Published Aug 19, 2019
In this buying guide, you’ll learn about the different types of cat carriers on the market, which qualities set the best carriers apart, and how to choose one that’s right for your cat.
Because every trip has slightly different requirements, our list of top carriers includes the best choices for various activities and needs including car travel, plane trips, and short trips to the veterinarian.
At a Glance: Best Cat Carriers To Buy
We spent hours researching the cat carrier market to learn what makes for a safe and convenient cat carrier. In the comparison table below, you’ll find a quick overview of our top picks including some highlights of our favorite features. We’ll go into greater depth about each product later in the article.
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
- Adaptable size for varied airline size restrictions
- Compressible for convenient storage
- Approved for car safety
Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
- Meets most major airline requirements
- Covered by Sherpa’s Guaranteed On Board program
- Comes in small, medium, and large sizes for cats up to 22 lbs
Sturdi Products SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier
- Designed to fit under the seats in most airlines
- Available in fourteen colors
- Smart design and rugged construction
Petsfit Double Sided Expandable Dog & Cat Carrier
- Appropriate for traveling on most airlines
- Expands for maximum comfort
- Collapsible for easy storage
Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
- Securely-latching steel top and front doors make loading and unloading your cat simple
- Comes in two sizes to accommodate cats up to 20lbs
- Approved for airline cargo transport
SportPet Designs Cat Carrier with Zipper Lock- Foldable Travel Cat Carrier
- A great value buy
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Excellent breathability
Pet Magasin Pet Travel Kennel for Cats
- Removable zippered lid for easy access
- Opens from both the top and front
- Large size, fits most cats up to 18 pounds
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier
- One of very few crash-tested and car-safe cat carriers
- Durable construction
- Effortless top entry
Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved Soft-Sided Small Dog & Cat Carrier
- Designed for use on most airliners
- Lockable zipper clasp for security
- Multiple storage pockets
Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Carrier
- Smart-level platform ensures that your cat won’t tip over when being pulled along
- Side storage pockets allow you to stow essentials on the carrier
- Top and front doors allow for easy access
Frisco Basic Dog & Cat Carrier Medium/Large
- Two options for carry - strap or handle
- Made from lightweight but durable materials
- Generously sized for larger cats or multiple small cats
Petsfit Comfort Cat Carrier Backpack
- Padded back and shoulder straps
- Folds down flat for easy storage
- Safety tether inside for security
Top Picks Explained
How We Chose Our Top Picks?
To begin our search for the best cat carriers, we reviewed the results of the Center for Pet Safety’s 2015 Carrier Study. In partnership with Subaru of America, the Center for Pet Safety conducted a test of the top pet carriers on the market to determine their safety.
Here are the top three goals of this study:
- To independently evaluate the current-state travel carrier products and carrier connection products that claim “testing,” “crash testing,” or “crash protection.”
- To examine the safety, structural integrity, and crashworthiness of carriers where the manufacturer makes no clams of “testing,” “crash testing,” or “crash protection.”
- To determine the top performing carrier brands.
To complete this study, the Center for Pet Safety tested eight different pet carriers from popular brands like Sleepypod, PetMate, and Kurgo. We used the results of this study to get an idea of what features and materials to look for in a safe and secure cat carrier for car travel.
We also spent time researching in-cabin requirements for airline travel with pets as well as the safety of traveling with your pet stored in the cargo hold.
Note: In conducting our initial research, we’ve determined that traveling with your cat in-cabin is significantly safer than storing your cat in the cargo hold. Fortunately, most cats are small enough to meet in-cabin requirements for air travel.
Now that you have a better idea what kind of testing and research we completed to write this review, let’s jump into the details.
Types of Cat Carriers
Whether you’re traveling with your cat or transporting your cat during a move, it’s essential to have a quality cat carrier. Before you start shopping for a cat carrier, however, it’s important to know what’s out there. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of cat carriers on the market.
Hard Plastic Carriers
Hard plastic carriers appeal to casual users who pop their cat into the carrier once a year or less. They’re convenient, easy to handle, and secure. Unlike some soft carriers that can’t hold up to clawing, it’s virtually impossible for a cat to break out of a hard carrier.
Hard carriers are a good choice for those who want maximum ease-of-use. If your cat has a tendency to get carsick or has anxiety-induced accidents, you’ll appreciate that hard carriers are easy to clean. You can spray them out with a hose and let them dry in the sun.
