Cat Carriers and Travel

Choosing the Right Cat Carrier

A good cat carrier makes vet visits, journeys and house moves significantly less stressful for both you and your cat. The right choice depends on how you will be using it, your cat’s temperament and how often they travel.

Hard vs soft cat carriers

Both types have their place, and the best choice depends on your cat’s size, temperament and how frequently they travel.

• Hard carriers: durable, easy to wipe clean and provide a more secure, den-like environment; the most commonly recommended choice for vet visits and regular travel
• Soft carriers: lighter and more flexible than hard-sided options, often a comfortable choice for calmer cats on shorter or less frequent journeys
• Top-opening carriers: allow vets to examine your cat without fully removing them from the carrier, which significantly reduces the stress of vet visits for anxious cats
• Airline-approved carriers: necessary for air travel and must meet specific size and construction requirements set by the airline

Getting the right size

Size is as important as type. A carrier that is too large can feel insecure; one that is too small is simply uncomfortable.

• Your cat should be able to stand fully upright, turn around comfortably and lie down inside the carrier without being cramped in any direction
• Avoid carriers that are excessively large: cats feel more settled and secure in a snugly fitting space that feels more like a den
• Introduce the carrier at home well before any planned journey so your cat is familiar with it before it is associated with a stressful event

Making the Carrier a Positive Space

How your cat feels about their carrier is largely determined by how it is introduced. A carrier that only comes out for vet visits will quickly become associated with stress. A carrier that lives in the home as a familiar, comfortable space is a very different thing.

• Leave the carrier out permanently at home with familiar bedding inside so your cat can explore and rest in it at their own pace
• Use a calming pheromone spray on the bedding before any journey to help reduce anxiety in the run-up to travel
• Feed treats inside the carrier occasionally to build a positive association that is not connected to journeys or vet visits
• Gradual, positive familiarisation with the carrier makes vet visits and travel considerably less stressful for both cat and owner over time