Target Collapsible Pet Carrier

September 12, 2010 7:31 pm | By Zootoo Editor CynthiaLo

Since moving to the concrete jungle, my cats have had to put up with many strange methods of transport. In our numerous veterinary excursions, they have been paraded down Fifth Avenue in jumbo carriers, toured wildlife in Grand Central Station terminal, rocketed through the bellies of the subway, and been bounced through the exotic terrain by strange locals driving smelly taxis.

With so much adventure under their furry belts, several of my little tigers have become savvy enough to tolerate a harness and leash. I would never walk them down a city street, but their harness skills have opened the door to us exploring a world of cute carriers like this pretty pet tote from Target.

This carrier’s electric blue color (also available in pink) and tri-colored flower detail are not the only reason I gave it a try. It allows you to zip the cat inside and carry them over your shoulder, leaving your hands free to use your subway pass or display universally rude hand gestures to your crazy cab driver. When the top is unzipped and the cat’s harness is clipped to the interior of the bag for safety, if we see any scary creatures, the cat can crouch and peek out the mesh front. If the cat yearns for excitement, it can poke its head out to observe or even socialize.

For the average size, full-grown cat, this bag is a little too snug for anything but a short jaunt, particularly if it is hot outside. But for small cats or kittens, it’s ideal. I love the increased mobility and interaction that it gives us when we ride the subway, or walk to the corner community garden for an outing. The carrier would offer little protection from mad elephants and gorillas on the sidewalk, but the average mongrel might pass by without suspecting I’ve got a cat camouflaged to look like a purse.

For car travel, this carrier is not the most cautious option. A hard sided carrier rates higher in safety. I might risk riding in the back seat of a cab with it, but I would never put a cat on the front seat of the car in this soft-sided, woven tote. I figure if airbags are dangerous to babies they could have a tragic impact on your cat. On a positive note, despite the basket weave look, any sort of unfortunate mess your cat creates en route will be contained by the tote’s smart waterproof lining.

If you and your cat can have reliable harness and leash abilities under your belts, this bag is inexpensive gear for your next Indiana Jones adventure, leaving hands free for whips, archeological relics, or even your cell phone.

Pros: Attractive design, easy to use and carry; waterproof liner makes accident clean-up easy.

Cons: Snug fit for larger cats; soft-sided design may not be suitable for longer car trips.