Pet carriers

zcm · Nov 10, 2011

Hello,

I have a nice top-opening metal carrier that I use to take the cat to the vet, but the cat doesn't like it very much (I think maybe because she's trapped but all sides are "open"? I always put a blanket over the carrier and that seems to help her settle down). While I do intend to keep it whenever I take the cat to the vet (the top access makes the vet's job a lot easier), I want a more comfortable carrier (both for me and the cat) for all other occasions when I might have to carry her to somewhere, especially on foot.

Sleepy pod seems to have a new, smaller carrier:

http://sleepypod.com/atom

Maybe someone has one and can give some feedback? The regular sleepy pod and sleepy pod air seem bulky or awkward to carry. My cat weights 5kg (11 pounds), so it needs to be sturdy and distribute the weight evenly. They're also a bit pricey, although, if I find a carrier that fits what I'm looking for, the price might not be an impediment.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

evakatharina · Nov 10, 2011

zcm-

I recently bought this carrier from petco and it's pretty great! It does have open sides (so maybe not right for your kitty?), and is considerably less aesthetically pleasing than that very cute Sleepypod, but the expandable feature is really cool and not something I'd seen before in a carrier. For carrying around it's a normal carrier, but you can unzip the expandable part for times that kitty might just be waiting in the carrier, or riding in the car, etc. which is really nice!

zcm · Nov 10, 2011

Hi, thanks for your reply. That fold-out part looks handy for car travel. But yes, my cat would probably be more comfortable with something a little more snug, with fewer mesh panels, so she can still take a peek, but not be overwhelmed. Also, looking for something small (I have a small frame, carrying bulky things is difficult for me) but not so small that the cat will be uncomfortable in it.

bastetservant · Nov 10, 2011

Hands down, I think no other carrier available compares with the Petmate double door, (also called 2 door), in the medium or intermediate size. They are available from Amazon, for a better price than anyplace else. They are sturdy, safe, and easy to use.

Quiet Time Deluxe Ombre Swirl Bed (in the 21" x 12" size), fits in both carriers, and my cats say they are most comfortable. And Belle Hop handle wraps, make them comfortable to carry for humans. Both, also, available from Amazon.

Add some Feliway spay before you go, and you'll have a calm cat for your trip (MAYBE

)

This is all for car or truck travel. If you have to walk long distances with a cat, I don't know.

Robin

nerdrock · Nov 10, 2011

Our cat carrier is like a backpack but also has wheels and a handle (like a suitcase). It's mostly mesh, but you could cover that up easily. I'm not sure where it came from, she came to us with it.

cat person · Nov 10, 2011

I think that once a cat knows what the carrier is for, it will not matter what type of carrier you use. Since, the cat will inevitably not like the carrier. I would say the "best" carrier is one like this: http://www.valupets.com/pets/plastic-carrier/ferplast-atlas-open-top-cat-carrier/20169.html. The reason for this is, it is easy to get the cat in and out. Okay, relatively easy

.

bastetservant · Nov 10, 2011

Cat Person, are you in the U.K.? The link you posted gave prices in pounds, so I wonder. That carrier you linked is MUCH more expensive, but similar, to the ones I recommend.

Robin

cat person · Nov 10, 2011

bastetservant said:
Cat Person, are you in the U.K.? The link you posted gave prices in pounds, so I wonder. That carrier you linked is MUCH more expensive, but similar, to the ones I recommend.

Robin

Hi Robin,

No, I am not

. I just posted that link since it best illustrates what type of carrier I was talking about.

melesine · Nov 10, 2011

The sleepy pod is really cute. I don't know that I'd consider it ideal for vet visits though. Having had a cat that threw up in the crate on a vet trip I don't think that material looks as easy to clean as plastic is and it won't dry immediately just by wiping down.

zcm · Nov 11, 2011

Oh, I'm keeping the carrier I already have for the vet trips, I really just need something smaller and more comfortable for all other trips.

This is the carrier I have (I put one of my cat's bed's inside, so she's more comfortable and then cover it partially with one of her blankets):

http://www.trapman.co.uk/cat-carriers.html

I like this one exactly because it's durable and easy to clean (she was so upset one time at the vet, she urinated and defecated(!!) all over the carrier I used to use, it was similar to the Petmate, but only had the front opening, making acess to the cat really difficult, so much that I'd have to dettach the top of the carrier every time; on the other hand, she would always go inside on her own, trouble was getting her out!). But it's definitely not very comfortable to carry on foot!

