Today’s guide highlights the best cat carriers for nervous cats to help you travel harmoniously with your kitty. Most cats can get terrified when it’s time to travel whether it’s a visit to the vet or a trip with their owner. This is especially so for nervous cats who often do anything they can to avoid the awful experience.
A loose nervous cat can climb anywhere in the car including in front of the dashboard, on the steering wheel, or under the pedals. This can hinder your ability to drive safely.
A cat that is not secured in a carrier can bolt from the car and can become hurt before you can react. That’s why a cat carrier is of much importance. It ensures that your cat arrives at the destination safely, comfortably and happily.
For some kitties, traveling can be scary and to make them comfortable you need specially designed carriers. The best cat carriers for nervous cats fall into this category. These carriers for scared cats are lifesavers, they will snugly contain your tabby during the travel and give both you and the pet peace of mind.
Benefits of Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats
- Comfortable and Safe-These cat carriers ensure that your cat stays comfortable throughout as they have good ventilation. They are also padded to add on comfort.
- Great for Travelling-Cat carriers allow you to enjoy traveling with your cat without the need to worry about how to carry her around.
- Safe-They allow you to safely with your cat while having peace of mind as you know that the cat cannot jump outside or escape. Some come with an attached leash to hold the cat securely inside
- Strong and Durable-The cat carriers are made of tough materials and won’t tear or unravel. They also have sturdy floors that won’t sag under the cat’s weight.
- Easy for Cats to Get in and Out-This is made easier by multiple entry doors, top entry designs and zip-off walls.
6 Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats
Finding the best cat carriers for your nervous fur baby can be overwhelming as the market is flooded with numerous options. To help make sense of the many cat carrier choices available out there and choose the best one for your scared kitty, let’s have a look at the best cat carriers for nervous cats:
1) FRiEQ 23-Inch Large Hard Cover Pet Carrier
We begin our list of the best cat carriers for nervous cats with the FRiEQ 23-Inch Large Hard Cover Pet Carrier which is made to help your cat feel more at ease and less nervous. It is what your furry friend needs when having those vet visits.
The cat carrier is best suited for cat owners whose cats have a propensity of hiding during vet visits as it has a fully removable top. This means that the vet can perform the physical exam with the cat secure inside the carrier.
The cat carrier is made with a sturdy and hard shell that is scratch-resistant as well. Its central section is however collapsible making storage easy. To ensure the all-day comfort of your four-legged friend, the waterproof base of the product includes a soft pad.
The fact that it is waterproof means that it is pretty easy to clean. The carrier combines strong, durable materials and soft, cozy fabrics making it a protective and comfortable carrier. Nonetheless, the carrier has a front-entry door that is zippered and has a mesh lining and a security lock.
It also has a soft grip carry handle to ensure your comfort and ease as you carry your cat across town or through an airport. Besides that, your cat can see outside as the carrier has a see-through door. Ventilation slots ensure cooling airflow so that your beloved pet stays cool all through with adequate airflow.
Features
- Foldable design for added convenience
- Constructed with premium materials
- Exterior side pocket
- Easy to clean
- Incredibly spacious
- Easy to hold due to the soft-grip handle
- Padded cushion for comfort
- Two-door design allowing easy entry
2) PETRIP Cat Carrier Cat Backpack Carrier for Large Cats
Every cat owner wants their kitty to stay safe and feel comfortable whether during a trip to the vet or around the world. This cat carrier ensures exactly that as it is equipped with incredible features making it one of the best cat carriers for nervous cats.
Firstly, the carrier is designed with Oxford fabric and faux leather that is waterproof and scratch-resistant. Your pet will stay cool as the carrier is equipped with mesh panels vents for ventilation. Additionally, the carrier allows your furry friend to enjoy a clear view of the outside world as it has an endearing space bubble cover.
The adjustable shoulder straps of the cat carrier are padded for comfort. A chest strap ensures uniform distribution of weight so you get to carry your tabby without getting fatigued. Also, this cat carrier provides many entry points as both the top and sides unzip. The interior has a fleece pad that is detachable and washable and a leash hook that maximizes safety.
The carrier has a firm structure that can be expanded easily to a large tent bed thus offering more room for play and rest. For the easy entrance of your cat and checking on her, the product has a three-way entry. With the PETRIP Cat Carrier, jumping out and running away from your four-legged bud will be a thing of the past as its inside has a snap hook to ensure the safety of your pet.
