Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carriers, Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Made in USA, 24", Blue

My big boy was getting hard to even get into the door of the traditional cat carrier I have (see pic, light one on top) and when I got him in, he had a hard time even turning around. I saw this suggested on social media and bought two of them. I’m very pleased with the size (see pic, lower cat carrier). I wouldn’t say it’s super high quality craftsmanship - like there are curly qs of plastic shavings here and there and the holes used for the screws to connect the lower and upper aren’t super clean cuts. But everything lined up well. And I’m just so happy that my 18# big boned cat can fit in it!

I bought one EXACTLY like this 17 years ago. Kid you not. These are incredibly well constructed and built to last. Terrific value and ample room for my cat. It could also be used for a small dog, but I wanted something roomy for my cat. The top loading functionality is great and very convenient. I highly recommend this carrier, it’s perfect and sturdy. The bolts that attach top to bottom of unit equal the quality of overall structure. Not flimsy in any way. I leave this out with a blanket inside so my cat is used to it being around. Not uncommon to find him sleeping in it of his own accord , it’s that comfortable for them. Great product with a great price, on sale or otherwise, it’s well worth it.

The media could not be loaded. I found a new low cost spay neuter clinic for my latest stray however, ‘patients’ must be in a hard plastic carrier case. Since it looks like my latest boy would be confined in it all day, I wanted something that was well made and solid with sufficient room in case of an ‘accident’ that he could stand/turn around to avoid sitting in his own mess. I also needed the top loading option. This size was the winner at 24.05 x 16.8 x 14.5 inches making it a suitable upgrade replacement for my current soft one (19x11x12) in use for vet appointments. I also wanted if possible, for it to be eco-friendly, delivered within 2 days for our neuter appointment, AND at a reasonable price!!!OK, this carrier was spot on meeting my criteria and deadline. It actually exceeded my expectations! The instruction manual was easy enough to follow and didn’t require any tools. It was mostly wingnut bolt assembly (more secure than snaps) so it took no time at all for me to assemble. However, if you do not have small hands/fingers to screw on the underside, it could be a bit of a challenge to secure. It also explains why I’ve seen some carriers with the black nylon wingnut on top vs underneath. Large hands probably push the screw through from the bottom and secure at the top vs small hands securing underneath. -Here I was thinking it was a different design or model (LOL). Unfortunately, I don’t know enough about load bearing to know if it makes a structural difference with a cat onboard, but it’s probably a question the manufacturer/seller would know the answer to or add a couple zip-ties if you’re nervous. The finished product is a carrier that is well made of rigid plastic, has strong locking steel wire doors (stay away from the plastic ones, especially in high humid areas) on both top and side openings, and has great ventilation and visibility. Especially impressive for my needs was the large top opening that made loading an 11-pound Elvis into the carrier easy & stress free for us both. Ditto, for the vet who loaded him in after surgery wearing the ‘cone of shame’. Anyway, the carrier not only looks good, but feels strong, sturdy and safe with heavy-duty plastic that would not fail when loaded with 10-15 lbs of cat. It also does not look “cheap” like some of the plastic ones I’ve seen. Unlike soft carriers, you also don’t have to worry about damage from your cat clawing or chewing. I’ve not tested the carry handle, but I’m a small woman and lugging this size carrier by handle with an 11 or 15 pound cat onboard ‘ain’t happening. My preferred method of transport in/out of car to vet is to secure the carrier onto my computer/luggage dolly (Tri-Kart 800) for transport to the destination. It’s easier & less stressful for both of us. As for cleaning, the carrier is plastic making it easy to clean, hose down, wipe down and dry out. For comfort, there’s no need to buy a separate cat mat since the standard cat mat you may already have will fit fine. Overall, this carrier is solid, comfortable and perfect for our needs. It’s nothing fancy or the most “fashionable”, but it is functional and of good quality for the price point. 5 stars!!! I will probably order a second one since the carriers are somewhat stackable and fit well on my dolly for vet appointments.5/1/2023 Update: A second carrier was ordered and I’m thrilled! I did forget to mention a few things above: (#1) An extra bolt/wingnut is included in the package should you lose one (#2) You have the option of making your door open out left or right. There is no wrong way, it’s a matter of preference. (#3) FYI. The carrier is made of plastic (recycled plastic). Keep in mind that plastic can be sensitive to weather changes (heat, moisture, humidification) and/or after heavy usage you may want to check & tighten up the bolts every so often. That’s it, 5-Stars!!!

Really like the top opening hatch on this kennel. I have never had a kennel with this option. Easy to look in on the puppy from the top, get the puppy out and put it back. Easy to put together and seems to be sturdy.

They are not for the top prongs which instead fit into recesses on the far right and left that are not visible from the outside. (Neither are these mystery holes intended for the two extra bolts you receive.) I have no idea why those holes are there but, given the negative reviews, they understandably cause confusion and frustration when assembling this carrier. I think this is a flaw of the instructions, not the manufacturing.Other than that, this carrier seems roomy and well-built for safely transporting your cat or cat-sized dog.

We purchased 2 of these when we adopted 2 large male cats from the local shelter. They recommended them as the best - and I can see why. They are the cadillac of pet carriers.They are large enough for a large cat or small dog with room to move around a bit, they are sturdy, but the best feature is the large door on the top of the carrier. It makes it very easy to put the animal in and out of the carrier without having to shove them in through a side opening. I think its much less traumatic for them. Even though they are only used once a year for vet visits, I'm happy with the purchase.

Very sturdy and safe for travel and home kennel. However, the top handle is attached to the top door. If you have a heavy animal maybe consider one with a handle that won't pop the crate open.

So much bigger and easier to use than my old carrier. Easy to assemble and use. You have the option of placing the pet inside through the front door or from the easy open top. Two piddle pads fit perfectly inside. Plenty of room for our cat to turn around and get comfortable. Great purchase.