Cat Carrier
 | "Cats sleep usually 2/3 of their lifetime. That's totally normal behavior." |
A good cat carrier is essential - especially for trips to the vet. When we bring the cats to the vet, we usually only bring two at a time (The vet gives a break by charging only one office visit for two cats since we have so many).
When they were little we used to bring all 4 of them in a big cage, which was their home in the very beginning, but it was just too cumbersome (not to mention embarrassing) to go to the vet lugging this enormous metal 'cat carrier'.
So, we went on our search for a good replacement that would suit our needs - and our cats' needs as well.
So, what constitutes a good cat carrier?
For most women, it's not only important that it be functional but that it looks good, too! Why carry a beige plastic box when you could be sporting something that looks cool? Sense of style aside, the most important thing is that it should be comfortable and safe for your cat.
When you choose a cat carrier, make sure that there are no pokey things inside or edges that are sharp. The cat can sometimes get jostled around in the carrier when you are driving so you have to make sure that it will not get hurt in transit.
The cat carrier needs to have enough openings to get proper air circulation for the cat. Otherwise there is always the risk that it might suffocate or at the very least be extremely unhappy in it.
Take into account your cat's size and temperament. Do they feel better when they can see out of the carrier or does seeing out frighten them even more? Do you have a large cat that needs to be stuffed into the carrier like a sardine? If so, look for a larger carrier.
When you have to put your cats inside the carrier, they already know that something is up. We usually put out the cat carrier the night before, so they get used to it. Because the cats are curious they will come and sniff at it. Once Bhima even slept in it (the door was open) before we went to the vet. Some people will feed the cat in the carrier for a few days before they go to the vet.
You know what your cat has a weakness for and sometimes you have to use that knowledge to get them into the carrier. The bigger and older they get, the more of a challenge it can be.
We've resorted to inviting our cats into the house to 'trap' them. Then we scoop them up, into the carrier and off we go! They fall for it every time because they are so enamored with getting to come inside. Dirty tricks not withstanding - 'ya gotta do what ya gotta do'.
Prepare the carrier in advance to try to make it comfortable for them. Use catnip or toys to make it a nice environment. We always put an old towel on the floor of the carrier.
After a trip to the vet, make sure to clean the carrier. You want to get rid of any smells associated with going to the vet, (some people recommend vinegar and hot water). This measure will reduce the cat's stress the next time you use it.
Always make sure that the cat either hears you or sees you when you are taking her out. Try to calm her down with words. Use your sweetest, calmest voice and reassure her that everything is going to be ok. They may not understand the words but they understand the feeling.
Choose a spot in the car that is not in the sun, put a cloth cover over the carrier if needed (not where the air holes are), let enough air go through the car but don't let the cat sit where its too breezy.
Since the back seat of many cars sit at an angle, you may want to prop the cat carrier up on a pillow or blanket to give them a stable surface and to help keep the vibration associated with riding in a car to a minimum.