Features
- Designed with premium materials
- Adjustable shoulder straps are padded as well
- Allows your cat to have a clear view of the outside
- Easy to access
- Keeps your pet safe and comfortable
- Inflexibly structured and easy to expand
- Mesh panels and vents ensure exposure to air
3) Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
Next in our recommendation for the best cat carriers for nervous cats is the Amazon basics pet carrier. If you are a cat owner whose cat prefers plastic carriers to fabric, this carrier is a basic and affordable option for you. Traveling with cats can be a bit nerve-racking at the best of times. However, with this pet carrier, your visits to the vet or trips out of town will be as smooth as possible.
This cat carrier is designed with plastic that is durable with a steel fire front door. The top, bottom, and sides of the carrier provide strength, security, visibility and ventilation making it one of the best cat carriers that you can find.
In addition, it has a two-door design with one at the front and the other at the top and can be opened to the left or right for convenience. This design makes loading your cat pretty easy. This carrier is suitable for heavier cats as the top and bottom sections can be screwed together. This also provides extra security.
Features
- The two-door design allows your cat to get in and out with ease
- Good ventilation throughout
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Designed with plastic that is durable
- Top and bottom sections can be stacked together
- Affordable cat carrier
- Spring-loaded from latch for smooth opening
4) Henkelion Cat Carriers
This is another incredible cat carrier that is a top contender in our list of the best cat carriers for nervous cats. It makes it easier for you to multi-task whilst carrying your beloved pet. It is very affordable and your furry friend will love it.
With this carrier, your cat is guaranteed ample space to move around as it has a classic straight-sided hold-all design. Each end of the carrier has a zippered door and the top and one side of this product can be opened. It is equipped with wider doors which allows even the heavier cats to seamlessly access the carrier.
The cat carrier is designed with polyester fabric that is durable, lightweight, and waterproof. Its four-side mesh ensures the safety and comfort of your cat while allowing you to easily check on her. Its shoulder strap can be adjusted and allows hands-free carrying making it safe and convenient for travel.
Besides, the carrier is easy to carry and store. Its comfy fleece bed is completely detachable and is machine washable. The fact that it is airline-approved means that it can be carried everywhere. The carrier comes equipped with two connecting loop handles that make it easy to attach to a seat belt or luggage strap.
Features
- Made of durable materials
- Portable hence easy to carry and store
- Airline approved
- The shoulder strap is adjustable
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Comes in various colors
- Provides good visibility for the cat throughout
- Secured with a safety leash
- Easy to carry and put into the vehicle
- Classic design
5) Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag
If you plan on taking your cat for a trip including plane trips, you need to ensure that the cat stays safe and comfortable. Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is the best choice for you to make sure that the safety and comfort of your beloved pet are not jeopardized. This is a convenient carrier that you can carry with you just about anywhere.
With a lightweight yet durable design, the carrier is easy to carry. To add to that, it has a handle and a shoulder strap that is padded. Internal padding ensures that your pet stays comfortable throughout and mesh windows ensure ventilation.
When it comes to cleaning and storage, it is easy with this carrier as it folds flat. Easy cleaning is also facilitated by the waterproof material. Nonetheless, the carrier bag has a two-door design that makes it easy for your cat to go in and out. It comes in various colors so that you choose the one that suits you best.
Features
- Made of waterproof material
- Durable hence withstand bite marks and clawing
- Easy to carry
- Easy to store as it folds flat when not in use
- The shoulder strap is padded
- Includes a leash
- Two doors for easy going in and out.
- Sleek design
- Offers plenty of ventilation
- Encloses your cat securely
6) Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
We have saved the best for the last. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier as one of the best cat carriers for nervous cats is characterized by multiple positive attributes that make it one of the best carriers for scared cats that you can find. You can’s go wrong with this pet carrier.
To begin with, the carrier is extremely durable as it has a strong plastic shell, extra-tough steel wire and an interlocking door. It has a 4-way vault door that provides additional security, ensures that the door stays locked in place and secure for transport.
Moreover, your cat is assured of fresh air and good visibility as the carrier has ventilation openings. Its extensive top-entry door makes it easy for your cat to go in or out. The lock-mechanism can be operated one-handed in case you don’t have any extra hands to help you.
Nevertheless, wire vents, an elevated interior and tie-down holes offer a travel experience that is safe and relaxed for your four-legged companion. It also comes in various colors so that you pick one that suits your taste and preference.
Having this cat carrier will change your approach of transporting your cat that gets nervous during travel either to the vet or trips. It is what you need to ensure that those trips are fun and comfy for her.
