If you are looking for a complete review of the Zeppelin Cat Carrier, you have come to the right place. This carrier was designed specifically for traveling with cats by plane, and while it works very well for this task, it has some weak points that I'd like to share with you.
This is a full, transparent, no-BS review of the Zeppelin cat carrier (written by the person who built it and tested it with my Bengal cat Mia). I travel all around the world with her. I'm the #1 user of this product. I love it, but I also know some areas can continue to improve. I promise you this: every time we run a new production, I'll make the list of things that can improve shorter and shorter, until it's impossible to get it any better.
Let's dive in!
Zeppelin Cat Carrier for Flying
Think of the Zeppelin as a carrier built specifically for cats who travel by plane over anything else.
Traveling by plane is very different than taking a cat to the vet. You are looking for a resistant, as big as possible carrier that's both comfortable for your cat and convenient for you.
Here is where the Zeppelin shines the most:
Rigid and very large cat carrier
This carrier is as big as the main airlines will allow (18 x 11 x 11 inches). Despite it being a soft-sided carrier, the bottom it's very sturdy. It holds up to 30lbs (we stopped testing after that), so that 2 cats can travel together when needed.
Even on low-cost airlines, which may recommend smaller carriers, the Zeppelin could fit. The height can collapse if needed, and fit under the seat for almost any airline. Always check the specific airline’s current pet policy.
Breathable (3 sides)
It offers 3 sides with breathable mesh to ensure airflow when you are traveling with your cat. The carrier features top and front openings that can be rolled up in case you need them to stay open.
Tons of storage
Every pocket you could ever need is there. To store your Go Litter (portable litterbox), your passport, your phone, and even a hook for your keys.
It also features a pocket to carry documents or a 14" laptop.
Trolley sleeve
When walking in an airport carrying your cat in a carrier can be a bit exhausting, this is why this carrier comes with a trolley sleeve to make airport walks more comfortable.
Comfort for Your Cat
When traveling, particularly by plane, cats can get stressed. The Zeppelin was designed to keep this stress to a minimum.
Cats love peeking out because it lets them see the world. I remember opening the zipper for Mia and having to monitor to make sure she would not jump right out. The Zeppelin comes with a PeekPoint, which makes it extremely easy and safe for your cat to peek outside.
When they want to hide, they can't tuck inside. When they want to observe, they peek their head using the PeekPoint.
Additionally, the bed is reversible, with a cozy bed for winter and a cooler side for the hot months.
Safety and Durability
All zippers your cat could open come with buckles, to make sure that when you want your cat confined, it stays this way.
I’ll be blunt: lightweight carriers usually fall apart after a year of real use. Seams open, mesh tears, straps fray. The Zeppelin uses heavy-duty materials and stitching as well as rip-resistant mesh to sustain scratches from both your cat and traveling with them.
What I’d Improve (Yes, the honesty section)
While I love this cat carrier, there are a couple of things that could improve.
It's heavier than I'd like
Because of all the features the carrier comes with and all the pockets that we can fill, weight can quickly add up.
This means that if you are traveling with your phone, the litterbox, your cat... the carrier may weigh more than you can carry for a long while, making it almost necessary to use the trolley sleeve to move around.
Some zippers are single and should be double.
In the passport/phone pocket, the zipper is single, forcing you to open the whole pocket to access what's inside. I'd like for this pocket to have a double zipper so that you can open the pocket just a little bit instead of all the way.
In the next production, this will be fixed.
The trolley sleeve is a bit too large.
While the trolley sleeve is fantastic, the strap is a bit too large, and the carrier moves while on top of the trolley. It's not too bad, but the strap could be a bit more snug.
It's not cheap
This is a premium cat carrier. For now, we are only producing very small batches, and this makes this super-custom product expensive to manufacture.
While I highly recommend the carrier if you travel with your cat (by car or by plane), this carrier may be overkill if you just use the carrier to take your cat to and from the vet. However, if your cat is a travel cat, this carrier is for you.
Check it below:
- ✓ Made for Airplane Travel
- ✓ Peek-Out Window
- ✓ Built-in Litterbox
- ✓ Multiuse Pockets
- ✓ Computer Compartment
I hope this helps!
Stay wild, stay safe, and I'll see you outdoors!
Albert
0 comments