The attraction almost any empty, box-like container holds for a cat is well-known; it seems like anything that partially conceals them makes them feel more secure. The typical pet carrier, on the other hand, is something the average kitty will enter only under duress if not actual sedation.
In some cases, this may simply mean getting to the vet a little late and with forearms covered in bandaids. Your cat’s unwillingness to travel can also lead to you getting out of the house less often, though, and can become a serious problem if you have to leave quickly due to an emergency. Fortunately, the designers at Sleepypod have taken a good look at the problem and come up with an ingenious solution.
Only for Cats and Small Dogs
The biggest piece of bad news is that most dog owners will have to look elsewhere. With a maximum pet weight of only 15 lbs (6.8 kg) for the larger version, even an active puppy lighter than this may not find it comfortable.
What makes it great for cats, however, is the zip-off mesh dome on top, which makes entering and exiting it much more natural for them. This part is tough enough to withstand a little clawing but might not survive a dedicated assault by a nervous kitty. The padded, furry interior is removable too and can be washed in a machine using the gentle cycle.
These two features combine to make it a great sleeping place for cats when not in use as a carrier, allowing cats to get used to it and making them feel more secure on the road.
Safe for Travel
This, in fact, seems to be the real purpose of the Sleepypod: unlike most similar products, it’s actually designed to let your pet survive a car crash without serious or even minor injury. To this end, both the waist and shoulder straps of a seatbelt attach to it, while the bowl-shaped mattress is supposed to cushion impacts.
It’s certainly not the cheapest pet carrier you can buy but seems well worth the price considering its laboratory-tested safety features, fine yet durable construction and the level of comfort it offers to both pet and human. You can count on getting years of regular, satisfying use out of it – as long as your pet doesn’t outgrow its limited capacity.
