Although I purchased a pet carrier at the pet store, I found that the door is somewhat weak and flimsy. After placing a couple of my furkids in it, they found a way to tear off the door and get out. Ttherefore, I have made 2 pet carriers, out of wood and screen. There is no way they can get out of these home-made ones. Generally all that is necessry is to open the lid and place my cat in it. There may be some initial resistance to the insertion, they soon become acquainted with it and calm down, until I begin the journey in my truck.

When I take my furkids to the vet or to the spay/neuter clinic in town, they feel somewhat safe and secure in them. I usually place the least aggressive, or the smallest, cat in the store-bought one, in this case it was Princess, during their spaying appointment. When it came time for the attendant to pick her up for a preliminary inspection, Princess locked her legs in the carrier , pushing herself up against the top (as she is a long-legged cat), and it was nearly impossible to get her out. The home-made ones are top loaded with a hinged screen-lid/door. Yet, I have had better results with them in the vet's office, not being so afraid, and cantankerous! I suppose what makes them so afraid at the spay/neuter clinic is that people are lined up with cats and dogs, to be operated on in the morning. All of my furkids are afraid of dogs.

....wayne