Why We Love These:
Sleepypods are snazzy, sturdy, stress-reducing pet carriers. They are on the expensive side, but the beauty is worth the investment and here’s why:
1. Pet carriers must be well made. You do not want a carrier with a flimsy handle, or a zipper that your pet can weasel open (especially if you have an actual weasel). And if you’re taking your cat on a trip, you want it to be a safe little shell for your pet, not just a bag. Crash-tested carriers can give you extra peace of mind & safety.
2. They should be easy to get your pet into and out of, for your sake and your pet’s. If you have ever wrestled an unhappy cat into a carrier, you understand how deeply disturbing it is for everyone involved. Nobody wins. Top-loading carriers tend to make the process much quicker and gentler.
3. Don’t get an ugly carrier. Why not? Because you shouldn’t feel compelled to keep it hidden in the basement all the time. If you only take the carrier out when your pet needs to go to the vet, it basically becomes a portal to hell. Fear of the carrier itself means your pet is stressed before they even leave your house, and likely so are you. As a person who has fostered many cats who needed to go in and out carriers on a weekly basis, I learned this lesson quickly: carrier stays out, door stays open, treats magically appear in carrier at random times. If the carrier is okay-looking, you’re more likely to be willing to have it out somewhere. If the carrier is beautiful, you will be happy to prominently display it.
4. Sleepypods take this a step further by having the carrier work as a bed when the top isn’t on. So it’s a carrier AND a bed. 2 for one bogo deal situation! I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for animals to be comfortable in a carrier. Many cat owners avoid taking their cats to the vet at all because it’s so difficult to get them into the carrier. Serious issues can then go undiagnosed for a long time.
So while the Sleepypod is a high end pet carrier, look at it as an investment in your animal’s health and your own wellbeing. And if Sleepypod isn’t your style, make an effort to find a carrier that you do like. Just look for something that is a.) sturdy & safe b.) easy to get your pet in and out of and c.) something you’d be okay with leaving out from time to time. You and your cat will appreciate it!