Because they are large and don’t compress underneath the seat, hard carriers aren’t the best choice for airline transport. They tend to shatter during pet carrier crash tests, so if you’re concerned about safety or going for longer, more frequent car trips, soft carriers are a better choice.
We’ll talk about that more in the next section.
Soft Carriers
Compared to hard carriers, soft cat carrier bags are a better choice for cats who are always on-the-go or traveling long distances. Plane travelers will appreciate that soft carriers can slide under the seat as carry-on luggage, and car travelers will like that soft cat carriers score better in Center for Pet Safety crash testing.
If your cat is an unhappy traveler, be aware that soft carriers are harder to clean out than hard ones. They’re also easier for cats to escape from. Ambitious cats can claw their way through mesh windows or even unzip the doors on their own.
Roller Carriers and Backpacks
Cat carriers with wheels are perfect for people who like the ease of dragging a roller suitcase. These carriers are typically built with plenty of storage space for cat care essentials and have soft, comfortable interiors. The main drawback of a roller carrier is the fact that some cats are scared by the sound of wheels rolling over the ground, especially on uneven surfaces.
Some roller carriers convert into backpacks, which allows you to easily transition between activities and different terrain.
While usually not designed for airline or automotive use, backpack cat carriers are ideal for people who want to go for walks and hikes with their cat. The pack is a refuge in the case of a wildlife or dog encounter and gives your cat a place to rest their legs.
Choosing the Best Cat Carrier
The Best Cat Carriers Are Right for the Job
Before you choose a cat carrier, ask yourself a few questions about the places it will go.
Are you going on a trip by plane? Crossing the country in a car? Are you looking for disposable cardboard cat carriers for temporary rescue use, or do you just need a basic carrier that will get your cat to the veterinarian and back a few times a year?
Defining your needs will help you identify the best carrier for your situation.
Car Travel
People often think of their cat’s carrier like a child’s car seat, assuming because the carrier is designed and approved for use in an automotive vehicle, it will keep their cat from flying through the windshield if they get into a wreck. Unfortunately, this assumption is wrong.
First of all, most carriers aren’t tested by an independent organization.
As revealed by the Center for Pet Safety’s 2015 crash testing of several pet carriers, most “car-ready” carriers will not protect your cat in the case of a crash. In fact, most plastic crates bust into shards on impact, launching broken pieces of plastic and metal parts across the car. These could injure all occupants of the vehicle.
If you’re traveling with your cat in a car, choose a crash-tested and CPS-certified carrier if possible. There are only a few crash-tested models on the market, and they’re all expensive.
If you can’t get one of these premium carriers, do your best to secure your cat’s carrier and position it safely in your vehicle. According to Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety, the safest place for your cat in the car is on the floor behind the front seat.
Alternatively, you can use a seatbelt to strap the carrier in place on one of the back seats. While this will help you out if there’s an abrupt stop at low speeds, most carrier straps will snap if there’s a high-speed collision.
Air Travel
You may be aware of the risks of traveling with your pet in the plane’s cargo hold. Fortunately, feline travelers are small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage and can slide under the seat in front of you. When traveling with your cat by plane, your challenge is to find a carrier that fits in this space.
Soft carriers are best for airline travel because they’re flexible enough to crumple down slightly to accommodate the height of the seat ahead of you. Some cat carriers are marketed as “airline approved”, but this term isn’t necessarily a free pass to in-cabin transport.
The term usually just means that the carrier can contain moisture. If your cat has to “go” during the flight, it won’t leak onto the floor of the plane.
A better way to ensure that the carrier is the right size is to compare its dimensions to your airline’s under-seat space and maximum sizes for in-cabin carriers. Using US airlines as a guide, the average under-seat dimensions are 17” x 11” x 9”, but this will vary by airline and your seat on the plane.
Qualities of a Great Carrier
- They’re easy to clean – Plastic carriers should have smooth interior surfaces that won’t collect grime over time and are easy to wipe out. Soft carriers should have machine-washable removable padding and the body should stand up to at least a wet rag and soap.
- They’re strong and durable – The best cat carriers have sturdy floors that won’t sag under your cat’s weight. In addition to sturdy bottoms, your cat’s carrier should be constructed from tough materials and won’t rip or unravel. Look for windows made from rubberized mesh rather than fabric. It’s stronger and can handle a little claw action.
