I'm looking for the best brand cat carrier for a journey across the channel with my cat.

I've got tons of criteria to ensure a) the cat's allowed on the ferry and b) she's comfortable, safe and happy.

So from a DEFRA/Boat side, the carrier has to be secure, sturdy, hard-sided, well ventillated and lockable. They also recommend a water/food dish secured in it and a litter tray. (but I've yet to find one with a litter tray in it).

For the cat, she's half Maine Coon, and at under a year old is already 50cm long from nose to backside, so she's going to need at least 60cm long in the carrier and 40cm high and 30 cm wide.

I have some litter pads I can put in the cage and change easily and a harness she's been going for little walks on, so she can get out and about on the overall journey.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

My problem is finding a cat carrier that's the right size and good quality. There are a few that are the right size, but then the customer reviews will say it's shoddily put together or it doesn't lock or something bad about them.

I liked the Catit Cabrio as it kept her paws inside the cage, so on the boat ride she won't be poking her paws out. But unfortunately it's a bit small for her according to the defra size guidelines.

For the Ferry it's only a 2 hour journey, but I won't be able to be with her (unless the captain allows it) and I don't know what it's like on the lower decks (We'll be foot passengers).

So after all that, the question: What brand of hard sided cat carrier do you recommend for travelling with?

since i don't live anywhere near you, i can't recommend brands. clearly you live in europe somewhere? but i did want to suggest you try a dog carrier. i know maine coon cats are very large and you may not be able to find anything to fit. dog carriers should be bigger and sturdier. when i travel by car or stay in hotels i use a large dog carrier for my 2 cats. it's big enough for a litter box and still has space for them to lie down.