After traveling many miles by car and by air with a finicky, 14-pound Ragdoll cat, I recommend the SturdiBag Extra Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier as the best Ragdoll cat carrier.
We chose it as our top pick based on its size, comfort, and ability to be secured to a seat belt in a car, and stowed safely under the seat in front of you on airplanes.
My cat was nervous about travel, but we worked through it with the right gear and mentality. And through this, I’ve learned what really works in terms of carriers to advise any Ragdoll owner!
But what’s ideal for my Ragdoll may not be ideal for yours. That’s why I included Ragdoll carriers from multiple categories. At the end is a buyer’s guide.
Durable and comfortable, this is a deluxe carrier that works nicely for both cat and human. The SturdiBag Extra Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier is the choice of professional animal trainers and exhibitors.
The SturdiBag Extra Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier gets major stars from me for its really sturdy seatbelt safety straps. I also like the zipper security clips.
The 600-denier polyester construction makes for an ultra-light feel that keeps its shape.
Another big highlight is a set of retractable privacy flaps that go over the mesh windows on this carrier. It’s great to be able to give your Ragdoll privacy when it feels necessary.
I dig the hybrid feel of this carrier because it has a nice shape while providing height flexibility. Height flexibility is extra great because it allows your Ragdoll to fully stand up in the carrier. We don’t want our cat stuck in one position throughout the flight!
Most other carriers that comply with carry-on requirements do not offer this height. You can even put this carrier under the seat without it collapsing on your Ragdoll. Reviewers also say this is the perfect carrier for their Ragdolls.
This carrier’s dimensions are 20 x 12 x 16 (inches). It weighs 3.2 pounds when empty.
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I don’t know what to say other than to call this a cat hotel suite with handles. The whole look invokes Tumi, maybe even Prada, to me! It just screams premium.
Luxurious and comfortable, this mobile pet bed is great if you’re looking for a Ragdoll carrier that’s going to work beautifully as an in-cabin bag for a flight. It pampers cats with a super plush interior.
The ends of the Sleepypod Air Cabin Pet Carrier fold in to fit underneath the seat in front of you on planes during take off and departure. At cruising altitude, unfold the ends so your Ragdoll can stretch out!
The padded shoulder strap is a nice consideration that was clearly designed for scenarios where you’re walking through long airport terminals.
When you’re driving, know you can seatbelt the carrier to the backseat with the included security straps
And did you know this glamorous carrier is actually crash tested and has a safety certification and a five star rating from the Center for Pet Safety? The higher cost totally has merit here.
The luggage-grade nylon exterior combined with an ultra-plush polyester interior is a winning combo for creating a lightweight, ergo-friendly and modern design.
What surprised me most about this carrier was that it actually folds down into something that you can just tuck into a bag. It compresses down from 22 x 10.5 x 10.5 (inches) to 16 x 10.5 x 8 (inches).
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The One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Carrier Kennel does double duty as the best crate or kennel for long car trips and as the logical pick for multiple cat families.
First, long distance car trips can be draining on your Ragdolls or any cats and it’s imperative their carrier offers enough room to move around, stand up to stretch their legs, and even turn around. Bonus points if it fit’s their travel litter box!
This model is large, airy, and comfortably soft inside to accommodate all that.
In fact, because it’s supposed to take up your entire backseat or third row of seats, I hesitate to call it a car carrier or crate, it’s actually the best portable cat kennel.
Second, if you are traveling with 2 Ragdolls (or any breed) long distance, take advantage of the 2-in-1 feature of this kennel for ultimate cat comfort. You can set it up as:
The set ups really can cater to multiple cat’s personalities. Plus the unit itself is is super sturdy, with seat belt attachments for safety.
Tons of reviewers absolutely loved this carrier, mentioning how well made, high quality, and worth every penny it is!
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I like this one if your intent is to have a very dependable cat carrier for air travel without any fuss.
You might be asking why this is my airline approved pick as opposed to the Sleepypod above? Because the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier is more affordable and practical for the average reader.
My favorite feature of the Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier is its patented wire frame that lets you push down the rear part of the carrier several inches to conform to an airline’s requirements.
The company also worked with major airlines to ensure your carrier would be compliant.
Cats stay secure and safe with help from locking safety zippers and ventilated via mesh windows. You’re also getting a seatbelt/luggage strap attachment and adjustable shoulder strap.
The machine-washable faux lambskin liner is a nice touch. You’ll also appreciate a rear pocket that makes it easy to store extras like treats or documents without the need to unzip everything to grab what you need.
This carrier is crash tested, just like the Sleepypod! Users also report that this carrier worked perfect for the flight and their pet has plenty of room and was comfortable throughout.
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The Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier is a really large carrier at a great price! It can hold pets up to 55 pounds. It uses an inner area with a steel support structure to keep its shape. The use of metal vs plastic is what sets this carrier apart.
When not in use, the steel support is totally collapsible.
The Oxford fabric used on the carrier is a nice touch because it’s both easy to clean and resistant to wear. I also like the very durable nylon mesh used for ventilation.
