Reddit mentions: The best cat soft-sided carriers
We found 59 Reddit comments discussing the best cat soft-sided carriers. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 34 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Pet Fit For Life Extra Large (32"x19"x19") Collapsible/Portable Cat Cage/Condo with Portable Litter Box and Bonus Cat Feather Toy and Collapsible Water/Food Bowl Large - 32" x 19" x 19"
- Extra large (32"x19"x19") cat cage/condo with portable litter box included (best value for you and your cat!) - Large enough to house two full grown cats comfortably. Fully collapsible, perfect for keeping your cats safe and contained when you have company or during emergencies or disasters. Your cats will love the extra large spacious interior with lots of room to move around and get comfortable.
- Quality is job #1. Made from super durable, nylon fabric (selected a grade above the other brands) with a flexible steel frame, this pet condo is built to last.
- Spacious and comfortable with a large exterior (32" x 19" x 19") and interior, this cat condo/cat bed will quickly become your kitties "Safe Space". Includes a super soft velvet covered floor pad but there is plenty of room for you to add your cat's favorite bed or even 2 cats. Unlike others sold on Amazon, our condo includes the collapsible litter box for maximum comfort and utility at home or on the road!! (Not suitable for airplane travel).
- The Pet Fit For Life cat bed/condo has lots of great features that will fit your cat's needs. These features include 2 windows (side windows do not unzip) and a zippered front door that provide plenty of ventilation and flaps that secure with velcro, a washable, soft velour bed pad, a collapsible, lined litter box, integrated loops for staking and securing outdoors and more. This "Pet Tent" is a superior value and will greatly improve your cat's quality of life!
- Bonus cat wand and collapsible bowl. As a bonus we are including our popular cat feather teaser and portable bowl with every purchase. Our wand is great fun and sure to get your kitty up, running around. The bowl is perfect for on the road or at home.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Blue Checkers |
Height | 19 Inches |
Length | 32 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Large |
Width | 19 Inches |
2. Petpeppy.com The Original Airline Approved Expandable Pet Carrier by Pet Peppy- Two Side Expansion, Designed for Cats, Dogs, Kittens,Puppies - Extra Spacious Soft Sided Carrier! (Black)
AIRLINE APPROVED PET CARRIER: Dont you think your pet deserves the same kind of love and care in an airplane that it gets from you at home. With the PetPeppy Double Expandable Pet Carrier your pet can now travel safely while lying down with utmost comfort and safety throughout the journey. Expertly ...
Specs:
Color | Two Side Expandable |
Height | 2.9133858238 Inches |
Length | 17.0078739984 Inches |
Weight | 0.65 Pounds |
Width | 10.9448818786 Inches |
3. Necoichi Portable Ultra Light Cat Carrier
- Convenient carrier is made with a chic plaid pattern and kitty head-shaped ventilation hole.
- Folds quickly and easily for storage during non-use, whether in a cabinet, closet or under your car seat.
- Sturdy fabric is designed for durability and safety—after all, you're carrying precious cargo.
- Lightweight design doesn't add extra pounds to your load, making for easy carrying.
- Extra large ventilation windows help your cat feel at ease, wherever the road takes you.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Beige |
Height | 3 Inches |
Length | 9 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 20x15x14" |
Weight | 0.73 Pounds |
Width | 7.5 Inches |
4. Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, Small, Black
Perfect for traveling in style and comfort by plane or car, for an adventure or just a trip to the vetPatented spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to conform to under-seat requirementsMesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zipp...
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 8.5 Inches |
Length | 15 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Small |
Weight | 3.4 Pounds |
Width | 10 Inches |
5. PetLuv "Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow Reduces Anxiety
Go-anywhere pet carrier makes transporting your pal easy with roomy design and built-in premium featuresOptimum ventilation and maximum sightseeing with all-around windows, with tear-resistant heavy duty rubber mesh and closable flapsGreat for car rides thanks to the adjustable seatbelt loops, and i...
Specs:
Color | Navy Blue |
Height | 15.9842519522 Inches |
Length | 23.62204722 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Medium-Large |
Weight | 8.7 Pounds |
Width | 15.9842519522 Inches |
6. Sturdibag Extra Large Pet Carrier Flexible Height Pet Tote, Black,Size XL { 20"L x 16"H x 12"W}
- Durable 600 denier polyester offers featherlite construction.
- Retractable privacy flaps on all mesh windows.
- Seatbelt safety straps.
- Zipper Security Clips a tether for safety and security included!
- Flexible height design "smooshes" but retains pet carrier shape.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 16 Inches |
Length | 20 Inches |
Size | XL Dimensions: 20 L x 16 H x 12 W inches 3.6 lbs || 50.5 L x 40.5 H x 30.5 W cm 1.64 kg |
Weight | 3.2 Pounds |
Width | 12 Inches |
7. Bark and Meow Premium DOUBLE Expandable Foldable Travel Carrier Airline Approved DCC1802 Black (Light Grey)
DOUBLE EXPANDABLE - Two expandable areaa allows more room for pets to move around during travel and allows more air circulationSHOULDER STRAP - Wide adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying. Integrated short leash prevents pet from jumping outPREMIUM QUALITY - Crafted from premium material...
Specs:
Color | Light Grey |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 17.5 Inches |
Width | 12.5 Inches |
8. Pet Carrier for Small Dogs, Medium & Large Cats | Airline Approved Bag Under Seat, Expandable, Soft Sided | Cat, Dog, Kittens, Puppies Carriers Up to 16lbs with Free Travel Bowl by GloBal Pet
NEWEST QUALCOMM MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED BARK DETECTION - a break-through technology and innovative upgrades were implemented in the new version of No Bark collar featuring the newest Intelligent Anti-Injury Chip.The collar has 7 levels of adjustable sensitivity and 3 training modes - beep, vibrati...
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 10.5 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Size | ML-12241103 |
Weight | 4.06 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
9. PetLuv "Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow Reduces Anxiety
- Go-anywhere kitty carrier makes transporting your pal easy with roomy design and built-in premium features
- Optimum ventilation and maximum sightseeing with all-around windows, with tear-resistant heavy duty rubber mesh and closable flaps
- Great for car rides thanks to the adjustable seatbelt loops, and includes locking zippers and reinforced seams for added safety
- Easy reach and loading with four access panels and top opening so you can get your pal in and out with less effort. Easy to carry with adjustable shoulder straps, and includes removable, washable plushy bed
- This Carrier Weighs 8.8 Pounds Empty. The exact dimensions of the carrier are: Length 24", Height 16", Depth 16"
Features:
Specs:
Color | Tan |
Height | 16 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Medium-Large |
Weight | 8.7 Pounds |
Width | 16 Inches |
10. ScratchMe Pet Travel Carrier Soft Sided Portable Bag for Cats, Small Dogs, Kittens or Puppies, Collapsible, Durable, Airline Approved, Travel Friendly, Carry Your Pet with You Safely and Comfortably
- DIMENSION: Airline approved, 20”L x 13”W x 13”H perfect for small pets up to 23 lbs, fits comfortably under seat. Don’t select carrier based on weight only. Choose carrier based on pet’s measurements first and stay within maximum weight limit allowing enough space for your pet.
- SAFETY FIRST: Steel ring set and firmer wood bottom plate maintains stability. Locking zippers that prevent your pet from opening the carrier during travel. An internal leash keeps your pet secure inside the carrier. A little card to show your contact point, just in case.
- COMFORT MATTERS: Mesh windows ventilate, machine-washable faux lambskin liner and no-slip carrying strap. Front and rear pockets for convenient storage of treats, leash, bags, or anything else your pet might need on the go.
- EASY TO STORE: Simple to store when not in use. The collapsible design allows you to store compactly and easily.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Large |
Height | 13 Inches |
Length | 20 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Large |
Width | 13 Inches |
11. Gorilla Grip Original Pet Travel Carrier Bag for Dogs or Cats, Free Bowl, Durable, Locking Safety Zippers, Airline Approved, Up to 15lbs, Sherpa Insert, Dog, Airplane, Train, and Car Travel
- Best Pet Carrier You Will Ever Own: with 4 soft mesh doors for better air circulation, including top load option; all zippered exits have clips, internal leash, front storage pocket, adjustable padded comfort strap with pass through, and rotating metal hooks to keep your strap from getting tangled; soft, removable, washable sherpa insert with firm bottom to keep your pet stable and snug
- Bowl: bowl is perfect for food or water on-the-go; fits perfectly in our zippered pocket
- Safety First: carrier features our unique zipper lock clips that prevent your nosy friend from opening the carrier during travel; internal leash keeps your pet secure inside the carrier
- Airline Approved: generous size fits comfortably under seat and meets airline and TSA requirements; perfect for small pets
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 17 Inches |
Size | Large |
Width | 11 Inches |
12. Sherpa American Airlines Duffel Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Charcoal, Medium (Frustration Free Packaging)
Perfect for traveling in style and comfort by plane or car, for an adventure or just a trip to the vetPatented spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to conform to under-seat requirementsMesh windows for ventilation, top and double sided entry with lock...
Specs:
Color | Charcoal |
Height | 10.5 Inches |
Length | 17 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Medium |
Weight | 3 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
13. Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carriers,Soft Sided Collapsible Pet Travel Carrier for Medium Puppy and Cats (Medium, Grey)
Dimensions: 17.5"L x 11"W x 11"H, suitable for pet up to 15 lbs.Please do not choose your carrier based on weight--please reference your pet's length and height in selecting a carrier sizeEasy to set up and fold down flat for storage. Original metal frame when you carry it within your dog or catsTwo...
Specs:
Color | Grey |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 17.5 Inches |
Size | Medium |
Weight | 2.12 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
14. MG Collection Black/Gray Designer Inspired Stylish Quilted Soft Sided Travel Dog and Cat Pet Carrier Tote Hand Bag
- This stylish, head-turning soft-sided pet carrier features a classic quilted 2-tone design on the soft, easy-to-clean exterior material
- The top of this pet carrier bag features a plastic mesh flap that can be covered with the quilted fabric flap for extra security or privacy for your pet or used alone for ventilation (along with this carrier’s 8 grommet-reinforced ventilation holes). The 2 parallel zippers on the mesh top flap make it easy for you to lower your pet into the travel pet tote and close it quickly to secure your pet inside.
- The 2 soft yet sturdy top handles allow you to carry this dog or cat carrier wherever you go, and the 4 hard studs on the bottom help keep the carrier sturdy and away from unwanted dirt. Use the 2 large, Velcro-secured pockets (1 on either side of this fashion pet carrier) to carry treats, supplies, or other items.
- Only suitable for small and medium-sized cats, dogs and puppies. PLEASE measure your pets' length and height before purchasing.
- **Official MG Collection product by MyGift features signature keychain charm** Approximate Dimensions: Exterior - 16 L X 7.5 W X 11.75 H; Interior - 16 L X 7.5 W X 10.5 H; Handles - 10 inch handle drop
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 11.75 Inches |
Length | 16 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Small |
Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
Width | 7.5 Inches |
15. A4Pet Airline Approved Top Loading Cat Carrier for Travel, 17.7 x 11 x 11 Inches
- STURDY FRAME & DURABLE FABRIC--Sturdy bottom and solid steel wire support rods hold the pet inside without collapsing; the well-stitched Oxford cloth material can ensure long-term use; the S size can hold 9 pounds, and the M size can hold 14 pounds, the L size can hold 18 pounds,neither collapse nor lose shape.
- AIRLINE APPROVED CARRIER--This carrier is airlines approved.Fit for American Airlines,United Airlines,Alaska Airlines,Jet Blue,Southwest,Frontier Airlines,Allegiant airlines,Virgin America,Lufthansa and so on .Easily to get this under the airplane seat when travel. (PS:There are two detachable fiber rods on both sides of the top of the carrier. When the size Large carrier is too high to fit under the seat, you can remove the two fiber optic rods and put them in easily)
- VENTILATION DESIGN & POCKETS--The 2 mesh door openings on the front and the top are convenient for pets to enter and exit,and the 3 mesh designs make the carrier more breathable and ventilated. The good ventilation design is very healthy for your dog or cat; each opening has two zipper pulls; the side pockets can put some small items
- EASY TO CARR--Adjustable shoulder straps and handles are easy to carry; the carrier back has a wide and sturdy strap, which can be passed through with a seat belt to fix the carrier on the car seat, and the luggage lever can also be used Pass through this strap to fix it to the suitcase
- SAFETY & EASY CLEANIN: The built-in safety rope is tied to your pet's collar to prevent escape; the carrier is spot-washed, and the cushion is machine-washed
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 17 Inches |
Size | M:17.7"×11"×11" |
Weight | 2.5 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
16. Bark and Meow Premium Expandable Foldable Travel Carrier Airline Approved DCC1800D-M Black/Aqua (Medium, Light Gray)
EXPANDABLE - Expandable area allows more room for pets to move around during travel and allows more air circulationSHOULDER STRAP - Wide adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying. Integrated short leash prevents pet from jumping outSUITCASE SLOT - Slot allows pet carrier to be secured to ro...
Specs:
Color | Light Gray |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Size | Medium |
Width | 11 Inches |
17. Bonve Pet Dog Carrier Soft Sided Pet Travel Carriers Portable Bags for Dogs, Cats and Small Pets, Airline-Approved, Black
- Single Speed
- Cruiser Bike Frame
- Rear Coaster Brake
- Enclosed Chain Cover
- Quick Release Seat Post Clamp
Features:
Specs:
Height | 10 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Weight | 1.6 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
18. Jet Sitter Airline Approved Expandable Pet Dog Cat Carrier - Soft Sided Carriers Cats Dogs Travel Crate (Medium)
TSA COMPLIANT CARRIERS - For In Cabin Under Seat conforms precisely to United Airlines. Can also fit Southwest, JetBlue, American, Delta, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant (soften the top). Fits Small to Medium Dogs and up to Medium Cats. Holds pets up to 12-14 pounds. Use MEASUREMENTS not weight....
Specs:
Color | Khaki |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Size | 18"x11"x11" |
Weight | 2.95 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
19. Sherpa 55552 Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Black Lattice Stitching, Medium (Frustration Free Packaging)
- AIRLINE APPROVED: The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier is airline approved and part of our Guaranteed On Board program, which provides comfort and peace of mind to pets and their owners; it's perfect for traveling by air, bus, car, or train
- IN-CABIN FRIENDLY: Our patented spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to easily fit under airplane seats in compliance with most major airline requirements and FAA regulations
- PERFECT FOR TRAVEL: Features mesh panels for ventilation, escape-proof locking zippers, top and side entries for easy and comfortable loading, waterproof interior base, and a removable machine washable cozy base liner
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Can be carried by hand with the padded top handle, or over the shoulder using the included detachable carrying strap and integrated metal D-rings - whichever suits your comfort and convenience
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The pet carrier can also be used a soft-sided crate for regular outings and vet visits with cats and small dogs; includes a large storage pocket, and a luggage strap that doubles as a seatbelt security pass-through for car rides
- PRODUCT DETAILS: Black (Lattice Stitching), Medium, 17" x 11" x 10.5"; fits pets up to 16 pounds
- CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE: Choose the perfect carrier size based on your pet's measurements, followed by their weight; make sure not to exceed the maximum weight limit, and allow enough space for your pet to change positions inside the carrier
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black Lattice |
Height | 10.5 Inches |
Length | 17 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Medium |
Width | 11 Inches |
20. Jet Sitter Airline Approved Expandable Pet Dog Cat Carrier - Stylish Soft Sided Carriers Cats Dogs Travel Crate (Medium)
- TSA COMPLIANT CARRIERS - For In Cabin Under Seat on Airplanes conform precisely to United Airlines. Can also fit Southwest, JetBlue, American, Delta, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant (soften the top). Fits Small to Medium Dogs and up to Medium Cats. Holds pets up to 12-14 pounds. Use MEASUREMENTS not weight.
- LUXURY FASHION TRAVEL CRATES FOR LONG DISTANCE - For puppy, kitten, rabbit, guinea pig, hamsters! Super plush padded fleece mat with stiff board to support heavier pets, upgraded fabrics and hardware. Large Mesh Pocket and Dual Expandable Sides can store treats, food containers, water bowls, toys, accessories, disposable poop waste bags.
- TOP LOAD DOOR AND PORTABLE - Open roof for easier access. Collapsible to store under your bed, closet, or suit case when not in use.
- SAFETY FIRST - Attached Seat Belt Buckles and Luggage Loop help fasten our carrier kennel in your car. Also includes Secure Leash inside to hold back escape artists.
- JET SITTER GUARANTEE - Please contact "Sugar Loaf Home Goods" for replacements or service. 1 Year Factory Warranty.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Dark Gray |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 18 Inches |
Size | 18"x11"x11" |
Weight | 2.95 Pounds |
Width | 11 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on cat soft-sided carriers
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where cat soft-sided carriers are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Hi, /u/freelifreed I have done exactly this - my fiance and I took our cat from Beijing to Los Angeles last year. Here's the process we went through. Please ask me if you have any questions!
It's good that you're starting this now because even with the paperwork we already had, the whole thing took us several months to organise.
So here's the rundown. My fiance and I did this ourselves without using an agency, we were pleased with how it went although it was expensive (probably 600 dollars overall.) It was totally worth it because as we know, China has an "eh, close enough" culture and I wasn't willing to trust anyone except myself to transport my kitty across international waters. I was also insistent that she travel in the cabin with me instead of being checked into cargo, too many horror stories of pets arriving dead or dying.
Pre departure:
• We adopted kitty from a reputable shelter in Beijing and they were very good w/ documentation. When we adopted her she came with a red book/passport showing her name, age, description and records of her microchip and rabies vaccinations as well as all vet appointment records. It was required for her to leave China. If you don't have your cats red book you need to get on that asap.
• Cat had to be rabies vaccinated at least 30 days prior to departure but not more than 12 months ago, if your cat hasn't been vaxxed recently that's a top priority. Vax date is then printed in the red book mentioned above. Cat must also be microchipped.
• Booking the flight. Only a few airlines allow animals in the cabin and they usually have a limit of 2 animals per flight. We flew Asiana the whole way and they were really excellent. We chose the flight we wanted, called up their customer service line and confirmed that there was space for a live animal. After they confirmed, we booked it online, they have an option to include a live animal. The flight was 2 legs, Beijing - Seoul - LA, each leg cost about 120 USD to include the cat. I think I called them two more times before the flight to triple check that they had confirmed the live animal allocation, probably unnecessary but greatly helped with my peace of mind.
• Bought an airline regulated cat carrier (has to be officially approved) and started to leave it open in our apartment with treats, catnip etc inside it so that kitty would be comfortable being zipped inside. We bought this one and I really recommend it, it has an extendable side so the cat has more room to stand up and stretch. It's also very sturdy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073T6YHV1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VwbNAb8JQG3RQ
• Bought several, extremely thick "puppy pads", put one in the bottom of the carrier and carried the rest with me in my hand luggage. She didn't actually end up peeing as I put her in the carrier just after she had used the litter box in Beijing, and she didn't eat or drink much during the flights.
• Chinese exit requirements dictate that the cat has to be checked up by one of the few authorised vets between 7-10 days before departure. We found one in Beijing and took her 10 days before the flight. She's a healthy cat so no problems there, they provided her with a certificate in Chinese and English stating that she's healthy to fly.
• We then took all of those documents to the Quarantine Bureau in Beijing and received an "animal exit permit", this took 5 days to process and is valid for 10 days. This is really important, your cat can't leave the country without it. If you cannot speak Chinese you need to have a Chinese speaker with you imo. The timing on this is crucial, the validity is really short!
Departure Day
• Cat in carrier, puppy pad at the bottom, I also included a tshirt of mine for comforting smells and one of her favourite toys inside the carrier. I also recommend buying a harness and keeping the body part attached to her, and carrying the leash separate. You'll need it for airport security. I feed her wet food usually but I bagged up some handfuls of dry food and put it in my hand luggage. She ate a bit during the flight but not much.
• With red passport/vaxx record/exit permit and vet certificate in hand we checked in. Kitty had never been to an airport before and started meowing a lot, I found it helped to place a scarf over the mesh for privacy and I also kept my hand in the carrier and zipped around it, this helped with her anxiety.
• Check in was easy, they made us write out a few forms with cats information and then provided us with her boarding passes.
• Obviously make sure your flight is either direct or a direct transfer so you're not going through immigration with a live animal in the transfer country.
• One thing about Asiana is the total weight of the cat + carrier is supposed to be 5kg max. My cat is pretty hefty (4.8kg) and the total weight when they weighed her at check in with carrier was just over 6kg. I was a little worried about this, and if they would try to make her fly in the cargo hold, but I'd read online that the rules are lax when it comes to weight and I gambled that they wouldn't care. it was a risk and if they wouldn't have let her on I wouldn't have taken the flight that day and found another route. My gamble paid off and no one cared that she was 1kg overweight. It's up to you if you're willing to risk this. If your cat is smaller than mine it's no problem.
• Security was the worst because obviously they can't X-Ray the cat so I had to take her out of her carrier (she was extremely reluctant) and walk through the scanner with her. The lady at the security had never seen a cat going through customs before and even with all the paperwork she wouldn't let us pass. it took quite a while of arguing and then eventually calling her manager over before they let us through. Kitty was not happy at this stage, so many alien sounds, smells, bright lights and people poking her. She didn't need any encouragement to get back in the carrier after security. We had to go through security again in Seoul when transferring and it was much of the same. Be prepared for this part, keep a good grip on kitty (this is where the harness comes in handy), although my cat had her claws hooked into me and was clinging on for dear life anyway.
• Boarding the flight was easy, no one even looked at the carrier on my shoulder or asked to see her boarding documents. We showed them anyway and they were like "k".
On the flight
• Takeoff was the worst part. It's noisy and the pressure changes and I don't know if her little ears were painful due to the pressure. She meowed a lot at this point. I put her carrier on my lap and stroked her and held her. She was not happy but happier than she would have been in the hold, all alone.
• After takeoff she calmed down a bit. I kept her carrier on my lap. When the lights dimmed I actually took her out of the carrier and attached the leash to her and put her down. She sniffed a bit around the seat and then jumped on my lap, I covered her with my blanket and she fell asleep on my lap/shoulder. Air stewardesses saw me doing this and just thought it was really cute. They were all great about it. She slept for a few hours like that.
• I offered her food and water several times which she had a nibble at but wasn't really that interested.
Arriving at LAX
• Literally the easiest part. No one checked or asked to see her paperwork even though it was obvious we had a cat with us. Immigration didn't care, neither did customs, nothing was checked, we were stamped in and just like that, kitty is American now.
• I heard sometimes if you don't do the paperwork right, there is a quarantine for animals entering the US but this was't required for my kitty. I was obsessive about getting everything right to avoid this, but it didn't matter anyway because no one checked anything.
Settling in
• She spent perhaps a day sulking in a cupboard before coming out and being totally fine. I don't think that this is something I'd want to do regularly, I was super stressed that something would go wrong and I'd walk through fire to stay with my cat, but everything turned out ok in the end. She definitely didn't enjoy the experience but it doesn't seem to have affected her negatively and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping my cat with me.
I hope this helps - I don't think I've missed anything. Any questions let me know!
I have a gigantic carrier that I use for vet visits & such, and my coon loves it. It's this: PetLuv Soothing "Happy Cat"... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AO0YGKU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I have a Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree that she loves to use. I keep a pile of her dry food in it, and she enjoys getting the food out. Also have the little track with the ball in it that goes with it. She used it a lot as a kitten.
If you want to harness train your cat, you should start very early. I waited a bit too long so it's been difficult to train her.
We have the Booda Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome for her. She is surprisingly small (only 11.5 pounds at a bit over a year old even though she is purebred, has free grazing dry food, she is fairly lean and long), but it works well for her.
I HIGHLY recommend getting a Litter Genie. Best investment ever if you have a cat in general, makes it a lot easier to get in the habit of scooping the litter once or twice a day. Doesn't smell at all.
Get a cat tree. One of the carpeted ones. We tried to just go with a nice wood one, wince we are picky about decor, but it wasn't enough to satisfy her climbing urge. We had to use double sided tape on our doorways to get her to stop climbing them until we got a second tree.
Idk about coons in general, but for toys with Khaleesi, she loves the laser pointer (of course). Her favorite toys are bottle caps and crinkled up balls of foil. She plays fetch with them.
Food-wise, I feed her Taste of the Wild dry food and Weruva canned food. Her fur is in great condition, very soft and shiny. She eats Purebites freeze dried shrimp and Vital Essential freeze dried chicken treats. Do brush your kitty as frequently as possible, don't neglect behind the ears, their armpits, or the rear leg fur. The hair there is more fine and will matt easily. Also check their tail for mats regularly, or you will need to get them shaved. My groomer recommends a metal comb with 3/4"ish long bristles.
Hope this helps!
Most cats will not need to relieve themselves during a drive unless there are special circumstances (or they're angry....), but if you allow them to relieve themselves up until it's time to leave they should be fine. Your local pet store will have disposable litter boxes with cheap clay litter in it so you can pack their regular litter box and set the disposable one out and then toss the whole thing on your way out the door. I buy this one for a few dollars - idk why it's showing up so expensive online, it's around $4 when I bought it last month!
You can get a tranquilizer from your vet and it works really well, you can also look into getting a carrier like this which is the one I have and I love it. My 12 lb cat fits in it pretty well and has ample room to spread out when the sides are folded out when we're sitting somewhere.
I harness and leash my cat, but I've trained him since he was a kitten so he walks on it since we travel a lot (flying and driving). Even if they don't pee when you walk them, getting up and stretching is really good! Prevents blood clots, just like in humans. I recommend one like this because they can't pull out of it. Cats are sneakier than dogs in pulling out of harnesses!
If your cat doesn't like travel, I really would recommend getting a tranquilizer from your vet. Not enough to knock him out, just enough to make him chill and drool-ey.
Also, if he gets carsick, Nutrical is really good to have! And/or pumpkin/sweet potato baby food (you can get a can of pumpkin - NOT pie filling, just regular pumpkin - but it doesn't have the fancy sealeable lid like baby food does). My cat really likes the sweet potato and chicken or the regular pumpkin mixed with the chicken baby food. It works, plus there's more moisture in it to help rehydrate them after being sick.
Here's a great foldable carrier. I love this thing. Doesn't take up a bunch of space when not in use and is really sturdy.
I bought a bed and my cat never uses it. She would rather snooze on a window sill or a pillow. You never know what they will like.
As for toys, cats like all different things. Mine isn't into balls, but she loves these little soft mice toys. I get them for $1 and I have a bunch stashed because she loses them. I also have one of these, my cat likes it because she can lay down and still play with the ball. You just have to experiment. Boxes are always good.
Make sure you provide something for scratching. My cat enjoys the cardboard scratchers much more than an expensive carpeted one I got. Positive reinforcement for using something to scratch and move them from the area if they're scratching on something inappropriate. Always provide an alternative. One last thing, if you find your kitties nails are becoming an issue, I've had great success with trimming and capping my cats nails with vinyl nail caps.
Hi! I can help. I just brought by 28lb dog in the cabin from the U.S. to the U.K. (albeit, a completely different beast than UK > US) and did an exhausting amount of research leading up to it (original plan was to fly to Paris). I have also flown with her in the cabin within the U.S. on several long-ish trips.
Delta has no weight limit. They are the only airline I fly. Here's how I do it: My dog's carrier is a XL SturdiBag. I cut 2 inches off the baseboard to help it fit under the seat in a pinch. The height of the carrier is technically too big for most underseat areas but the top of the carrier flexes down to fit underneath the seat and, while I've had employees question me, I've demonstrated this feature and it has always satisfied them. There is a top "door" that I open and let my dog's head poke out. No one has every said a thing. Definitely book a seat in the larger section. This carrier fits pretty well under the first class cabin seats in the Delta A320 & 737 (these were domestic, however...Delta will no longer allow pets in business class going transatlantic. "Economy plus" will work fine though.).
To prepare the pup, I don't feed her before the flight. If it's a morning flight, she doesn't get breakfast. If it's a night flight, I feed her breakfast but not dinner. I take her water away a few hours before we leave and give her ice cubes and small amounts of water in flight. I do give her a vet-prescribed medication that reduces anxiety and is approved for air travel.
The other option, depending on your location, is the Queen Mary II from Southampton to New York. They have lovely pet kennels and the crossing takes 5 days. They do book up far out in advance but there are sometimes cancellations. I recommend ringing and asking if you are interested.
Please let me know if you have any questions. My dog has issues with cages but travels just fine in the cabin. I handled all her paperwork myself.
Here’s some things I view as necessities for MCs:
I am in the process of looking for a cat carrier, and read this review on Amazon and I think it's a brilliant idea that you can utilize:
'We recently moved from California to Texas, and while we had our personal possessions shipped we took our cat, a spry 18 year-old kitty on our road trip with us. We ordered the carrier early, put a small blanket that smelled like her family in it, and placed it in the sunlight in one of her favorite spots to lay, in place of her bed. In under 3 days she was going in and out of the carrier like it was her bed. We made the trip across the western states from roadside attraction to roadside attraction, and she made the trip with ease, we are very happy with the purchase.'
that review was for this carrier: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KF6S1P5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A20F67UEDX1TJT&th=1
But they also have 'extendable pet carriers' which I'm sure the cat would appreciate having more leg room:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=extending+pet+carrier&i=pets&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
this one can hold a litter box and food
https://www.amazon.com/SportPet-Designs-Portable-Waterproof-Collection/dp/B076MD53NT/ref=sr_1_47?crid=XHXCHNHHCZ7&keywords=cat%2Bpet%2Bcarrier&qid=1574645232&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=cat%2Bpet%2Bca%2Cpets%2C202&sr=1-47&th=1
I moved from New York to Denver 6 months ago, which is also 1800 miles! took us 3 days total. We used this safe carrier with hard bottom. We had 3 pigs so it was cramped, but my wife and I took turns driving and taking care of the pigs. We often "handfed" water from their normal water bottle and gave them lots of veggies like cucumber and romaine that have some water content in them. Its really important to keep them hydrated. They didn't mind the car ride itself, guinea pigs are really good at traveling. Hope the move goes well.
Hi! I once made a ~20 hour trip with a 3 month puppy, so it can definitely be done :)
For various reasons, my puppy traveled with me in-cabin on a flight. The thing I have to recommend, very strongly, is that you get her a used to a comfortable crate/carrier, so she has a familiar "den" through the journey.
I got my puppy used to mine as much as possible - to the point where she preferred sleeping/playing in it, and loved traveling in it, never pee'd in it, etc.
Perhaps you can have one sent to your breeder?
This is the brand I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019K6QD32/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd also carry one of those portable water bowls, for water-stops, toys and a blanket, plenty of paper towels, and perhaps something to tackle nausea, in case your puppy unexpectedly feels sick on a long trip.
Good luck!
We use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Original-GORILLA-Carrier-Approved-Airplane/dp/B06XDF4DZ9/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521068579&sr=8-4&keywords=dog+carrier+airline+approved. It comes with a travel bowl too, but the bowl is useless. We use a rubber collapsable one instead.
