FAQ: Carriers & Crates for cats
Short answers to the most common questions. Search, or browse the full list below.
All questions
What should I put in the carrier when taking my cat to the vet?
Put in an absorbent pad or a towel that smells of home, and perhaps a few treats. Bring a spare pad, as a stressed cat may urinate, and leave out heavy items that would slide around on the way.
Should I feed my cat before a vet visit if it will travel in a carrier?
It is often advised not to give a big meal before the trip so the cat is less likely to feel sick, and to save treats for the visit. Before some procedures or anaesthesia the vet will set a specific fasting time, so follow the clinic's instructions.
Why do vets recommend cat carriers with a removable top?
With the top lifted off, the cat can be examined, weighed or even vaccinated while staying in the bottom half on its familiar bedding. This avoids pulling it out of the carrier, which for many cats is the most stressful part of the visit.
How do I take an injured or very ill cat to the vet in a carrier?
A sturdy carrier the cat can be lowered into from above with as little bending as possible, on soft bedding, works best. Call the clinic straight away to ask how to move the cat safely, and stay calm.
What if my cat refuses to go into the carrier again after a vet visit?
Back home, leave the carrier open with treats inside and let the cat come back to it in its own time. Cats can come home smelling of the clinic, and other cats in the house may react with hostility, so it can help to keep them apart for a while.
Should I clean the carrier after a vet visit?
Yes, wash the bedding and wipe the carrier, as at the clinic it may have picked up other animals' smells or germs. Use a mild cleaner and let it dry well so no strong smell is left.
How do I carry my cat safely in its carrier from the car to the clinic?
Carry the carrier in front of you with both arms or supported from underneath, rather than swinging it by the handle at your side. The cat is thrown about less and the carrier will not bang into the door frame.
How often does an indoor cat that never travels need a carrier?
Even an indoor cat needs a carrier at least for yearly check-ups, vaccinations, sudden illness or an emergency evacuation, such as a fire. It is worth always having a suitable carrier at home rather than buying one only when the need arises.
Is a cat carrier useful in emergencies, such as an evacuation?
Yes, a ready, easy-to-reach carrier lets you get your cat out quickly and safely if you have to leave home in a hurry. Keep a pad, some food and copies of your cat's documents next to it.
Where is the safest place for a cat carrier in the car?
Usually the back seat with the carrier strapped in by the seat belt, or the floor behind a front seat where it cannot slide, is safest. Do not put the carrier on a front seat with an active airbag.
Can I put my cat's carrier in the car boot?
Never in the closed boot of a saloon car: there is too little air, it can get too hot or cold and you cannot see the animal. In an estate or SUV cargo area that is open to the cabin, a carrier is acceptable only if well secured and away from shifting luggage.
Can a cat ride in the car without a carrier?
It is not recommended: a loose cat can get under the pedals, distract the driver or be injured under hard braking, and it can bolt as soon as a door opens. The safest place for a travelling cat is a secured carrier.
How do I prepare my cat for a long car journey in a carrier?
Get the cat used to the carrier and short drives in advance, add an absorbent pad and pack water, food, spare pads and cleaning supplies. Plan stops on longer trips, but only open the carrier with the car doors and windows closed.
How often should I stop when driving with a cat?
On long journeys it is advised to stop every few hours, offer the cat water and check that the bedding is dry. Many cats neither eat nor use a litter box on the road, so stops are mainly for checking on the cat and offering water.
Can I let my cat out of its carrier during a stop?
Only inside the car with doors and windows shut, and outside only in a well-fitted harness on a lead. A frightened cat in an unfamiliar place can bolt and hide in an instant.
Can I leave my cat in its carrier alone in the car?
No, on a warm day a car heats up very quickly even with a window open, and on a cold day it cools down fast. If you need to leave the car, take the cat with you or plan the trip so you do not have to leave it.
What should I do if my cat keeps meowing in its carrier in the car?
Talk calmly, cover part of the carrier so the cat sees less, and avoid jerky driving. Many cats settle after a while; if your cat is very distressed for a long time, discuss it with your vet before the next trip.
Why does my cat get sick in the car and how can I reduce it?
Movement, swaying and stress make some cats nauseous. An empty stomach before the trip, a firmly secured carrier, smooth driving and a cool, well-ventilated car help; if it happens every time, see your vet.
Should music be playing in the car when my cat is travelling in its carrier?
Cats hear more sensitively than people, so loud music or radio can add to their stress. It is better to drive in quiet or with soft, calm music, and keep the windows closed, as wind and road noise frighten cats too.
Can a passenger hold the cat carrier on their lap in the car?
A passenger can hold it for a short while, but under hard braking it can fly forward, so it is safer to strap the carrier onto a seat with a belt. The driver must never hold the carrier or the cat.