Last updated Dec 28, 2024
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Cat strollers are great for travel, enrichment, and protection during leashed walks. They tend to come with spacious carriers that open from the top, which makes getting your cat inside easy and allows your cat to see the world around them more than the typical cat carrier. Wheels make traveling by foot with your cat easier, so that you don’t have to strain your back or shoulders.
Strollers can protect active cats during their leashed walks by giving them a safe space to retreat if an off-leash dog runs up to them, for instance. Cat strollers can also allow senior or disabled cats that can no longer go for long walks to still enjoy the outdoors.
In this article, we’ll discuss the five best cat strollers for every situation, whether you want a lightweight option, a stroller for off-trail use, or even a double stroller that holds two or more cats.
At a Glance: Best Cat Strollers To Buy
PetGear View 360
- No zip—opens with the press of a button
- 360-degree view for cats
- Works better off trail than others in its price range
Frisco Collapsible Stroller
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Comes mostly assembled
HPZ Pet Rover
- Made for off-trail adventures
- Large, detachable carrier
- Durable materials
Pet Gear Happy Trails Light
- Lightweight
- Quick and easy assembly
- Rides smoothly on flat surfaces
Giantex Double Pet Stroller
- Fits two or more cats
- Comes with two detachable carriers
- Glides smoothly on sidewalk
Why Purchase a Cat Stroller?
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
A cat stroller certainly isn’t an everyday purchase, but it’s a must-have for some cat parents. There are two reasons you might want a cat stroller: for practical reasons or for fun.
If you walk to the veterinarian’s office on foot, a stroller may make the trip easier than a traditional cat carrier, which can be heavy.
Most people who buy cat strollers do so for fun and to provide enrichment for their cats. They might take their cat for walks in the stroller or keep the stroller with them as an added safety measure in case they’re approached by loose dogs during their trip.
However, a stroller isn’t for every cat. Many cats associate carriers with the vet, which can make it challenging for them to enjoy a stroller. Other cats fear the outdoors. Some cats might have the opposite problem, which is that they’re used to going outside for walks and don’t want to sit still inside a carrier.
A Word of Caution
Never leave your cat unattended in a cat stroller and watch them carefully when the carrier is open. In my experience, the safety straps that attach to their harness won’t be enough to hold them inside since cats are so flexible and agile. Cats can easily squirm over the sides of a carrier even when the safety strap is shortened. This might leave them hanging off the ground, which can cause injury or escape.
Why Trust Cats.com
Strollers in this article were chosen after talking to various other cat parents and carefully reading product reviews on dozens of products. I also used my own knowledge that I’ve gained through lifelong cat ownership.
I attempted to choose strollers that would fit a variety of situations. Every cat and person is unique and wants different things from a stroller, and this list aims to provide options for everyone.
The 5 Best Cat Strollers
Our rankings are determined by several factors. Each cat has different needs and preferences, so while the PetGear View 360 is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right stroller for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the best budget option, the best stroller for off-trail use, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: PetGear View 360
The PetGear View 360 was my favorite of all the cat strollers I tested. This mid-range stroller is affordable, provides a great view for your cat, and glides over cement, taking turns easily. It even works decently well on grass and dirt, though it makes for a slightly bumpy ride. With a 45-pound capacity, this stroller can hold even the largest cats. Two safety straps in the carrier mean that two cats can ride in it at once, as well.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
One of my favorite things about this stroller is the detachable, no-zip carrier. The carriage cover snaps open with the press of a button, which is convenient and works well for people with wrist issues. Although I was worried that this design might leave openings for a cat to escape, this was not an issue—the metal frame is very sturdy and the carriage closes tightly.
One thing I didn’t like about this stroller was the cupholder. It’s positioned low on the side of the stroller and spins easily. If something knocks into it, or if a dog walking with you pushes it with their nose, your drink will spill.
What We Liked
- No-zip, detachable carrier
- 360-degree view for your cat to observe from every angle
- Works decently off-trail, for its size and price range
What We Didn’t Like
- Cupholder spins upside down if bumped
#2 Best Budget: Frisco Collapsible Stroller
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible on a simple, lightweight stroller, the Frisco Collapsible stroller is your best option. Weighing just 11 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers on our list. It’s easy to lift, great for travel, and pushing your cat inside is a breeze. It comes mostly assembled in the box and is very easy to put together. It also folds and unfolds without fuss.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
That said, the Frisco stroller does have some downsides. The carrier is a bit flimsy and lightweight, so it moves around more when in use compared to other strollers. My cats seemed unsteady inside the carrier while the stroller was rolling because the carrier itself would move around. It also has just one safety strap, meaning you cannot use it for two cats at once.
Another flaw in the design is that the zipper doesn’t attach fully to the carrier, leaving small gaps on each side. Small to average sized cats could escape the carrier through this hole, so it’s extra important to make sure they’re buckled in and to supervise them well.
What We Liked
- Inexpensive
- Comes mostly assembled
- Lightweight
What We Didn’t Like
- Flimsy carrier
- Cats stumbled when the stroller was moving
- Small gaps in carrier allow cats to escape
#3 Best for Off-Trail Adventures: HPZ Pet Rover
If you want to take your cat off the beaten path, the HPZ Pet Rover is a great choice. Although it’s more expensive than the others on this list, its large wheels and ability to traverse tough terrain make it worthwhile for adventurers.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
This stroller comes equipped with a detachable carrier, a bottom storage tray, and a water-resistant canopy. The design is mostly well thought out and the materials are durable.
However, the bottom of the carrier is made of wood, and a sticker warns that it shouldn’t get wet. In my opinion, especially due to the price, this should be covered in something waterproof to avoid the issue. If you get caught in the rain or your cat has an accident in the carrier, the thin pad provided is unlikely to protect the wood.
Another gripe I had with this stroller was that it was the most difficult to put together. I especially had difficulty getting the metal framing for the carrier into place. The instructions for the bottom storage seemed to be for an outdated model, so they didn’t match the stroller I received. However, I do like that there was a number provided that you can call if you have too much trouble with assembly.
I also like that the weight limit on this one is 50 pounds, so it can hold any cat or even two large cats at once.
What We Liked
- Large wheels for off-trail walks
- Large, detachable carrier
- Made of durable, long-lasting materials
What We Didn’t Like
- Not enough water protection for wooden carrier bottom
- Difficult assembly
#4 Best Lightweight: Pet Gear Happy Trails Light
The Pet Gear Happy Trails Light is a good option for people who want a simple, lightweight stroller. It weighs 11.5 pounds and holds cats that weigh up to 25 pounds. It was fast to assemble and folds down easily. It doesn’t do well off-trail, but it glides smoothly on sidewalks and takes turns easily.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The carrier is a good size and has no-zip. However, I didn’t like the clasp on this one as it isn’t very secure. A cat scratching at the carrier could easily dislodge it, so it’s extra important to never leave your cat unattended in the stroller. As we discussed above, safety straps on cat strollers don’t always work to keep a stubborn cat inside the carrier.
Another small problem is the fact that this stroller comes with only one safety strap, so you can’t put two cats inside of it at once as you can with most of the others on this list. The carrier also does not detach from the stroller itself, so it cannot be used separately.
What We Liked
- Weighs just 11.5 pounds
- Rolls well on sidewalks and smooth paths
- Quick assembly and easy storage
What We Didn’t Like
- Carrier latch isn’t secure or cat-proof
- Only one safety strap
- Not for cats more than 25 pounds
#5 Best Double Stroller: Giantex Double Pet Stroller
If you’re looking for a double cat stroller, the Giantex is a good option. It comes with two detachable carriers that stack on the frame to keep the stroller as compact as possible. This stroller uses traditional-style soft carriers with large openings in the front and back, rather than the top-opening canopy style.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
It’s not as easy to let your cat peek out of the carriers, but they’re very practical if you’re looking to tote your cats to a vet trip or for other travel. They’d also work well for transporting your cats someplace like a park before allowing them out to walk on leash.
The stroller rolls smoothly on sidewalks but is bumpy on grass. It’s easy to assemble and fold. Each carrier has two straps to buckle into your cats’ harnesses, but with a weight limit of 17 pounds, it’s unlikely you can fit two cats into a single carrier unless they’re kittens.
What We Liked
- Two detachable carriers
- Great for travel
- Carriers are large and secure
What We Didn’t Like
- Not for cats more than 17 pounds
- No top openings on carriers
How to Choose the Best Cat Stroller
Features to look for in a cat stroller include the following:
Carrier Types
Most cat strollers come equipped with a detachable, canopy-style cat carrier that opens from the top. This allows your cat to poke their head out and see the world around them. Some come with more traditional-style mesh carriers, and some carriers don’t detach from the stroller. Metal frames can make these carriers difficult to put together, but their durability is usually worth it in the end compared to less sturdy materials.
