Let me call you a TAXI, a PET TAXI that is (My Silly Pet W/O)
Written: Jun 01 '01 (Updated Jun 01 '01)
Product Rating:
Pros: Reasonably priced, Very Sturdy and VERY convenient.
Cons: NONE
The Bottom Line: Although I am sure there are some more fancy carriers out there, I can't see how you would need anything more than what the PET TAXI offers.
patch3boys's Full Review: Petmate Pet Taxi 21064 and 21080
Time to go? Let me call you a TAXI, a PET TAXI that is
Shortly after we got our first kitty, Mooka, I made an appointment to take her in to have her shots and have her looked over by our Veterinarian.
The day arrived for her big trip to the Vet. It crossed my mind for about a "fraction of a second" that taking her in the car, without having her confined, may scare her a bit. But then I quickly reaffirmed myself that since I have a kitty that is so quiet, calm and sweet, there was no reason to worry at all. After all, she would probably just sleep on my lap patiently while I drive her there. What a sweet little Kitten I have! : )
Well, out of the garage we came and OUT of my lap she jumped. I told everyone in the car not to worry that she would probably just walk around and find somewhere safe to hide. I continued driving down the street feeling confident about what I had just told my children.
What took place within the next few minutes was pure madness. This precious, "sweet" kitty became a Rabid Cat from Hell!!! She started screaming and running from one end of the van to the other, like she had lost her mind. As all three of my kids jumped back and forth over each other trying to grab her, they got hissed at, bit and scratched. Here I am trying to drive down the road and I have one kid crying from a scratch, another kid yelling at the cat for biting him and a third child laughing hysterically because he thinks this whole ordeal is hilarious.
So, did we finally make it to the Vet in one piece? Yes..... But not before Mooka climbed up under the dash and into the engine (or so I thought!!!) I had to pull over and try to dig her out from underneath the dash. I finally did get her out ... but by this time she was a terrified mess, my kids were going crazy and I was about to pull out every last bit of hair on my head!!! What an ordeal..... I vowed to never take that cat (or any other cat for that matter) in the car again and I haven't ... not without them being locked up in their carrier. Man, how can such a small little hair ball cause such an ordeal?!?!
I have since bought the PET TAXI for trips to the VET and any other time that I need to take Mooka or any of my three cats in the car. This was one of the smartest buys I have made so far. For $25.00, I feel it is more than worth that small amount of money to have a carrier available to transport my cats in.
Appearance
I chose the PET TAXI because I liked the way it looked. The hard Plastic case is very clean and modern looking, much nicer than the old metal ones that you used to have to buy.
I bought the 21080 Model, which is perfect for smaller pets. One full grown cat fits comfortably inside with plenty of room to move around. (On one occasion I had to take two of my cats to the Vet at the same time and I was able to put both of them in there. Even though it was "tight" quarters in there for them, they made it there just fine. However, I have never tried to fit all three of my cats in there at once. Although it could probably be done.... I don't think I'll try.)
The dimensions of this carrier are 23in.X14.5in.X12in.
There are several open ventilation holes on each side of the carrier for plenty of air to get to your kitty.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The PET TAXI is airline approved, so if you need to travel via air.... you can rest assured that you carrier will pass inspection.
Carrying Handle
The plastic Carrying handle is located on top of the cage. Carrying the PET TAXI is very easy. The entire unit is light weight and small. I am able to carry it with one hand. (Although it was a bit heavier on the time when I had two of my cats in there at once.)
Door
The door on the PET TAXI is made really well. A Steel grid door that opens and shuts easily and locks into place firmly. Simply squeeze the handle together, lock into place and then release the handle. (There is no way that your kitty will be able to escape from this carrier)
****Note- The door will shut and stay shut prior to locking it into place. So even though it may appear to be shut, make sure that the steel latch is locked into place. It would be really easy for a cat to push the door back open if it is not latched properly. But once it is latched, you don't have to worry about your cat getting out.
Cleaning
Normally, for just transporting your cat back and forth, your PET TAXI wont get very dirty at all. But every now and then, your precious little hairball may have an accident inside and cleaning it will be required.
Cleaning the PET TAXI is very simple. You can either do it the "half fast" way like my hubby does it. Which is opening the door and squirting out the inside..... Or you can do it the correct way. Which is taking it apart to clean it more thoroughly. Either way gets the job done I guess.
This carrier is actually two pieces. A top and a bottom. Little plastic nuts/screws hold to the two pieces into place. To clean, simply remove the nuts by unscrewing then and the carrier will come apart and separate into two pieces. You can then wash the inside and set the two pieces out in the sun to dry. When the Carrier is clean and completely dry, simple place the top portion on top of the bottom, line the screw holes us and screw the plastic screws back together. Very simple and very convenient.
The PET TAXI comes with a 5 year warranty on all parts. But I doubt very seriously that you will be needing it. The short trips that your cat will most like take in his/her taxi and the "mild" nature of most cats (that is if you don't try to take them in a car withOUT being contained), this carrier is more than a good enough quality to stand the test of time.
Although I am sure there are some more fancy carriers out there, I can't see how you would need anything more than what the PET TAXI offers. The price is reasonable, the quality is good, it looks nice and it does the job of getting your little fluffy (and everyone else in the car for that matter) from Destination A to B in one piece.
This write-off is in honor of "bluehawq's" first. She has decided to call it "My Silly Pet". Though we may not all have silly pets, we may know someone who does. Below is a list of participants, please be sure to check all these fine people out. And always remember to spay or neuter your pet!
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