If you’re a cat parent to an indoor-only feline, you’re likely always seeking new ways to enrich their indoor lives. Like many, I’ve been curious about pet strollers for cats, wondering if it could be a fun way to let my cat Dexter experience the great outdoors. Dexter, out of my four cats, seemed the most likely to enjoy it, as he already enjoys exploring outside while wearing a harness and leash.
So, when FunnyFuzzy offered us their pet stroller to test, it felt like perfect timing. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why a pet stroller might be a fantastic addition for your indoor cat and what features to consider when choosing one. We’ll also share our experience reviewing the FunnyFuzzy stroller with Dexter to see if it lived up to expectations.
Unlocking Outdoor Adventures: The Benefits of Cat Strollers
Let’s begin by understanding why venturing outdoors, even in a stroller, can be beneficial for your indoor cat.
One of the primary reasons to consider a pet stroller is to combat boredom in indoor cats. Cats living exclusively indoors can sometimes suffer from a lack of stimulation due to a static, unchanging environment. Introducing them to the outdoors, even within the safety of a stroller, offers valuable mental enrichment and helps reduce boredom. This exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells can significantly alleviate stress and keep their minds engaged and active. Beyond enrichment, it’s also a wonderful opportunity for bonding time with your feline companion.
While harness and leash training is another way to let your cat explore the outside world, pet strollers provide an added layer of security. Even with escape-proof cat harnesses, there’s always a slight risk. A pet stroller offers that extra peace of mind, making it a potentially less stressful option for cat parents who are hesitant to take their cats outside. For those seeking a secure and controlled way to introduce their cat to the outdoors, a pet stroller can be an ideal solution.
Choosing the Right Cat Stroller: A Comprehensive Guide
Now that we understand the advantages of outdoor excursions for cats, let’s delve into the key features to consider when selecting the perfect pet stroller for your feline friend.
Size and Dimensions: Ensuring a Comfortable Fit
First, assess the size of both the carrier compartment and the overall stroller when fully assembled. Are the dimensions appropriate for your cat’s size and comfort? Will the carrier provide enough space for your cat to sit, stand, and lie down comfortably? Conversely, is it too spacious, potentially making your cat feel insecure? Also, consider the stroller’s overall size and maneuverability. Will it be easy to transport in your car, or is it too bulky for practical use?
Detachable Carrier: Convenience and Versatility
Decide whether a detachable carrier is a necessary feature for your needs. Pet strollers come in both detachable and non-detachable designs. While a detachable carrier offers added convenience, not all strollers include this feature.
The FunnyFuzzy pet stroller is shown with its carrier detached from the stroller frame, highlighting its 2-in-1 multifunctional design for easy transitions and versatile use.
For leisurely strolls around the neighborhood or at a local park, a detachable pet stroller can be perfectly suitable. However, if you envision more adventurous outings like hiking, jogging on rough terrain, or beach trips, consider strollers designed for higher-impact activities. These robust strollers often feature non-detachable carriers for enhanced sturdiness and cat safety.
Assembly and Portability: Ease of Use for Cat Parents
Consider the assembly requirements and portability of the stroller. Some models arrive almost fully assembled, while others may require minor assembly, such as attaching wheels and handles or assembling the carrier.
Think about how frequently you plan to use the stroller, where you will store it, and how easily it can be transported in your vehicle. Opt for a stroller that folds easily and becomes compact for convenient storage and transportation, especially if space is a concern.
Comfort Features: For Both Cat and Owner
Comfort is paramount for both your cat and you. Assess the following comfort features:
- Carrier Padding: Is the carrier lined and padded for your cat’s comfort during rides?
- Visibility: Is there a suitable “window” or mesh area allowing your cat to observe their surroundings?
- Adjustable Opening: Can the carrier be partially opened, while ensuring your cat remains safely tethered inside, for varied ventilation and viewing options?
- Shock Absorption: Are the wheels designed to absorb shocks, providing a smoother ride on uneven surfaces?
- Pushing Comfort: Is the stroller easy to push and maneuver?
- Handle Comfort: Are the handles padded for comfortable pushing, especially on longer walks?
- Storage: Does the stroller include extra storage space for treats, water, or personal items?
- Lightweight Design: Is the stroller lightweight enough to easily lift and transport in and out of a car?
Safety First: Essential Security Features
Safety features are crucial for your cat’s well-being. Prioritize strollers with the following:
- Secure Closures: What type of closing and locking mechanisms does the stroller employ to keep your cat safely inside?
