If a person has a pet, he will need a cat carrier.
Even if your pet doesn't leave the house, she may need to visit the veterinarian or make another short trip.
Carrying an animal in your arms is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous.
A pet that is frightened or tired of sitting idle may decide to sneak away from its owner and take a walk.
This can lead to the loss of your pet or even its death if the animal decides to sneak away in the middle of a busy street.
For this reason, every owner should have a cat carrier in their arsenal.
- 2 Types of devices
- 3 Choosing the right carrier for cats
- 4 Advantages of a bag over other types of transportation
- 5 How to make a carrier bag yourself
Choosing material for carrying
When choosing fabric, you should consider the time at which the pet house will be used. Ideally, it is better to make several carrier bags for your cat. Each season has its own apartment for trips.
For summer cat travel, look to fabrics that are thick but breathable. These include jeans, raincoat fabric and the like. Make sure your pet doesn't get bored during the trip. To do this, make a window so that he can admire the surroundings. Any transparent fabric or mosquito net will do.
For winter trips you need warmer material. Pay attention to the fleece. A mesh is also necessary, but you should make sure that it can be closed tightly and that it does not release heat.
To make a fabric cat carrier, you don’t have to buy new material. You can use an old jacket or bag. These should be used to make the main parts for carrying. All you need to purchase for sewing: finishing fabric, zippers and insulation.
The bottom of the carrier must be hard. This is necessary so that the cat feels comfortable while moving due to the stability of its position. For the base, use materials of appropriate rigidity: plastic, plywood or fiberboard. You can make the bottom cardboard. However, it will not last long. Under the weight of the cat, the cardboard will begin to sag, and ultimately the carrier will become unusable.
Criterias of choice
Not everyone knows how to choose the right cat bag. In most cases, the choice is made by the owner based on appearance, but this is the wrong approach, since the pet may be uncomfortable wearing it.
Plastic construction - the cheapest option
By quality of workmanship
A low-quality carrier will not withstand long and frequent travel, and therefore it is recommended to immediately pay attention to how professionally the product is made. In most cases, it is not recommended to use fabric structures, since they are less reliable.
Important! You should not pay attention to cheap options, since an animal can easily get out of a low-quality product. In addition, chemicals are often added to cheap plastic, which do not completely erode, and the unpleasant odor can cause inconvenience to the animal.
You need to pay attention to the quality of the plastic, as well as the fasteners. You shouldn't choose nails because they are less convenient than clips. The fasteners and the door must fit snugly against each other; it is recommended to choose metal options. It is also worth paying attention to the grooves, as some types can quickly wear out, which is why the cat may learn to open the grille with a simple press.
To size
The most important criterion is the size of the cage, since the comfort of the animal depends on this. It is worth deciding on the purpose of purchasing a carrier. If you need it to move your pet over a long distance, then you should choose cages that will be 1.5 times the size of the cat. This is required so that the animal can calmly change its position during the trip.
Note! For transportation over a short distance, you can choose a bag or backpack for a cat with a porthole, where the animal can lie down calmly and feel good.
Depending on the type
The type of vehicle should also be taken into account when choosing a carrier. If you plan to travel long distances by car, train or plane, it is recommended to use plastic containers and metal cages. To go to the veterinary clinic or travel to the country, it is enough to buy a bag or backpack.
Cat backpack with porthole
A lot also depends on the weight of the cat and the carrier itself:
- light may not support the weight of a pet;
- types that are too heavy are inconvenient for human use.
That is why it is recommended to follow certain rules when choosing a basket for transporting an animal. If the cat is small, its weight does not exceed 5 kg, then you should not bother with heavy carrying, 1 kg of weight should be enough.
A cat in the 5 to 8 kg weight category will not be able to defeat a 2 kg container. For larger pets, you should choose cages from 2.5 kg.
Why is such a device needed?
A carrier bag for all types of cats is a special product designed for comfortable transportation of pets. With such a device, any transportation of a pet will be comfortable for both it and its owner.
