FAQ: Carriers & Crates for cats

Warn the cat before you touch or lift the carrier: a blind cat with your voice, a deaf one with a gentle touch or vibration through the floor. Familiar-smelling bedding and keeping the carrier set up the same way every time help it feel safe.

Short claws snag less on mesh or fabric and do less damage if the cat has to be lifted in or out against its will. Trim them a few days before the trip, so the trim itself does not add to the travel stress.

Before a long trip or a flight it is worth checking your cat's health, vaccinations and documents, especially if it is old or has a chronic condition. The vet can also advise on what to do if your cat gets travel sick or very anxious.

Bring enough medication in its original packaging and stick to the schedule your vet set. If the trip changes the usual daily routine or time zone, ask your vet in advance how to adjust the timing.

A wicker basket looks nice, but it is harder to clean, lets liquids through and a cat can claw or pull the weave apart. For travel and vet visits, a plastic carrier or a sturdy bag with a washable base is more reliable.

Only open the carrier in a closed room or in the car with windows and doors shut, keeping a hand by the door. If the cat tends to leap out, open the top just enough to slip a hand in, or clip a lead to its harness before opening.

Yes, for long car trips or temporary stays there are larger folding crates or pens that fit a bed, bowls and a small litter tray. They must be well secured when driving, and they are usually not suitable for flights.

They can, but the carrier picks up the previous cat's smell, especially after a stressful trip, and the next cat may refuse to go in. Wash it between uses and add the bedding of the cat that will travel; better still, give each cat its own carrier.

Letter sizes differ between makers, so they are not enough to go by. Look at the exact inside dimensions and the stated maximum pet weight and compare them with your own cat's measurements.

A carrier with a cat can be too heavy or unstable for a child, and a frightened cat's movements can suddenly tip it. It is better for an adult to carry it while the child helps in other ways, such as carrying the bag of supplies.

Hold the carrier in front of you with both arms, or support it from below with one hand and hold the handrail with the other. Go slowly so the carrier does not bump the steps or walls, and do not rush, especially with a heavier cat.

No, many essential oils are harmful to cats, and in a closed carrier the cat cannot get away from a strong smell. Familiar bedding, a covered carrier and cat-specific products your vet recommends are better ways to help it settle.

If the cat and its bag fit within the airline's cabin limits, most owners choose the cabin, as the cat stays next to them and they can keep an eye on it. The hold is usually used for larger cats or when there is no cabin space; either way, follow the airline's rules.

During a layover the cat usually has to stay in its bag, so choose short connections and ask whether the airport has pet relief areas. Offer water somewhere quiet and check that the pad is dry.

Soft slings and front carriers suit short outings with a calm cat that is used to them, as the cat stays close to you. They should close fully and have an inner tether, while a sturdy carrier is better for the car and the vet.

No, an ordinary bag has no ventilation, firm base or proper fastening, so the cat can jump out, overheat or get squashed. Use a bag or carrier made for pets that closes securely and is well ventilated.

Lay a waterproof cover or pet seat protector under the carrier and put an absorbent pad inside it. This makes cleaning easier if the cat urinates or vomits, and the carrier slides less on the seat.

Blot the liquid with paper as soon as possible, rinse the area with water and treat it with an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains. This removes the smell, which could otherwise make the cat even more anxious in the car next time.

Carriers bolted together are usually sturdier and are required for flying in the hold, while clips let you take the carrier apart quickly for cleaning or lift the top off at the vet. Check that every clip is locked before each trip.

On some carriers the door can be fitted to open left or right, and some swing both ways. This helps when the carrier sits by the car door or in a tight spot, and makes it easier to get the cat in or out.