idea - I'd even be willing to make holes in order to secure without the bungee cord - although, the bungee allows for ease in taking the carrier apart.
If you open the latches there should be small holes where you can put a ziptie (mine have the holes anyway). It's required if you use the carrier for air travel. I'll try to get a picture of it. . .
See, there's a little notch in the top of the latch to put a ziptie:


And then the tie goes down through this hole in the bottom part:

And then you can fasten it.

Some other versions of this kind of carrier have all the holes under the latch instead of through the latch. But I'm pretty sure all of them have ziptie holes.

Note: I feel so accomplished! Lol. I did all of this on my phone!
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post #8 of 31
6/28/11 at 10:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GloriaJH View Post
Petmate - this is the one I just received: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063KG5U
Petmate 21277 Kennel Cab Fashion Pet Carrier, Large

...


...
We have a total of 4 carriers (and 8 cats) - 3 like this, one smaller one, and then we have one kennel we use for Buddy. We're just trying to be prepared for leaving in an emergency.
I have that same carrier and I really like it!

Turns out amazon has a great sale going on right now on both this carrier and the next size down. I just picked up one of each, which gives me a total of two large, one intermediate, and one small... like you, Gloria, I want to be prepared for both an emergency as well as a simple vet visit.

AC
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post #9 of 31
6/28/11 at 10:58pm
Thread Starter 
I'd have to get the medium one. A small one is ok for Buddy, since hes small-ish for a cat. Parker is long and a couple inches taller. I don't want it to be TOO big...but definitely enough room for him to stand and turn. These ones, he looks so confined. I get claustrophobic just looking at him in there.
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post #10 of 31
6/28/11 at 11:18pm
You'll probably want "Intermediate". The Small is too small for anything but a ferret or a young kitten IMO. Medium is fine for most cats, but isn't especially spacious. I think the Intermediates are a very nice size.
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post #11 of 31
6/29/11 at 12:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willowy View Post
If you open the latches there should be small holes where you can put a ziptie (mine have the holes anyway). It's required if you use the carrier for air travel. I'll try to get a picture of it. . .
See, there's a little notch in the top of the latch to put a ziptie:


And then the tie goes down through this hole in the bottom part:

And then you can fasten it.

Some other versions of this kind of carrier have all the holes under the latch instead of through the latch. But I'm pretty sure all of them have ziptie holes.

Note: I feel so accomplished! Lol. I did all of this on my phone!
Oh, Thanks! I'll check them out.

BTW, if you did this all on your phone - WOW! I AM impressed! Congratulations!
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post #12 of 31
6/29/11 at 8:07pm
I really like the Petmate double door. Petsmart carries them if you want to look at them. Then you can buy on-line for some savings. It has a door on the top. My cats feel insecure with the top being grated instead of solid. So I always put a towel over it, so they feel more secure and safe. Great crate though
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post #13 of 31
6/29/11 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feralvr View Post
I really like the Petmate double door. Petsmart carries them if you want to look at them. Then you can buy on-line for some savings. It has a door on the top. My cats feel insecure with the top being grated instead of solid. So I always put a towel over it, so they feel more secure and safe. Great crate though
I'd have to order it online. Stupid Nova Scotia doesn't have a Petsmart yet. Which sucks.
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post #14 of 31
6/30/11 at 9:51pm
Does anyone else on here have a Sturdi Carrier? I LOVE MINE!!!!!
This is BY FAR the BEST cat thing I have EVER bought myself!!!!! REALLY like I'm shouting because I LOVE this thing! LOL I have an extra lage, but I also have one of the show shelters I'm getting another Sturdi Bag soon

It was kinda price but I LOOOOVE it! Did I say that? LOL My cats fight to "get in the bag" whenever it's time to go. You have to get one.

I feel so safe with my cats inside. And there are seat belt hooks on the sides so I can just strap the bag down in the backseat and I know they are safe for the ride. No more catching the hard plastic carrier if I have to hit the breaks. No more jostling around the carrier and my purse and my stuff! I just sling the carrier over my shoulder and tote the babies along - they are much happier!

http://www.sturdiproducts.com/4111/x...ome.php?cat=1/
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post #15 of 31
7/1/11 at 7:35am
The above post regarding the soft sided carrier sounds like a commercial.

I think a hard plastic carrier is much safer in case of an accident. Of course securing the carrier is a must inside a car. I've had several different kinds of carriers. I still have one that was purchased in 1960! All of them can be secured with the seatbelt through the handle.

Also, in cases of needing to take shelter because of tornadoes or hurricanes, or other hazards, hard cases are much safer. The only time I can see an advantage to a soft carrier is when having to walk long distances with a cat, like when using public transportation.

Do you have Petco in beautiful NS? They have Petmate carriers, too. (but the prices are much better from Amazon). I still think the 2 door carriers are much easier on the people and cats than the one door kind. It's worth the small additional cost.

