Best Cat Carriers for Long Distance Travel
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Going out with your cat can be difficult without the right equipment. One of the first items you will need is a cat carrier. Without this, your trip may turn into a total disaster. Not just any cat carrier will do for long road trips. The best cat carrier for long distance travel will be one that keeps your cat safe and comfortable. I have compiled a small list of some of the best carriers for traveling. All of these carriers take into account your cat’s comfort as well as their safety when traveling.
At the end of the article I also cover a few frequently asked questions about traveling long distances with cats.
PetLuv Soothing Happy Cat Premium Soft Sided Cat Carrier
This cat carrier from PetLuv is a great pick if you plan on traveling far and comfort is your main concern for your cat. You can check out the current price on amazon of this carrier by clicking here. This is a premium made soft sided cat carrier that is specifically designed for traveling. It comes with locking zippers which gives that extra touch of safety so you can drive without worrying about whether or not your cat will escape his carrier.
This is perfect for long road trips, vet trips, and just about anywhere else that you can think of. What makes this cat carrier different from the rest of the carriers that are on the market is the amount of space it gives your cat. The interior has about three to four times more room compared to other cat carriers on the market. This is a huge difference and your cat will love you for it. It’s a much better alternative than a small, cramped, carrier. A cat carrier that is too small can cause anxiety in your cat which can make up for a very bad trip.
This carrier is perfectly designed for medium to large sized cats, or up to 2 to 3 cats that weigh up to 45 pounds total. There is also a convenient adjustable shoulder strap made to easily carry and transport the carrier with ease. If you don’t want to use the shoulder strap, then you can simply carry the carrier using the padded handle grip instead. For added safety, there are seat belt restraints which makes this perfect while traveling in a car.
The carrier has a sturdy frame that is fully collapsible that allows it to fold flat which allows for easy storage. In order to keep your cat well ventilated there are mesh doors on three of the sides. The cat carrier also comes with a bonus sleep pillow for your cat that is perfect for him to take a nap on. The dimensions for this cat carrier are: L 24″ x H 16″ x D 16″.
User Reviews
The overall amazon reviews for this product are positive. Most users have commented stating that this is the perfect cat carrier for traveling long distances. Their cats loved how much room they have to sleep and move around. Also transportation using the padded shoulder strap makes it very easy to carry while your cat is inside.
Mr Peanuts Airline Approved Soft Sided Cat Carrier
This cat carrier by Mr Peanuts is another great product for long distance travel that can double as an approved carrier that you can take on a plane. Click here to check the current pricing on amazon. The dimensions of this cat carrier are: 18″ L x 10.4″ W x 11″ H. It fits pets up to 17″ L x 10″ H and up to 15 pounds. These types of carriers are generally designed to keep your cat comfortable in a lying down position.
The space on the inside of this carrier will be less than the outside due to the thickness of the carrier. This cat carrier is strong as well as waterproof. Accidental spills won’t be an issue with this carrier. It is also very portable and lightweight. It only weighs 2.7 pounds without your pet inside.
On the inside there is a removable travel bed for your cat to nap on. The bed can be machine washed if it were to get dirty or soiled. The carrier is sized perfectly to be able to fit under the seat in front of you in a plane. Also the soft sides of this carrier make it great for adjust-ability. There are even a few storage compartments for cat treats, food, and medication.
Keep your cat safe by buckling up with this seat belt compatible carrier. There is also excellent ventilation at the top and sides with the use of mesh screens to keep your cat cool and prevent overheating.
User Reviews
Overall, the reviews for this product on amazon are positive. Most users have stated that this cat carrier worked perfectly for long distance travel and for planes.
However, there are also a few negative reviews. Some users have stated that the overall build of this cat carrier is flimsy and their cat was able to easily get out. This can be bad especially if you were on an airline trip with your cat.
Jet Sitter Luxury Soft Sided Cat Carrier
This cat carrier by jet sitter is another excellent pick for your feline friend when traveling long distances. If you want to see the current price of this cat carrier, click here to check it out on amazon. This cat carrier is a high quality travel bad. It’s designed with the medium to large cat in mind. Your cat will love this carrier due to how roomy it is. There’s nothing worse for your cat than cramming them into a tiny carrier for an extended period of time.
This carrier is big enough to hold pets up to 18 pounds. On the inside is a super plush fleece mat padding with a stiff board underneath to support heavier pets. There is also a large mesh pocket and expandable sides to give even more room for your cat. You are able to store cat food, treats, medications, food containers, bowls, and any other travel gear you would pack for your cat.
This cat carrier also has an open roof for easy access. To store this carrier, simply fold it flat for easy storage. For added safety, there is attached seat belt buckles and a luggage loop to help fasten your carrier in the car. If you have a cat that always tries to escape their carrier, you can use the secure leash inside the carrier for added safety.
The overall reviews of this product on amazon are positive. Many users have commented that the carrier was the perfect size for keeping their cat comfy while also being easy to transport.
User Reviews
Most of the negative reviews were from users that stated the build quality wasn’t as expected. Some carriers started to fall apart after about a month. Rest assured though, jet sitter has a great replacement plan that you can contact them about if your carrier were to prematurely wear out.
How Do You Transport Cats Long Distances?
- Prepare your cat for a long trip by doing “practice trips”. These can consist of mock trips around your block so you can see how your cat reacts to traveling.
- Purchase the correct type of carrier. There are many carriers on the market which can lead to some poor decisions if you don’t research properly. Always select a spacious and breathable cat carrier when traveling long distances.
- Take your cat to the vet for a quick checkup to make sure your cat is in good health. Don’t forget to make sure your cat is up-to-date with shots as well as stocking up on any medication.
- Bring cat treats. Bringing your cat’s favorite snacks and treats will help keep them calm during a long road trip.
- Don’t forget restroom and food breaks if you are traveling very far.
For a more in depth guide about traveling with your cat long distances, you can click here to check out my detailed article.
Should I Cover My Cat’s Carrier While Traveling?
The answer to this question is yes. Covering your cat’s carrier with a towel, blanket, or another object will help them feel safer. Even when you get to your destination, it is a good idea to keep your cat’s carrier covered. Your cat will be surrounded with a lot of unfamiliar sounds, scents, and scenery. Covering the carrier will indeed help keep your cat calm.
When covering your cat’s carrier, make sure you leave enough room for proper ventilation. If you plan on covering your cat’s carrier while traveling, be sure to take that into account when you are searching for the perfect travel carrier for your cat.
Final Thoughts
When finding the best cat carrier for long distance travel comfort and functionality should be your main focus. You will want to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible to make the trip easy. Having a small or cramped carrier can turn a good trip into a bad trip almost instantly.