I've seen one of those backpack/trolley carriers, but they're kind of big. :\

Thanks for the replies.

feralvr · Nov 11, 2011

I have the Petmate double door, front and top. I always use a blanket to cover the top though. I also have a Sherpa http://www.allpetfurniture.com/Sher...etr0mz5HC&pcrid=267891455_mtrckid_1580yu39503 They are wonderful and you can put the strap over your shoulder and carry your cat that way. I use it when I have to take two or three cats to the vet at the same time. I love my Sherpa carrier. It also zips open at the top and has a zip front door too and a cozy fleece pad inside.

I got mine at Petsmart on sale.

nerdrock · Nov 11, 2011

zcm said:
I've seen one of those backpack/trolley carriers, but they're kind of big. :\

Thanks for the replies.

We're just heading out now and I have to work tomorrow until 2 pm, but I'll try to remember to take a picture of ours tomorrow. It's not very big/bulky, about the size of a regular backpack if not smaller.

spudsmom · Nov 12, 2011

Feralvr said:
I have the Petmate double door, front and top. I always use a blanket to cover the top though. I also have a Sherpa http://www.allpetfurniture.com/Sher...etr0mz5HC&pcrid=267891455_mtrckid_1580yu39503 They are wonderful and you can put the strap over your shoulder and carry your cat that way. I use it when I have to take two or three cats to the vet at the same time. I love my Sherpa carrier. It also zips open at the top and has a zip front door too and a cozy fleece pad inside.

I got mine at Petsmart on sale.

melesine · Nov 13, 2011

Feralvr said:
I have the Petmate double door, front and top. I always use a blanket to cover the top though. I also have a Sherpa http://www.allpetfurniture.com/Sher...etr0mz5HC&pcrid=267891455_mtrckid_1580yu39503 They are wonderful and you can put the strap over your shoulder and carry your cat that way. I use it when I have to take two or three cats to the vet at the same time. I love my Sherpa carrier. It also zips open at the top and has a zip front door too and a cozy fleece pad inside.

I got mine at Petsmart on sale.

I still have a sherpa from when I had a tiny dog many years ago. I haven't tried using it with the cats, it's been relegated to a pet storage bag for ages for the dogs. I should see what the kitties think of it.

windycitymom · Dec 5, 2011

I personally use the small plastic one from Target. It works best for us- we have a towel that has a hole cut in it to drape over it so they don't get all freaked out. Being plastic was important, in case there were accidents- I'd be able to just wipe it up easily. A cloth bag would be a little more difficult!

angelyco · Jun 15, 2012

bastetservant said:
Hands down, I think no other carrier available compares with the Petmate double door, (also called 2 door), in the medium or intermediate size. They are available from Amazon, for a better price than anyplace else. They are sturdy, safe, and easy to use.
Quiet Time Deluxe Ombre Swirl Bed (in the 21" x 12" size), fits in both carriers, and my cats say they are most comfortable. And Belle Hop handle wraps, make them comfortable to carry for humans. Both, also, available from Amazon.
Add some Feliway spay before you go, and you'll have a calm cat for your trip (MAYBE

)
This is all for car or truck travel. If you have to walk long distances with a cat, I don't know.
Robin

I realize this thread is a little old, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU!! I've been trying to figure out how to make my Petmate carrier easier to carry (the handle HURTS!), and I'm so glad you mentioned the Belle Hop wraps. I immediately ordered them!

kaoticharmony · Jun 15, 2012

My cats ride in the car without a carrier for long trips. When we are out for fun stuff they have a stroller. I have a regular carriers on hand when I need it. My oldest cat HATES going out. I always take her in a regular plastic carrier. She cries the entire time she's out. The carrier offers her a little security.

Alot of people rave about the Sleepy Pods, but they are alitlle out of my price range.

emilymaywilcha · Jun 15, 2012

Patricia rides in a soft-sided Petmate carrier with top and side doors. I got the large size because it was originally for an obese cat who wasn't easy to get out of a hard-sided carrier. There is a smaller size of the same thing for cats Patricia's size (~10 pounds) on Amazon.

Sleepypods look like crap. The link was for a carrier with no windows, just an open space for headroom. That is very bad. They need air holes on all four sides, preferably mesh.

Pet carriers

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