Samsonite Pet Carrier - for the Cat That's Goin' Places!
Written: Nov 13 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Collapsible, good ventilation, seat belt anchor
Cons: Suitable for cats more than dogs
The Bottom Line: For your cat's safety during trips, invest in a good quality pet carrier; this one is a good one!
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| CRXLover88's Full Review: Samsonite Pet Carrier |
My idea of the perfect vacation certainly doesn't involve dragging my dog and 2 cats along to Las Vegas; I don't think they'd be too thrilled with the slot machines. However, this pet carrier is invaluable when transporting your cats to the vet, and I'm sure it would work great during a flight. The Fiberglass frame is designed to be flexible, so you can squish it a bit to get it under the seat in front of you, and then it snaps back up to allow maximum room and ventilation for your pet.
In 1993 I became owned by my first cat, before that I'd always been a "dog person". I had no experience in taking a cat anywhere, but I soon learned that cats are perfectly happy spending their entire lives in the comfort of their home - you know, the place your cat lets YOU live!
I started out with a cardboard carrier that the vet will sell you for $5.00 when you don't have any type of containment for your cat at all. I did like this carrier, because it was top opening and very easy to stuff the cat into -- however, this cardboard carrier was useless the first time it rained.
I then tried the hard plastic kind with the front opening door. This didn't work after the first trip to the vet (cats are smart and they learn quickly), and a piece of cheese would no longer entice her to go in. And after you get to the vet, they won't come out - cats tend to do the "spread eagle" movement to avoid seeing the doctor. You can't shake them out of that carrier no matter how hard you try!
I checked out the Samsonite pet carrier at a local pet shop, but the price was a little steep - $49.00! I logged onto the computer and checked the prices at PetSmart and found them for $29.99, and there was a $10 off online special for orders $30.00 and up (wouldn't you know because of that one penny, I had to order something additional). A cheap litter scoop brought my order into the $10 off range, and one can always use another pooper scooper.
I also liked the fact that this carrier would hold up to 22 pounds! My 9 year old cat is a lightweight, barely topping out at 7 pounds, but my young kitty is part Maine Coon and still growing at 11 pounds, so hopefully she'll stop packing on the pounds pretty soon!
NOTE: Although PetSmart's web site states 22 pounds is the maximum weight for this carrier, I found no mention in the instructions that came with the carrier that you could carry this much weight in it. My 11 lb. cat causes a slight bow in the bottom, but the carrier is made so sturdy that I don't worry about it breaking.
FEATURES I LIKE:
Sturdy mesh panels so your pet gets plenty of air
Two-way access: front opening AND top opening. I really like the top opening feature, they have recently improved the zippers so they won't unzip by themselves, and there is also a metal rotary twist lock, also both zippers are attached together by a canvas strip so you can zip them at the same time
There are two seat belt loops so your carrier will remain secure if you're in a wreck
Easy to store, un-snap the bottom and with the carrier upside down, just press down and fold - folds flat for easy storage.
Samsonite also sells absorbent pads that fit the bottom of the carrier perfectly, and will absorb 4 times its weight in fluids. The pads are washable and re-usable.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: The carrier is constructed of a very thick canvas type material, with the mesh panels being a rubberized material. It comes with a two year warranty, but in my opinion it will last many years past two. There is an exterior pocket, double handle strap and a padded shoulder strap included. The carrier size is 18" long x 10" wide x 10½" high. I would think this would be suited more for cats, as my 11 lb. cat has plenty of room. Unless you have a Yorkie or Chihuahua, I think a dog would be too crowded. I have a miniature schnauzer who would fit in the carrier weight-wise, but she would have to remain in a crouched position if she were travelling in this crate.
A TIP FOR GETTING YOUR CAT INSIDE THE CRATE: My 9 year old cat detests the vet so much that I have to do this. When she's not watching, remove the crate from the closet. Put the crate in the bath tub and pull the shower curtain shut so she can't see the crate. Shut the toilet lid so she can't try to escape that way! Pick the cat up, take her into the bathroom, shut the bathroom door, and stuff her in the crate. This especially works well if she's asleep when you grab her. Works every time!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
CRXLover88
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Member: Debby
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Reviews written: 102
Trusted by: 71 members
About Me:
I love Las Vegas, Ebay, cats & dogs...I miss the OLD Epinions.
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