Does your kitty enjoy riding around? Chances are, the answer to that question is no. Most of our feline patients absolutely hate car rides! However, at some point, Fluffy will need to be transported. When she does, she should always be in a carrier. But what do you look for when picking a carrier? A Southwest Las Vegas veterinarian offers some suggestions below.
S ize
Typically, when it comes to animal cages, bigger is better. In this case here, however, this isn’t necessarily true. With cats, you don’t want to go too big. In large carriers, they can tumble around too much. Plus, they tend to feel safer in smaller spaces. Of course, if the carrier is too tiny, your furry friend may feel trapped and frightened. As a rule of thumb, the carrier should be about one and a half times Fluffy’s size. Your kitty should be able to sit up, turn around, and sleep in various positions, without tripping over her dishes.
Material
Soft and hard carriers both have their own pros and cons. Nylon ones are lightweight and easy to store. However, they do sag, and don’t provide much protection for Fluffy against being jostled. They also don’t provide any real protection in case of an accident. Plastic enclosures aren’t as pretty, but they are both durable and easy to clean. You may find a carrier that opens from the top a bit easier to manage.
Cardboard
Cardboard box carriers are also an option, however, they should really be considered one-time use carriers. Shelters often provide these for people to bring kitties home in. They will also work in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, they don’t last long, fall apart if they get wet, and are easy to get out of.
Tips
Helping your feline friend form a positive impression of her carrier will definitely make things easier for you. Add some comfy bedding and some toys to the carrier, and offer Fluffy treats, praise, and catnip in it. You may also want to consider leaving it out between uses. Otherwise, if your kitty only sees the carrier before she goes for a dreaded car ride, she may bolt for cover as soon as she spots it!
Please contact us, your Southwest Las Vegas vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
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