Cat Carriers
It is extremely useful to have a cat carrier  if you have a cat. Carriers are especially useful if you travel or take your cat on small trips around the town. Not big on traveling? You will still need some way to bring your cat to the veterinarian for annual check-ups! Cat carriers range dramatically in price, from very inexpensive cardboard carriers to extremely pricey Marc Jacobs designer pet carriers. The average person buys a carrier somewhere in between these two extremes, of course.
What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Cat Carrier- Usage-- Is this carrier going to take your cat to the vet once a year? Will your carrier need to be carry-on friendly for your jet-setting adventures? Is style the most important factor for trips on the town with Fluffy? Figure out what exactly the carrier will be used for. Many carriers are specifically made to comply with airline regulations, while others can be wheeled and are great for train trips. If you just need a carrier a few times a year for simple trips to the vet's office, buy a simple in-hand carrier.
- Size-- That small over the shoulder carrier bag may be super stylish and give Fluffy a lot of room now, but will it be large enough for her in a year? It is best to get a quality carrier that is large enough to be with your cat for all of his or her life. If you have multiple cats that travel well together, try buying an extra-large carrier (which normally is only an option for those simple in-hand carriers).
- Safety-- Many sling front and over the shoulder carriers are comfortable to wear, but if you have a cat that is energetic or dislikes traveling, they might be a very bad idea. These types of carriers are much easier for a cat to escape from. Avoid bags that have a Velcro opening, as these can easily be pushed open by even a kitten!
- Comfort-- Carriers should be comfortable for you and your cat. If a carrier has a hard bottom, place a towel or blanket on the bottom to make your kitty at ease. Over the shoulder bags, roller carriers, and sling front carriers are usually more comfortable for carrying pets for long distances. Make sure in-hand carriers have a plastic handle and not a thin metal handle. Thin metal handles will have your hands aching in about 20 seconds.
- Personality-- Get fancy with your carrier! Even the simplest carrier can be personalized. Is your kitty cat a huge football fan? Put stickers of his or her favourite team on the carrier!
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