Cat Carriers & Crates
Cat carrier – Safe on the road with your feline friend
Be it in cars, buses, trains and even on foot – transporting cats usually isn't possible without some assistance. Cat carriers are a good solution. Equipped with food, water and a soft blanket, you can use a cat carrier for longer journeys too and even for flights. Find cat carriers big and small in our bitiba cat shop.
What should be considered when buying a cat carrier?
Choose the size of the cat carrier so that your cat can lie down, stand up and fully rotate without hindrance. If the base or lower tray is made of a waterproof material, you can even take the carrier with you in the car or place it on the carpet with no fear of a little accident. Good ventilation from air slits or holes improves air circulation in the carrier. The cat carrier should be collapsable if space-saving storage is an important factor for you. If you own a large cat, make sure the carrier is sufficiently robust. If you wish to transport your feline friend on foot, a tote bag for cats is a sensible alternative to a cat carrier.
What are the characteristics of a cat carrier for flights?
The guidelines of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) apply for the transport of dogs or cats as cargo hold:
- Dependable material: plastic, wood, metal
- Door: opens forwards and cannot spring open
- Ventilation: at least on three sides
- Side handles: required to ensure separation and ventilation
- Rollers: must be removed or with their function blocked
- Base: must be waterproof and covered with a surface that absorbs moisture
- Food and water container: no sharp edges, accessible from the outside
- Live Animal sticker: must be stuck on the outside
Cat carriers for cabins must be air-permeable, bite-resistant and waterproof. The dimensions must be within the accepted range for hand luggage. There may be further regulations of individual airlines – often a maximum weight of 8kg. As a tip, always contact the airline to clarify all details before flying with a cat.
Cat carriers in cars – Safe feline transport
Cats aren't allowed to just travel inside a car without any special measures. They are considered cargo in traffic regulations and must be secured accordingly. Since you can't strap a cat in yourself, a secured cat carrier or tote is usually the method of choice. You can ensure safety with your own provisions. However, it's easier and more practical just to buy a cat carrier with a seatbelt attachment. Manufacturers like Trixie, Curver or Savic offer models like this.
Tips for cat carriers on a long car journey
Catnip can have a calming effect on some cats, but it can also prove stimulating. If you wish to use the plant otherwise known as Nepeta cataria as a sedative for car journeys, you should definitely do a test at home beforehand. Otherwise, anything familiar can give cats a sense of security, such as their favourite cushion, blanket or even their usual food bowl. Keep talking to your feline friend throughout the journey. For some cats, it helps to not be too far down and instead to have a good view from the carrier of what's going on around then. On long car journeys, breaks are recommended to give your cat some sweet treats and affection.
