Choosing The Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel

Traveling with cats is not the easiest task for most pet parents – but if you are a traveling family who loves adventure and want to have your cat with you then the right cat carrier can make all the difference in your cat’s happiness!

Getting one of the best cat carriers for car travel is a necessary investment especially if you love having your cat around. Cats are prone to acting up when under stress so, it’s never a good idea to bring your cat unsecured. If you choose to let your cat “roam” in the car while traveling, you may think you are being a good pet parent – but the truth is you are taking a risk with your cats health and safety.

No matter how lovable your cat is, a loose cat in your car always means chaos. The only way to ensure safe journey when bringing your pet is to secure it in a carrier and we are going to help you figure out how to get the perfect carrier for your next trip!

Do I Need a Cat Carrier ?

Some people would argue that if you are just making annual visits to the vet, borrowing a carrier is acceptable.

I don’t agree with this.

For a cat that is like sleeping in someone else’s bed – not sure about you but I would not want to sleep or hang out in a strangers bed, would you?

Every responsible cat owner needs at least one carrier for each pet. This comes in handy during emergencies and for those annual visits to the vet. If you ever need to do a bit of traveling, you can also use a carrier.

Cats are also prone to stress especially when they are not in the comfort of their home. When in a vehicle, cats should always be secured in a carrier. These cuddly creatures act like little demons when loose in a car and they could distract the driver.

Aside from being a driving hazard, felines could jump out of the car when your door or window is open. When you are traveling, the last thing you want after driving is to chase after a wayward cat.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Cat Carrier ?

Material

There are three materials that are typical of cat carriers:

• cardboard
• soft
• hard

Cardboard
Of these three, you should try to steer clear from cardboard cat carriers although you can make do with them for an emergency. These are typically what you receive when you adopt a cat from a shelter – and while good for transport home – they are not really meant for everyday use. Most cats can chew their way out of a cardboard carrier. Aside from that, this cat carrier is so flimsy that the box could cave in and drop the animal. Although some kittens are shipped in cardboard carriers, try to stay away from these as your main cat carrier.

Soft
Typically much more comfortable than either a cardboard or hard cat carrier – the soft cat carriers are usually super soft inside and the cat can almost mold into the interior for a snuggly travel experience. The downside to a soft carrier is that they are less safe if you get into an accident or have to break suddenly.

Hard
Definitely not as comfortable as the soft cat carrier options – but probably the safest option of the group. A hard cat carrier will do the best job keeping your cat safe during an accident or other auto incident. They may get some bumps and bruises, but the hard shell will keep them safer than a softer exterior. Line it with some blankets and favorite toys to help make them more comfortable and to prevent slipping and sliding.

Size

The cat carrier that you plan to use to secure your cat in the car should not be too big or too small.

If the space is too big, your cat may feel insecure in such a large place and move around too much to ever be comfortable.

Meanwhile, if it is too small, your cat may feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Look for a carrier with enough size to allow your cat to stand comfortably and turn around easily. This size is just right and your cat can rest easily.

Portability

Carriers are designed to keep your cat secured while you are on a trip. When shopping for a carrier, look for one that would be easy to carry. Also, look for one that your cat can’t claw its way out.

Another basic thing to look for is seatbelt compatibility. There are carriers that can be attached to the seatbelt while others can be secured with a belt. These features are essential to ensure that your pet won’t tumble out on the car seat while you are behind the wheel.

Price

While all the other aforementioned factors are important, it’s undeniable that price is also a basic consideration. A cat carrier costs around $20 to $40.

Of course, the price would be higher or lower depending on its manufacturer and quality but you can get a decent carrier in that price range.

Our Top Cat Carrier Recommendations

The below recommendations are strictly for car travel. If you are looking for a cat carrier for airline travel we will do that in a separate post since those require their own unique standards.

Final Thoughts

While all of the carriers we examined here have redeeming qualities that make them ideal for transporting a cat, there’s one clear winner – Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carriers (on Amazon.com).

It may not be the cheapest among the three cat carriers were reviewed but it has great features that make it worth investing in. The carrier is well made and the materials are sturdy enough for transporting pets by car.

The seat belt can also be attached conveniently to ensure that your pet is secured in the backseat. The size is good for most cats. Unless you own an exceptionally big feline, you won’t have problems choosing the appropriate carrier for him or her.

Aside from that, this is a lightweight carrier since it is made from leather and vinyl. Although it doesn’t have wheels, you can carry it around without too much strain on your shoulders. The recommendation by ASPCA, veterinarians and the Humane Society also says so much about this cat carrier.