CHOOSING A CARRIER – Safety must be a key feature.

• Select a carrier size that suits your cat, ideally one and a half times its size and appropriate for its weight.
• Hard carriers are recommended for various reasons. They can help calm anxious cats and prevent resistance to confinement by providing a sturdy barrier for them to feel safe and secure.
• Soft carriers may be preferred by some cats who are confident travelers or have a good relationship with their carrier. They often offer front and top access, which is convenient for shy cats during vet visits.
• Check the flexibility of soft carriers to ensure they maintain their shape with your cat’s weight inside, as feeling confined can be unsettling.
• Opt for a carrier that allows you to observe your cat to monitor stress levels. While backpack styles may look stylish, they lack visibility to assess your cat’s comfort.
• Ensure good air circulation and sturdy doors are key design considerations for a quality carrier.

A cat’s carrier should provide a comfortable and inviting space.

TRANSPORTING cats safely with minimal stress.

• It is essential to have your cat in a carrier while travelling in the car.
• Make it inviting. Pop a blanket in with them & even a toy.
• Use a light cover to prevent travel stress & be very aware of airflow.
• Make sure the door is secure before you leave the house.
• Avoid feeding them before placing them in the carrier to prevent toileting. That leads to another post later. “Bathing your cat.”
• The carrier must be secured in the car so it does not move, fall, roll or tip over. Use a seat belt or place it safely on the floor behind a front seat.
• Your cat needs to move around, stretch comfortably yet the space must also prevent them sliding into excess space.
• Carriers keep them safe not only while travelling but also for when you reach the destination. A cat on the loose in a strange environment or on a busy road is dangerous.

THE VET VISIT MADE EASY – A calm patient has a better experience.

• Using a carrier is essential for vet visits, not only for transportation to and from the clinic but also to guarantee the comfort, containment, and safety of all animals in the waiting room. It’s best to cover it lightly to give them a feeling of being hidden.
• It is much nicer for your vet & vet nurses to be managing a calm cat. Their carrier allows the vet team to move them gently through the clinic with minimal stress.
• In the waiting room dogs need to be on leads, while cats MUST be in carriers for a good reason. Just picture the chaos if they weren’t!
• The main goal of a carrier is to ensure your cat’s safety. This practice helps them feel protected and reassured by you in an environment with other animals.
• Be sure to have a favourite blanket in the carrier with your cat for security & comfort.

“Feliway” spray is a great product to help reduce stress.