Yes I did towels pver the cage as well. In the end, I bought this and have no regrets. Apologies if the link does not work. https://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Portable-Small-Coffee-Grounds/dp/B00068K8GM/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3GJFH6O10XXF1&keywords=petmate+carrier&qid=1667604991&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiMy41NyIsInFzcCI6IjIuNDcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=petsmate+carrier%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc