If you are the proud parent of a majestic Maine Coon, then you know that having one of these giants in the house can be quite a challenge at times. Their impressive size means that you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to finding the right cat accessories for them, and this especially applies to cat carriers.
According to the Veterinary Centers of America, a male Maine Coon cat can weigh up to an impressive 20 pounds, therefore, finding a carrier that is sturdy and easy to transport is essential.
You also need to take into account their long body, making sure that the carrier is big enough for them to stand, turn and lay down comfortably. With the right cat carrier, however, you and your Maine Coon can rest easy knowing that they’ll be safe and sound on the road.
Best Cat Carriers for Maine Coon – Our Top 5 Picks!
Traveling with a Maine Coon can be a challenge, as their large frames and impressive size mean they require a special type of cat carrier. With the right carrier, you can provide your Maine Coon with a safe and comfortable journey wherever you go.
1. Pet Life Vista Cat Carrier – Best Overall
Vista Cat Carrier is enhanced by its full metal frame construction. Unlike other carriers, the metal frame ensures that it won’t collapse or bend under the weight of your cat, providing a safe and secure journey. It also provides superior protection from potential scratches, dents, and even rust, guaranteeing a carrier that lasts for years.
What’s more, is that this item is manufactured with Thinsulate Thermal technology that not only keeps your furry companion warm and snug in cooler climates, but also allows moisture to escape so your cat doesn’t get too hot. Its interior is cushioned for a comfy and secure trip and reduces noise, providing a calmer, more enjoyable environment for your pet.
A Maine Coon Cat will feel right at home in this extra-large size Pet Life Cat Carrier. Measuring 35.8 x 24.8 x 24.8 inches, this spacious carrier ensures your furry friend can move around and turn with ease while being secure and relaxed during transport. Perfectly designed for large-sized breeds, this is the ideal solution for your feline companion.
Now take your Maine Coon cat on a ride they won’t soon forget with this Vista product featuring a panoramic mesh zippered sunroof! Your kitty can safely enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the great outdoors while securely secured inside their carrier. The mesh fabric ensures that air circulates freely while the zippered closure provides added protection.
2. SturdiBag Cat Carrier
SturdiBag was designed with Maine Coons in mind! Its 600 Denier Polyester fabric is an excellent combination of strength and lightweight, providing superior durability while still being comfortable for your cat. Not only is it tear-resistant and waterproof, but the featherlight construction ensures your Maine Coon won’t feel weighed down.
Your cat will thank you for the extra layer of protection and comfort that its retractable privacy flap offers. Cats are sensitive creatures, so the extra safeguard of a privacy flap can give them a feeling of safety and ease during transport. Not only that, but the flap also helps to shield them from a range of outdoor elements like sun, wind, and rain.
When it comes to transporting your kitty, this cat carrier is ready to provide comfort and safety. Its 4-point, padded shoulder strap provides a secure fit, allowing you and your feline friend to relax in the knowledge that the carrier won’t slip or shift. With this adjustable strap, you can find the ideal length for a stress-free journey with your kitty held close and secure.
Furthermore, your beloved Maine Coon can hit the road in style and comfort with its luxurious interior fleece pad secured by Velcro. Providing superior comfort and insulation, it gives an exemplary amount of padding for long trips and can be easily removed and washed when it’s time for a cleanup. So your pet can travel in style, without compromising on cleanliness and hygiene.
Maine Coon owners can now rest easy knowing that the SturdiBag has got their back! With secure zipper clips and a tether for extra safety, it ensures their curious, strong, and active cat is safe at all times. From the time their cat steps in the carrier to the moment they arrive at their destination, they can be certain that their pet is safe from any unfortunate accidents that may occur on the journey.
3. Petego Cat Carrier
Petego is ingeniously crafted from a specially formulated, ultra-strong fabric that is impossible for even the most determined of cats to claw through. No matter the size of your feline friend, you can rest assured that the carrier will keep them safe and secure, allowing you to travel with your pet in confidence.
You will like that this cat carrier is truly unique, offering an adjustable length feature that ensures your kitty can be as comfortable as possible, while also saving you a great deal of space.
With the adjustable length of the carrier, you can customize the size to perfectly fit your pet, without compromising on size or comfort. This is an ideal choice for those who want to ensure their pet is secure and comfortable during their travels.
Are you tired of worrying about your furry friend jumping into the front seat or scurrying around the car? Fear not, the Pet Tube is here to save the day! This secure strap fits snuggly onto the rear seat and its unique shape gives your pal plenty of space to move about without it budging.
In addition to that, this pet carrier is roomy enough to fit two average-sized cats comfortably, so you can be sure there will be plenty of space for your Maine Coon. Plus, you should be able to fit a litter box and a cozy blanket, making your pet’s travel a relaxing and stress-free excursion.
4. Petseek Cat Carrier
Maine Coon owners can rest assured knowing that the Petseek is more than up to the task; measuring a generous 24×16.5×16 inches, this carrier is ideal for transporting even the largest of cats. Its dimensions will make it easy to determine if the carrier is suitable for your beloved pet as well as whether or not it will fit into your vehicle or residence, and pass through doorways without difficulty.
You will be glad to know that it is made of Oxford fabric that is prepared for the worst! Its wear-resistant nature ensures that it’ll be able to withstand the vigorous scratching of your cat. Don’t worry about messes either, as the fabric’s easy-to-clean design means you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing, instead, just a quick wipe-down, and your carrier will be good as new.
From my personal experience with this gadget, I can tell you that its strong yet delicate nylon mesh makes it durable enough to resist claw damage while allowing for ventilated comfort for the kitty inside. This is especially important for the thicker-furred Maine Coon, which can overheat if not in a well-ventilated environment.
Petseek boasts three heavy-duty zippers, each one ready to keep even the most determined escape artists inside. For an extra layer of protection, an internal clip is included, so you can be certain your pet won’t be going anywhere. Wherever you and your companion go, you can travel with the peace of mind that your pet is secure.
Besides that, the inner part of its design is comprised of a robust steel support structure that is cleverly foldable. This unique characteristic permits the framework to be easily stowed away, making it extremely versatile and convenient.
5. PetAmi Cat Carrier
If you love your Maine Coon but dread the hassles of travel, then PetAmi’s four-way entry cat carrier is the ideal choice. This unit gives your beloved pet more room to move around and provides 360 degrees of access for easy loading, unloading, and cleaning. Now your cat will feel more secure and protected, while you have greater control over its environment.
We love that it is made from 600D high-grade polyester. This strong material is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of your furry friend. It also provides extra protection from the elements and will keep your pet safe from potential predators.
Additionally, with dimensions of 12.5″ x 10.2″ x 16.3″ (L x W x H), it’s the exact size to bring your furry friend with you wherever you go, whether it’s a trip to the park, a vet checkup, or a day of hiking in the woods. The spacious interior provides plenty of room for your cat to relax and enjoy the journey.
What’s more, is that this product has breathable padding and back mesh to ensure that you and your pet will stay comfortable and dry no matter how long your excursion lasts. The specially-designed wicking material also prevents any unfortunate accidents from leaving you and your kitty feeling sticky and damp.
Features To Consider When Buying the Best Cat Carrier for Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat is a true sight to behold, with their power and size making them a remarkable pet. As a result, many assume the easiest solution is to get a larger dog carrier. However, not all dog carriers are suitable for cats, and even though Maine Coon cats are bigger than usual, they still need to be cared for as cats.
Here are some features that make a carrier cat-friendly for the majestic Maine Coon.
1. Carrier Size
When it comes to selecting a carrier for your Maine Coon, don’t forget to factor in their size and weight limitations. The (AHNA) recommends finding a carrier that is one and a half times the size of your cat. PetMD, on the other hand, suggests making sure it is spacious enough for them to stand and turn around without crouching. However, opting for one that is too large could make it difficult to carry and could even leave your feline friend sliding around. So choose wisely!
For Maine Coon cats, it’s a known fact that they tend to run bigger than their typical 9-pound feline counterparts. However, both the weight and size of Maine Coons can vary greatly (within their specie), ranging from the petite female to the record-breaking four-foot-long Stewie, who’s featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
2. Material
When it comes to deciding which carrier is best for your Maine Coon, two main options are available: a soft-sided and a hard-sided plastic carrier. Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, hard-sided carriers are much more durable and can easily handle the weight of a Maine Coon and its long, sharp claws.
Too, due to the fact that Maine Coons are long-haired, they will shed more than an average kitty so a hard-sided carrier is a great choice since it is much easier to clean and doesn’t absorb bad smells.
Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, even suggests that hard-sided carriers tend to make cats feel safer.
As years passed, manufacturers have taken great strides towards making soft-sided cat carriers stronger, with steel reinforcements and locking zippers that make them even more secure. In fact, soft-sided carriers were the only type of carriers to pass the official Center for Pet Safety crash test.
