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Addendum added January 28, 2013: My vet had never noticed these carriers because I had never put one up on the exam table until my last vet visit. She looked at it with interest and totally concurred with my opinion of having a small, but open carrier for my two (panicky) cats. She has seen more than a few overheated pets in too enclosed carriers. Since I live far from the vet I always carry spare towels for the bottoms of the carriers and she found that the "stable floor covering'* I use was an additional comfort feature for my pets long trip to their appointments. (I just ordered the larger size of this carrier for my "Phat Kat" and will donate her previous carrier to our local animal shelter.)
NOTE: The ONLY possible drawback I have found of this carrier is the recessed (rather than luggage type) handle. There are circumstances where I feel some people will find it awkward.
One suggestion I would like to make based on reviews by persons who had difficulty stuffing an unwilling cat into a carrier. When you get a carrier (first time or a new one) leave the carrier out in the open with the door open (away from high traffic areas) especially with a piece of favorite bedding material inside. Cats, being curious by nature, will eventually investigate and often curl up in a new enclosure. Since this carrier is so open, covering it with a towel should help. After you have seen the cat in the carrier, it should be easier to put the cat in the carrier when you need to even if the cat ultimately equates the carrier with an unpleasant experience like a car ride or vet visit. I also recommend that everyone get a cat harness and a matching width (1/4" to 3/8" wide) webbing leash for travel. Also acclimate your cat to the harness by putting it on the cat when you first get it and then periodically after that until you actually need it. IGNORE the cat if it falls over in disgust and irritation, it WILL get over it! Then, anytime you use the carrier, have the harness and leash on the cat. If you are afraid that the leash will tangle around the cat you can gather it up and make a loose knot so it will hang above the cat's legs. Believe me, I have found it harder to get a cat out of a carrier at a vet's office than into a carrier at home. A harness and leash make it faster and SAFER for the cat because they will tend to eventually "follow the tug on the body" and give up spreading its legs out "ala Garfield" risking injury to legs or paws.
I also suggest, even on outside cats, getting them used to being handled and occasionally having their claws clipped (on outside cats only take of a tiny amount except if they are going to the vet). THEN, always clip claws before you go to the vet unless you have docile cats. I no longer have to clip my cat's claws because they like our vet so much they purr so loudly she can barely check their heartbeats! But any cat, experiencing unexpected pain can turn into an angry cat and they will do less harm to the source of the pain if their sharp claws can't snag the person!
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This carrier is very, very well made and well thought out, especially considering the VERY REASONABLE price. I can think of no negative things about the carrier.
I purchased 2 of this "small" carrier for the two of my cats that are most insecure about car travel. Having a "close fitting" carrier gives the animals more of a sense of security. BUT, it is important that the animals do not get overheated, and these carriers are perfect in that regard due to the end and sides that open wire bars. You can always cover a carrier with a towel to provide warmth in cold weather, but if your carrier is not well enough ventilated there is little you can do to lower the temperature if it is too warm and your pet gets overheated.
On the top of the carrier is a storage area that contains a (2 part food / water) dish that hooks onto the inside of the door. That is a very handy bonus!
*Note: since animals will slide around on the slippery floor, I cut a piece of corrugated cardboard to loosely fit the bottom of the carrier. I fold a towel securely around the cardboard and put it in the bottom of the carrier. I then put an additional folded towel on top of that (that can be replaced if/when necessary if soiled during the "trip"). The "anchored" towel gives the animal additional feelings of security as it can "dig in" if it experiences travel "discomforts" (I live up in the mountains 15 miles via a very windy/steep, bumpy road to the interstate then 40 miles farther on to the vet, etc.). I very highly recommend this carrier, and the "identical" larger size that is also available.
OH, and I was very glad the carrier came preassembled I can absolutely understand how tricky this carrier would have been to assemble from scratch!!!
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