Animal transport in the prius

Transport crates are essential (IMNSHO), you must not take the risk of kitty getting loose when a door is opened or closed in a careless manner. No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen, and the results can be catastrophic! I am reminded of "Maisy" a beautiful tortie which my sister and brother-in-law was transporting from their home in North Devon (UK) to their new home in Manchester, and Maisy escaped from the car at one of the service areas, of course they tried unsuccessfully to catch her, but all to no avail! Poor Maisy! Be safe! Use carriers! - Good luck!

BTW: I volunteer at a local kitty shelter, and do lots of driving of kitties to/from shelters/hospitals/homes and I would never ever transport a kitty loose in a car! That is a recipe for disaster! Draping a large towel over the carrier will darken everything and tend to calm down the kitty (less stimulus of seeing moving things as kitty peeps out!)

 

Try a local kitty shelter or animal rescue society, they usually have carriers they will rent out. But how come you don't already have sufficient carriers for your kitties? How do you transport them on their visits to the vet? (don't tell me "one in the front, and the other tied to the roof-rack" (…that's where I carry the mother-in-law! )

Edit: This reminds me of the (very) old joke:

Q: How many elephants can you fit in an Austin Mini¹?
A: That's easy: FOUR! (two in the front and two in the back!) (…rim shot!)

¹ no, not the BMW, we're talking here of the original Mini

 

Get soft crates that will store away easily when not in use. If your cats are able to share, then you can get just one.

Amazon.com: soft cat crate

 

You could use a large cardboard box, and cut numerous vent and light holes in the sides. Then close the top securely once the kitties are inside, with bedding and mini litterbox. After the trip, discard the box (minus any soiled-soaked bottom portion) into a cardboard recycling bin.

But frightened unrestrained pets in a car is a disaster waiting to happen, whether by darting out the door, or crawling under the driver's foot pedals. Leave this to well behaved dogs that actually love the ride.

 

I'd think twice about cardboard boxes:


(no, not mine - I've only got dogs, severely allergic to cats - GOOGLE image).

But with my dogs, they're different in that I can put a harness on them, and put a short leash into the rear seat belt restraint. If I was going some distance, I'd crate the dogs.

 

…and there is always a ShrodingerCatCarrier!