And of course they let me put the carrier in my lap during the flight. It's just like any other carry-in. His carrier needs to go under the seat during take-off and landing but I can do what I want with it in between. I'm sure it helps that he's adorable and very well behaved. We also fly JetBlue almost exclusively and their customer service has always been superb.
Do not sedate dogs for flights. Especially puppies as it can stop their hearts and kill them. Many vets advise against it for this reason.
I would get dog used to whatever bag he will be transported in and take him on some bus/car rides for positive reinforcement.
Put potty pads, lots of them, on his bag and also put a diaper on him. Since he is flying on board with you just change his diaper every few hours and you'll be fine. Think of it like flying with a baby. Tsa allows dog food on the plane and you can always get water in the plane so just take a small plate or Tupperware to keep him hidrated and fed. Make sure he has plenty of space in his crate to stand up and turn (all airline requires this for onboard pets and some DO measure their size at check in- remember dog must fit under seat compartment meaning dog can't be taller than 10-12" in a standing position.) and throw in some toys + have spare to exchange and keep him interested. Comfort him and remember to stand up and stretch since your legs will be extra cramped from keeping him under your seat! Oh and it's illegal to take them out of the bag on board so when changing diapers either do it in bathroom or work magic to do it inside the bag.
I picked up my 2 month old puppy from the other side of the US and flew her in one of these. She was awesome and didn't even cry! Slept most of the way.
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-American-Airlines-Carrier-Charcoal/dp/B00MEKF5HC
But she barely fit standing at that age so hopefully your puppy does too otherwise they will check her in!!! Which is bad!
Good luck.
I have flown with our two iggys, one 8lbs and the other 20lbs, multiple times both across the domestic USA and internationally (greater than 20hrs).
The little one has canine epilepsy so she rides with my wife and I in the cabin. We use the following carrier: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063433G/
The airlines are more than likely not going to check the carrier for size or anything. I put my kindle and other stuff into a medium sized sherpa carrier as my carryon as well so that after takeoff she'd have more room to lay around. On the long flights, we even would surreptitiously put her on my wife's lap underneath a blanket. The flight attendants didn't seem to care but we kept it discreet.
Definitely do not give yours any sort of tranquilizer. We gave her an herbal medicine to help her keep calm (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016H2G8U/). We gave it about 30 minutes before arriving at the airport and it lasted a couple of hours. She wasn't drugged out or anything...just calm.
Lastly, remember to reserve your pet's spot on the plane ahead of time and BEFORE you buy your ticket. This means talking to someone on the phone or in person and confirming that you can have your dog in the cabin with you. Then, after purchasing your ticket, call and make sure that they attach that pet reservation to your confirmation number/ticket.
Travelling with pets is tough but I'm happy to answer any other questions you might have.
We use this one for car camping. https://www.amazon.com/Necoichi-Portable-Ultra-Carrier-Zipper/dp/B00O1PKUJG/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=Lightweight+cat+carrier&qid=1555507745&s=gateway&sr=8-8
It basically stays inside the tent next to me so if anything happened, like an animal wandered into the campsite or something, and she freaked out, she couldn't hurt herself and get out of the tent. I don't transport her in it, its just an added safety measure for sleeping. She gets my GG sit lite pad to sleep on too. But if feel like if I could ever get her into a pack, this could be carried on trail and be a nice UL sleeping set up for her too.
There's a couple of these on Amazon, they are kinda like those pop up laundry bags.
It really is a great carrier. I was surprised at all it came with. Both of my cats fit, with the travel litter box, with plenty of room left over. Very nifty.
Pet Fit For Life Carrier
Leave the carrier out. We’ve always made it a the car carrier is just for transporting, particularly if it’s only one person available. Doesn’t just mean they’re going to the vet. Usually means they’re going to petco or something lol. They’ll happily get in and settle and watch curiously as I get ready.
We currently use this but we’ve used this when they were younger. The winner of their mini brawls was the one who got to be in the bag. The second one was a lot more fun for them to play in/around though (but it’s a lot smaller).
My cat loves this carrier. I see him sleeping in it when I’m at work. I like how easy it is for me to carry as well. I prefer carrying him in this over the hard crate.
Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carriers,Soft Sided Collapsible Pet Travel Carrier for Medium Puppy and Cats (Medium, Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6QZHBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N2mODbHKH8HGR
I just got this bag and this pet bed to go inside of it for a little more comfort. It just looks like a big purse and it’s got pockets on both sides for my stuff. Bun is still getting used to being out of her comfort zone, but she seems to like the bag.
Edit: There’s a YouTube channel I really like and she uses that carrier. Here’s a video showing how she has it all set up.
I just got a sherpa carrier (http://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Original-Deluxe-Carrier-Small/dp/B00063433G) and love it! I also have a 4 lb mini lop and the one that is for up to 8lb dogs is the perfect size. I found them really cheap at TJ Maxx!
Thank you! This is really helpful. Did you keep her in the carrier before and after the flight too or were you able to let her walk around a bit in the airport? I hear there are potty spots for dogs in the airport but I don't know about cats. My cat is an indoor kitty and can Houdini herself out of a harness so it probably doesn't make sense for her to be walking around in the airport anyway but I feel bad having her shut up in a carrier for the ride to the airport, 2 hours waiting, the 4 hour plane ride, through the airport, into the car, and home. But it sounds like that's what your cat did? Did you put pee pads in the carrier? Blankets? Toys?
