One of my least favorite parts of going to the vet is strapping the cat carrier into the car (which is not optional, by the way!) For people who make frequent trips out with their cats — to the vet, on vacation, or maybe to adoption events if you’re a foster — the Pet Gear Auto Carrier & Kennel
The carrier itself has a hinged side door plus a small opening on top for keeping an eye on kitty. There’s a built-in food and water dish and it comes with a padded, waterproof mat that can be removed for easy cleaning. The carrier measures 19 x 12.5 x 14 inches and is suitable for pets up to 15 lbs.
The Pet Gear Auto Carrier & Kennel is available from Amazon
I’ve looked at this one several times. I love the idea that it just snaps in! What I don’t like is the hard sides. I’ve always used soft carriers because if I were to get into an accident, i’d want the sides to be a little forgiving for kitty. Thoughts?
Not sure I trust whatever snaps the carrier into place not to break off in an accident. I’d rather thread the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier like I’ve always done. I know the belt is thoroughly tested. But it’s a great idea, especially for people who transport cats regularly. (Former EMT seat belt fan here; I will get out of a cab if the seat belts don’t work.)
Very good and timely idea — uh, I think we’d need a “plus-size” one, though, for SOME of our family members 😉
I love the idea, but I too wonder about it staying snapped in during an accident. Has it ever been crash tested? Another thing I’m wondering about is the sideways placement. I always place my carriers facing front. Some humans get car sick more easily when seated backwards or sideways, so I operate on the assumption that it could be true for cats too. Does anyone know more about this subject?
I want this
I’ve used one for years and prefer it over all others. The carrier sits firmly in place, and I don’t have to worry about it if I end up making a hard turn or fast stop (rare, but it happens). It’s roomier than other carriers, and easy to clean. I don’t leave mine in the car, but it’s easy to seat-belt in and out.
One word of caution is that a newly adopted stray, large male cat, ping-ponged enough to pop open the top access hatch. He’s fine and since has traveled with just the usual vocal complaints. I duct-taped the top hatch shut, just to be sure.
It’s no more designed for a car accident than any other carrier I’ve seen. I prefer hard carriers to soft – I equate soft carriers to be little better than padded bags.
I’ve also used this one for years and love it!1
It’s a great idea, but I honestly don’t think it’s that hard to strap the cats in. Primarily I do rescue transports and the cats come in their carriers. We don’t remove them, so it wouldn’t work in that scenario. I could see it would be useful if you regularly travel with your cat.
I own this for our cat and we like it. We use it for tranport to the vet. We like the porthole on top, however agree that a rambuncious cat could popmit open. Our cat is gentle and has not tried. We may use a velcro command strip type thing to add some extra security for the porthole.
I own this as well and love it. I bought it after I had to slam on the breaks to miss a deer. My old carrier and cat went flying into the dash. The cat was fine but it upset me to no end. It fits my big boy cat 18 lbs no problem and my vet was so impressed by it he came out to my car to see the full set up. I do wonder how it would fair in a crash but figured it would be better than smashing into the dash or being killed by the air bag. I like how it fits in my back seat and I have no problem with it.