- They’re easy to get your cat in and out of – It shouldn’t be difficult to slip your cat into the carrier and help them get out once you reach your destination. Note that many veterinarians prefer to handle their patients while still in the carrier. Multiple entryways, top entry designs, and zip-off walls make this process easier.
- They’re the right size for your cat – The carrier should be relatively snug and secure and shouldn’t let your cat slosh around during transport. At the same time, your cat should have 3 to 4 inches of space on all sides so they can stand up and turn around without crouching and contortion.
The Best Rated Cat Carriers Reviewed
Here are our picks for the best cat carriers on the market.
Our top choice is a soft cat carrier that’s airline approved and crash-tested for car safety.
#1 Best Soft Sided Cat Carrier: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
- Construction: Nylon exterior with washable plush bedding
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 18 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features: Compressible for in-cabin travel
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: Yes
- Price: $184.99
This soft cat carrier has an elegant design that allows it to effortlessly transition from airport to interstate. At just under $160, it’s a little expensive for occasional transport, but the features and quality design make this carrier worth the price for cats who travel.
Airline size restrictions vary, so a cat carrier that meets requirements on one airline might be turned away on another flight. This cat travel carrier from Sleepypod aims to solve this problem.
So that it can accommodate varied under-seat configurations, the carrier compresses from 22 inches long to 19-16 inches. When boarding, you’ll press in the ends until the carrier is the right size for your space. When it’s safe to do so, you may rotate the Sleepypod so that it’s perpendicular to the back of the seat, expand the ends, and let your cat stretch out. Some people unzip and open the end at this point, giving their cat even more space and the opportunity to see the cabin. The carrier’s internal safety tether attaches to your cat’s harness and helps to keep them secure within the carrier.
So that you can safely drive your cat to and from the airport, the Sleepypod is built with straps on both sides. This allows you to wrap a seatbelt all the way around the carrier. It’s been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety or CPS.
It has two large windows and a removable privacy panel. Its additional features include large zipper pockets on both sides and the option to pair it with an electrically-powered warming pad.
The Sleepypod Air fits cats weighing up to 18 lbs. It’s available in six colors: jet black, dark chocolate, strawberry red, robin egg blue, orange dream, and glacier silver.
Pros:
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Has a padded shoulder strap
- Adaptable size for varied airline size restrictions
- Compressible for convenient storage
- Approved for car safety
Cons
- Might be too expensive for some budgets
- Limited window space means that you might have difficulty seeing your cat
#2 Best Airline Approved Cat Carrier: Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
- Construction: Nylon exterior with washable plush bedding
- Size Options: Small, medium, or large
- Weight Capacity: Up to 22 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features:Guaranteed on board
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $59.00
The Sherpa Deluxe Airline Approved pet carrier is covered by Sherpa’s Guaranteed on Board program. After buying the carrier, you’re prompted to go online and get both your cat and carrier pre-approved for boarding. If something goes wrong and your cat is denied permission to go on-flight, Sherpa will reimburse your flight and pet fee.
A patented spring wire frame allows you to push the rear end of the carrier down if needed. This helps the carrier to conform to varied under-seat space restrictions.
The carrier has both top and side entry for easy access, mesh panels on the front and sides for ventilation and visibility, and adjustable straps. For carrying over-the-shoulder or by hand. The carrier comes with a machine washable faux lambskin liner for comfort. The base is supported by a wooden stability board encased in a waterproof liner.
Once you’ve reached your destination, you can thread a seatbelt through Sherpa’s seat belt strap for increased security. Note that the carrier hasn’t been approved for car safety by any independent organization and may not be the safest choice for car travel.
The carrier is available in six colors: original black, charcoal, black lattice, original brown, original gray, and original plum.
Pros:
- Removable, machine washable inner padding
- Meets most major airline requirements
- Covered by Sherpa’s Guaranteed On Board program
- Comes in small, medium, and large sizes for cats up to 22 lbs
Cons
- Some reviewers say that Sherpa’s quality has declined over the years and that today’s carriers are prone to zipper malfunctions, weak mesh, and ripped seams
- Not approved for car safety
#3 Best Cat Carrier For Nervous Cats: Sturdi Products SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier
- Construction: Polyester exterior with fleece pad
- Size Options: Small or large
- Weight Capacity: Up to 25 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features: Comfortable, rugged design
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: Out of stock
No carrier can take the anxiety out of a trip to the veterinarian or a few hours on a plane, but a combination of a good carrier and the right training can take the edge off. The best carriers for nervous cats offer a combination of smart design, comfortable materials, and tough construction that can handle all the kicking, scratching, and biting a nervous cat can do.
That’s why we recommend the Sturdi Products SturdiBag as the best carrier for nervous cats. Its body is made from 600 Denier polyester, a rugged material similar to lightweight ballistic nylon and, though it isn’t guaranteed to handle every cat, should be able to put up with a lot of harassment.
The bag is both breathable and private, featuring tough plastic mesh windows and zip-up privacy covers.
In addition to strong construction, the carrier has a few features that can help to keep your cat comfortable and safe. It has multiple entrances, allowing you to find the entry route that works for your cat. A harness tether helps to keep your cat inside of the carrier even when the doors come open. And in case your cat is determined enough to attempt to open a door on his own, the carrier features zipper locks for an additional layer of security.
With its inconspicuous duffel bag shape, adjustable straps, flexible body, and plenty of storage pockets, this bag is the best cat carrier for cats who hate carriers. The fact that the carrier meets the under-seat requirements on most airlines makes it a popular choice among people taking their cats on planes.
Pros
- Designed to fit under the seats in most airlines
- Available in fourteen colors
- Smart design and rugged construction help to prevent escapes
- Achieves a good balance of privacy and breathability
Cons
- Doesn’t have a side strap for attaching to the handle of roller luggage
- Hasn’t been crash tested or certified for car travel
- At almost $90, this is one of the more expensive cat carriers you can buy
#4 Best Collapsible Cat Carrier: Petsfit Double Sided Expandable Dog & Cat Carrier
- Construction: Canvas and mesh exterior, fleece mat
- Size Options: Medium or large
- Weight Capacity: Up to 20 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features: Expandable and collapsible
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $56.99
If you want a carrier that collapses for easy storage and convenience, this expandable carrier from Petsfit may be a good choice for you.
The carrier excels in flexibility. It is small enough to meet the under-seat requirements on most airlines and has two expandable compartments to provide room to lounge. With mesh windows all around, the carrier provides lots of ventilation and allows your cat to watch the world outside. When it’s time to carry your cat to your next stop, the carrier has plenty of options for easy transport. It has a padded shoulder strap and a side strap, allowing you to sling the carrier over your arm or slide it onto your rolling suitcase handle.
Once you’re back home, the carrier folds down flat for easy storage.
Though the company says the carrier is airline approved, you will have to check with your airline before taking the carrier with you on your next trip.
Pros
- Appropriate for traveling on most airlines
- Expands for maximum comfort
- Collapsible for easy storage
- All of the zippers are self-locking for maximum security
- Features an inner leash to help keep your cat safe even if you open the windows
Cons
- Not crash-tested
#5 Best Hard Sided Cat Carrier: Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
- Construction: Plastic and steel
- Size Options: 19″ or 24″
- Weight Capacity: Up to 20 lbs
- Ideal Use: Casual
- Notable Features: Top and front entry
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Cargo hold only
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $34.97
Like all hard plastic carriers, this carrier has its limitations, but it’s a well-designed kennel perfect for securely moving your cat from home to the vet’s office.
It has dual entry from both the front and the top, allowing your cat to enter through the front door or drop into the carrier through the roof. The top door entryway is also large enough for you to pass both hands through, allowing you to pet your cat during travel. The doors are easy to open using easy-squeeze latches.
Unlike some carriers that are held together with plastic latches, this one screws together with wing nuts and bolts for increased durability and security.
It’s available in four pearlescent shades: white, pink, blue, and tan. The carrier comes in two sizes for cats weighing up to 20 lbs.
The carrier isn’t crash-tested or approved for use in the car, but the company recommends that you pass a seatbelt through the handle for added security. It’s also not a good choice for flying in-cabin, though it’s approved for use in a plane’s cargo hold.
