Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats

How can I get my cat to tolerate the carrier?

Many cat owners understand the frustration of trying to get their kitty into a carrier, only for their kitty to throw a massive tantrum. There has to be a way to get your cat inside without the feline hysterics or the clawed-up hands, right?

Right!

You can train your cat to tolerate the cat carrier. Unfortunately, this won't help you much on the day of a vet appointment. But you can follow these guidelines so that when your cat does need to travel, the experience isn't painful or stressful.

One big mistake that many pet owners make is hiding the carrier. They shove it in the back of the closet or place it on a high shelf in the garage. When they take it down, the cat knows something bad is about to happen.

If you act like the carrier is a big secret, or you have to force your cat into it, your cat will remember. It's easy for cats to form negative associations in their minds. When every experience they have with the carrier is negative, they'll start to see it as a stressful object.

The best way to counter this is through positive reinforcement. Instead of making the carrier a scary thing, make it a good thing instead. Leave it out where your cat can easily see and interact with it, so that your cat gets used to it. Then turn it into a kitty hotel.

Chances are, you have cat beds or boxes or trees set up for your furry friend already. Cats like to have comfortable, enclosed spaces within their territory. The carrier can function as one of these. If you take the door off, set a cushion inside, and put the food dish near it, then your cat will have a free lounging paradise.

That alone goes a long way to stop the stress of the carrier. But you can go a step further with a method called counterconditioning. This method is especially effective if your cat already has a distaste for the carrier.

It's simple enough to employ. Every time the cat goes near the carrier, give them a treat. This helps them to associate the negative thing with something positive instead. Over time, they'll have more positive associations than negative ones. And in the meantime, the reward is a good motivator for your cat to do the tough thing.

How can I calm a stressed cat?

There are a variety of ways to soothe an anxious kitty. The best ones will vary depending on the circumstances and the cat in question. First and foremost, it's important to understand certain aspects of feline behavior. Cats don't think like humans do, and you might not intuitively create a cat-friendly environment.

A cat needs a certain amount of freedom to feel safe. If they feel cornered or trapped, they'll get upset. Cats need to be allowed space when they don't want to socialize, and they need room to approach humans on their own terms.

One good tip for adapting your environment is to create vertical spaces for your cat. Empty shelves along the walls can be good climbing areas, and a vertical perch lets your cat survey a room without being caught up in the action.

Most people instinctively reach for cats to calm them. They believe that stroking the cat will soothe the anxiety. But the best thing that you can do for a stressed cat is give them space. If you try to touch an anxious kitty, they may panic.

Instead, leave the cat alone. Put some physical distance between your bodies. You'll want to be aware of where your cat is, of course, but it's important that they can decompress and then venture out when they choose to.

After a cat has become less stressed, you can bond by engaging in distanced play. Again, don't approach directly or reach for the cat. Use a long-distance toy like a fishing rod or a rolling ball. Once the cat is confident that there's no more danger, they'll happily engage in the activity.

What are signs that my cat is stressed?

Cat body language can be hard to read, especially if you're used to the more obvious body language of dogs. Cats tend to be more subtle, and it's important to understand their stress signals.

A twitching tail tip is a sign that a cat is irritated, unhappy, or tense. If the cat isn't given space to calm down, they might become stressed. Cats might also flex their claws as a self-defense measure, even if you don't see anything threatening in the area.

Cats who feel unsafe tend to hide as well. It's common for a cat to crouch low to the ground or to squeeze into tiny, hidden spaces. This helps them to feel protected from any predators or threats in the environment. Cats like being in enclosed areas where they can see everything that's happening outside.

When cats are stressed or feel like their territory is threatened, they might spray the walls or the floors. Fixed cats usually spray due to stress, while unfixed cats tend to spray much more frequently due to hormones.

What is the best way to put a cat in a carrier?

It's easiest to pack your cat into a carrier if you've gotten them used to the carrier's presence. For cats who willingly go in and out of their carrier, try putting treats inside to entice them in.

The process is a little more complicated when your cat won't willingly enter the carrier. At that point, it's best to follow these steps:

• Pick the cat up and place them down in front of the open door with their rear end pointing into the carrier.
• Hold one hand around the kitty's ribcage.
• Use your other hand to press your palm against the kitty's face, forcing them to back inside.
• Once the cat is fully inside, keep your hand on them and use your other hand to close the door as much as you can.
• Carefully slide your hand out, then lock and bolt the door.

Whether you have to back your cat into the carrier or not, you should always double-check that the door is securely closed.

Is it safe to travel with a cat?

There are ways to safely travel with your cat as long as you prepare. But it is important to determine whether the trip is good for your cat. Cats aren't like dogs - they're much more likely to be stressed by travel. If you want your cat with you for leisure purposes alone, you might want to reconsider.

But sometimes travel is necessary. You might be staying with a relative for several months, or moving to a new place. There are ways to prepare so that your cat is safe throughout the journey, even if they find the travel stressful.

Here are some immediate safety concerns if you travel with your cat free to roam inside your car:

• The cat may bolt when you stop at a rest area or a convenience store.
• The cat may try to jump out of open windows when you stop to pay tolls or slow down around sharp curves.
• If the cat is anxious, they may have a hard time drinking enough water, which can lead to dehydration.
• Hot cars can be extremely dangerous for pets, even if you don't leave them for very long.
• Cats are very mobile and athletic creatures, and they may create dangerous distractions as you drive.

