Cat Carriers

[annavc]

My cat has discovered how to escape from his carrier - had to take him to the vet on Saturday for his annual vaccinations, got him in the carrier after a bit of a fight then turned my back for 30 seconds to put my coat on and heard a crash and he darted past me and under the nearest bed! After 10 minutes of gentle coaxing he emerged and I managed to get him back in the box and secure the fastenings - or so I thought - 10 seconds later he headbutted the door, it sprang open and he was back under the bed! I eventually managed to get him in the box and with me holding it a slight angle I manage to walk to the vets with him.

As he's now figured out how to escape from that one I'm going to need a new carrier. What I was wondering was does anyone have one of those fabric carriers - they look a bit like a gym bag but zip up so I imagine are much more secure. Are they any good? I suppose a rigid plastic one is better but if he's figured out how to escape from one he'll probably figure it out with a new one too and then he and I both end up very stressed. I'd really appreciate some advice on what sort of carrier is the best and importantly the most secure? I don't have a car so the only trips he goes on are to the vets and we walk there so it has to be something which can be easily carried. Thanks.

[woofgang]

the old fashiond wicker kind have straps and buckles to fasten the door, rather like small cat collars. He may chew his way out but I doubt he'd manage to undo them!

[woofgang]

like this

http://www.petplaypads.co.uk/Wicker_Carrier.htm

T%he wire one looks more durable and hygienic but the cat might not feel safe. i guess that you could cover it with a washable cloth cover

[camille79]

A quick word of warning about wicker carriers! I have one of these and used it to take my cat to the vet recently. Cat managed to escape twice during the 15 minute journey! The wicker has some "give" in it and can cat managed to force his way out (or at least partially out) with brute force. In fairness, he is a big bruiser of a cat so wouldn't expect everyone to have the same problem but thought I'd warn you anyway.

After telling the vet the story, he recommended I got a carrier which opened at the top. Then you can put something heavy on it to stop any escapes! He also said it was better if the cat was injured as you can lay them in it to prevent causing more injuries.

[annavc]

Thanks for that info. My cat is quite a big bruiser and it was brute force that got him out of my current carrier so anything rigid which he can headbutt may be a hazard. Slightly worried about him hurting himself as well which is why I wondered about the soft bag types but I'll have to look around.

[annavc]

It would be really useful to know if anyone has one of those types and what they're like or if anyone knows of any reason why they're not a good idea.

[annavc]

This is the sort of thing I'm talking about!

http://www.indigopets.co.uk/canvas-cat-carrier.php

[drgnrdr]

Since your cat has not been crate trained I would worry that he might be able to bite and claw his way out of the mesh areas. You might want to look at crates for dogs, they might be a bit more durable they are made of hard plastic but with metal for the door, and there are 2 pins to hold the door secure, one slides at the top and the other slides into the bottom, look at crates/carriers, check out PetSmart, http://www.petsmart.com/ps/main.jsp you can see the different kinds that are out there, there is one that has a door in front and one that opens on top also.

[camille79]

Wow! I hadn't seen a carrier like that before but I'd agree with drgnrdr about them being able to rip it open. My bruiser managed to break out of an sspca-approved pet carrier made of cardboard in a record 8 seconds, He just hooked a claw in an airhole then ripped the side open and shoved his way out!

Sounds silly but have you thought about harness training him? I'm considering this as after his second dramatic escape from the wicker carrier, my cat sat quite calmly on the car's parcel shelf and seemed quite happy. So I thought I might try harness training and then get a friend to carry him while I drive. As you walk to the vets you could carry him but have the harness for extra security!

[lankeela]

I use the material mesh ones for my dogs, but I think a cat could claw through them.

I would go for a metal one with a top opening that you just push a long pin through. If he headbutts the 'door' he will get nowhere as the 'door' is on top!

I have a white plastic covered metal one with very small square of wire, so there would be no chance of getting through it.

[Noweia]

As some ABers have already mentioned, a top-opening wire carrier is the best option: it's easier to get the cats in and out and harder for the cats to open!

And as In A Pickle said, leave the carrier lying out in the house and put your cat in it a few times when you're not going anywhere, and you'll find it a lot easier to get him in next time!

[Kingaroo]

anna, could you keep your old carrier and simply use a strap with a buckle or velro to keep the door closed? I imagine this would work better if you could run the strap through the top handle to keep it properly alignned.