The right bag allows you to:
- comfortably move the animal;
- reduce stress from transportation;
- minimize the risk of injury to your pet;
- protect the owner from injuries that can be caused by an animal that does not understand what is happening to it.
Leaving its usual house or apartment, the pet finds itself on the street, where there are unknown sounds and smells. This causes him serious stress and a desire to hide. The carrier plays the role of a place where the cat can hide and feel relatively safe.
Transporting cats in your arms is not a good idea, as these pets prefer to feel a hard surface under their paws. When carried in the arms, an animal, being stressed, can easily scratch its owner, break out of his hands and run away in an unknown direction. Therefore, the best solution for transportation is a carrying bag.
Adviсe
- The fabric for a homemade carrier should be selected taking into account weather conditions; for hot summer trips, something lighter and more breathable is required so that the fluffy does not get too hot. The best option is to have several carriers for all occasions.
- You can sew foam rubber between the fabrics or fill them with synthetic padding to ensure the softness of the sides of the carrier.
- The mesh holes can be supplemented on top with visors that can be closed if necessary. In case the weather is very cold.
- Everyone knows that cats are very capricious. It is almost impossible to force a cat to do something without its wishes, and any attempts at coercion can result in extreme stress for the pet and scratches for the owner. Therefore, you should definitely “introduce” the animal to its new “house”. The carrier should be associated with something positive and calm. You can give something tasty in the carrier so that your pet enjoys being inside. It is necessary for the pet to get used to the new property for several days.
Making a carrier with your own hands from available materials and ensuring a comfortable journey for the animal is not so difficult. The main thing is to have desire and a good mood!
Sources
- https://zverin.com/cats/kak-sdelat-sumku-perenosku-kontejner-dlya-koshki-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://animashka.info/koshki-uhod/vykrojka-sumki-dlya-koshki.html
- https://domovod.guru/domashnie-zhivotnye/perenoska-dlya-koshek-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://MurKoshka.ru/uhod/perenoska-dlya-koshek-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://tkaner.com/sumki/sumka-perenoska-dlya-koshek-svoimi-rukami/
- https://ProKat40.ru/uhod-i-soderzhanie/sshit-sumku-perenosku-dlya-koshki.html
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What tools are useful for sewing?
To make a carrier bag for a cat with your own hands, you need to stock up on some materials:
- First of all, these are fabrics. You select them based on the criteria described above. Remember that two types of fabrics are needed: main and lining.
- Foam rubber for softness of the product.
- Lightning. There may be several of them. The number of zippers in the bag will depend on the pattern chosen.
- A piece of plywood or plastic to strengthen the bottom.
- Sewing machine.
- Non-woven base for strengthening seams.
- Mosquito net to protect the viewing window.
- Pens. You can take them from your old bag.
DIY making
The best bag is a hand-sewn bag. How to make a cat carrier that will save your budget, read our step-by-step instructions.
We will sew a carrier for a small kitten, and before starting work we measure the length of the animal, adding 10 cm for allowances. We choose the width arbitrarily.
Materials and tools
What should you buy and what tools will you need during the work process:
- main material;
- the same piece of lining material;
- plywood corresponding to the size of the bottom;
- detachable zippers (4 pcs.);
- mesh and ribbon;
- rubber.
Taking measurements from a cat
This is the main and mandatory condition. To create a comfortable carrier bag for a cat with your own hands, you need to know some of the dimensions of your pet. In particular, the length and height of the animal.
The cat's length is measured from the inside of the front paw to the tail. Height - from paw to neck. The length and height of the container are determined.
The size of the carrier bag should be made comfortable for the cat. This means that the pet must be able to move freely in its travel house: be able to turn around and stand up to its full height. To create comfortable conditions for the animal, multiply the indicated measurements (length and height of the carrier) by 1.5.
What is a cat carrier?
Photo of a cat carrier.
A reliable, convenient device that does not restrict the movement of a pet, but at the same time does not allow it to jump out, designed for the safe and comfortable transportation of an animal - this is what a carrier bag is. It is also called a cat container.
