Hey there, fellow pet parents and anyone who’s ever stared at their tiny, purring chaos gremlin and thought, “Wait, I need to get this little menace from here to the vet without them hiding in a bush or chewing through my hoodie”—raise your hand. ????♀️ As someone who’s been in the pet carrier game for years (no, not the kind where I just fold boxes and call it a day, the actual kind that knows kittens don’t care about “convenience” or “proper ventilation”), I’ve seen so many people wing their first carrier and end up with a scratched-up sofa, a stressed kitten, and a newfound hatred for car rides. Pet Carrier
Today, we’re breaking down how to make a DIY pet carrier for your kitten that’s not just a crumpled shoebox (no shade to shoeboxes, they work in a pinch) but actually safe, comfy, and easy enough to throw together in an afternoon. And yeah, I’ve got vendor tips sprinkled in here because, let’s be real—sometimes DIY isn’t your vibe, and that’s totally fine too. No judgment here.
First off, let’s talk about why your kitten doesn’t want to be in a carrier. Kittens are tiny, vulnerable, and new to the whole “being moved around” thing. A flimsy carrier that shifts when you pick it up? That’s terrifying. No breathing holes? Smells like plastic? Worse. So our DIY build has to check three big boxes: safety, comfort, and no way for your tiny escape artist to bust out mid-trip (trust me, I’ve had a kitten chew through a fabric carrier seam on a vet run—never again).
Let’s start with supplies. You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, and I’ll point out when it’s worth splurging (or not) because I’m all about saving cash where I can. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A rigid base. Skip the soft fabric totes, at least for the core. I’ve tested cereal boxes, shoeboxes, and even old laptop cases—laptop cases are actually perfect if they’re hardshell! Wait, hear me out: they’re waterproof, have a handle, and are already structured. If you don’t have one, a medium-sized plastic storage bin with a lid works too (make sure it’s not too big—kittens hate having extra space to slide around).
- Ventilation. Kittens overheat fast, especially in small spaces. You’ll need a tool to cut holes—exacto knife (or a pair of sharp scissors if you’re not fancy) and a ruler to space them evenly. No, don’t just stab random holes—too many holes make the carrier weak. Shoot for 15-20 small (1-inch) holes on the top and the sides, not the bottom (they’ll leak if it rains, or your kitten has an accident).
- A secure door. This is non-negotiable. Kittens can squeeze through shockingly small spaces, so a flimsy flap won’t cut it. I like using a strip of heavy-duty Velcro (the kind with the sticky back, not the fuzzy roll that falls off) or a small latch from an old toolbox. If you’re using a plastic bin, you can even drill a small slot in the lid to fit a strip of fabric that tucks in, but Velcro is way easier for a DIY.
- Comfy lining. Just because it’s a carrier doesn’t mean it has to be scratchy. An old fleece blanket or a piece of soft cat bed material works perfect. Avoid anything with loose threads—kittens love to chew those and accidentally swallow them, which is a vet visit you don’t need.
- A handle or strap. Wait, if you’re using a laptop case or a hard bin, you already have a handle, but if you’re using a shoebox, grab a long piece of twine or an old fabric belt to tie to the top sides. You want something that doesn’t dig into your hand, especially if you’re carrying your kitten for more than 5 minutes.
- Optional: a little treat pouch or a spot to tuck a toy. Kittens calm down with familiar smells, so tuck a small piece of their favorite treats or a tiny toy in the corner (secure it with a little Velcro so it doesn’t get lost under them).
Now, let’s walk through the steps, and I’ll throw in vendor hacks here and there because, as a pet carrier supplier, I know when DIY is worth it and when it’s better to skip.
Step 1: Size it right. This is the biggest mistake people make. Your kitten doesn’t need a giant carrier for when they’re 2 pounds—they need something just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down. If it’s too big, they’ll slide around when you drive, which stresses them out and can even hurt them. So measure your kitten’s length (from nose to base of tail) and add 2 inches. That’s your sweet spot. If you’re in between sizes, go smaller, not bigger. (Pro tip from me: If you buy a pre-made carrier, look for ones labeled “kitten carrier” or “small breed” rather than “medium” or “large”—they’re designed to fit tiny little bodies and not be bulky.)
Step 2: Prep the base. If you’re using a cardboard box, reinforce the bottom with packing tape—car rides jostle, and cardboard boxes can tear easy. If you’re using a plastic bin or hardshell case, wipe it down with a pet-safe cleaner (no harsh chemicals!) to get rid of any weird smells. This is where I’ll be real: I see people make DIY carriers all the time with old cardboard, and it works for short trips, but if you’re taking your kitten to the vet (which is usually a longer, bumpy ride), a rigid plastic or hardshell base is way sturdier. No need to buy a fancy one—hit up a dollar store for a small plastic bin if you don’t have a laptop case.
Step 3: Add ventilation holes. Mark where you want your holes first—space them 2 inches apart on the top and 2 inches up from the bottom on the sides. Don’t put holes too low, because if your kitten pees, it’ll leak out. Once marked, carefully cut the holes. Pro tip: If you’re using cardboard, don’t press too hard with your knife or it’ll tear. If you’re using plastic, wear gloves to avoid nicking your fingers—plastic shavings are sharp, and you don’t want your kitten ingesting any. (Vendor note: All our pre-made small carriers have pre-cut ventilation holes that are spaced just right, no sharp edges, so you don’t have to worry about cutting them yourself. That’s one less step for you, right?)
Step 4: Make the secure door. This is where DIY can get tricky, so don’t overcomplicate it. If you’re using a box, cut a door flap on one side (make it big enough for you to reach in and get your kitten, but small enough that they can’t escape). Then, take two pieces of Velcro, stick one on the box flap and one on the box next to it, and press firmly. If you’re using a bin, cut a slot in the lid that’s big enough for your hand, then add a strip of Velcro along the slot to hold a fabric flap. For extra security, add a small latch—you can even repurpose a child’s toy latch if you have one lying around. If DIY feels like too much, our pre-made kitten carriers have zippers that lock, so you don’t have to mess with Velcro coming loose mid-carry. Been there, done that—Velcro can come undone if your kitten scratches at it, y’all.
Step 5: Line it and add a handle. Cut your fleece blanket to fit the base and the top of the carrier (leave a little extra at the edges so it doesn’t slide around). Glue or tape it down (make sure it’s non-toxic!) so your kitten doesn’t chew the edges. For the handle, if your base doesn’t have one, punch two small holes on the top sides of the carrier (don’t make them too big!) and thread twine or a fabric belt through, tying a knot on the inside so it doesn’t pull out. (Quick tip: If you’re using fabric, skip the old t-shirt with a big neck hole—your hand can slip through, which is not fun when you’re balancing a carrier and a coffee.)
Step 6: Test it out. This is the most important step. Put your kitten in the carrier (with a treat to entice them) and carry it around the house for 5 minutes. Do the sides feel sturdy? Can they turn around easily? Is there any way they can escape? If it passes, great—if not, adjust. For example, if the door is too big, add an extra strip of Velcro. If the handle digs into your hand, wrap it in a little more fleece.
Now, a few do’s and don’ts I’ve picked up over the years, because I’ve seen way too many mistakes that make both you and your kitten miserable.
DO: Add a familiar smell. Kittens hate new spaces, so rub a little of your old t-shirt inside the carrier before putting them in, or tuck a piece of their bedding in there. That’ll calm them way down. My go-to hack for our customers: We include a small cotton pad with our carriers that has a mild, calming pheromone scent, which is proven to reduce stress in cats. No, it’s not magic, but it’s pretty close for a skittish kitten.
DON’T: Use a carrier that’s too big. Like I said earlier, extra space = stress. I once saw a person use a giant dog carrier for their 2-pound kitten, and during a car ride, the kitten slid from one end to the other, hid under the seat, and took 2 hours to come out at the vet. Don’t do that. Our kitten carriers are sized perfectly for 2-10 pound cats, so if you’re not sure, that’s a safe bet.
DO: Make sure there are no sharp edges. Even tiny plastic shavings or a cut piece of cardboard can hurt your kitten’s paws or mouth. Sand down any rough edges if you’re using wood or plastic, and smooth out any cardboard cut edges with your fingers. (If you’re buying a pre-made carrier, we buff all edges and do a safety check, so you never have to worry about that. It’s one of the things I spend extra time on—no one wants their kitten to get a splinter from a carrier.)
DON’T: Skip the handle or grip. If you’re carrying a stressed kitten, you don’t want to be fumbling with a carrier that’s hard to hold. A good handle makes all the difference, whether you’re carrying them up stairs or to the car.
Now, let’s be real—sometimes DIY isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re short on time, or you’re not handy with a knife, or you want something that’s easy to clean (fleece gets messy if your kitten has an accident, let’s be real). That’s why, as a pet carrier supplier, I wanted to be straight with you: pre-made kitten carriers are totally worth it, especially for vet visits or trips. They’re designed for safety, have secure closures, proper ventilation, and are sized exactly for small cats.
Wait, but what if you do want to keep it DIY? Maybe you’re crafty, or you want something custom (like with their favorite cartoon on it—yes, kittens love that, don’t lie). Then go for it! Just follow the steps above, and remember: the number one rule is that your kitten has to be safe, comfy, and unable to escape. No frills are worth a stressed-out kitty or a trip to the emergency vet because they squeezed out mid-carry.
A few final tips for using your new carrier, whether DIY or store-bought: Start slow. Don’t just throw your kitten in and carry them to the vet. Leave the carrier out in your house for a few days, let them explore it, put treats and toys in it, so it becomes a safe space, not a scary prison. That’s the biggest mistake new pet parents make—they only bring out the carrier when it’s time to go somewhere, so their kitten associates it with only bad things. If your kitten likes their carrier at home, they’ll be way calmer when you need to take them out.
And hey, if you’re in the market for a pre-made carrier, or you have questions about DIY vs. store-bought, feel free to reach out to our team for more info. We’re here for pet parents, whether you’re making your own carrier or buying one, because we know how much your kitten means to you.
Pet Wipe References:
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). Guidelines for Safe Transportation of Pets. AVMA.
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. (2019). Effects of pheromone diffusers on feline stress during veterinary visits. JFMS.
- Humane Society of the United States. (2021). How to Safely Crate or Carrier-Train Your Cat. HSUS.
Shandong Yahong International Trading Co., Ltd.
Shandong Yahong International Trading Co., Ltd. is one of the most experienced pet carrier manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good service. Please feel free to wholesale bulk customized pet carrier made in China here from our factory. Also, quotation is available.
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