Features
- Good visibility for the cat
- Easy for the cat to go in and out due to the wide entry door
- Made with durable materials
- Good ventilation
- Comes in various colors
- 4-way vault door for additional security
- Includes clip-on bowls and ID stickers
- Available in six sizes
- Facilitates easy and fast travel as it meets most airline cargo specifications
Related Post: Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers
Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats Buying Guide
Criteria for Choosing the Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats
Number of Doors
The first consideration to put in mind is the number of doors. While some calm cats are easy to get in the small side doors found on most carriers, this may not be the case for nervous cats.
Top doors provide a great alternative as they are usually larger. Placing your cat directly into a carrier from the top is much easier rather than trying to squeeze them into a small door from the side.
Ventilation
While all cat carriers must be fully ventilated, some nervous cats like to be able to see out as much as possible. If your cat is like so, a carrier with plenty of mesh panels best suits her.
Comfort level
To make your cat feel more comfortable, you can choose carriers with accompanying luxurious bedding so that she feels more comfortable and calmer.
Size
The size of your cat carrier matters. You do not want it to be very large and bulky especially if you plan on traveling on a plane. A substantially larger carrier will make it obdurate to carry with your 15-pound kitty sloshing around making it hard to balance.
The carrier should also not be too small as it will be uncomfortable for the cat leading to stress and anxiety. It is thus important to figure out the appropriate size of your cat carrier.
Security
This is another important consideration. It is pertinent to look for locking mechanisms that will guarantee your cat stays inside. A scenario whereby your kitty got out from its carrier because it was able to work its way through the zipper is such a dreadful experience. In such a scenario, a double zipper comes in handy.
Related Post: Best Cat Backpack Carriers
Types of Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats
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Soft-Sided Carriers
These carriers are built of nylon or ballistic nylon and are usually lightweight. They are ideal for cats that are good and calm travelers. The nylon mesh ventilation panels can be torn out by very agitated cats. Soft-sided carriers are nonetheless easier to clean.
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Hard-Sided Carriers
These carriers are made of plastic and are highly sturdy and durable. They provide more protection compared to soft-sided carriers. They usually have a steel mesh door that is sturdy.
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Cardboard Carriers
These types of carriers are typically found at cat adoption facilities. They are often given to clients for transportation of a newly adopted cat. They are not recommended as regular, permanent carriers as cardboard are not strong enough to withstand cat’s scratching.
Cardboard is also not good in the rain as it becomes soft and spongy and can provide a good escape. It is nevertheless not good with urine, spilled water, or other liquids that it may come into contact with. Such substances weaken the cardboard.
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Roller Carriers & Backpacks
These carriers are designed with ample storage space and have interiors that are soft and comfortable. Some roller carriers convert into backpacks enabling you to transition easily between activities and different terrain.
The main disadvantage of a roller carrier is some felines are petrified by the sound of wheels rolling over uneven surfaces causing restlessness when in transit. Backpack cat carriers are suitable for people who want to go for hikes ad walks with their cat as they provide a place for the cat to rest her legs.
Read: Best Cat Strollers
Tips for Safely Travelling With your Cat Carrier
- Always secure its carrier with a seatbelt. Some pet carriers have attachments for connecting to car seatbelts.
- Plan where you will be making stopovers so that you allow the cat out of her carrier This is particularly if you go on a long trip. Doing so will help the cat stretch and do its business without getting stressed. Bringing her litterbox is also a good idea
- Consider getting a leash. This will help you have better control of your cat’s activities if you let her out during stopovers. It will also help to prevent wandering.
- Attach appropriate identification bands or ID tags for both the cat and carrier. This will be helpful in case the cat gets lost s it will help individuals know where to return her.
- Carry plenty of water as cats don’t have the thirst drive that will make them drink
Best Cat Carriers for Nervous Cats FAQs
Q: How Long Can a Cat Stay in a Carrier?
This varies depending on an individual cat. Most cats can stay in a carrier for up to 8 hours. Others might require a little more care and may want a break every 2 to 3 hours.
Q: What Can I Put at the Bottom of the Cat Carrier?
Place an item of clothing fragranced with the cat’s favorite person’s smell inside of it. You can pet the cat with a towel and line the bottom of the carrier with it. Scents that are accustomed and familiar will help minimize her stress and make the carrier a little less terrifying.
Q: Do Cats Prefer Hard or Soft Carriers?
Cats that are generally predisposed to anxiety or aggression when they travel will do better in a hard carrier. Cats with more calm personalities may prefer a fabric carrier. You should also think about what you are physically able to carry.
Conclusion
Having the right carrier for your tabby is a worthwhile investment. It offers an extra level of security for the cat and makes travel less stressful for both you and the cat. It can be treacherous to transport a cat without a carrier. Not only is a cat carrier important for your cat’s physical safety but emotional well-being as well. Which carrier will you try first?