There are several requirements that you should adhere to when choosing a carrier for your cat:
- it must correspond to the dimensions of the animal;
- have reliable fastenings;
- provide air ventilation.
What to consider when choosing
When choosing a carrier for a domestic cat, you need to rely on the following criteria:
- how comfortable the animal will be inside the product;
- duration of the trip. For long journeys, only a large container is suitable;
- mandatory presence of a hard bottom;
- The carrier must be equipped with reliable fasteners. Loose straps may cause the animal to escape;
- good ventilation;
- presence of an inspection hole. Pets who can look around experience less fear.
How to choose a ready-made
It all depends on the duration of your trip with your pet:
- The requirements for short walks are not too high. The only thing that should be taken into account is the size of the cat.
- For a long move, you will need a large bag that allows the cat to change its position. It must have a specially installed container for food and drink. It should also be equipped with a mesh for good ventilation. On long journeys, it is recommended to periodically release the animal on a harness into fresh air.
The general requirements for such products are as follows:
- the bag must have reliable fasteners (zippers, latches, fastex);
- equipped with a protective mesh for visibility and air circulation;
- have a hard bottom.
Semicircular carrying bag
When constructing this pattern, only three parts are used. In a simplified version - two. The pattern consists of front and back walls, a bottom and two sides.
In order to sew a carrier bag for a cat with your own hands, you will need the materials listed above. Namely:
- dense fabric that holds its shape, it is better to use several types (frame, lining and decorative);
- for bottom rigidity - plywood, cardboard or plastic sheet;
- foam;
- lightning;
- pen;
- mesh to protect the window.
How to sew a semicircular shipping container?
- Cut out the main pieces from the lining and frame fabric. Insert soft material (foam rubber) between the sides. Make the bottom rigid: that is, insert plastic or plywood between the lining and the frame fabric.
- The size of the sides should correspond to the “height of the cat” plus five centimeters. Otherwise, the animal will rest against the top of the bag.
- Sweep away the details. Sew the sides to the bottom.
- Make a window out of mosquito net.
- Attach a zipper to the top side of either of the two sides.
- Cut the front and back parts of the carrier from a single piece of fabric in the shape of a rectangle.
- Sew a handle in the middle.
- Sew the parts on a machine. First sew the part where the zipper is located. After the rest.
Main varieties
There are the following models of carriers for domestic cats:
- from fabric;
- frame product;
- plastic box;
- backpack;
- basket.
There are other varieties, but the types listed above are the most popular. Therefore, they will be discussed below.
Similar article: 6 types of litter boxes for cats and rules for choosing a toilet for your pet
Fabric bag
Products of this type are made from various synthetic materials. Thanks to this, they have the following qualities:
- ease;
- practicality (easy to clean);
- ease of storage.
Externally, this carrier resembles a lady's or travel bag. The similarity is given by both the shape of the product and the presence of comfortable handles and straps. This is a great choice for a vet visit or a walk. But this carrier is not suitable for long trips.
Frame
This product has a rigid frame that gives the bag a certain shape (for example, a house or a tent).
Pets love these carriers because they feel comfortable and protected inside.
The disadvantages of such devices include the impossibility of long-term transportation of the animal in the hands. Machine washing is not possible here - cleaning must be done by hand.
Plastic box
Carrying in the form of a plastic container is considered the best option. This box has a number of positive characteristics:
- durability;
- strength;
- good ventilation;
- excellent pet protection;
- the animal inside such a carrier can take any position. You can also place a toilet, food and water bowls inside.
This device is ideal for long trips and air travel. But the box is not very suitable for hand carrying, as it is bulky and heavy. A cheap container often has an unpleasant synthetic smell, which can scare off the cat.
Backpack
Carrying such a plan is convenient for the owner, but inconvenient for the animal. The backpack is roomy and well ventilated. It is easy to care for. When used, it leaves the animal owner's hands free. Assumes the presence of an inspection hole for the pet. The downside is that the animal cannot take any position in it.
Due to the lack of contact with the owner, the cat may become nervous. The backpack is used when traveling short distances.
