It is so great when you found something that works so well. This booster seat has been a huge help as we travel with Gibson. Read on to find out why we are in love with this product!
Why This Product?
We ALWAYS bring Gibson with us when we head out of town. He will also periodically tag along with us as we run errands, mostly in the winter. Ultimately, when there's a short trip, hike, or any adventure that can accommodate him, he's brought with. This is why we need a space that is for Gibson only in the car. Keep reading if you'd like to know what we love and would change about this product.
What We Love:
Safe Space: Similar to the reasons as to why we carry our backpack with us during walks, this booster seat is a designated safe space which he knows he can always retreat to it if he feels that he's needs it. And, although it is not the safest option as he travels with us by car, it is much safer than having him roam around. While we have heard good things about the Sleepypod mobile pet bed and the Gunner Dog Crates which are both crash tested, the booster seat is what we have chosen for Gibson. He actually is quite stressed/anxious when he is contained in any way, shape, or form. This is why we feel that the booster seat suits his needs.
Helps to Minimize the Spread of Fur: We try our best to keep the seats covered to contain the loose and flying fur. Keeping Gibson in the booster seat tends to help keep the car cleaner!
The Views: One of the many reasons we take Gibson along with us is to give him a change of scenery and provide some kind of alternative enrichment for him. While he's in the car, he really enjoys watching the world go by. This booster seat lifts him up to be able to do just that.
Car's Protection: Allowing Gibson the view he seeks helps to protect our leather seats. Otherwise, he would go on his hind legs to look out the window and his claws claws might dig into the leather as the car moves and he works to keep his balance.
Comfort: I love that Gibson knows he can rest inside of the booster seat at the start and end of a long adventure. The seat comfortably fits him with space to lay down and sleep for post adventures and longer trips.
Security: When we are finished exploring outside, the booster seat makes it so easy to get Gibson settled. The moment I open the car door and lean over, he jumps in the booster seat from his backpack. Cats are routine and this helps keep what is expected of him clear. He then bathes himself and immediately settles. I can also clip him in and ensure that he won't dash off as I attend to other things and open other doors and the trunk to pack up. Also, when cat dad is driving with just himself and Gibson, he can be securely tethered to the booster seat rather than be a distraction while he drives.
Other Key & Beneficial Features: The liner and pad is washable so there's no need to stress about possible accidents or dirt brought in by messier adventures. The storage pockets are also super handy for storing the leash and/or treats and other things. There's also a lifetime warranty with this product.
What We'd Change:
It's important to note that this is a dog booster seat and, therefore, it was not made specifically for a cat. With that in mind, this booster seat advertises that it is suitable for dogs up to 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and, therefore, is not a product which is intended for bigger breed dogs so could easily accommodate a cat.
Options to Raise Pad: It would be nice to have padding of varying thicknesses sold separately so that Gibson (weighing 10 lbs or 4.5 kg) and even smaller breed dogs could be raised up to be able to see out the window. I've had to use a few small blankets to give him a boost so that he has the option to lay down and enjoy the view.
Internal Tether Sizing: The internal tether has a carabiner clip which is meant to attach to the harness of the pet so that they remain in the booster seat. I find that it's too heavy for Gibson and even the tether itself could be thinner and a tad longer. I realize that the shorter length is so that they don't jump out of the seat and possibly hang/choke but I think that if you could adjust this tether, it could accommodate pets of varying sizes. I do plan to change the tether using an old leash but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Final Thoughts:
We would not get in the car with Gibson without our Heather Dog Booster Seat from Kurgo. The pros certainly outweigh the cons (which are easily able to be tweaked to accommodate Gibson). We got ours from Homesalive (click the link here to check it out). Though we did get this item sent to us by Homesalive, we are not at all sponsored by them or Kurgo to write this post nor post about it on Instagram. We just love this product and wanted to document our honest review.
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Thanks so much for taking the time to read. I'd love to hear your thoughts on your experiences with pet booster seats or car travel gear for cats that you've used and love! Feel free to message me on Instagram, email me, or drop a comment below (just note that I cannot comment back but always read what you write).
xx Sarah & Gibson