If you are going to be on the go with your cat in tow, you’ll need the right cat carrier. Besides being safe, you want to make sure it is easy to load and unload, looks cute, has good ventilation, and is easy to clean.

Safety: If you need a carrier for visits to the vet, you still need a safe way to transport your kitty, and having Fluffy loose in the car, isn’t safe. Look for one that is crash tested and that you can secure with the seatbelt. If it’s not securable, put it on the floor of the backseat. Both hard and soft carriers need to lock – check them carefully to ensure your cat is secure. We’ve seen many cats open a zipper! If you’re traveling by plane, check with your airline to see what they recommend.

Material: Kitty carriers come in both hard and soft styles. Hard is very sturdy, but they tend to take up more room. However, many cats seem to feel safer in a hard carrier with walls. Soft carriers are often more comfortable on long trips; many come with a padded floor and fleece pad for comfort. Be sure the fabric and windows are sturdy.

Size: If you’re only going to use a carrier for vet visits, it really only needs to be large enough for your cat to lay down, stand up, and turn around. If you’re taking a road trip or a trip that involves a plane flight, Fluffy’s carrier should be roomier, with more space for her to stretch. It will also need an attached water and feed bowl.

Ventilation: Thankfully, most carriers are designed with airflow in mind; however, keep in mind that some cats find too many windows a bit intimidating and may like a dark, quiet corner to relax in.

Openings:The type of door is an important feature. A carrier with a top opening is often easier to “drop” your cat into instead of trying to stuff a reluctant kitty in a front door. Some carriers have front and top doors, the best of both worlds! Make sure the doors have secure latches.

A few other considerations: Consider how easy the carrier is to clean. Check out what sort of handles or staps it has for you to carry it with. If you’re traveling by plane, your carrier should be airline-approved. Think about style in regards to how you’ll use it. There are oodles of design options like backpack style, carriers with wheels, or stroller style carriers.

No matter what type of carrier you’ve chosen, get your cat used to it. Open all the doors, put in a toy and a few treats, and let Fluffy investigate it. Don’t try to coax Fluffy into it; let her take her time. Soon you’ll be all set to go somewhere with your kitty!