Traveling can be a stressful time for anyone, but when you have to bring your cat along, it can be downright miserable for both you and your cat. The main reason it will be miserable is because cats are going to be difficult to put into the crate. However, if you use something like the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel, it may be a little easier.
In this review, we are going to talk a little more about the features of the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel, but we are also going to give you an overview of what people who have purchased the cat carrier had to say about their overall experience with it.
Then, we’re going to give you our recommendation on whether or not this cat carrier is something you should consider purchasing for your own travels with the cat!
Our Review of the Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat Kennel
The first thing you may notice about the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel is that there are two ways you can put your cat into the unit: the top door (made of a sturdy plastic) or the door on the side (made from steel).
These two doors allows you to coax your cat inside with treats and a comfortable bed, but if they put up a fuss, you can set them inside via the top door, which closes quite securely. Notable features of the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel include:
- Steel and plastic construction for enhanced strength, safety and visibility
- 2-door carrier design allows for easy access to pets
- Durable ergonomic carry handle for safer pet transport
- Water cup NOT included. Inner Dimensions: 21″ x 14.75″ x 13.25″
- Ideal for small pets no more than 7 inches tall and 15 inches in length
- Product Dimensions : 24.05″ X 16.75″ X 14.5″
Although this case is hard, you don’t have to worry about your pet not getting enough air because there are plenty of holes for ventilation, both on the sides of the carrier, but also on the top door. When you’re carrying the case, the ergonomic handle allows you to do so without hurting your hand or feeling discomfort.
The carrying case is meets all airline travel requirements, which means you can bring your feline friend along with you when you fly home for the holidays or if you just want to get away for the weekend.
The case itself is extremely easy to put together, so you can get on the road sooner. There is enough space in this carrier to include a pet bed or a blanket so that your cat is comfortable while traveling.
What Others are Saying…
When looking at what people had to say about the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel, the majority of customers raved about this kennel. Of the positive reviews, customers were pleased by how much space there was in the carrier (when they chose the correct size for their cat).
They went on to say they liked that the case used a “screw” format instead of the typical “clip” format. They felt that screwing the kennel together was much more secure and was less likely to break as a result of regular use.
Customers like that the carrier is sturdy and it isn’t just for cats. One person reported they used the carrier for small dogs and even rabbits. People went on to say that they use this carrier to transport their pet to the groomer or the vet, and the top loading door makes getting their pet inside incredibly easy.
Though there were countless positive reviews for these pet carriers, there were quite a few people who were not very happy with their purchase. Customers were disappointed in this carrier because they felt the size was too small for their needs.
Some went on to say the case wasn’t as sturdy as they had hoped. They felt that the hooks could have been thicker and if the case was to endure a sudden shock, they felt the handle would break off.
Other customers reported that they received the wrong hardware. Some people received bolts that were too long, others reported they didn’t receive all the wing nuts. There were a few instances where the customers found the carrier was too heavy, even without their pet being inside the carrier.
A small handful of customers were disappointed that the top door doesn’t stay open on its own, which made getting their feisty cat inside without help from someone else.
Our Final Thoughts
Trying to find the right cat carrier may feel like a challenge because there are numerous options available – many of which look very similar to one another. The Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel is a carrier that is designed to make it easier to put your cat inside because you can use either the front door or the top door.
We like this cat carrier because it is made from a sturdy plastic material and features a steel front door. You can rest assured that wherever you need to take your cat, they will be secure inside and they won’t be able to break free.
What is also nice about this carrying case is that there are plenty of holes in the side and the top for air circulation, but so that you can see your cat and reassure them that everything is okay during your travels.
Another nice thing about a hard carrier such as this is that you can make this their special home when you aren’t traveling. Just pop a comfortable pet bed inside and let it be. You’ll find that when your cats go into the carrier on their own and they are comfortable with the carrier, your next vet trip will be a breeze when it comes to putting them inside!
