Can two cats travel in one carrier? Like most cats, I have not one but two amazing cats in my life and we live happily together in our park and face some challenges when it comes to hiking.
Carrying a large number of cats can be stressful for a cat owner, and I’m sure we’re all surprised when that time comes.
Can two cats travel in one carrier while traveling?
Some cats can provide a large carrier when traveling by car, but this can lead to animal cruelty and most airlines do not allow multiple cats to fly in another carrier.
If you want to explore ways you can travel with more cats and why sharing one carrier is not for everyone, then read on!
Can you carry two cats in another carrier?
It’s no secret that our cats are by nature native animals. These native patterns come from insecure territory, which is why Dr. Cathy Lund calls them “control freaks”.
Most cats need to anticipate and behave, and even small changes, such as changing the location of a trash can, are enough to get them to leave.
So, as you can imagine, walking can be similarly stressful, and carrying two cats often means twice as much stress because they lose control not only of their behavior, but also of their environment.
Cats also like to take things and are usually reluctant to share, such as their cat trees and litter boxes. To stay happy, we often have to have two sets of these things, otherwise we risk putting their competition to the test.
Likewise, sharing the same carrier can produce angry behavior, and they will fight. In addition, the stress of traveling, in order to no longer be in a small space together, makes them more likely to retaliate against each other for cruel behavior.
For some cats, this aggression may also occur because they want to take back a part of their environment that, frankly, prohibits two big cats from sharing.
In addition to anger caused by fear, or localized competition, healthy cat problems may show signs of anger if one of your cats is sick or ill.
Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, notes that “pain is the seventh leading cause of sudden anger, especially in older cats or those with a mild temperament.”
Obviously, sharing a carrier between two cats is not the safest option for a carrier either.
Design of carrier
You need to find a carrier specifically designed to maintain the weight of two cats, otherwise the handle, zipper lock or plastic buckle will not hold and will break under pressure.
Two fighting cats can be dangerous to each other, but so can a carrier. With soft carriers, they will tear the cloth, and with hard carriers, their nails will stick to the plastic, or metal doorknob.
Of course, while it is best for each cat to travel individually, not all transport conditions are the same, so let’s take a closer look at both types of transport and whether you can have two cats in one carrier.
Can I have two cats in one carrier when traveling by car?
Most parents will tell you that there is no easy answer when it comes to their pet friends. All cats are human and can behave in unexpected ways, especially in difficult situations such as driving.
But even when it comes to getting in the car, things can vary depending on the type of travel you and your two cats are doing, so let’s take a closer look at whether it’s okay to share a compartment.
Vet visits
My cats rarely have the opportunity to travel unless it’s a short trip to the vet, and even on the rare occasion that I do, I make sure to keep them both in separate cages.
In my opinion, it is more convenient to transport two medium sized cages or load separate cages. Because my cats will be screened for someone, it is good for me, the cats, and their vet to remove one cat from their carrier while the other cat is securely locked up.
My old kit was also embarrassed to have a top carrier so the vet didn’t have to take it out. If they shared a carrier, this plan would not be possible.
I understand that captive cats can comfort each other on the way to the doctor’s office, but they may argue on the way home.
Also, if your cats show signs of anger while walking in the same carrier, they may repeat the same behavior on the next trip, aggression may increase, or they may not want to walk.
While I’m sure your vet would be happy to catch individual cats as well, they can make the choice for the cat or mom and their cat. But I still think the best thing you can do is to call them and see what they need.
If the short trip is not to the vet, then putting your cat in another carrier may be possible, but if your cat starts fighting, the short trip may be delayed.
You can stop and see if you can be calmed down, or you will have to choose whether to go home or continue the short trip while risking your cat’s long-term relationship.
Long walks
Now, while veterinarians are visiting, sometimes short trips can bring their share of problems and long trips are different if you want to keep all your cats in one carrier.
Most cats can stay in their carry for a long time if their needs are met. But to carry two cats together you will need a large carrier or a crate despite the long lifespan of the trip.
Your two cats should have enough space for circling, stretching and lying down. So, during the long journey, they will not feel completely trapped.
Litter-mates and cats raised together and cats designed to have fun or patiently walk in peace can walk together.
But the issue with long journeys, even with a large carrier, is that your cats may have more opportunities to fight, or the constructive stress over time will cause one of them to attack the other.
Walking long distances can also lead to motion sickness and your kit can vomit or cause a garbage box accident which can also lead to increased stress and fights. But even without a fight, cleaning the two cats will be very difficult.
Just as you should not let your cats get loose in your car, letting them share a single carrier will increase your chances of your cats doing mischief, and more importantly they can distract you as a driver.
I get nervous when I hear my cats barking or barking when we are at home, so I canβt imagine my anxiety or what happened in the car.
You will have to take a lot of rest to calm down the two cats, and if the fight is severe, you have to separate them.
This means that one cat must be free in the car, something dangerous and, in some places, even illegal.
Can You Put Two Cats in One Carrier if You Are Walking in the Air?
Can two cats travel in one carrier? The main thing for traveling with your car and cats is flexibility. You can take a break whenever you and your cats need food, water, and bath time.
You can also install the carrier in a way that suits your cats and protects them. And while keeping two cats in the same carrier is not a good idea, doing it in a car can work.
Aircraft on the other hand do not have the same flexibility and you have to follow certain rules. Every airline has a clear guideline that pets can travel in the same carrier while on a plane.
The IAT LAR (Live Animal Regulations) which represents 83% of total air traffic controls states that no live dog or two cats, eight weeks to six months of age, are equally large and weigh 20 lb. (9 kg) or less each, may transported to a designated area through an air carrier. “
Ideally, your cat carrier should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and that is not possible with a carrier that can fit two adult cats.
