Knowing what cat carrier to buy can be difficult, especially as there are numerous, different types on the market. While cardboard cat carriers are available, they can get wet easily and most are not strong enough to safely transport your cat. Instead, opt for a sturdy plastic or metal wire model. Whatever you choose, the ideal cat carrier should be strong, lightweight, secure and easy to clean. The carrier is made of high grade plastic making it sturdy and durable. The carrier has plenty of ventilation holes, and the grated door has gaps large enough to feed your cat treats as you travel. The base of the carrier is solid, making it very practical for containing any accidents your cat may have. The door is closed with plastic clips – but be careful as these can snap if too much force is applied. If you have a nervous cat, we prefer to use a hard cat carrier to prevent them from escaping and to keep them secure. We wouldn’t recommend putting two cats in a single carrier. When travelling, your carrier will move around and become unbalanced, where cats may bump into each other. Not recommended – when travelling they will move around and may become unbalanced – We advise buying two How long can my cat stay in a carrier?

Top opening hatch that makes life simpler when putting your pet in the carrier and when taking them outLeave your open cat carrier in a quiet space so that your cat can explore it at their leisure. Alternatively, if your cat is nervous about the cat carrier, ensure they are not around when you place it out. Cat especially nervous? Begin by placing some bedding near the carrier. As your cat gets more comfortable, move the bedding steadily closer to the carrier. The carrier has a unique design that allows you to open both the roof and the door of the carrier to make it easily accessible when placing your cat inside (as shown in our images below). The door on the carrier has two cat bowls built into it which you can easily slide in and out without having to open the door of the carrier (image 4,5 and 6 below). If you are unsure, you can try covering your carrier to see how your cat reacts. What are the cat carrier guidelines for airline travel? Cats can stay in carriers for quite a few hours. If you are planning to keep your cat in a carrier for anything longer than a couple of hours, you should schedule breaks to allow them to stretch their legs and top up on food and drink.

For your comfort, you should look for a carrier that would fit comfortably under a normal airline seat, but normally airlines don’t have specific size requirements. Tips for using a carrier with a nervous cat Is your cat nervous? If so, consider how easy it is to get your cat into the carrier and the different access points you have without opening the door.Firmly but gently, place your hands over the towel and on your cat’s shoulders. Scoop up the cat, folding the blanket underneath as you do. If you’re looking for a hard carrier there is no need to look further than the Catit Cabrio Carrier. We have used this cat carrier with our cats for years, and in our opinion it is the best by far. The carrier is airline approved and tops our list on design and functions making it our best hard cat carrier.

As a cat owner, having a cat carrier is a necessity for travelling with your cat or taking it to the vet. A cat carrier keeps your cat safe and comfortable whilst you transport it. In the UK it is the law to have your pet restrained whilst you are driving and a cat carrier is one of the safest options you have. Utilise cat carriers that have unique entry options – it can be easier to place your cat into a roof window rather than into a traditional door

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Double Cat Carriers

It comes with an attachment to be used with safety belts in your car. Overall this carrier offers great value for money. The Siivton pet carrier is a great option if you’re looking for a spacious expandable carrier. The carrier itself comes with two entries (front and roof) and plenty of mesh windows for ventilation and for your cat to look out of. This carrier is our favourite soft carrier and also the best large cat carrier on the market. When your carrier arrives – place it next to your cats favourite sleep spot, or near to where they eat their food. Let your cat inspect it for a few days before you need to use it

The base of the carrier is skid resistant and has a gutter which collects any accidents that happen whilst you travel (as shown in image 4). When driving, the carrier is easily secured using a standard car seat belt through the handle on the top of the carrier. The carrier has an integrated handle making it sturdy to carry and easy to keep balanced, whilst you can clip on a strap to carry it over your shoulder. There is a clear window in the door of the carrier that makes it great for cats to see what is happening without looking through a caged front. The carrier comes in two sizes, medium and large, which are suitable for cats up to 20lbs. It measures 34cm high x 31cm wide x 44cm long, and comes with a collapsible food bowl that can be attached to the bag whilst you are travelling. After your cat is happy ‘finding’ the treats in the carrier, get them used to your presence while they are exploring. Try throwing some of your cat’s biscuits or a treat into the carrier while your cat is in there.Once the door is closed and your cat is safely inside, try lifting the carrier so they can get familiar with the feeling of being transported. If your cat still seems nervous, try draping a blanket or familiar bedding over the entrance.