Pros:
- Securely-latching steel top and front doors make loading and unloading your cat simple
- Comes in two sizes to accommodate cats up to 20lbs
- Easy to clean plastic carrier
- Roomy design
- Approved for airline cargo transport
Cons
- This carrier has not been crash-tested and may not be the safest choice for car rides
- Won’t qualify for in-cabin transport on most airlines
#6 Best Budget Cat Carrier: SportPet Designs Cat Carrier with Zipper Lock- Foldable Travel Cat Carrier
- Construction: Lightweight fabric with optional pillow
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 15 lbs
- Ideal Use: Casual
- Notable Features:Great value
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: No
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $12.99
At under $13, this is an affordable tote ideal for people who don’t need a premium carrier—just a safe little transportation device for a trip to the vet or maybe for a move across town. The lightweight carrier supports cats weighing up to 15 lbs.
It’s shaped like a cat-sized tent with a handle and is available with or without a built-in bed. It comes in two designs—one is printed with a “live animal crate” design, while the other is tan and blue. It has several mesh panels for maximum visibility and breathability.
You can take out the wires (which work like tent poles) and fold it down into a small disk that will fit in your drawer when not in use.
Pros:
- A great value buy
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Excellent breathability
- Comes with a cozy bed liner
- O-ring secures zippers
Cons
- Not appropriate for cats who weigh more than 15 lbs
- Not the safest for auto travel
#7 Best Top Loading Cat Carrier: Pet Magasin Pet Travel Kennel for Cats
- Construction: Sturdy fabric exterior with fleece liner
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 18 lbs
- Ideal Use: Casual
- Notable Features:Top comes off for easy access
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: No
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $59.99
Top loading cat carriers are all about making it easy for your cat to enter the carrier and easy for you to reach them once they’re in it.
This one has an unexpected pod shape with a mesh front door, ventilated body, and round lid that zips all the way open for easy entry. The large top zip door also gives you full access to the occupant once they’re all packed up.
One Amazon customer said that “the vet loves it because they can just zip the top off to give a shot or take blood.”
The top loading cat carrier has a sturdy bottom for effective transport and a small handle on top. It doesn’t have a shoulder strap, which is a disadvantage when compared to the typical soft carrier. The carrier unzips completely and can be folded into an easy-to-store flat disk shape.
Many customers say that the carrier fit their large cats, including some weighing up to 18 lbs.
Pros:
- Removable “lid” means easy access
- Strong, stable base
- Opens from both the top and front
- Good ventilation
- Fits cats of almost all sizes
Cons
- Won’t meet airline requirements
- Not crash-tested for auto transport
#8 Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier
- Construction: Nylon exterior with polyester interior
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 15 lbs
- Ideal Use: Car Travel
- Notable Features:Converts to a bed
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: No
- Certified for Car Safety: Yes
- Price: $219.95
The Sleepypod mobile pet bed and carrier is one of the very few carriers that’s passed crash testing and meets the same standards set for child car safety restraints. In other words, it’s as close as you’ll get to a real car seat for your cat.
In addition to providing a safe ride, the Sleepypod attempts to reduce travel stress by doubling as a cozy pet bed. The domed cover zips off and can remain off when you’re not traveling. This helps your cat create a positive connection with their carrier.
When in use, you’ll zip on the mesh domed cover, zip the top closed, and use the padded handle for transport.
The carrier has a water-repellant padding cover, machine washable bedding, and a sturdy ballistic nylon exterior. All of these qualities make it durable and relatively easy to clean.
The Sleepypod has a stylish round shape and is available in 7 colors. These are arctic white, blossom pink, dark chocolate, jet black, sky blue, strawberry red, and violet.
Pros:
- One of very few crash-tested and car-safe cat carriers
- Durable construction
- Effortless top entry
- Elegant design
Cons
- May not meet airline under-seat requirements
- Too small for extra-large cats
- Expensive
#9 Best Lightweight Cat Carrier: Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft-Sided Small Dog & Cat Carrier
- Construction: Nylon with fleece mat
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 14 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features: Lightweight and highly-breathable
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $69.00
Hate feeling slowed down by a heavy carrier but don’t want to sacrifice on sturdiness and reliability? You might prefer a lightweight carrier like this one.
The carrier weighs 2.2 lbs. Generous mesh window space is combined with military-grade nylon body construction for a mix of breathability, lightness, and strength.
Though it is built for durability, the company cautions buyers to remember that vigorous scratchers and biters may be able to break through the window mesh.
The carrier has a fully ventilated roof that compresses down to fit under the seat of most airlines. Some reviewers, however, say that it didn’t comply with the under-seat requirements on their flight, so check your airline’s policies before taking this carrier into the airport.