Otherwise, your cats will have to travel in a carrier, which is something you do not want to do. Not only is it dangerous but you also have no control over their actions and possible fights.
Rules
Different airlines may have different rules, an American Airline guide states that “pets are available to cats and dogs that meet size, age, and needs.”
That is why my advice is to call the plane you are planning to fly on and discuss these rules before you even buy tickets.
You will probably think of your first plan to keep all your cats in one carrier, but you may also want to see if the individual carriers you are planning to purchase complies with the flight instructions.
Jackson Galaxy, a famous cat expert with many helpful flying tips with your cat you can watch in this video:
How to choose a Carrier for Two Cats?
The best and safest option when traveling with two cats is to keep it in two separate compartments.
Each cat moves differently, one turns into a small ball and is silent until you reach your destination, others begin to walk and cry.
Thereβs also a lot of middle-of-the-road activity, and if two cats are together in this abusive environment they can do, and even injure each other.
If you really feel confident about your cats βrelationship, or better you need to double-check the carrier before moving on a few things to consider.
First, you need to weigh your cats. According to the ASPCA, a carrying cat should be a comfortable place for your cat to stand, sit, lie and turn. This means that all your cats must have this type of walk when you are one carrier.
You will also need to find a carrier strong enough to handle all the cats. Your own strengths should also be considered as carrying a large carrier with two cats is not an easy task, especially if you have back problems.
Ventilation
Ventilation is also important as the two cats will be sharing the same air. There should also be enough space for their food dishes and water, as well as a trash can.
Lastly, you should make sure that the carrier can be safely installed and secured in your car, and if you are flying you should make sure that the airline allows you to have two cats per carrier, and a carrier of that size.
If you want to find a carrier that includes all of these features and you want to test your cats’ desire to travel together without having to invest in a large carrier that you will not end up using then there is another option.
The One Animal Portable 2-in1 Carrier available on Amazon is the perfect middle ground!
Carrier Training
can two cats travel in one carrier? Another important part of the fun trip is arranging for your cats to accept their carrier or carriers as a safe haven.
One way to do that is to use good reinforcement and it should start the process before your travel date arrives.
You can encourage your cats with handles and toys to get into their carriers but first, you have to make the carrier a fun place.
I transformed their carriers into a bed, and we put soft blankets in them. Aside from being comfortable beds where my cats can sleep again it is a good place to hide if they need some time alone.
Once you hear that your cats are not afraid of their carrier, you can close the door with them inside and see how they react.
Use stabilizers to calm them down and once you notice they are not whistling or mewing you can carry the carrier around the house.
The next step would be to take the car. You donβt have to drive, just keep them in the back seat to get used to the style.
If you feel that your cats are completely comfortable inside your car you can take them for a little ride to get used to this part of the walking experience.
During this test drive, you will see if your cats can walk in one carrier. If you see them fighting, then you know that keeping them separate is the best option.
Finding the right driving conditions helps your cats feel less stressed during the upcoming trip.
Have a Good Journey
Cats need to have fun in cold places so you should make the carrier feel comfortable by adding the blankets they need and the toys they can pull on during the flight or climbing.
I often give them toys fitted with cats β they can rub and forget about the fact that they are not at home.
If you are driving then you wish you had taken enough rest to look after your cats, their need for water, a bath break, or your attention. This is especially important if your cats are staying in their carrier at night.
As I mentioned earlier, driving a car offers some things, such as choosing the right temperature and setting the cat to relax the music. It also makes it easier to keep an eye on your cats.
This is a powerful soft carrier, which can be used in three different ways:
- As two individual carriers for your cat.
- Since the two carriers have connected two each with a divider in the middle.
- As a single carrier for all cats to share.
- During your first test drivers, you can keep the two loads tied to each other but separately. When you feel that your cats are resting, no screaming or worrying mewing you can open the separation and let them wander.
If you hear any screaming or fighting you can always put the divider in the back and enjoy the rest of your driving.
How to Get Rid of Many Cats by Car?
It’s not always easy to imagine walking with our cats as a non-violent adventure, but Tammy Hunter, DVM, emphasizes as saying that “cats can be lifelong traveling companions if we take the time to prepare them for a good experience.”
So, how do you create a good experience for your cat, especially two cats individually?
Choosing Carriers for Many Cats
First you have to choose the right carrier. If you want your cats to walk together, The One Animal I mentioned above is a good choice, especially if you find a mid-range walk that keeps your cats apart best.
But even if you are determined to find different ways to drive a car you still have to think about the size of your cats, and the extra space needed for their food and water dishes, and for the long trip trash can.
VCA hospitals also recommend that it “best to” get the exact size of the cat carrier. If your cat is afraid to enter small carrier areas, consider getting a larger, portable cat carrier on top so that your cat does not have to press through a narrow door. “
Yes, their hunger, thirst, and rest in the bath are the most important factors during a long journey, and not so much on a short trip. So, the longevity of the trip is definitely something you should keep in mind when it comes to the carrier and the comfort of your cats.
Closing Thoughts
Traveling with a cat companion can be a tricky situation, and figuring out which backpack is the most effective is part of it.
Trying to fit two cats in one carrier can be uncomfortable, stressful and even dangerous. Like us, some cats find solace in each other’s company, while others transfer stress and frustration to others.
So, you need to be 100% sure that your cats can share a carrier and can handle each other even on stressful days. Do cats now share a suitcase on road trips, or do they keep it in a safe place?