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Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Traveling with a cat isn’t easy—but the right carrier can make it less daunting. From multiple entrances and breathable materials to safety features like tethers and locking zippers, the best cat carrier can help minimize the stress of getting your cat from point A to point B.
However, with so many options on the market, choosing a cat carrier that meets your needs can be confusing. To that end, we’ve researched and tested some of the top models with our own cats, bringing you these 12 recommendations. This guide will steer you in the right direction and includes carriers that meet various needs, whether you’re going to the vet or embarking on a cross-country adventure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Carriers for 2025
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.
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Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
- Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS)
- Compressible for varied airline size restrictions
- Comes with a privacy shield you can slip in
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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 pounds
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Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
- Secure steel top and front doors make loading and unloading your cat simple
- Easy-to-clean plastic
- Comes in two sizes to accommodate cats up to 20 pounds
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Petsfit Expandable Travel Carrier
- Extended space allows cats to sprawl out and relax
- Roomy and breathable
- Collapses for easy storage
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SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier
- Wide side entry allows for easy access
- Portable and collapsible
- Fits larger cats
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Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier
- A removable “lid” means easy access
- Opens from both the top and front
- Good ventilation
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SturdiBag XL Pet Travel Carrier
- This carrier is huge: the extra large can carry pets up to 40 pounds!
- Smart design and rugged construction help to prevent escapes
- Achieves a good balance of privacy and breathability
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Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
- A lightweight, breezy carrier that won’t weigh you down
- Designed for use on most airliners
- Lockable zipper clasp for security
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Petseek Large Cat Carrier
- Optional privacy flaps
- Multiple entrances
- Collapses for compact storage
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Petsfit Pet Backpack Carrier
- Storage pocket for treats and toys on the go
- Comfortable waist and chest straps keep it secure
- Several colors to choose from
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Lollimeow Pet Rolling Carrier
- Available in gray, black, pink, and green
- Side storage pockets
- Plenty of mesh windows equipped with rollable shades
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Frisco Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag
- Great value
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Super lightweight
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Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Your cat’s safety is at stake, so it’s important to distinguish between a good carrier and an inferior one. Collectively, our team has put dozens of cat carriers through the wringer over the last few years, from slings to backpacks and everything in between. We’ve learned what features to look for, what works, and what doesn’t.
For this roundup, I started with a review of the cat carrier market, researching the different types available and which ones work best for certain situations. I read the Center for Pet Safety’s 2015 carrier study, which evaluated the crashworthiness of different carriers, and I learned about airline safety and in-cabin requirements.
Taking into account a range of cat parent needs and travel requirements, I selected a variety of carriers to test at home with my own two cats. I considered each product’s durability, ventilation, access points, and ease of loading/unloading feline passengers. Additionally, I noted any bonus features like privacy shades, safety tethers, and locking zippers. Finally, I assessed how comfortable each product was to carry, taking note of any sagging or buckling.
*An earlier version of this article was authored by Mallory Crusta, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in pet care. As a lifestyle writer and former chief editor at Cats.com,
Top Picks Explained
While we’ve since updated our recommendations in this article, we still love the carriers and brands Mallory talks about in this video.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right carrier for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by size, travel mode, and other key considerations.
4 Types of Cat Carriers and How To Choose
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.
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 in-cabin plane 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.
Soft Carriers
Compared to hard carriers, soft cat carrier bags are a better choice for cats that 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 vibration and 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.
Although 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 cats. The pack is a refuge in the case of a wildlife or dog encounter, and gives your cat a place to rest their legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of carriers do cats like best?
All cats have different preferences, but generally, cats tend to like carriers that offer privacy and comfort. Look for padding, ample ventilation for airflow, and privacy shades. Choosing the right size is also important. Cats should be able to turn around and lie down comfortably in their carrier.
What kind of carrier is best for long journeys?
That depends on whether you’ll be traveling by car, plane, or foot. For long road trips, a crash-tested and certified carrier is best (Sleepypod is a good option). When it comes to air travel, size is your main concern—the carrier will need to fit under the seat in front of you. Soft carriers are best as they can be compressed to fit. Finally, a backpack works well if you’re hiking or traveling on foot.
Where is the safest place to put a cat carrier in the car?
If the carrier has passed crash tests and is designed to be belted into place, your safest option is in the backseat with a seatbelt. Otherwise, the safest place is on the floor behind the front seat, according to Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety.
What is the easiest cat carrier to get a cat into?
Usually, a top-loading carrier is easiest. If possible, look for carriers with multiple entry points to give you different options.
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https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/test-results/carriers/2015-carrier-study-results/
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!
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!