The carrier has several features to make travel easier. A padded shoulder strap and hand carry handles give you multiple ways to carry your cat around, while several storage pockets give you plenty of space for treats and other essentials.
Pros
- A lightweight, breezy carrier that won’t weigh you down
- Designed for use on most airliners
- Lockable zipper clasp for security
- Multiple storage pockets
- One of the most affordable products on this list
Cons
- The carrier hasn’t been crash tested and may not be the safest choice for car travel
- Not appropriate for larger cats weighing more than 14 lbs
#10 Best Cat Carrier With Wheels: Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Carrier with Smart-Level Pet Carrier
- Construction: Nylon and polyester
- Size Options: Medium or large
- Weight Capacity: Up to 20 lbs
- Ideal Use: Travel
- Notable Features: Roller carrier converts to backpack
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Yes
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $152.40
This multifunctional carrier moves effortlessly from the car to the plane to the sidewalk.
The airline-ready carrier is built with wheels and a pop-out handle. You can drag it across the airport like any other suitcase. Rumbling around in a roller carrier can be scary and uncomfortable, so this carrier has a smart-level platform to ensure that your cat doesn’t fall over when the carrier tilts.
When you’re ready to go up stairs or walk down the sidewalk, you can convert the carrier into a backpack.
The inner safety tethers attach to your cat’s harness to keep them secure during transport. Once you’re ready to explore, it’s easy to take your cat out of the carrier via the top and side openings.
It features side storage pockets so that you can stash away treats, water, and anything else your cat may need during the journey.
Pros:
- Smart-level platform ensures that your cat won’t tip over when being pulled along
- Side storage pockets allow you to stow essentials on the carrier
- Top and front doors allow for easy access
- Includes a seatbelt strap and inner safety tethers for security
- Approved for use on most airlines
- Comes in two sizes for cats up to 20lbs
Cons
- Not machine washable – must be wiped with a damp cloth and light detergent
- Cats may not like the sound of the wheels rolling over the ground
- Not crash-tested – may not be the safest choice for car rides
#11 Best Large Cat Carrier: Frisco Basic Dog & Cat Carrier Medium/Large
- Construction: Sturdy polyester cloth with mesh windows and soft sherpa floor lining
- Size Options: Small/Medium, Medium/Large
- Weight Capacity: 22 pounds
- Ideal Use: Casual, Travel
- Notable Features: Long and tall for large cats
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: Maybe
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: $25.24
At 19”x10”x13”, this cat carrier is generously sized to accommodate bigger cats weighing up to 22 pounds. It also comes in a Small/Medium size that measures 17”x8”x11.5”.
Unlike many cat carriers that have a rectangular shape, this carrier tapers from a width of 10 inches at the bottom to 7 inches at the top. This design makes it a less cumbersome to carry and the added height gives your cat a little extra headroom if they want to sit up.
The carrier is constructed from sturdy polyester with large mesh panels for ventilation. The bottom of the carrier is lined with removable, machine-washable sherpa pad. Customer reviews indicate that the materials may not be heavy-duty enough for anxious cats who try to escape, but the carrier works very well for trips to the vet.
Because the carrier has flexible sides, it can be slightly compressed to fit under the seat for air travel. The Small/Medium size might work best for air travel, however, because the height of the Medium/Large carrier might make it too big for some airline under-seat requirements.
Not that this isn’t a crash-tested carrier and it doesn’t have any dedicated restraint straps, so it might not be the safest choice for car travel.
In terms of general function, one customer commented that the carrier was tall and long enough that his 14-pound Maine Coon was able to comfortably sit up or lie down. Another customer with a 20-pound cat found that his cat liked the carrier so much the cat began taking naps in it.
Pros:
- Two options for carry – strap or handle
- Made from lightweight but durable materials
- Generously sized for larger cats or multiple small cats
- Large mesh panels to improve airflow and visibility
- Auto-locking zippers help keep your cat secure
Cons
- Medium/large may be too tall for airplane under-seat requirements
- Not crash-tested for car travel
- Nervous cats may be more likely to damage the carrier
#12 Best Backpack Cat Carrier: Petsfit Comfort Cat Carrier Backpack
- Construction: Oxford material with EVA padding
- Size Options: One size
- Weight Capacity: Up to 15 lbs
- Ideal Use: Outdoor
- Notable Features:Perfect for walks and adventures
- Appropriate for Plane Travel: No
- Certified for Car Safety: No
- Price: Out of stock
While backpack cat carriers aren’t right for everyone, they’re indispensable for hikers and those who like to schlep their cats while walking.
