As a pet owner, you know how nervous cats can get especially when they go outside their comfort zone. Cats can easily get overwhelmed when traveling as well. Pet owners should always help their cats feel safe and secure whenever they are anxious. Getting a comfortable cat carrier will help them through the process.
Cats that are used to being indoors can be taken outside for air or a visit to the vet. Most cats can be aggressive when anxious and may run away. Trying to get a cat into a carrier for the first time is usually challenging. They should never be forced into the carrier as this may affect the relationship between the cat and its owner.
The health of a cat may be impaired when you’re having trouble taking them outside. Routine visits to the vet will not be possible and this may reduce the lifespan of your cat due to inadequate vaccinations and late diagnosis of disease. The solution to this problem is to train your cat to go into the carrier on its own. Some tips in this article can help.
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Getting the Cat into the Carrier
Cats should be taught to enter into the carrier with positive reinforcements. A slow approach ensures the best results. Cats tend to avoid the carrier at first. It is wise to place the carrier in the middle of the room where your pet can closely inspect it.
Leaving it open with familiar bedding and treats inside will see your cat going inside without any effort from you. This is very effective in making your animal get used to the carrier.
You can start with placing a familiar blanket in the same room as the carrier and move it closer to the carrier as the cat gets used to sleeping comfortably on it. Giving treats to your pet for calmness on the blanket helps hasten the training process.
When the cat gets used to lying in the carrier with the blanket inside, let it be your pet’s bed or hiding place for a while. Be sure that your cat is very calm and relaxed in the carrier before trying to close the door or even lift it.
If you have an emergency trip and your cat is still not comfortable with being in the carrier, there are tricks to get your cat in it without much trouble. For carriers that open from the side, calmly place the cat tail first into the carrier. You can slowly lower the cat into the carrier if it opens from the top.
The cat should be wrapped in its favorite blanket and never facing the open door of the carrier. Carriers should be placed on a firm surface to minimize the anxiety of the cat. You can use a spray of synthetic cat pheromones on the carrier to make it seem familiar to your pet.
Choosing a Suitable Cat Carrier
Picking the right carrier for your cat makes traveling less demanding. These carriers come in different shapes and sizes with some added features like extra pockets for storing treats. There are other things to consider when picking out a suitable cat carrier.
Comfort
It should have enough openings for easy ventilation. If it is too tight, your cat may become anxious and begin to scratch or hiss when it hears a strange noise. It should also not be too large to make your cat lose balance when it is being moved.
The space in the carrier should be sufficient enough to allow cats to turn around or stay in any position they like with ease. If you are getting a carrier for 2 cats, you may consider buying one with a partition separating both sides for cats that don’t get along.
Lightweight and Accessible
Consider buying a carrier made of light materials that you can easily carry. The weight of the carrier increases once there is a cat inside. Carrier doors should be easily accessible. One with a zipper works best for nervous cats.
Easy to Clean
Most cat carriers have a hard base that can be easily detached and cleaned. Ensure that you choose a cat carrier that can be washed or cleaned easily, whether it is made of plastic or fabric.
Secure
A good cat carrier should be made of durable material that can withstand scratching from cat claws. It should be designed in such a way that the cat cannot easily squeeze itself out of the carrier.
7 Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats
1. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod is a cat carrier that can also double as a bed for your pet. It is spacious and very comfortable. It has been crash-tested and meets car safety standards. It is made of durable material that is water repellent.
The well-padded interiors allow for proper relaxation of your pet while traveling. The shoulder strap is adjustable for easy carrying. This makes it comfortable for the pet owner who is carrying the pet.
Things We Liked
- Made with water repellent material
- Durable and can withstand clawing by your pet
- Spacious enough for many cat species
- Works as a permanent bed for cats
- Comes with an adjustable zipper on the top for easy access.
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for large cats
- Not allowed by some airlines
2. Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel
The Petmate carrier is comfortable, durable and has enough space for your cat to stay in any position it likes. With one door on the side and another on top, the carrier is easily accessible when training your cat.
The doors are made of plastic and steel wire, which improves visibility and allows free flow of air. It has a strong handle that makes it easy to carry. Your cat’s favorite blanket can fit into the carrier to make it comfortable.
Things We Liked
- Quite suitable for air travel
- Its doors have a sturdy design and open securely for easy entry or exit of your pet
- Comes with a secure latch that prevents your cat from escaping mid-travel.