Basket
The basket-shaped carrier is made from environmentally friendly materials. It is durable and easy to clean. It can transport both a kitten and an adult animal.
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Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the pet can chew through the bars and run away.
Which form and type should you prefer?
There is a wide choice of cat carriers. They have different shapes, appearances, and designs. When purchasing, you need to consider how often your pet travels and over what distances.
The form is:
- Bags
- Boxes
The bags are not very spacious. They are equipped with a frame that holds its shape. The side most often has the appearance of a mesh so that the pet can breathe freely. Bags can have a bright design. If your pet rarely needs transportation, then you should choose a carrier in the form of a bag. It does not take up much space in the apartment and is inexpensive.
Cat bag
The boxes look like a suitcase or a small house. They have handles and wheels. They are spacious and comfortable. You can put a bowl of water and food. Boxes are suitable for long-term transportation. If you like to often travel outdoors with your pet or go to the country, boxing is well suited.
Box for transportation
Cat carriers also come in hard and soft varieties.
Hard ones can be in the form of a container, backpack or basket. The container is convenient due to its spaciousness. The cat will feel safe as its movements will not be constrained. You can put a bowl of food or water in the container.
Container
The backpack has a special porthole. During the road, the cat will be able to observe what is happening. This will calm her down because she will be able to see her surroundings. Transporting in complete darkness can be stressful. The backpack is convenient for those who travel with a pet on a bicycle. The owner can go and not worry about the safety of his cat.
Backpack
The basket is not suitable for long-term transportation, but it is suitable for trips to the veterinarian. It looks like a regular basket. The difference is that there is a lid that only the owner can open. The cat will not get out of it on its own.
Transport basket
Soft carriers come in the form of bags, backpacks and sling carriers. These bags are good because they are small in size. They take up little space in the house. However, they can cause inconvenience to the animal. Cats will not feel the bottom, and movements will be constrained. A soft carrier is worth choosing when your pet is rarely transported.
Semicircular carrier
Semicircular carriages
People often buy semicircular shaped carriers. They have comfortable handles and a hard, replaceable bottom. Some bags have a mesh insert. They often have attractive designs, with colorful embroidery and patterns. Thanks to the material, they fit easily into a closet and do not take up much space.
Model with long handles
Carriers with long handles
Bags with long handles are convenient. They can be hung over your shoulder when your pet becomes difficult to carry. The bottom is hard and the sides are strong, but at the same time the cat will not be able to hit.
Option with 4 zippers
These carriers have a rectangular bottom and 4 zippers on each corner. This option is convenient when your pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian. For example, trim your nails. Pets break out during this procedure. Thanks to the bag with 4 zippers, the paws can be taken out separately, so the cat will not be able to scratch or bite.
Benefits of soft carriers
Soft carriers
Soft carriers are often purchased for transporting animals because they have many advantages:
- They are convenient to store in the apartment. Soft products do not take up much space. They fold and compress easily, so they can be easily stored in a closet
- They have a dense frame. The walls do not bend, but at the same time they are not solid. The cat will move comfortably, she will fall asleep peacefully and will not hit her head.
- Presence of pockets. You can put a cat toy, a bag of food, etc. in them.
- Soft carriers often have a mesh window. The cat will feel calm during the trip and observe the world around it.
Unusual carriers for cats
Some cat bags have unusual shapes and designs. They attract people's attention to themselves and their pet. These bags include:
- Backpack with porthole
Backpack
Outwardly, it resembles an ordinary backpack. The difference is that the cat backpack is made of hard material, and there is a window on the front side. Thanks to him, the cat can look outside while driving.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Interesting design, convenient to travel with your pet on a moped or bicycle, compact, has a porthole for the animal | Suitable for cats less than 7 kg, the pet may get motion sick while traveling, high price |
- Suitcase
Suitcase
It can be confused with an ordinary suitcase. It has wheels and a handle. But the cat's suitcase has a window so that the cat can look at its surroundings.
- Basket
It is made of straw and differs from the usual one in that it has a tight lid to prevent the pet from getting out.
