Community Chat

[kassi]

I need suggestions for a carrier for a cat. I am a new cat parent, and need to know what type is the best for taking her to the vet. Hard type or a soft one. I need to get her spayed and will need to buy one. Thanks for all suggestions.

[AnikaBrodie]

I always preferred hard carriers with a removable metal door. That way you can use it in the house as a ""den"" or go to area when they want to rest/sleep. Congratulations on your new kitten. Enjoy.

Check out www.petedge.com or www.drfostersmith.com or www.hayneedle.com. They all have a variety of cat carriers in soft and hard types. They offer free shipping as well if you purchase a certain dollar amount.

[Another new name Sue]

I like the soft kind because they are lighter. Our old hard one had a door that rattled which I think made the cat more nervous. Here's a link to the kind I use:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3261+16901+26421&pcatid=26421

[57babe]

Hi!

Both soft & hard carriers each have distinct advantages. I would suggest that depending on what you can afford right now, get a soft carrier first and then later buy a larger hard carrier.

Soft carriers are better for cats who might struggle in a carrier as the cat doesn't smash it's face against the steel grate. And soft carriers can be taken on an airplane.

After doing some research in store and online, I bought 6 of these soft-sided carriers for my cats. The name is AKC soft-sided carrier.

I have 9 cats and 6 of them fit into this size carrier -- which, by the way is airline approved. I've actually used these carriers to fly our cats back and forth to Florida and they have been great.

You want a soft carrier that has a lot of ventilation, has strong zippers and can be loaded from the top and both ends. Look for a washable cover and check to see if the carrier folds up for easy storage.

Since I have so many cats, I wanted a well-constructed carrier for a reasonable price. The one pictured is made by Sherpa which is a premium brand. This AKC brand costs about $40 - $50 compared to $80 - $90 dollars for the Sherpa in the same size.

If you are using the carriers for airline travel, you might like a carrier with wheels.

I've seen comparable soft carriers in black at Walmart. Although I haven't used those brands myself --the carrier did look well constructed and was a reasonable price. Target also has some well-constructed carriers.

Hard carriers are generally inexpensive and you can also get them second hand. As long as you clean it well with soap, water & bleach a second hand hard carrier will be fine.

Also, having a large wire crate handy is excellent for containing your cat during an emergency, renovations, illnesses, etc. You can also get these second hand. Just remember to clean them well with soap, water and bleach. Just a kind suggestion.

http://www.amazon.com/American-kennel-sherpa-original-carrier/dp/B002LNLS9Q

Note: If you have a very large cat such as a large Maine Coon, you may need to go up a size. I have 3 Maine Coon mixed cats and although they fit into these carriers OK, they would not be comfortable in them for longer trips. I have larger carriers for those 3 cats.

By the way, congratulations on getting a cat!! Obviously, I think cats are one of the most fantastic pets ever! They are such loyal and loving creatures! You will love having the companionship of your wonderful cat! Tell us his/her name if you like.

[KailaS]

Have had 25 kitties in my long life. I used hard sided carriers of various sizes until about two years ago. I could no longer carry the hard sided carriers with my cane and brace. My current boy weighs 11 pounds and is very long with a beautiful tail. He fits comfortably in a large soft sided carrier which fits fairly comfortably over my shoulder.

[grandkidsrgreat]

Have both kinds and have used different ones for different cats. Right now I only have one kitty who gets very nervous and usually has an accident in the way to vet so use hard one for her. Easier to clean. Good luck with our new furbaby!

[GCR18]

I've had both. I prefer the soft sided kind because they zip shut and are lighter. Years ago I had a cat get out of a hard sided carrier in the vets parking lot. Luckily he didn't go far before he was caught.

[mousiegirl]

The hard carriers, though more expensive, are safer for the pet, and are what I have always used during all my prior years of rescue, and pet ownership.

[MarLoCat]

[candys mine]

I and apparently my cat too, prefer hard sided carriers. I got a soft sided carrier for my kitty girl. It was difficult to get her inside it and keep her in while you zipped the darn thing up but that is not my issue with soft sided carriers. My problem is that my dear girl could force her nose against the zipper and force it open. OK so I locked the zippers together, problem solved. Welll, all I can say is the nylon webbing on the sides is Not chew proof. Good thing we were in a taxi 'cause I was gripping a hole big enough for kitty to get her head through by the time we reached the Vet's. The Vet's office loaned me a hard sided carrier for the trip home. Now, I leave my carrier out and she sleeps in it often. It pays to spend the money on a good sturdy carrier. Get one a little bigger than is needed now because kitties can grow to be rather large cats! Enjoy your new fur friend!