what is the best pet carrier to buy

Cats are not generally fond of being forced into small, unfamiliar spaces (who would be?). Unfortunately going into a carrier for short drives or long trips is sometimes necessary. Cats will often fight to keep out of a pet carrier, potentially injuring those handling them in the process. This article was written with outdoor pet cats and house cats in mind. Not feral or wild cats.

Edit Steps

1. 1
   Place the carrier on its end, so that the opening is facing the ceiling. Place a soft towel in the carrier, so if the cat urinates, the towel will absorb the wet instead of the cat's tail and legs.
   
   
2. 2
   Pick up the cat with one hand placed under its front legs and the other hand supporting its bottom.
   
   
3. 3
   Tilt the cat so that when its torso is released, it can only go into the cage. Remember TGIF: tail goes in first.
   
   
4. 4
   Close the door and secure the latch.
   
   
5. 5
   Slowly lay the carrier down in the correct position. Lowering it too quickly may upset or injure the cat
   
   
6. 6
   Finished.
   
   

Edit Tips

• If the cat is aggressive, it helps if you use a towel or blanket to wrap your cat up before lowering it to the carrier
• Take along a second towel and a spare trash bag so you will have a clean towel in the event the cat soils the first towel. The trash bag will provide a place to put the soiled towel.
• If the cat struggles so much that it cannot be released into the carrier, let it go, then try again in half an hour or so.
• Speak in a calm, soothing voice to the cat.
• Be confident! Cats will sense if you're tentative or nervous (maybe after previous unsuccessful attempts). Remember, you're the owner and you know this cat needs to go into the carrier, now! So don't hesitate or try to cajole your cat. You just might find that before she knows it, she's in, and that's that!
• If more than one cat must be loaded into the same carrier, have someone release the door for you just before the second cat is lowered into the cage.
• You can sometimes lure the cat/kitten into the pet carrier with a laser.
• Throw a treat or toy to make your cat go in.
• Keeping the carrier open and with the odd kitty treat in the back all the time will let your cat explore the carrier. They may even come to see it as their "cat cave".
• Acquire a carrier for each cat. Good inexpensive (or free) carriers can often be found at flea markets, through advertisements, or even put out for the trash.

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Edit Warnings

• Never leave a cat in a vehicle alone, no matter the weather. Some stores will permit you to bring the cat inside if the cat is in a carrier.
• Do not use a cardboard carrier, unless no other carrier is available. Cardboard does not contain bodily fluids such as urine or vomit, and some cats can escape from these carriers. If you do use cardboard, place an absorbent towel in the bottom. Then protect the seat of the car with a large plastic trash bag, covered with another towel for absorbency.
• Do not use a broken carrier. A frightened cat is very strong, and might escape.
• Always treat cat bites or scratches immediately with the proper disinfectant. Use soap and water. Do not use alcohol as alcohol is only for unbroken skin. 3% peroxide is safer. Then seek medical attention. Cat bites can easily cause serious infections.
• Do not close the door on any part of the cat.

Edit Things You'll Need

• A suitably sized pet carrier that opens from the ends or from the top.
• A cat
• A couple of towels