FAQ: Carriers & Crates for cats

Wipe the fur with pet-safe wet wipes or a cloth dampened with warm water, then dry it. Do not use scented cleaners made for people, and if the cat is very dirty or upset, it may be better to wait until home or ask a vet.

A cold cat curls into a tight ball, shivers and its ears and paws feel cold to the touch. Add warmer bedding, cover the carrier while leaving the vents open and warm the car, but do not overheat it.

Some cats get used to regular trips and two homes, especially if started young, while for others a weekly move means constant stress. Watch how your cat behaves after trips, and make sure it cannot escape at the country house.

At night or early in the morning it is usually cooler and quieter, so a long car trip can be easier on the cat, especially in summer. The driver must still be well rested, and stops should be planned in safe, well-lit places.

First leave the open backpack on the floor with treats and bedding, then zip it briefly and lift it, and later carry it around the house. Only go outside once the cat rests calmly inside, and start somewhere quiet.

Start a few weeks ahead: let the cat sniff the harness, put it on briefly with a treat and gradually lengthen the time. It should fit snugly enough to slip two fingers under it, but not so loose that the cat can wriggle out.

Operators usually require the cat to stay in a closed carrier or bag for the whole journey. Even where it is allowed, a frightened cat in an open carriage can get under seats or escape at a stop, so keep it in the carrier.

A taxi, public transport or walking with a light carrier or a bag with a shoulder strap all work. Some clinics offer home visits, so if your cat copes very badly with travel, it is worth asking about that.

Older people often find a light carrier or bag with a shoulder strap or wheels and a top opening easiest, so there is no need to lift the cat high or bend over. The latches should be easy to work but still secure.

Useful items are a bandage, sterile wipes, small scissors, a tick remover, disposable gloves, the cat's own medication and contact details for vet clinics at your destination. Never give a cat medicine that a vet has not prescribed.

You can, but it picks up strange smells there, insects may move in and plastic ages faster from cold and sun. Before using such a carrier, wash it, air it and check the plastic for cracks.

Some airlines require the door of a carrier going in the hold to be secured further, for example with cable ties, so it cannot open. Locking it with a padlock is often not allowed, as staff may need to open it, so follow the airline's instructions.

Toys are not needed on a trip, as most cats rest or hide while travelling. One soft, familiar toy can be comforting, but avoid toys with small parts, strings or bells that could be a hazard on the move.

Rules depend on the operator: some allow small pets in a closed bag on your lap, others carry no animals. Check the conditions before buying a ticket and use an absorbent pad, as there may be few stops.

A relaxed cat lies or sits loosely, blinks slowly, breathes calmly and may even groom or sleep. If it walks into the open carrier at home on its own, that is a good sign the carrier no longer frightens it.

A homemade box can work as a bed, but for travel it is rarely sturdy, ventilated and securely closing enough. For the car, public transport or the vet, a carrier or bag made for pets is more reliable.

No, zoogidas.lt sells nothing: the site compares prices across Lithuanian online pet shops. Once you choose a carrier or bag, you buy it on the shop's own website.

The site gathers prices from Lithuanian online pet shops, so the same or a similar carrier can be compared in one place. You then buy the item on the shop's own website.

Prices are collected roughly daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked. Still confirm the final price on the shop's website before buying.

Yes, the product page shows price history, so you can see whether a carrier's or bag's current price is lower or higher than before. This helps you decide whether to buy now or wait.