Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I originally purchased the first version of this carrier in 2013, I and now I have the newest version the "Redesigned for 2015" and still have them ALL and they are still AMAZING. OxGord also created a stand-alone mat for this carrier that is affordable and fits perfectly in their carriers--It has the velcro already in place and everything! It's ready to go right in the carrier with nothing extra required. It's nice to be able to swap them out while one is in the laundry. Hopefully this link to the product in Amazon will work. If it's not a link, just copy it and past in your browser and it'll pull it up. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O19N9A4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This carrier is carefully and thoughtfully designed to make things easy on the pet parent and as easy as possible on the pet. I have about a dozen or so rescue cats at any one time and typically use the hard-shell, top-load carriers for vet visits & meet-and-greets. The rigid carriers are getting increasingly difficult to manage with my bad back. What drove me to purchase this Oxgord Comfort Carrier Soft-Sided Pet Carrier were a few different things: SHOULDER STRAP & HANDLES- There is a shoulder strap that clips in the front and back and allows you to take the lions share of the weight off the lower/middle portion of your back and share it with your shoulders which are better designed to help distribute weight throughout our bodies. The strap has a nice cushioned area right where it needs to be when you're carrying a 20# furball in and out of the car! The Carrier handles are very well made and have a secure velcro-binding closure of both handles that makes picking the carrier up easy. And, more importantly, in a way that makes your pet know that you have their situation under control so THEY CAN RELAX! SMART DESIGN- I REALLY like how the bed has a nice stiff board inserted underneath the fleece in it's very own pocket. The board itself is actually sealed in plastic! Genius?!?! IF your pet was to soil the bed and anything did get through the, what appears to be water-resistant at least, underside of the bed, there will be nothing ruined long-term. It can come out, be wiped clean with cleanser and reinserted into the washed bed! Additionally, under the bed there are TWO heavy-duty velcro strips about 12" long that match their other sides already perfectly positioned inside the main carrier. These strips securely hold the bed in place. Your pet wants to feel secure and this bed IS STURDY and will stay right where it's supposed to be throughout transport. BONUS: There is a "You're-okay-I'm-right-here zipper" too! It is perfectly positioned, and sized, to get your hand in there and touch your pet to reassure them they will indeed see tomorrow. I use this access frequently in transit and also in the waiting area of the vet.(Just remember to CLOSE IT WHEN YOU'RE DONE!) WASHABILITY- I've had soft-sided carriers that a cat has thrown up in, or....even products from the "other end". I've had to just throw them away because they were IMPOSSIBLE to clean. This carrier has a really nice, high-quality binding encircling the underside of the bed. I have washed the bed multiple times in the washer and it holds it's form throughout the washing/drying process. The inside of the carrier appears to be water proof fabric that would easily wipe clean. I am a Washing Machine girl. If it can't survive the Front Loading machine? I can't have it. These do amazing in them!! I wash the carriers about once a month in the washer and the mats whenever anyone goes to the vet. They all have held up amazingly. The carriers look brand new when they come out of the washer - I just let them air dry. Fun Cat Hangout!!- I can say, with CERTAINTY, that my cats LOVE these carriers! They seem to have an unspoken agreement with each other on who gets to get in there and chill next. I've seen almost all of them in there in the past three days! I've already ordered another one( I think I now have about 6 of these carriers?). SECURE ZIPPERS- Did I mention the zippers?? The zippers must have been cat-consulted and cat-approved for stay-shut-ability! They have the cutest little (yet sturdy and effective) clips that hold the zippers (east and west, if you will.) together so prying little toes and noses that attempt to widen the teeny, tiny, zipper-gap will meet immediately with utter defeat. Muuuhahahaaahahahahaaaaa! VISIBILITY- Did someone say, "Cat's love visibility!"? Well, if they didn't, I can tell you, they do!. This carrier has high-quality, heavy-duty mesh "openings" on every side (except the bottom, of course). The top is mesh, as is the back portion. The front is nearly half mesh, and the side mesh areas are alternating top and bottom. If your pet is shy or outgoing there will be a place for them to feel comfortable in this carrier. USEFUL POCKETS!- There is one on either side of the carrier or in the back (before 2015), or one on the side and one in the back (2015)-it depends on the version you have- who couldn't use pockets on a carrier? No one, I tell you! I rarely travel with my cats but I noticed that an airplane ticket (which I inevitably misplace when traveling) would also fit safely and snugly in the solid pocket. SEAT BELT STRAPS- For car travels there are seat belt, I'll call them hold'ems. You can just set the carrier on your seat, then run your seatbelt in front of the carrier, then finish by safely clipping the straps over your seat belt! **CAUTION**- If your car has passenger-side airbags, make sure they are OFF or secure your friend in the backseat for their safety, please. :-) It is nice to be able to donate our other carriers to local rescues. I have found everything I need in this carrier! I think the best testament to this seller and their carrier is that I've not only ordered another one for myself, I've ordered two more for another friend in rescue!