Cat-tastic & Meow-velous Space!
Before you can let the cat out of the bag, you need to get it inside one first! Dive into our guide featuring three purr-fect cat carriers tailored to get the ideal carrier to keep your kitty safe and comfy!
Bringing a new cat or kitten home? One of your first steps should be getting a cat carrier. This essential item ensures safe trips to the vet for shots and check-ups. Choosing between a hard-sided and soft-sided carrier depends on your needs. Hard-sided carriers are great for car travel with luggage, as they prevent injuries from shifting bags and are easier to clean if your cat gets nervous. They also often have large doors, making it easier to place a scared cat inside.
Soft-sided carriers, on the other hand, are more convenient for carrying around, especially with shoulder straps. They’re ideal for air travel, fitting into under-seat storage on planes. For larger cats, consider a durable tote-style carrier with a shoulder strap or wheels, or a hard-sided carrier. Adding a favourite treat or toy can make the journey more comfortable. At the vet’s office, covering the carrier with a blanket or towel can help reduce your cat’s stress by shielding them from unfamiliar animals.
For city dwellers, a backpack-style cat carrier or one with wheels can be a game-changer. These versatile options make it easy to take your feline friend on public transportation, bike rides, or walks to the vet, and they're also perfect for air travel. Check them out!
Adding a favourite treat or toy can make the journey more comfortable.
Away The Pet Carrier
Away, a luggage brand known for its carry-on luggage, has designed a pet carrier for travel. This carrier features a trolley sleeve that attaches to your rolling luggage handle and separate latches that secure it to a car seat belt and can accommodates pets up to 18 pounds. Although it meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for airplane travel, it may not fit under all airplane seats without some adjustment due to its larger size (approximately 18" by 10").
The carrier has mesh panels on the top, one side, and the front, which can help reduce anxiety for nervous cats by limiting their visibility. Additionally, a privacy screen can be rolled down on the side for even more seclusion, while your cat relaxes in its sherpa-lined space.
Other notable features include its construction from high-quality, durable materials like water-resistant nylon and leather trim. You can load your cat from the top or the side, and the sherpa bed with walls can be hand-washed and air-dried if needed. The carrier also includes details like ID card, key clip, multiple pockets and it is versatile for those with small dogs too. Remember, it's not designed to hold two pets at once!
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier can double as a cozy bed for your cat at home. When it's time to travel, simply zip up the top for a secure carrier. This pet carrier stands out for its high-quality construction, featuring durable hardware, a washable soft lining, a nylon exterior, and a sturdy mesh top. To prepare for travel, partially zip the top and leave it open, so once your pet gets inside, quickly close and zip it fully.
Keep the instructions that come with your Sleepypod Air handy for guidance on securing it in a car using the seatbelt. It's perfect for car travel, and the carrier is also designed to fit under an airline seat, compressing to 16" x 10.5" x 8", giving your cat ample space at the airport and a snug fit during the flight.
One of the best features of the Sleepypod Air is the privacy it offers. While the top is mesh, the sides are solid, allowing a nervous cat to feel secure and shielded from the outside world. You can still easily check on your pet through the mesh top to ensure everything is okay.
Gen7Pets Roller Bag Pet Carrier
Do you have a chubby cat or need to walk long distances with your pet? The Gen7Pets Roller Bag Pet Carrier is a great solution. It can be pulled along using the telescoping handle or worn as a backpack. It’s much easier to roll than to wear with a large cat inside, as the bag itself weighs 7 pounds. For a lightweight cat or kitten, wearing it as a backpack works just fine.
When placed on the ground with the handle down, the top hatch can be opened to create a cozy pet bed it’s also easy to get your pet through the large side opening. While it's easy to manoeuvre through an airport, it can be a tight fit on many planes.
You ask if its durable? With being spacious it can also be rolled up and down steps and escalators, along sidewalks, and with one set of wheels that can spin 360 degrees, it's easy to change directions quickly. However, if you are not happy pulling your cat behind yourself; if you prefer to wheel your furry friend in front of you, a pet stroller might be a better option. For those with larger cats (sorry), this carrier can hold pets up to 20 pounds.
From the August 2024 issue of FHM India.
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