Maine Coon cats are known for their gentle and peace-loving nature, which makes them a great choice for traveling in soft carriers. Not only that, but these carriers offer more flexibility and occupy less space, making them perfect for air travel – they can fit snugly in front of your legs!
3. The Carrier’s Portability
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect carrier for your Maine Coon, portability is key. These beloved, large cats can be hefty, so a carrier with enough room for them is essential. A too-small or flimsy carrier could cause discomfort and potential injury, so it’s important to find one that can securely hold your pet.
To make transport a breeze, consider carriers with lightweight construction, rolling wheels, and/or handles. Telescoping handles can be especially helpful for comfortable carrying, and features like zipper openings and removable tops make accessing the interior a cinch. With a bit of extra thought and care, you can find the ideal carrier for your big, beautiful Maine Coon.
4. Safety Features
When it comes to transporting your precious Maine Coon, you don’t want to take any chances. That’s why a crash-tested carrier is the best option for you. Not only is it a safe way to transport your kitty but self-locking zippers will ensure your pet won’t escape. Hard carriers with metal bars are also a great choice because your cat’s claws won’t be able to break through them.
And for those car rides, look for a carrier that has a seatbelt loop so you can secure it to the seat. That way, your feline friend won’t go flying in the event of a bump in the road. Take a few minutes to read some product reviews and see if other cat parents are satisfied with the product’s safety.
5. Access points
There is an agreement among cat owners that the top-loading option is most effective, particularly for cats that are timid or larger cats like the Maine Coon that require more effort to get inside.
VCA Canada states that if your cat is averse to smaller carriers, try a top-loading one that won’t be so restrictive. A top-loader carrier also makes it convenient to take your cat to the vet because you don’t have to take it out of the carrier.
Though not necessarily a must, having a side opening in your carrier can be advantageous when traveling with your feline. To make sure you have the best of both worlds, get a carrier that provides both a top loader and a side opening.
On your road trip adventure, you can reach through the car window and change your kitty’s food and water bowl, give them a pet, and replenish the litter box all while keeping them securely confined.
Hard plastic carriers are a surefire way to keep your furry friend inside, but those metal or plastic doors need to be opened completely. Don’t take the risk of having a runaway kitty, keep them safe and sound!
6. Ventilation System
When it comes to getting the right carrier for your Maine Coon, ventilation should be at the top of your checklist. Soft-sided carriers offer plenty of breathability in the form of mesh openings which can keep your kitty occupied while they explore the outside world.
However, if your furry friend is an anxious cat, you can always choose a carrier with blinds or light fabric to cover some of the openings and provide a sense of security. And in warmer climates, you may need to opt for a carrier that offers more protection against the heat.
Hard-sided carriers can offer cats a sense of security and protection with only one door to enter and exit, as well as small holes for airflow. The country you are in and your cat’s personality should be taken into account when choosing a carrier, with special consideration for cats with feline asthma, who should have multiple openings for optimal comfort.
FAQs
How long can you leave a Maine Coon cat alone in a cat carrier?
Maine Coon cats should not be left alone in a cat carrier for more than two hours at a time. This breed is prone to separation anxiety, so it is important to make sure that they are given the opportunity to get out of the carrier and explore their environment when possible. Too, if the cat is being transported, it is best to check on them occasionally and not leave them alone for more than an hour at a time.
Is it possible for a Maine Coon to travel without a carrier?
Yes, a Maine Coon can travel without a carrier, but only if they are properly trained and socialized. Keep in mind that cats can stress easily, so it is important to ensure your cat is comfortable around strangers, loud noises, and new places before attempting to travel without a carrier. It is also crucial to make sure your cat is up-to-date on all vaccines and is wearing an identification tag in case they get lost.
Conclusion!
Maine Coon cats are a truly special breed, with their elegant long bodies and impressive size. And while they are impressive in stature, they do require special care and attention.
When it comes to cat trees, for instance, you can’t just get any off-the-shelf model as you need to look for one designed for larger breeds. The same goes for carriers, you’ll need something that can accommodate their size and weight, while still giving them the comfort and security they need.
All the products mentioned in this article are of high quality but the best cat carrier in them for Maine Coon cats is the Pet Life Vista. With its durable construction, secure latches, and ample space, this carrier will keep your Maine Coon safe and comfortable wherever you need to bring them.
My name is Britney Green and I am the editor and founder of the website Little Happy Cats. I am passionate about helping cats and the people that care for them. I have been working in the pet industry for over 10 years and have always been devoted to the well-being of animals. I started Little Happy Cats as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others.