How to Choose the Best Cat Carrier

Just about everyone needs to use a cat carrier at some point in their time owning a cat. This may be to take them to the vet, to take them to be boarded, or if you are moving house. It is not generally a good idea to let your cat run loose in a car, no matter how well-behaved they are.

There are many different types of cat carriers available. The cheapest ones are simply made from cardboard! These are made to only be used once and are generally only recommended for small kittens. Most big cats will either be too heavy for the cardboard, or will scratch/chew through it.

I think the moderately priced cat carriers are generally the most appropriate for most people. These are ones which are made from a high quality hard plastic or soft fabric. These are well-made, and can carry a larger cat (15+ pounds), and do not hurt your hand while you carry them. It is up to you whether you prefer a soft carrier or a hard plastic carrier.

If you are carrying the carrier quite far, you may wish to buy one which has wheels, much like wheeled luggage, as this makes it easier to transport. If you are traveling by plane with the cat, I recommend a climate-controlled carrier. These are much more expensive, but many cats have become ill or even died from being held in cargo holds which do not have heat. If you need to fly with your cat, I highly recommend this.

For other long travels, you will want to make sure that the carrier has room for a food and water bowl. This way the cat can eat at his leisure. You may also want to put in a puppy wee-wee pad, since the cat may not be able to use the litter box for some time. I always put in a towel or old blanket as well, this helps the cat stay warm if he becomes cold. I also make sure that the blanket carries my smell or the cat's smell, to make it more comforting.

Remember that traveling is very stressful for your cat. You will want to do everything you can to make it as easy as possible for him. Make sure that he is comfortable and well fed. In the car, talk soothingly to the cat, it will calm him down hearing your voice.

Sally writes about cats and kittens on her blog Kitten Advice. Do you want to find out more about cat carriers?

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There Are So Many Types Of Cats - Which Shall I Choose?

Cats have lived with man as long as he has been civilized and in ancient Egypt they were worshiped and treated as deities, mumified bodies of cats were found near the Great Pyramids. Just like dogs they are very sought after as pets and companions. Cats are very clean, they don't need to be taken for a walk when it rains or is cold outside and they can be very cuddly. Their lovely fur is usually very soft and a delight to stroke, especially with pedigree cats that have long hair.

Maybe you already have a feline friend or even a dog. Choosing a cat breed that is a compatible match and can fit into the dynamic of a home with cats and other pets can be challenging. You would want to see your cats happy and harmonious. Therefore you need to understand the nature of cats.

Each breed has different personality types and the purer the breed the more distinct these will be. Cats are very independent creatures, but there are certain breeds that are more like dogs, the cats are very affectionate and docile. They follow you around and just love to lie on your lap or even better in your bed under your blanket when you sleep.

On the other hand there are breeds that are still a bit on the wild side. Some are more aggressive and difficult to manage. Some get on great with other cats and others just want to fight all the time or ignore the other feline companions.

The other thing you might want to consider is the size of the grown up cat. The Maine Coon Cats, for example, grow to be quite big, in fact some of them become enormous. The smallest cat in existence is the Teacup Cat. It is really tiny and practically fits into a teacup, hence its name. It is not good to mix these breeds and certainly dangerous for the dwarf cat.

You can compare breeds through a veterinarian directory or surf the internet to provide you information about all breeds and how they interact with others. There are many books available that describe the different breeds and personalities. You could also ask your veterinarian, if he has knowledge of cat breed issues.

Cats make lovely pets and are not very demanding. Especially pedigree cats love human company but can just as well entertain themselves. Some are very talkative like the Siamese Cats for example and some are very quiet. Each cat breed is different, but the cats are all very intelligent.

Choose your new family member with care to enjoy a home of harmonious and happy pets.

Lizzy MacDowell is an expert in cat well being and can be found at:

http://catbreedplus.com/

Lizzy has spent many hours nursing cats back to health and countless days taking cats to and from veterinarians. She would not change the experience and love that a feline friend can give or share for anything in the world.

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