Would this be unkind to my cat?

[TheFirstMrsOsmond]

My cat is 6 years old and we have had the same cat-carrier since he was a kitten. He doesn't like it much and I find it awkward to carry so last week I bought another, better designed one. However when I got it home I realised it is quite a bit smaller than the one we already have and wondered whether I should return it, but left it open in the living room.... and every day since then my cat has got inside and spent the day asleep in it!

As he seems to find it comfortable, would it be unkind to use it even though it is a bit small for him? He is only ever in it for 10 minutes or so en route to the vet, never for long journeys as he is looked after at home when we are away. I guess I'm trying to avoid taking him in it to his next vet visit and being scolded by the vet!

I think you're fine. The rule is supposed to be whether they can stand up and turn around in it. I think it's good that he's sleeping in it!

Cats enjoy feeling confined as apparently it makes them feel safe.

If your cat is going into his carrier on his own then it sounds as if he likes it.

Ah, thanks for the rule! I reckon he can just about stand up & turn around....

I think he's given it his seal of approval. Enjoy :)

Yes, I felt reassured by the knowledge cats like confined spaces - one of the things he doesn't like about our current cat-carrier is the instability of being rocked about in it. This would not happen with the new one which has a shoulder strap and can be carried quite close to the body.

Our cat has a carrier I feel is too small for him. It’s one we inherited with him. I wanted to replace it, but can’t find a suitable one, he’s only ever in it for ten minutes at a time like your kitty. Last time we took him to the vets I mentioned the size of his carrier (he can just about turn around in it). The vet said as long as we aren’t driving hours with him, like taking him across country, he’s probably better in a smaller one, as it is more secure and he can’t get knocked around in it.

Thanks NinjaWife that's good to hear

My cat has a whole house to sit in and yet does things like this.

PersianCatLady

Tonight she is stood in a shoebox but she can't sit down because it is too small.

Crazy cat

I think it will be fine for trips to the vet. If he is comfortable to sleep in it I think it's a winner.