Robin
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post #16 of 31
7/1/11 at 7:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bastetservant View Post
The above post regarding the soft sided carrier sounds like a commercial.
...or just someone that REALLY likes their carrier.

Right now I would sound like a commercial for Mr. Clean magic erasers and for this neat mosquito netting that I bought that goes over the umbrella on my deck.
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post #17 of 31
7/1/11 at 7:50am
Also, I meant to say that there are no issues with the top and bottom coming apart on the Petmate 2 door. It has very secure locks with a safety feature that turns the locks. The door latches are very safe, too.

Robin
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post #18 of 31
7/1/11 at 10:13am
I always sound like a commercial for Woodchuck Hard Cider, Netflix, and Slacker radio. When you love a product, you let people know!!

KittyMom, I actually saw that carrier in the vet's office a few weeks ago. I liked it! Right now both my kittens still fit in the Walmart x-small carrier with room to spare, so I don't plan on getting one soon, but over the next few months I'll need to start shopping and will definitely consider that one.
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post #19 of 31
7/1/11 at 11:42am
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post #20 of 31
7/29/11 at 1:01am
I know this thread is a bit old, but I thought I'd chime in. When we adopted Walter and Thomas, the rescue gave us (yes, gave, as in free) a brand new N2N Pet Suite carrier. http://www.firstrax.net/product.php?b=1&id=6 I absolutely LOVE it!! You can get them at Petsmart (we got a second one when we moved). It is easy to take apart and put back together, and I love the door b/c you can take it off without having to take the whole thing apart AND it can open either from the left or the right. They sell ones that have a second door in the top, but ours don't have that option. They come with little microfleece blankets that velcro into the bottom for the animals to lay on, but I found they didn't stay on very long so I just took them out. I love them!
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post #21 of 31
7/29/11 at 1:46am
Another vote for the Petmate double door.
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post #22 of 31
7/29/11 at 5:28am
I'd look at the suggest carriers, but make sure the handle would be comfortable to hold! I got one with a thin, metal handle and it HURTS when trying to carry a 16lb cat inside! lol
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post #23 of 31
7/29/11 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Draco View Post
I'd look at the suggest carriers, but make sure the handle would be comfortable to hold! I got one with a thin, metal handle and it HURTS when trying to carry a 16lb cat inside! lol
Lol true. I added extra padding to my Petmate for long trips. Using the default handle for a 15lb cat through the O'Hare airport was less than pleasant.
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post #24 of 31
7/30/11 at 10:37am
His last one was the aforementioned with the top AND side door but he was just too heavy and the top was NOT safe for him any longer to carry. We had to carry it in awkward ways to make up for that and so that was crap.

Being a long kitty and weighing more than little housecats I had to go bigger.

I use the petmate kennel cab now - the intermediate size fits my boy quite well and he is a big boy.
The handles and clips are sturdy and I put the zip ties on the clips
IT ALSO has a seatbelt thingy on it and little compartments to carry things.

Kis loves it - I have photos and videos of him playing in it - it is plenty big enough for him to stand up, turn around, play, lay, etc. (He often lays in it on his own - he loves his kennel)
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post #25 of 31
9/14/11 at 5:17pm
Has anyone had experience w/ "sleepypods"?
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post #26 of 31
9/14/11 at 5:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KittehTime View Post
Has anyone had experience w/ "sleepypods"?
Since I haven't heard of this product, I Googled it - here's the link: http://sleepypod.com/sleepypod

doesn't look like it would work for us, though.


Costly, too. Medium size is about $167 at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sleepypod-Medi..._petsupplies_5
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post #27 of 31
9/14/11 at 5:59pm
They look so cozy.
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post #28 of 31
9/14/11 at 9:24pm
That looks so comfy!
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post #29 of 31
9/15/11 at 12:51pm
I ordered one! We'll see how it works out...i'll probably post a pic just in case someone else would like to see how it works.
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post #30 of 31
9/15/11 at 4:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KittehTime View Post
Has anyone had experience w/ "sleepypods"?
I have one... I won it in a contest. It is pretty nice, one of the best features is you can fully unzip the top part, and use it as a bed or just unzip it in order to easily get the pet out of the carrier (I do this at the vet sometimes.)
The main down side is the size, I have the larger size but it's still a bit small for some of my larger cats. One other thing that I don't like so much is that due to it being round and I guess the locations of the straps, if I carry it over my shoulder it rolls around a lot when I walk and it always wants to tip sideways.

Here are some photos:




(That's my Maine Coon Roxy, you can kinda see the size is a bit small for her.)




Quote:
Originally Posted by bastetservant View Post
I think a hard plastic carrier is much safer in case of an accident. Of course securing the carrier is a must inside a car. I've had several different kinds of carriers. I still have one that was purchased in 1960! All of them can be secured with the seatbelt through the handle.

I'm not so sure about that... Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpA79...layer_embedded
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