- Zipper Quality: Are the zippers high-quality and durable to prevent escapes or accidental openings?
- Breathable Mesh: Is there breathable mesh lining to ensure proper ventilation and airflow for your cat?
- Carrier Sturdiness: Does the detachable carrier feel sturdy and secure when used independently?
- Safety Tether: Does the stroller include a built-in tether to attach to your cat’s harness, preventing escapes even if the carrier is opened?
- Wheel Locks: Can the stroller wheels be locked to prevent accidental rolling when stationary?
FunnyFuzzy 2-in-1 Pet Stroller: A Hands-On Review
Having considered essential features for pet strollers, let’s focus on the FunnyFuzzy pet stroller specifically.
Here’s a rundown of the FunnyFuzzy pet stroller’s key features:
- Detachable carrier for versatile use
- Mesh window for pet visibility and ventilation
- Ultra-light aluminum alloy frame for easy maneuverability
- 360° shock-absorbing front wheels for smooth rides
- One-foot lockable brake on rear wheels for safety
- Under-carrier storage for essentials
- Removable padded carrier insert for comfort and cleaning
- Interior safety tether for secure rides
- Quick-folding mechanism for storage and transport
- Minimal assembly required – primarily wheel attachment and carrier unfolding
Overall, this pet stroller effectively addresses the important considerations for cat strollers. The detachable carrier is a convenient feature for our needs, as we primarily envision casual outings with our cats. Its easy folding mechanism is also a significant plus for storage and transport. The stroller is designed for effortless one-handed folding and unfolding, as demonstrated in this video.
Here are the dimensions of the FunnyFuzzy pet stroller:
The carrier sits at a comfortable 17.72 inches from the ground, with the top of the carrier reaching 29.53 inches high. Its compact design ensures it can easily fit when folded in smaller vehicles.
Assembled Stroller Dimensions:
- 39.37 inches tall (wheels to handle)
- 22.44 inches long (front to back wheels)
Detachable Carrier Dimensions:
- 18.5 inches deep x 11.81 inches wide
- 20.08 inches tall (to the top of the dome cover)
Folded Stroller Dimensions (carrier removed):
- 22.44 inches tall x 17.32 inches wide x 10.24 inches deep
It’s important to note that this pet stroller is best suited for one adult cat at a time. While it could technically accommodate two smaller adult cats, it would be a snug fit. Dexter, weighing approximately 12 pounds, fits comfortably, but adding another cat of similar size would compromise space.
Did Dexter Like the Pet Stroller?
Dexter, our 14-year-old senior cat, is generally timid around strangers but exhibits immense curiosity towards his surroundings. Unlike our other cats, he enjoys outdoor excursions on a harness and leash, making him an ideal candidate for testing the cat stroller. And he took to it wonderfully! Dexter genuinely enjoyed his stroller outing and showed no signs of fear towards the stroller or its motion.
Every cat has a unique personality, and introducing our other cats to the stroller will be a gradual process. Olive, our tortie, is likely to be resistant, so we won’t attempt it with her. However, Woodrow already enjoys lounging in the stroller carrier indoors, indicating a positive initial impression. We plan to gradually introduce him to movement within the stroller before venturing outdoors.
Did I Like the Pet Stroller? (as the cat parent)
Absolutely! The FunnyFuzzy pet stroller required minimal assembly – simply attaching the wheels and unfolding the carrier, securing metal rods to maintain its shape. Snapping the carrier onto the base and detaching it for storage is effortless. The stroller glides smoothly, turns easily, and the one-foot wheel lock is a convenient safety feature. The visibility it offers, allowing me to monitor Dexter’s comfort level, is also much appreciated.
While this is our first pet stroller, and I lack a basis for comparison, my overall impression is highly positive. It’s perfectly suited for neighborhood strolls and park visits. For more rugged terrains like long hikes or dirt paths, it might not be ideal. However, for our intended purpose of providing Dexter with safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences, it’s an excellent choice.
Where to Purchase the FunnyFuzzy Pet Stroller
You can purchase the FunnyFuzzy pet stroller directly from their website. At the time of writing, FunnyFuzzy is offering discount codes directly on their site, applicable to the stroller and other pet products.
FunnyFuzzy offers a wide array of pet products, ranging from pet beds and couch covers to pet carriers and interactive toys. Explore their full collection at FunnyFuzzy.com.
For more ideas on enriching your cat’s life, explore our other articles on cat enrichment!
