Car carriers - your recommendations please (pic included!)

[SacredCunt]

Pic because I know that’s the most important part.

DCats went to the V. E. T. for their mot recently. They are moderately big, and moderately heavy, and I fear I could see the carriers straining a bit when they were picked up. I suspect a bit of age related fatigue in the plastic. They currently have Catit Cabrios, which are 5 years old.

Recommendations please for good sturdy carriers. We favour the upend the carrier and cat in bum end first method, they are typically non-compliant…

He is 6.6kg
She is 5.4kg

I've got the picnic basket style curver ones. They are great, especially if carrying two as you can carry them on your elbow and have free hands.

They are top entry. And really easy to load.

This https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OP6SVJW?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare is what I got for MrCat, 6.6kg. I wasn't sure how big it would need to be, but it seems reasonable. He's a nervous nellie so I thought enclosed sides and a snug space might be best.

We get him in using the cat burrito head first method. He, too, is non-compliant.

TBH with such a heavy cat I don't trust the top handle, because all his weight will be on the retaining pins of the lid. I had intended to attach a shoulder strap to the clips, but MrCat is such a nervous creature, and so distressed in any carrier, that I prefer to carry it two-handed, like a tray, to keep him a bit more stable.

When the time comes to replace it, I'll probably get something very similar but without the top opening.

We have two large top loading wicker cat baskets. Had them nearly 40 years, completely indestructible! Each fits two cats (can be tricky getting the second cat in though 🤣)

I like the idea of a 40 year basket, it’ll probably last longer than me!

Thank you everyone, I’ll have a look at all of those you’ve mentioned

Metalcote basket here, indestructible and very easy to put the cat in. I have a cover too.

I hated the Cabrio, because using the clamshell top it was too easy to trap a bit of reluctant cat when you close it.

OP, how dare you insinuate your cats are fat!

Your tiger and panther are stunning op...
Maybe a tamer not a crate is what you require...

It might be a bit big for you but this holds our 8.5kg Maine Coon www.jollyes.co.uk/savic-trotter-3-pet-carrier-grey.html

MDC or Metalcote. Cat rescues use them because they're by far the most secure and pretty much indestructible so you can buy once and use forever.

At the vets I used to work at they had top loader metal ones like this. Easier to put the cat in and the cage can be covered if the animal is stressed and not feel threatened as it can see what’s going on

I. DID. NOT.

They are Big Boned.

I’ll have a look at those wire ones, too

I totally agree about the chance of body parts being caught; I don’t use the clam top for loading, I tip them on their ends and use the door.

I have a backpack carrier, as any trip will be done on public transport. It's this one.

Cat backpack

Cabbagecat likes it. I tend to put him in at the top, but he exits via the front. It's very comfortable to carry, although you do look a bit of a wally making soothing noises and chatting to a backpack.