It has both top and side entry for easy accessibility and has a spacious interior for cats weighing up to 15 lbs. With a combination of front air vents and multiple mesh windows and doors, the backpack has good visibility and ventilation. The top door of the backpack is expandable with mesh and a clear plastic window, giving the passenger additional space and a large viewing area. The mesh windows are rubberized, so they should be able to withstand clawing.
Thanks to a soft back, padded straps, and the inclusion of a hip and chest strap, this backpack is also comfortable for the wearer. If you’d prefer to carry the pack by hand, you can use the handle on top instead.
Pros:
- Comfortable padded straps and back
- Sturdy base supports your cat
- Folds down flat for easy storage
- Features a chest and waist strap for easy carrying
- Has a safety tether inside
- Strong rubberized mesh
Cons
- Waist belt may be too loose for some users
- Not crash-tested and may not be the best choice for car rides
- Probably won’t satisfy under seat requirements for plane travel
Making It Fun: How To Help Your Cat Get Used to the Cat Carrier
Instead of cajoling or manhandling your cat into the carrier when it’s time to go to the vet or on a trip, why not help them to enjoy it? Here are a few ways to make carrier time more fun.
Introduce It as a Bed
Leave the carrier in a well-loved part of your house, place familiar blankets or a pillow inside of it, and let your cat use it as a bed or hideout. By the day of the trip, your cat should be familiar with the carrier and think of it as a comforting extension of their home.
While some carriers are collapsible and easy to slide onto the top shelf of a closet when not in use, I don’t recommend this practice for several reasons.
If a carrier remains folded and shelved most days of the year, your cat will never get to know it outside of stressful situations. If they never see it until five minutes before they’re toted into the car, your cat will inevitably associate the carrier with that stressful event.
Secondly, having a cat carrier at the ready is an important aspect of emergency preparedness. If you need to evacuate your home suddenly, you should be able to pop your cat in their carrier and go.
Give It a Familiar Scent
As mentioned in the previous tip, familiar scents will help your cat soften toward the new carrier. By placing well-loved blankets, towels, a cat bed, or even your own clothes inside the carrier, you tell your cat “this is yours.”
Use a Pheromone Spray
If all goes well, your cat will eventually mark the carrier with their own facial pheromones. In the meantime, you can use a synthetic pheromone spray to soothe your cat and identify the carrier as a safe place to be.
Relevant Content:
- Best Large Cat Carriers for Travel Reviewed
- Moving Cats to a New Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
- The 10 Best Cat Backpacks for 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats prefer hard or soft carriers?
It’s difficult to say whether cats have a preference for hard versus soft carriers but there are a few factors to consider. Many cats find travel stressful which means they may be prone to clawing or chewing – a hard-sided carrier may stand up to this treatment better. That being said, soft carriers are better for plane travel, so it really depends on the situation.
What is the best size carrier for a cat?
When shopping for cat carriers, look for one that is about 1 ½ times larger than your cat. Your cat should be able to lie down and comfortably turn around in the carrier, but it shouldn’t be so large that he slides around during travel.
How do I get my cat in the carrier?
Acclimating your cat to the carrier can help make your life easier when it’s time to put him in. When it’s time to put your cat in the carrier, place it upright with the open door facing the ceiling and place your cat in then close the door and gently lower it into the proper horizontal position.
Fyi the PetLuv Cartier has a lot of sharp metal edges on the inside. Seems kinda dangerous for cats if the Struggle to get out. Which my cat is prone to doing.
Billie, that’s concerning. Thank you for letting us know!
Hi!
Thanks for all the amazing research and content you put out! I really appreciate it!
I am looking for a carrier for my cats but the ones you have mentioned are either not available where I am, or are too expensive. Would I be able to email you some questions and examples?
I really value your opinion and would love your insights
Hi Kayleigh, you might want to post about this in our forum—we recently created a thread specifically for these types of questions! https://cats.com/community/product-recommendations/gadgets-gear-and-accessories-recommendations#post-115
Hope this helps!