- Cleaning the carrier is not difficult
- Spacious enough for most cats
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for large cats that weigh over 20 pounds
- It is quite bulky
3. Gen7Pets Roller Carrier
The Gen7Pets roller carrier makes traveling with your pet easy and convenient. It can be accessed from the top and in front. The rollers make moving around with your pet easy. It can also be transformed into a backpack to enable the pet owner carry it up a flight of stairs.
This would be difficult with ordinary pet carriers. The carrier is also large enough to contain your cat’s blanket to make it feel more like home. It is partly made of fabric with a strong level platform for increased balance. It may be an excellent option for your pet.
Things We Liked
- Offers a hard level platform to help the cat maintain balance when the carrier is moved around.
- Comes in two different sizes for smaller and larger cats
- Comes with extra pockets for carrying your cat’s favorite treats
- Suitable for air travel
- Comes with a seatbelt strap for secure car travel and soft padded sides for comfort
Things We Didn’t Like
- Requires manual cleaning without a washing machine
- The sound of the rolling wheels may be a nuisance
4. Sherpa Delta Pet Carrier
The Sherpa Deluxe pet carrier may be a very good product that comes at an affordable price. It is spacious and designed in such a way to allow free flow of air.
It has mesh on all sides, making it possible for your pet to have a good view of its surrounding. The sides of the carrier are soft with easily collapsible frames that enable it to fit under seats. It has zippers on the top and the side of the carrier for easy access.
Things We Liked
- Carrier meets in-cabin flight requirements
- Comes with a comfortable mat that is machine-washable
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Comes with privacy flaps that cover the mesh windows
- Offers two doors for easy entry and exit of your pet
Things We Didn’t Like
- Hasn’t been crash-tested for car travel
5.Petpeppy Premium Expandable Pet Carrier
The Petpeppy cat carrier can be expanded to increase the leg room of your pet. It has enough mesh windows for easy ventilation and a steel frame that enables the carrier to stay erect.
Your pet can have a good view of its surrounding through the mesh lining. This helps ensure that your cat remains calm and not anxious. The well-padded interiors allow for proper relaxation of your pet while traveling. The shoulder strap is adjustable for easy carrying.
Things We Liked
- Comes with extra pockets for carrying your cat’s favorite treats
- Suitable for air travel
- Easily foldable for storage
- Lightweight design and easy to carry
- Spacious enough for most cats and can be expanded for more room
Things We Didn’t Like
- Carrier isn’t allowed by some airlines
6. PetLuv Premium Soft-Sided Carrier
The PetLuv soft-sided carrier is very comfortable and airy due to the mesh windows on all four sides. It is suitable for nervous cats as it has zippers on the top and all four sides for easy entry and exit of your cat.
There is enough room for the cat to stand or turn around. Cats can have a good view of their surroundings through the mesh windows. There are privacy flaps for use at your discretion.
Things We Liked
- Suitable for large cats
- Foldable for easy storage
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Comes with secure zippers to ensure that the cat does not escape from the carrier mid-flight.
- Comes with several doors that make it easy for entry and exit of your pet
Things We Didn’t Like
- Larger than average
7. Pawfect Pet Travel Carrier
The Pawfect Pet Travel Carrier is durable and comfortable, making it fit for traveling with nervous cats. It has a sturdy design and does not fall over when your pet sits on one side of the carrier.
There are buckles on the zip to secure it and prevent the cat from squeezing out of the carrier. The well-padded interiors allow for proper relaxation of your pet while traveling. The shoulder strap is adjustable for easy carrying.
Things We Liked
- Durable and cannot be damaged by the claws of your pet
- Made of water repellent material
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Comes with secure zippers to keep the cat safe mid-flight.
- Comes with 2 comfortable mats that are machine-washable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for large cats
Conclusion
Traveling with a pet can be challenging for those doing it for the first time. Nervous cats tend to urinate. If not cleaned properly, the odor from the urine can cause discomfort. The base of your carrier should be made of suitable material that is easy to clean.
Related Post: How to Make a Temporary Kitten Carrier
Some carriers come with a replacement mat that can be swapped while traveling. Not all cat carriers are approved for air travel. Be sure to verify the pet carriers that are allowed by your preferred airline.
However, our pick for the best cat carrier for nervous cats is the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Carrier. It has been crash-tested and safe for car travel. Being made of water repellent material minimizes stain from liquid spills.
Using it as a permanent bed for your cat ensures that the pet feels safe while traveling. The comfort of your pet should be the most important consideration when choosing a pet carrier. Considering some of these options may help you to make an informed decision.