Ideal size for soft cat carrier?

I purchased cat carriers in two sizes for my smaller cat because my male won't fit anyway. I use a plastic carrier for him.

I know I don't want her jostling around a lot but how much room should she have? Should she be able to stand comfortably inside, or does that defeat the purpose?

I think the size depends on how long a trip you are taking.  There is no need for a cat to stand if you are just going to the vet and back, and if you are flying, you have to get a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you, and you can ship your larger carrier if you will then be traveling on or awhile in a car (I have done that before, transfer the cat once I am safely in the car with the empty larger carrier.)

When traveling with cats on long trips in the car, I use larger carriers, ones I can put a small litter box into when I make a rest stop.  When traveling locally, I usually use the size that fairly closely fits the cat when it is lying down but allows room for it to turn around if it wants to.  In the car, I use seat belts to strap the carriers in. 

I have the soft shoulder bag for my one year old boy. He's 11 1/2 lbs. Tell you why I prefer a shoulder bag.
My boy dosen't stand while he's in the bag. He lies down facing the open flap with netting so that he can see the outside while being carried. Flap can be closed if you don't want kitty to be afraid of the outside as some kitties freaked out going out. It is more comfortable for him and also for me because the bag is being carried very close to my body and the bag does not swing and bounce like those short handles type.
Another good thing about it is if your kitty is afraid of sounds and sights, you can put your arm on the bag and hold the bag much closer and tighter and when slung on the shoulders or move the bag to your chest just like carrying him in front of you and that way your kitty is much closer to you and you can talk to him and give him assurance. Those hand held ones you can't do that and the hard case type also can't do that.
It's less tiring carrying this than the short handles ones. Some comes with slings which can be shortened. Mine comes with two shoulder straps and it's a top loader with zipper netting cover so that kitty can look at you and vice versa.
I don't travel with my boy. Carrier is just for visits to the vet or for bringing him around to the neighborhood stores. Had this bag for him since he was 1 1/2 months old.

I like that over the shoulder carrier.  I might have to get 3 of them.

Alicia88 said:

I like that over the shoulder carrier.  I might have to get 3 of them.

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Oh ya, you now have triplets:lol3:

TabbyTom said:

I have the soft shoulder bag for my one year old boy. He's 11 1/2 lbs. Tell you why I prefer a shoulder bag.


 

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Where did you buy that? 

wannahelp said:

Where did you buy that? 

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I bought this when I was in Bangkok, Chatuchat, a famous weekend market. Tons of stuffs there besides pet accessories.

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/sherpa-pet-carrier/6000196083758  Listed under dog carriers but I love this one.  Detachable strap, top and front opening, the liner is velcroed in for easy removal for cleaning, and it collapses nicely for easy storage.  The small version is good for up to 8lbs and for bigger cats the medium is perfect (fits our biggest who is 12lbs and very long).  Probably machine washable without the liner too but haven't needed to try.