Cat Size
Most strollers have a fairly hefty weight limit, especially for a single cat. However, always check prior to purchase. The lowest on our list is 17 pounds, which would hold most cats, but not one that is very large. Measure your cat’s length and height as well to ensure that they’ll have space to stand and turn around inside of the carrier.
Stroller Weight
Most strollers are easy to push, but some of the heavier ones may be awkward to get into your car or fold away for storage purposes. If you need a stroller below a certain weight limit, don’t forget to check the listing before purchasing.
Durability
Look for strollers made from durable materials that will last long-term. The ability to clean the carrier is a major plus, as any pet product is bound to get messy sooner or later, especially one that goes outdoors!
Off-Trail Functionality
Many cat strollers are made for use on sidewalks and other smooth trails. They might not do well in grass or bumpy terrain. If you’re looking to take your cat off the beaten path, be sure to purchase a stroller equipped for the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats like being walked in a stroller?
Most cats won’t enjoy a stroller if they’re put inside without warning, but they can learn to enjoy the experience if you take training more slowly. Some cats really enjoy being outside, smelling the fresh air, and sightseeing.
There are cats that won’t like a stroller at all. Consider if your cat will be able to sit still long enough to enjoy a stroller, or if they’d rather try going for walks on a harness. Also think about whether or not you want to put the time into stroller training.
How do I get my cat used to a cat stroller?
First, you’ll want to harness-train your cat. Once that’s complete, start getting them used to the stroller’s carrier. You can leave detachable carriers open and place a worn t-shirt, blanket, or cat bed inside to encourage use. Treats are another great way to get your cat into the carrier.
If the carrier doesn’t detach, you can leave the stroller unfolded and lock the wheels so it won’t roll.
Once your cat is used to the carrier, add in other steps, such as movement (picking the carrier up or rolling the stroller a short distance), buckling your cat’s harness into the carrier, or closing the carrier for short periods. Once your cat is used to all of this, proceed to short trips outside before increasing the time spent outdoors.
Remember that stroller training is a process involving small baby steps that can take weeks, months, or even longer to complete. If your cat seems uncomfortable, stop and try again another time or take a step back in the process.
What is the point of a cat stroller?
Some people buy cat strollers to transport their cats from place to place, especially if they live in a walkable city and don’t have a car. Others use cat strollers as an enrichment tool. It’s kind of like bird watching from an open window, only your cat gets to experience even more of the outdoors in a safe way, as opposed to free-roaming outdoors, which comes with many risks.
Is a cat stroller worth it?
Whether or not a cat stroller is worth it depends on yours and your cat’s lifestyle and personalities. Some people and cats enjoy taking strolls together. Others prefer staying indoors, and some are more active and prefer walking on leash or going on hikes. Strollers can also provide an added safety measure for the latter activities so that your cat has someplace to retreat to if they’re afraid.
I purchased Ibiyaya Double Decker Pet Bus this past year. Just to bring my two for their yearly checkup. I’d be interested in seeing how it stacks up against other multi pet strollers.
Hi Joan! I haven’t tried that one myself but I’ve looked into it (I have three cats I bring to the vet at the same time… yikes!). I’ll see if we can get an update of this article in the works to include some newer products.
Thank you Kate
What is the one in the photo at the top of the article. I want that one so my cat can look up and see me.
Hi Amanda, we don’t know where you can buy the stroller shown in the featured image, but this one has a similar mesh panel at the top: https://amz.run/5use
can you do an updated list
Yes!
I bought the paws and Pals look alike. It’s called Pahud but it looked exactly the same. Anyway I was not happy with it and I had to sell it. There were small holes where the cat could squeeze out by the canopy they did have Velcro straps but it did nothing. It still allowed my cat to jump out even when she was wearing her harness and strapped inside. The wheels were not that great either. I’m looking for a stroller that I can just put my cat in and not have to worry that she will get out. Just like Her carrier I never have to worry if it’s all zipped up she doesn’t know how to get out that way. What would you suggest I’m not looking to spend too much but I definitely need the safety feature. She doesn’t like being on a harness so I would prefer just having her sit in her carriage without worrying at all of her escaping especially since I live downtown. Any suggestions please
Hi Lana, thanks for the great comment. This article is in need of an update, and I currently don’t have any better recommendations than those shown here. Check back soon for the next round of updates.