For some cat guardians, nothing says stress like transporting their kitty to the veterinary hospital.
Difficulty in getting their cat into a carrier and/or the distress caused by a once-yearly car trip is the most common reason we hear for otherwise well-intentioned owners skipping out on the very important annual physical exam for their beloved pet.
Fortunately, with careful consideration of what type of carrier to buy and some helpful hints on acclimatizing their cat to both the carrier and the car, many of our clients have been able to overcome this difficulty.
Carriers provide a sense of safety and security for your cat -- they offer a sense of being hidden in a secure and closed container while in unfamiliar surroundings.
There are many types of cat carriers -- from the practical to the outlandish -- pet supply manufacturers provide us with more choices than ever before. However, if your kitty was in charge of the decision, he/she would have a few recommendations...
Size:
The adorable little carrier that fits your 8 week old kitten perfectly may very well prove too small once he/she has grown to adult size. While most kitties enjoy small, snug spaces and feel safe in there -- when it comes time to leave the carrier when at the veterinary hospital -- tight quarters can prove problemmatic. Ideally, the carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand and turn around comfortably.
Visibility: Some cats like to be able to see out of the carrier while others prefer being more fully-enclosed. An easy way to soothe an anxious kitty is to provide a blanket or towel to cover the carrier, providing them with much-appreciated privacy.
Style:
There are many options when it comes to style of carrier -- from the traditional hard plastic variety to soft-sided and 'gym-bag' versions. Although it's a matter of personal preference, there are a few things to consider.
Traditional hard plastic carriers are the most common type we see. They're sturdy and functional allowing a varying degree of visibility for your kitty and are the type preferred for airline travel etc. If that's your preference, consider purchasing a carrier that easily comes apart -- easy-snap clips on the side allow the top and door to be removed which facilitates easy transfer for your kitty in and out of the carrier. A removable top is beneficial for fearful and aggressive cats, as well as for elderly, sick, painful or limited-mobility cats. Often, nervous kitties at our hospital enjoy having much of their physical examination done while sitting in the bottom of the crate with the "lid" off!
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| a conventional hard plastic carrier with quick-snap release to remove the top and door |
Also a good option is the carrier that offers more than one access point. "Top-loaders" make entering and exiting the carrier easy and stress-free for your cat. Many cats do not appreciate having a strange person reaching into their carrier and pulling them out! Being able to pop their head out and check out the new surroundings is always welcome.
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| a slightly fancier version with top-loading door |
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| Ideally, a carrier should offer both end doors and a top-loader. In addition, many of this type will completely unzip to slowly expose the cat |
Choosing the right carrier for your cat will reap long-term rewards -- the easier it is to use, the less stressful an event it will be - for both of you - to transport your beloved feline.
