Cat Carrier: How to Choose the Right Size and Get Your Cat Used to It Stress-Free

For many cats, the carrier only shows up during the most stressful moments: the vet, a trip. That's enough for them to associate it with something bad. The good news is that with the right size and a bit of prep work, you can change that association.

What size to choose

The carrier should let your cat stand up, turn around, and lie down fully stretched out without touching the walls with their head or tail. Not too tight (it causes anxiety) or excessively large (it shifts around too much during transport). For medium and large cats, a model with side ventilation and a padded base, like our soft-sided carrier, offers that balance between space and stability.

How to get your cat used to it before you need it

• Leave the carrier open at home, like any other piece of furniture, several weeks before a trip.
• Place a blanket with their scent inside, along with an occasional treat.
• Avoid letting their first experience inside it coincide with a vet visit.

A carrier that's part of the everyday scenery stops being a warning sign.

Soft-sided or rigid?

Soft-sided carriers like ours are lighter, easier to store, and tend to feel less cold and intimidating to the cat than rigid plastic structures, which especially helps on short and medium trips.

Conclusion

The right size and prior familiarity matter more than the price of the carrier. Check out this and other accessories in our cat accessories collection.