Shoulder bag
In the photo you can see that the pattern of this carrier is simple and unpretentious. It is very easy to sew. The photo shows a detailed diagram with the necessary symbols.
- Cut out the parts of the required size from a piece of paper.
- Place the pattern on the main and lining fabrics and foam. Cut them taking into account the seam allowances.
- Sew the side pieces on two types of fabric. Place foam inside.
- Sew the bottom of the bag to the side (main fabric).
- Repeat with the same pieces with the lining.
- Place foam rubber between the main and lining fabrics.
- Baste the side seam.
- The zipper will be located on the top of the bag. Sew it on.
- Make the handles the length you think is necessary.
- Sew them on.
Bag with four zippers
The calculation is based on a medium-sized cat. To make this carry, you will need the following:
- one square meter of main and lining fabric, foam rubber (you can use synthetic padding instead);
- four lightning bolts;
- Velcro;
- plywood measuring 20 by 40 cm;
- mesh - 45 by 20 cm;
- pens.
Let's look at step by step how to sew a carrier bag for cats with your own hands using a pattern. It will have a lot of lightning.
- Enlarge the pattern shown in the photo to the desired size. For convenience, the places for each zipper are marked in different colors.
- Place the main and lining fabrics together.
- Prepare the details using the paper pattern. Cut them with a one centimeter seam allowance.
- Open the back pocket.
- Do the same steps with foam rubber.
- Carefully cut a hole in the fabric for the window.
- Make a window from a mosquito net. The size is indicated in the photo. Don't forget about seam allowances.
- Reinforce the bottom with rigid material: plywood or cardboard.
- Baste the pieces and stitch them on the machine.
- Now we need to deal with the lightning. The photo shows exactly how they need to be sewn in. The zippers should close from the corners of the carry.
- Sew the top flap of the container to the cross section of the bag. This place is marked with a cross in the photo. Zippers number 4 and 5 should secure the flap.
- Sew a handle on top. The carrying bag is ready!
How to make friends with a cat with a new bag? Some tips
A cat is an animal with a wayward character. And it may well happen that the bag you made with love and care will be rejected by your pet. The first option is to force the cat into the carrier. However, this will cause serious stress for the animal. In addition, there will be scratches on your hands. What to do in this case?
The cat should be “introduced” to the carrier bag you made yourself. The pet should associate it with something positive and calm. The cat needs several days to get used to its moving house.
Examples of how to train a cat to be carried
If you soon need to go on a trip or plan a trip to the veterinarian, you should not delay the process of introducing your cat to his carrier, especially if this is the first time in his life. First of all, you need to place the open carrier in a visible place in the apartment, cover its bottom with your pet’s favorite rug and leave it in that condition.
Over time, your cat may become curious. It is recommended not to touch her in this case so that she can look around and get used to it. However, if your pet is afraid to look inside and avoid the device, you should help him: you just need to put bait inside, which can be food, depending on the breed, or a favorite toy.
Choosing the right carrier will help preserve nerve cells for both the owner and the cat, as both will feel comfortable. It is not difficult to accustom a cat to his “vehicle”; subsequently he will climb into the bag himself if the previous experience was positive.
Reviews of popular models
The peaceful life ended when the cat was ripe for procreation. This gave rise to a lot of problems, including how to choose a cat carrier for the trip to the clinic and back. The store had textile carriers and plastic boxes. My husband thought wisely and out of two options we chose the practical one to make cleaning easier.
I bought a basket with a metal grid. I was attracted by the decorativeness and naturalness of the materials. The cat likes it. The carrier fits into the interior. An excellent option for a cat house. In public transport, however, he gets scared. Too much review. Anna, 25 years old
The textile carrier was needed temporarily. We usually use a plastic box. And then I had to take the cat to the dacha. We bought the cheapest and most compact one. If we had a backpack, we would have taken it. Of course, we didn’t expect it, but the carrier has been used and washed very actively for three years now. Yes, the handles are a little worn, but overall it’s a good and functional item. Lightweight and comfortable. Victor, 28 years old
