Wanting to buy a new cat carrier, any recommendations?

[flippinada]

Not the most interesting thread title, I know!

My boy cat is large and sturdy so I need something he can fit in to, and I don't drive so would like something that's fairly lightweight (as it will be heavy enough with cat in - see above) and ideally is easy to carry.

Any suggestions? I'm seen some cat rucksacks advertised which look great but I don't know if they're any good.

Got ours in pets at home but the ones in argos look fine too.

You need something plastic not wicker. When they puke and have a runny bottom in the same trip somewhere it's so much easier to deal with.

Always get one that undoes all the way around so if the cat decides he wont come out at the vets you can take the top off and lift him out.

As a vet I see lots of carriers and the very best one I have seen so far is the orange RAC one. The door opens nice and wide without restricted the space for the cat to come through. It has a good secure catch and seems nice a strong. I really don't like the ruck sac/ sports bag type as often when put down the roof caves in on the cat - terrifying I would imagine.

Thank you both for your suggestions - funnily enough our cats when I was little had a wicker basket, so I know from experience they're to be avoided!

Lizcat can I ask if you would recommend a top opening one? I can see why the soft top ones would be upsetting for a cat so I'll avoid those.

Top opening ones need to have the whole top opening to be easy to use, though these tend to be the wire ones which give the cats less chance to hide.

Top openers may be essential if cat is injured or simply reluctant to go in.

I was warned [[http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/130381781409?var=lv

Thanks - I have a front fastening one now and it has become quite insecure - that's the main reason I want to replace it.

The wire one looks very good and no nonsense but I think it might be a bit stressful for my cat as he likes having somewhere to 'hide' so he feels safe.

I'd be interested to here what you think of this one (fabric, zip top) and this one (secure zip front and 'hide-able in'.

As an ex vet nurse i would definately recommend a top opener, much easier to get the cat out, ergo easier for the cat. You can put an old towel with a hole for the handle over the basket if you are wanting to make the cat feel safer.