How should I prepare for a long trip with my cat?

Cats like to stay in their home territory. They tend to be stressed by unexpected travel, changing environments, and upheaval. Even if you do everything you can, your cat is still likely to experience some stress.

The best thing you can do is be as prepared as possible. If you know every step of the journey ahead of time, you'll know exactly how to care for your feline friend along the way. In addition, a well-planned trip will calm you down, which is essential. Cats often pick up on their owner's emotional energy.

The trip itself might be the biggest thing on your mind, but you also need to consider the destination. It's vital that you stay somewhere that your pet will be safe. Make sure your hotel accepts pets. Confirm that any friends you stay with are pet-friendly. Ideally, stay in places where your cat won't have to interact with other animals.

What are some safety considerations when using a cat carrier?

It's important that the carrier be the right size for your cat. Some multi-cat households might be able to travel with two cats in the same carrier, but it's wise to have at least one carrier for every individual cat. That way, the kitties can have alone time if they get stressed.

You can make the carrier less scary by padding it with a familiar blanket, piece of bedding, or sweatshirt. The scent will help your cat feel at home inside, rather than feeling like they're in unfamiliar territory.

These are important safety considerations to keep in mind as you travel:

• Cat carriers should never be transported in the bed of a pickup truck. This is unsafe and exposes the animals inside to rain, dirt, and wind.
• The safest place for a carrier is in the cab of a truck or car.
• Cats should never be loaded into a moving van like they're just another one of the boxes. If the cargo shifts, it could crush the carrier and injure or kill the cat.
• It's important to make sure that the cat eats and drinks enough, especially since stressed cats get dehydrated easily. Pay attention to how much your cat pants, as this tells you whether they're dehydrated.

What do I need to organize prior to moving with my cat?

If you travel with a cat, there's a fair amount of important paperwork to get in order. You'll need your veterinary records and health certificate. It's important to keep these things, just like you keep your own medical documents.

Your cat's rabies vaccine must be up-to-date if you travel. Depending on the area you're traveling to, there may be additional government requirements. Many states in the US have differing laws regarding the transportation of pets over their borders.

If your cat is due for any vaccinations, it's best to have them completed at least two weeks before the trip. Traveling too soon after a vet visit can increase your cat's chances of getting sick.

Tape your cat's health records and certificates to their carrier. Your vet's phone number should be somewhere in the record, as this allows officials to verify the information.

You might already have a collar on your cat. If not, traveling is a good reason to use one. The tag should have your phone number written largely enough to read easily at a distance. Many lost cats find their way back to their owners because of the phone number on their collars.

If you'll be driving for more than a couple hours, have an old pet, or are moving to an entirely new location, it's best to have a flexible litter pan for every cat. You can put the litter pans inside the carrier prior to loading the cat. Having a litter pan helps ease your cat's territorial anxiety, and it encourages them to use the litter.

For people whose trips last less than two hours, your cat probably won't need to use the litter box. You can use an old sweatshirt or blanket to help them feel at home instead.

Can cats ride in cars without a carrier?

You may wonder about whether it's legal to travel with cats outside a carrier. In the US, it is legal for cats to be outside a carrier as long as certain rules are followed. The cat must be restrained, meaning that they aren't free to roam the cabin. They also cannot restrict the driver, so they can't sit on the driver's lap or under their feet.

Each state in the US has unique legislation regarding cats and distracted driving. In some places, you may be guilty of distracted driving if your cat freely roams your vehicle. Always check the laws of your state and any other states you'll be driving through.

As a responsible pet owner, it is important to restrain your cat. If they don't travel in a carrier, then they should be secured in a harness.

This is because of numerous safety concerns, including:

• An unsecured cat can be badly injured in an automobile accident.
• A startled cat may distract a driver, which can cause dangerous situations.
• Cats that are hit by airbags can be seriously injured, and some states will press animal cruelty charges.
• Cat harnesses and carriers have been proven to save the lives of pets in accidents.

Cat harnesses might be difficult to use if your pet isn't used to them, though. They work best for indoor cats who often go for walks on leashes outside. A cat who isn't used to a harness may struggle and potentially injure or strangle themselves. In these cases, a carrier is by far the safest and least stressful option.

You can also have a passenger in the car hold onto the cat. If a cat is held on someone's lap, that counts as a restraint. It is important to note that an unharnessed cat might still bolt if they get startled.

If a passenger holds the cat, the person should be someone that the cat is familiar with. You should know already that your cat is comfortable sitting on this person's lap for long periods of time.

How can I bring my cat to the vet if I don't have a carrier?

As with longer travel plans, you shouldn't drive with a freely roaming cat in your car. It's dangerous for human and feline alike. If you bring your cat to the vet without a carrier, you'll need another way to secure them.

A sports bag can sometimes work as a substitute carrier. This bag helps to secure your cat and keep them from bolting when you enter the vet's office.

As with longer travel, a harness is also a good option. A cat on a leash can walk right into the vet's office.

Docile and senior cats might be able to travel in a bed or basket. But if you decide to do this, you need to be certain that your cat won't get up. If your cat startles and runs around the vehicle, you'll be in danger.

If at all possible, it's best to bring a carrier to the vet, as this makes the vet's job much easier.