Cats are creatures that:

can take off, in the blink of an eye, if startled or frightened. Cats feel safer in an enclosed area, and less stressed.

For their security and your peace of mind, they need to be safely confined while traveling. Lost cats are not easily found.

A pet on the loose in a car can go flying - if you're in an accident - even if he or she is being held.

Emergencies can occur at any time - an injury, a sudden illness, and hopefully not, an evacuation.

Don't assume disaster reception centers will have large supplies of carriers and other types of pet containment available. I volunteer with my community emergency response pet team and we have immediate access to only a handful of carriers.

Before you buy a cat carrier, consider:

What are your travel plans? Will you be making a short trip or traveling for many hours or days? Will you be transporting your pet on an airline or other type of public transportation?

What is the personality of your pet? Cats who tend to be skittish or easily frightened can and have ripped holes in soft sided carriers. On the other hand, calmer cats might be fine.

Whichever type you choose, the two important safety considerations are sturdy construction and ventilation.

Traveling can be very stressful for your cat ...

and stressed out felines tend to breathe more quickly. Your cat carrier should provide good ventilation on at least three sides of the carrier.

Some soft and plastic pet carriers are airline approved, for cargo or cabin use. If traveling internationally, look for carriers that are compliant with IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animals Regulations, which is a good measure of overall quality.

Three common types of carriers for traveling with your cat are:

(1) Plastic pet carriers

Plastic pet carriers are fully enclosed and considered to be the safest type of carrier, overall.

Many, but not all, are constructed with durable, sturdy plastics.

Hard-sided carriers are widely accepted on airlines for traveling in the cargo hold. Your pet's carrier will be its fortress ... make sure it's tough.

Test it yourself for strength. If you can, fill it with something heavy, like a large bag of food and make sure it doesn't droop or warp.

One brand name carrier I owned, was made of thinner plastic. It was so bendable, I could open the door without undoing the latches, just by lifting the plastic up or turning the carrier on its side.

How safe would your pet be bouncing around in a cargo hold? Check it out - you want strong plastic.

Steel mesh doors are stronger and safer than plastic. The door should be properly hinged, attached to the bottom and top of the cat carrier front opening with four metal rods.

Open the door and check how deeply the door rods penetrate into the shell of the carrier.

Look for a strong handle that will support your pet's weight. From inside the carrier, (no, you don't have to get in) inspect the handle. Can the handle easily slip out of the carrier top?

Locking mechanisms and plastic clips should be in good working order. Nuts, bolts and screws can become loose over time. Make sure they're tight.

A protruding rim on the outside of a hard carrier will help ensure ventilation is not accidentally blocked.

Larger plastic carriers, intended for larger or more than one pet can be purchased with wheels.

(2) Soft sided cat carriers

Some soft carriers are designed for travelling. If traveling by air be sure to check with your airline carrier and get specific instructions well in advance of your trip. Only some airlines will allow you to bring a soft sided cat carrier in the cabin with you.

These soft carriers are designed to fit under your seat. There are no hard and fast rules - every airline has its own regulations and requirements. Ensure the measurements they give you are for soft pet carriers, not hard, as there is often some confusion.

How sturdy are the pinch latches?

No contest here. The Sherpa, soft carrier pinch latch on the left, is far more reliable than the wimpy one.

Soft sided carriers should not collapse in the middle, under the weight of your cat

Some are framed and have supportive rods running from top to bottom and corner to corner.

Soft carrier totes and bags are popular and make a fashion statement ...

however, small dogs might be better suited for this type of carrier than cats.

A dog's lifestyle usually includes exposure to public places such as parks and busy sidewalks and most dogs are used to car travel.

Do consider your cat's personality, comfort level and safety.

Cats and dogs are really two different creatures (but both lovable).

(3) A cardboard cat carrier is not recommended

A vet or animal shelter might provide you with a cardboard cat carrier, as a temporary means of transporting your pet, if you have no cat carrier with you.

Frightened felines can panic and slice the cardboard. If your pet urinates, you won't be able to clean a cardboard carrier. If you are traveling in wet weather, the air holes allow water to penetrate the waxed cardboard. Soggy cardboard will not protect your pet.

If your cat is on a budget,

look for hard carriers at thrift stores and garage sales. Give them a good clean, disinfect them and check them for sturdiness.

Choosing the correct cat carrier size

For your pet's comfort, there should be enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down - but not so much that your cat or dog will be bouncing around on a bumpy ride. Add a blanket - and if your cat is not full grown, add more blankets or towels for extra padding.

Weigh and measure your pet. For height measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder and length from the base of the tail to the collarbone (where the collar would sit).

Allow room for food and water containers which are usually attached to the inner door. For a long road trip, you might need a small litter box.

Getting your cat used to the carrier

I leave a cat carrier out, tucked in a corner. My cats pop in and have a nap, and have made positive associations with it. When I need to use it, I pop a cat in and away we go.

If your cat is not used to the carrier ...

leave it out, give it a "makeover" to make it appealing to your cat. Add a favorite blanket, toys or treats and chances are your cat will eventually be enjoying his new snooze spot.

Safety tips for cat carriers

If your cat is very nervous or scared, cover the carrier with a small blanket, it should calm down. Just make sure there is still ventilation.

Extremely frightened cats (and caged ferals) can actually hurt themselves if they are thrashing around in a carrier.

Do not use pillows for newly born kittens or tiny, very young pets

- they can't lift their heads and could suffocate.

Travel Tips

Add identification to the cat carrier - with permanent marker print your pet's name - and your name, address and a phone number or two where you can easily be reached - at least one at your old location and one for your destination.

Some airlines will not accept pet carriers on wheels.

If traveling with your cat - carry its current (recently updated) medical and vaccination records. You will need to check for the specific requirements for the areas or jurisdictions that you will be traveling through.

Airlines can have restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin or number of pets allowed in one carrier.

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