Best Cat Stroller
Cats are either considered indoor pets or independent yard roamers, but there is also a middle ground between the two. Cat walking has gotten more and more popular in the last decade and it is an extremely fun activity that owners can do with their feline companions.
Cat strollers play a very big part in the routine because they are the safest means of transport between home and the park or recreational area. Safety and comfort are the greatest assets offered by cat strollers and this should be the basis of choosing the ideal one for your cat.
What Are Cat Strollers?
Cat strollers are similar to baby strollers and they are used to take small animals on walks. The hood is usually attached by a zipper or some other kind of security device that keeps the cat safe inside during the stroll. They have ventilated mesh windows so that the cat can get enough air, but also so that it can enjoy the ride. It is a far more comfortable alternative to cat carriers, which can be rather heavy very quickly.
What Are Cat Strollers Used For?
As the name suggests, cat strollers are used to transport cats on short distances. The animal is safe and comfortable inside the stroller and after a bit of getting used to the experience, it will certainly enjoy the ride.
Cat Walking
Taking a cat out for a walk can be an amazing experience, but it requires some very strict rules for both the cat and the owners. Cats should wear harnesses and leashes at all times during the walk to stay safe. Cats are more unpredictable than dogs, and in most cases they are less used to being outside.
This makes it quite easy for them to get scared by various things such as cars, dogs, or loud noises, and run away from their masters. To make sure you do not lose the cat, it should always have the harness and the leash on. Another important aspect is keeping the playtime in proper spaces such as parks or areas specially arranged for animals.
This is where the cat stroller comes in. Most cats that are taken on walks are indoor cats that live in apartments or houses without gardens. Since they are not used to being outside, it is best to have a safety net in case they get scared. Should anything happen during the walk, the can be safely placed in the stroller and walked home.
Another use for the stroller is the transportation process between home and the park. Walking down the street can be an overwhelming experience for an indoor cat because of all the people and the vast array of sounds they are not used to. Harnesses and leashes are a must, but in most cases they are not enough. Some owners carry their cats in their arms, but it is all too easy for them to get scratched this way because the cats could react that way out of fear.
Trips to the Vet and Visits
As mentioned above, cat strollers are a far more comfortable alternative to cat carriers because there is no lifting and carrying involved. This makes them ideal for short trips on foot. While carriers are excellent if you are driving, strollers are certainly the better alternative if you are walking to your destination, be it the vet’s office or a friend or family member you may be visiting.
Elderly or Disabled Cars
Spending time outdoors can be very healthy for elderly cats or for cats with disabilities, provided that they are already used to being outside. In a cat stroller, they will be seated comfortably and safely and they will get to enjoy the fresh air. It will also be very easy to put them in the stroller and walk them.
How to Choose a Cat Stroller
There are quite a few cat stroller models to choose from, so mind you that there is a big decision coming up! But how do you choose the best stroller? What makes a good stroller anyway? Here are the main criteria that you should keep in mind when analyzing the available products:
Safety
This is by far the most important aspect you should have in mind when looking for the best cat stroller. Your pet must be safe inside the stroller and one of the major factors contributing to that is the quality of the zipper of the enclosure section. Make sure the zipper is sturdy enough to keep the cat inside.
Cats are escape artists and a simple zipper might be all too easy for them to open. Make sure the stroller you choose has an additional safety device to prevent the cat from getting out.
Durability
The cat stroller that you choose should be sturdy and durable enough to last you more than a few months. Make sure you check the quality of the materials that the stroller is made of to ensure that the product you buy will last through the years.
A proper cat stroller should last you a few years, provided that it is handled with care. Please note that durability is not directly proportional to price. Purchasing an expensive stroller does not ensure that you will get a sturdy one. On the other hand, there are some very affordable models that are built to last a lifetime. If this is a factor that you feel strongly about, then make sure you do your research before you buy.
Comfort
There are various models of cat strollers out there and all of them come with a place where your cat can sit, but some of them offer pure luxury, while others simply have a cushion. You can get a standard stroller, where your cat will be able to travel decently or you can get it the Rolls Royce of cat strollers.
Depending on your budget for the cat stroller, comfort is something you are well worth investing in because it is going to make the trips more enjoyable for your cat. But don’t be surprised to see that luxury does come at a cost.
Design
A cat stroller is far from being a major fashion statement, even among the biggest cat lovers out there, but it is certainly an accessory that you should wear with pride. While most cat stroller models offer basic designs with a limited amount of variation, there are a few that will catch your eye with their remarkable taste.
There are a few cat stroller models that have such a distinct design that it will make the owners stand out. With these models, even cat walking can be a display of fine fashion.
Practicability
How fast and how easy you put together the cat stroller should be an important factor in your decision. Another one should be if you can or cannot fold the stroller, since this is something that you might need to do during your walks.
Depending on how long you intend to travel with your cat and where you plan to store the stroller in your home, check if and how the model you choose is foldable. Accessories might also improve your experience, so make sure you take a look at the products that come with some extra features.
Price
When you start looking for a cat stroller, you clearly have a budget set up. This will determine your final choice, which is why it is one of the top factors that will influence your decision.
There are quite a few budget strollers available, which are a good fit for those who are not sure if their cats will enjoy the rides or not and want to experiment.There are also some sophisticated stroller options for those who are already certain that this is a product they want to invest in because it has proven to be useful before.
With these factors in mind, analyze the following cat strollers and choose the best one for you. In the section below, you will see Floppycats’ main contenders in the title of the best cat stroller. We have ordered them by price, from lowest to highest, as budgets usually determine the final choice most of the time.
BestPet Posh Pet Stroller – From $39.99 – Best Budget Cat Stroller
This is one of the simplest types of cat strollers available on the market, but it is perfect for experimenting. It only features the interior compartment for the cat, without any other additional storage space or features.
While simple and to the point, this cat stroller features very good ventilation. It has three mesh windows, two of them in the front, and one in the back. All three of them are very large and they provide the cat with sufficient ventilation during the trip.
The fine netting in the mesh also give your cat very good visibility. This is extremely important because the more it sees, the more it will enjoy the ride. The top mesh window has a standard zipper closing and the interior features a pad. As an added benefit, this standard cat stroller model has a very posh look, which puts it in a unique light.
Flexzion Pet Stroller Dog Cat Small Animals Carrier Cage – From $46.95 – Best Large Cat Stroller
This Flexizon cat stroller is an excellent option if you want to take your cat shopping with you because it has a large bottom storage area – 21″x13.5″x20″ – where you can fit a lot of items. It has large 6″ wheels that glide easily over any type of terrain. The wheels in the front are double, which makes for better steering.
You can fold this stroller easily if you want to put it in your car or store it away in your home. It is made out of high-quality water-resistant nylon and the windows are made out of thin mesh to offer good visibility and protection from insects.
The interior compartment is comfortable and it comes equipped with a pillow, which is also made out of water-proof nylon. It has a double-entry system, so you have more options to put your cat inside the stroller.
BestPet Pet Stroller Cat Dog Cage Stroller Travel Folding Carrier – from $49.99 – Best Cat Stroller for First Users
If you are looking to make a small investment and in give cat strollers a try, this pet stroller from BestPet is your best choice. The model is quite basic, but it will give you a good first experience. The interior compartment is spacious and it comes with its very own padded pillow.
It has three mesh windows – two in the front and one in the back. However, these are smaller than those featured on other cat strollers. The top window is lined with a durable zipper, but keep an eye out if your cat is particularly quick of paw with opening things.
This cat stroller is foldable so that you can fit it into your car. It has a classic 4-wheel drive system with back brakes. It features a bottom tray, which is quite spacious. You can store toys, water bottles and various accessories here during your walk.
All Terrain Extra Wide 3 Wheels Pet Dog Cat Stroller – From $54.99 – Best Durable Cat Stroller
Cat strollers that feature zipper-lined interior compartments usually feature #5 zippers, but this stroller from All Terrain uses a #8 zipper, which makes it safer. Everything about this stroller is larger, including the additional storage space.
It comes with a large bottom tray, which makes this model a good choice if you have errands to run and you want to take your cat with you. The interior comes with four windows. Two of them are in the front, one is on top, and the fourth is in the back. This gives it excellent ventilation and a good visibility.
This cat stroller offers double entry, front and back, so you can find the best way to put in your cat. It comes equipped with a rain cover, so you never have to worry about your cat if you happen to catch a few drops.
These are our top picks for cat strollers. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, make sure you go through this list to find more options. Depending on the most important criteria for you, you can choose the best stroller for your cat. Enjoy your rides!
VIVO Four Wheel Pet Stroller for Cats – From $63.99 – Best Basic Cat Stroller
This cat stroller from VIVO is one of the basic stroller models, but it offers good quality for its price. It is a foldable cat stroller with a removable tray and a generous enclosure for your cat. It has a capacity of 30 lbs, so you can walk large cats in it as well without straining it.
The protective compartment has a removable screen made out of mesh, as well as a small window in the lower compartment. The screen closes with a zipper and it has access points so that you can close it up quickly.
The top section of the VIVO Four Wheel Pet Stroller has a small window so that you can see your cat. It also has a cup holder where you can place your coffee during your walk. The top also features a canopy where you can place a few things during your walk. If you need more storage space during the walk, you can use the removable tray (16″x12″x7″) at the bottom.
The interior is 19″x12″x19″ and it comes with a padded foam bottom to provide more comfort for your cat. It has two front windows and a back window, which provide sufficient ventilation for your pet, as well as good visibility during the walks.
The VIVO Four Wheel Pet Stroller for Cats is available in seven different colors, so you will have a lot to choose from. It is easy to use and it folds quickly so that you can store it after the walks.
Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite – From $70.48 -Best Safe Stroller for Cats
This is the extra safe cat stroller because it does not feature a zipper, but an easy-locking latch. Not only is this much safer for the cat, but it is also much easier to use by the owner. Instead of taking the time to close the zipper all around the enclosure, the latch system closes in just a few seconds.
Moreover, the lock remains safely outside where the cat does not have access to it. The Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite does have a very generous window and it is made out of very strong mesh with very small pores. This ensures that your cat can’t reach through it and try to open the latch.
This type of mesh also provides a very good visibility for your cat. This way, it can enjoy the walk just as much as you do. This stroller has a window twice as large as most models, which also increases visibility for your cat.
This stroller also comes with a bottom tray where you can place a few things you want to take with you during your walk. The tray is removable if you choose not to use it. The top section has two cup holders and a tray where you can place your coffee or water during your trip, as well as your phone or a few small things.
This cat stroller from Pet Gear comes with very large 6″-wheels, which make it easier for you to move it. The No-Zip entry system gives it an edge over most of the cat strollers on the market because it is a far better closing system than most strollers have.
Paws & Pals Double Pet Stroller for Cats – From $78.95 – Best Double Cat stroller
If you have two cats and want to walk them at the same time, then you can opt for a double stroller. This model from Paws & Pals is our top choice for double strollers because it offers excellent price quality ratio.
The double pet stroller comes with two separate interiors for your cats, as well as two separate trays at the bottom. This way, each cat gets its own intimate space and you can store their accessories in different compartments underneath.
Both interiors feature multiple mesh screens for extra ventilation. It has a top screen, a front one, and a large back screen. Compared to other models, this one has the extra back screen. The top screen is lined with a zipper that will keep your cat safely inside the compartment.
The inside of the compartment comes with a padded pillow for a comfortable ride for your cat. If you want to make it even more comfortable, you have plenty of space inside to add a pillow, a blanket, or even both.
The Double Cat stroller from Paws & Pals is foldable, so you can store it away quickly when you get home. It is easy to use and the front wheels rotate at 360 degrees. This makes it very easy to turn, which is a plus, especially when carrying two cats at the same time.
Pet Gear No-Zip Special Edition 3 Wheel Pet Stroller for Cats – From $127.79 – Best 3-Wheel Cat Stroller
This special edition stroller from Pet Gear comes with 3-wheel drive and the brand’s No-Zip closing system. It is similar to the Happy Trails Lite model, featured on our list, but it has a few superior features. First off, the design is far more sleek, and the quality of the fabrics is far better.
The interior compartment is quite similar to the one on the Happy Trails Lite. The mesh windows in the front are displayed in a similar pattern, but the Special Edition 3 Wheel Pet Stroller features a different mesh window in the top area. This makes for better ventilation for the cat and it also helps you see your cat better during the walk. The No-Zip closing system is identical, as it features the easy-locking latch.
The Special Edition 3 Wheel Pet Stroller stands out with its improved drive system. Adapting the standard parallel 4-wheel model to the 3-wheel one makes for better steering and maneuvering. The front wheel is double. These swivel for smooth surfaces and if you reach rough roads, you can engage the wheel lock. It also has shock absorbers in the front and back wheel brakes.
Pet Gear No-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller for Cats/Dogs – From $186.54 – Best Cat Stroller for Joggers
This Pet Gear stroller is ideal for those cat owners who enjoy jogging and want to take their pets with them. It has a completely different design for the wheels, which makes it suitable for any type of road or terrain. These are 12″, which is twice as large as regular stroller wheels.
They make the stroller very stable so that you can not only walk with it, but run. The extra large wheels also provide superior shock control so that no bump can ruin your jog. Please note that this Pet Gear stroller weighs more than others precisely because of its wheels .
This model comes with all the facilities offered by the other Pear Gear models, such as the bottom tray, and the cup holders on the top, but everything is higher to include the larger wheels. It features the signature No-Zip lock system, which is a very sensitive element in a stroller for joggers because it keeps the cat in safely.
Even with its large wheels, this cat stroller is foldable and it easily fits into any car. The interior compartment is extremely comfortable for your cat. It has a panoramic view through the mesh lining, extra ventilation, and a very generous space. You can easily fit extra pillows or a blanket for your cat.
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