Tired of lugging heavy carriers to and from the vet’s office? So am I, especially when I’m carting around two or three foster cats at once. Meet the SturdiTote™. I love this carrier. It saved my back. This isn’t intended to be an all-purpose carrier, or a carrier for multiple cats. Rather, it’s perfect for quick jaunts to the vet’s office, adopt-a-pets and the grooming salon.

Pros:

  • It’s almost weightless—under a pound
  • Machine washable on gentle cycle
  • Shape is comfortable for pets under 10 pounds
  • Leave it open and it turns into a cushy bed/hiding spot
  • Carry it by the handle or padded shoulder strap
  • Stands up to frequent use and machine washings
  • Has zippered top entry and side exit
  • Comes in a variety of fashionable colors
  • Mesh vents provide ample air flow but carrier still enclosed enough for anxious cats
  • Zipper safety clips prevent escapes
  • Large, easy to hold zipper grips

Cons:

  • Flat pocket only holds paperwork
  • It was challenging to unhook the shoulder strap clips
  • Too small for pets larger than 10 pounds
  • Only good for short jaunts

 

Its internal structure, a foam cylinder with a foam board subfloor, makes this carrier feather light; it weighs under a pound. Carry it by either the nylon mesh handle or the adjustable padded shoulder strap. (Jacqueline’s comment: The shoulder strap clips were hard to undo.) A seatbelt loop allows you to strap in your precious cargo and prevents the carrier from flying around during sudden stops. I love the two security clips that keep the zippers closed, even when challenged by the most exuberant escape artist. For small dogs, it has a 15” safety collar tether.

A 7” x 9” flat pocket holds important papers like medical records, or small items such as a pill bottle or small toy.

Mesh panels provide plenty of air flow, but with enough solid material that cats won’t feel over-exposed. Keep a close eye on your little traveler through either the 12” diameter mesh lid vent (top entry door) or the 7” x 6½” mesh side door. A 2” wide mesh vent encircles the carrier like a belt.

Inside the carrier, your pet can rests on a fleece-covered polycotton fiberfill cushion that’s held in place with Velcro® strips. Because it’s round, a kitten (or Chihuahua, ferret, bunny, critter, lizard or other pet under 10 pounds) can stand up, turn around and curl up for a short snooze. The pad can be machine-washed and dried on low heat. Remove the foam board base and toss the carrier itself in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Be sure to use a mild detergent. Don’t use bleach. To sanitize the carrier, I add Odoban® to the wash. Since I often use this carrier to transport fosters, I wash it frequently. After repeated cleanings on the hand washing cycle, it still looks good and the seams are still tight.

It’s airline-approved, and the pliable frame molds to the under-seat space. For longer flights, consider putting your pet one of SturdiProduct’s larger carriers.

I leave the SturdiTote out in the living room so the Rainbolt Test Kitties can take turns lounging in it. This makes traveling to the vet much less threatening

I only found one downside. If you have a reluctant pet, it can be a challenge to keep him in while zipping the lid closed.

SturdiTote sells for $59.95. Go to your favorite shelter’s shopping page to find several AdoptAShelter.com merchants that carry it. If you have trouble finding an AdoptAShelter.com merchant for this product, please drop us an email and we’ll be glad to help you.

Review by Dusty Rainbolt, ACCBC with input from Jacqueline Munera