I hope my carrier is airline approved... I can't find the exact one but it more or less looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/A4Pet-Collapsible-Travel-Carrier Medium/dp/B01GPE55YA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_199_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6PWJJBN789FNCW7V0R6V
When we moved to Long Beach FROM Florida a few years ago, I had the exact dilemma with my cat. We opted for driving, as I just felt that the airport and plane experience would be too much for me and for my little one. The drive went absolutely fine, in fact I was more stressed about the cat during the trip then she was! A lot does depend on your cat's personality and her tolerance for the car ride. Plus I strongly suggest going to the vet and getting her checked out before you leave, ask them for sedating meds and for travel advice. My vet in Florida was really helpful. We bought a large soft-sided carrier for the back seat, it was so big we could fit her cat bed inside and I also added a few of my clothes that I hadn't washed so it smelled familiar. We only needed the sedation meds for the first day of the 3.5 day drive. As soon as the car got moving, she would look around for a little bit but then she would go right to sleep. No crying or whining at all. She slept most of the days away while we were driving, even without the medication. She didn't touch the "litter box" we had set up for her in the car, or eat much, until we got into a hotel room and I put the litter box down in the hotel bathroom. Getting her in and out of the car to the hotel room at the end of each driving day was a little stressful for me, as the soft sided carrier isn't for carrying your cat around in. We had our smaller hard carrier plus a leash and a collar for security during each transfer, and I either held onto her tight and walked her in my arms (with leash and collar on) to the hotel, or we moved her from the car into a smaller carrier designed for carrying around and then brought her to the hotel in there. She was a little freaked out by the first hotel room and hid behind a curtain most of the night, but hotel rooms two and three saw her lounging on the bed and acting quite normal after the first 10 minutes of adjustment. That's my experience, and every cat and every drive is different. Good luck with the move! If you're interested, the large carrier was a huge help; it came with a collapsible water bowl and litter box, both of which we used. Here is the link to the exact one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYHJBUT/ (If you look at the customer photos, the first few are photos of my little one during our trip outhere.)
Thanks! Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Carrier-Pet-Carriers-Portable-Airline-Approved/dp/B01N4HQ2BR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496355106&sr=8-1&keywords=small+dog+travel , wouldn't a bird require something a bit more sturdy?
Thanks for the tip.
What do you think about this carriers that I found?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MEI0BTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xly.zb9QBE8R0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5SB51H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_U6E.zb5MP5EY3
I like that they are expandable so it would give them more room while I’m waiting at the airport
Thanks for the info! The one I’m considering now isn’t plastic, but it has a solid bottom and an opening from the top
https://www.amazon.ca/Sherpa-Original-Airline-Approved-Stitching/dp/B07D5FB8GM/ref=asc_df_B07D5DQ3C3/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292950581749&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2111157529672617122&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002199&hvtargid=pla-554219293655&th=1
How do you like yours? I ordered one like that for my pair... it opens on both sides. https://www.amazon.com/Expandable-Carrier-Airline-Approved-Designed/dp/B019K6QD32
I recommend a soft case that at least has a steel frame.
My cats and I like this one a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AO0YGKU/
this is what amazon sent me on the first try...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JWK35U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
see how it says small dogs / cats? my cat is just 15 lbs and he looked like a sardine in this thing. they broke it just playing around the house.
tried this. lulz. destroyed in minutes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L84VT9C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now I use this. No way kitty gets out.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-23-Inch-Two-Door-Top-Load-Kennel/dp/B00OP6SVJW/ref=sr_1_22?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1525018730&sr=1-22&keywords=dog+crate
It's this:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027P0Q2S/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_w
Yes, we bought the XL size for our cats. They are expensive, but totally worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYHJBUT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01LYHJBUT&pd_rd_wg=tX5hG&pd_rd_r=NYAAEHRGS489G6PBJP5Q&pd_rd_w=jIy6z
This is the carrier I use. Fits two comfortably, but not with the litter box in it, and takes up nearly my whole backseat so it might be too big.
I found it on Amazon here
My guess is this
https://www.amazon.com/Petpeppy-com-Original-Approved-Expandable-Expansion/dp/B019K6QD32/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=cat+carrier+airline+approved+underseat&qid=1568324498&s=gateway&sprefix=cat+carrier+air&sr=8-5
Carrier similar to mine
Hey how about the Small size for this carrier? https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Original-Deluxe-Carrier-Medium/dp/B00063433G?th=1
I've seen people use this bag for similar-sized dogs. But, it probably isn't the most convenient thing to carry around.
With car rides my cats have done better being out of a carrier , they were calm the whole time. Didn’t meow or anything. While putting them in carriers during a drive is a whole different story , they meow like crazy and get pissed. If you’re doing a carrier I️ would suggest something comfy , and bigger. My experience flying with my cats , they take the cats to a private screening room ( you go with them) and you take them out of the carrier in there. I️ would suggest maybe putting a harness on the cat if you are worried about them running away during this.
cat carrier I️ would suggest that if you want a carrier for the car since It comes with the small litter box.
Depends on the height/length of your dog too, but some possible options are:
If she's anxious in the car, she might be anxious in the train too though—so maybe start with an even smaller trip to get her used to it.
No problem. For reference, unless I am very much mistaken, the carrier in the OP is this, which is the same one I have. If you don't have a good travel carrier yet, I would (thus far, again, I'll try to update after the flight tomorrow) recommend it.