And getting your Ragdoll in and out of the carrier is simple with top and front entries. If taking your Ragdoll to the vet and they are nervous, the vet can treat kitty directly from the top. So convenient!
On the safety front, you’re getting three locking zippers with an extra interior clip. In a car, remember to secure the carrier with its seat belt loops.
Dimensions are 24 x 16.5 x 16 (inches).
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I really like that this doubles as a travel carrier and hiking backpack.
That makes it a top pick if you’re planning to bring your Ragdoll along on outdoor adventures once you get to your destination.
The PetAmi Pet Carrier Backpack offers firm construction, ample ventilation and sherpa-lined interior bedding to help your Ragdoll avoid the feeling of being tossed around. It actually has a reinforced structure that prevents collapse.
Safety features like a strap and buckle ensure that your Ragdoll can’t sneak away even though you aren’t keeping eye contact. The wearer also gets waist and chest buckles.
The high-grade polyester material is very durable. Dimensions are 12.5 x 10.2 x 16.3 (inches).
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A fan favorite with over 800 five star reviews, the PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier is loved by almost all owners as the perfect carrier for car rides.
Users and their cats compliment the space, plus bedding inside, and plush pillows. A common thing expressed was that once owners set up this carrier, cats were already hanging out inside!
It allows for easy loading with help from four access panels and top opening. Its large mesh windows offer tons of ventilation and portability.
Don’t forget the adjustable seatbelt loops on the PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier while in the car.
For safety, locking zippers and strong seams do wonders for peace of mind! The carrier’s dimensions are 24 x 16 x 16 and weighs 8.8 pounds empty.
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Read Also:8 Best Litter Boxes for Ragdoll Cats
Honestly, your Ragdoll’s well-being is the biggest reason to get a good cat carrier. While you may think the carrier is making your life more convenient, it’s actually a good buffer against stress for your Ragdoll.
That’s why I’ll add the tip that I think you need a really good and dependable cat carrier for Ragdolls even if you don’t necessarily have wanderlust. A carrier can come in very handy when you need to bring your Ragdoll to the vet.
It’s also great to have one just in case you ever need to make an emergency trip out of town that just doesn’t leave you with a chance to find someone to watch your Ragdoll.
While you may think you’ll only ever be driving with your Ragdoll carrier, I do recommend getting a carrier that’s allowed on airlines just in case. It’s much better to buy an airline-approved carrier now than it is to end up paying for two carriers in total.
While every airline has its own rules, there are some general rules that are pretty universal. Here are the general tips to follow:
If you’ll be checking a cat carrier with luggage, you’ll need to worry about using a hard-top kennel with special requirements. I’ve never even considered “checking” Chelle on flights because I don’t want her to deal with separation anxiety.
In my reviews, I’ll just be focusing on Ragdoll cat carrier styles that are meant to stay with you at all times!
As one of the largest and heaviest breeds of domestic cats, Ragdolls really need carriers that can comfortably accommodate their weight.
A flimsy carrier is going to agitate your Ragdoll. If your Ragdoll is anything like my Chelle, she might destroy something that’s weak and poorly constructed. Ask me how I know!
I have a special tip if you’re looking for a Ragdoll cat carrier for a new cat that’s still a kitten. Slow to reach full maturity, a Ragdoll can take three to four years to fully develop.
That means that your Ragdoll may not be anywhere near full size yet. Definitely purchase your Ragdoll carrier based on the full size potential of your Ragdoll instead of its current size potential if it’s on the younger size.
A general rule is to pick a carrier that’s 1.5 times the size of your Ragdoll at full maturity.
For drives, it’s really important to have a cat carrier that uses seatbelt loops to couple your Ragdoll to the seat. This is just common sense because a cat is so much lighter than a person.
The last thing you want is the trauma of your Ragdoll flying forward if you need to brake quickly. I also think that security is a big part of safety for carriers.
Make sure a carrier seals nicely because it’s much easier than you think for a cat with all the time in the world during a long trip to use its paws or nose to edge its way out from behind a zipper door.
The last thing I’ll say on the safety front is that ventilation is so important. A cat carrier is not a duffle bag! Think of it more as a “portable apartment” for your Ragdoll that should have decent-sized windows for breathing.
This last category is really just common sense. When looking at a carrier, ask yourself if it looks like something you’d like to be stuck in during a long car trip or plane ride.
Comfort for a cat usually means a base with good thickness, ventilation that doesn’t leave them feeling exposed and enough room to change positions without feeling constricted.
You should also take human comfort into consideration. Things like bulky shapes and flimsy handles are going to make your life harder.
Trust me when I say I took all of these categories into consideration during my search for the absolute best cat carrier for Ragdoll out there.
Loyal and affectionate, Ragdoll cats make excellent lap cats. Many enjoy being held and carried around due to the outgoing nature of the breed.
Of course, personality varies by cat. It’s always important to respect your Ragdoll’s temperament. The best way to train your Ragdoll to be cuddly is to cuddle it often starting in kittenhood. For older cats, approaching a cat gently is important.
Your Ragdoll’s size or coat pattern may have you wondering if it could be part Ragdoll. Some signs that your Ragdoll is part Ragdoll include a rectangular body, shaggy fur, and a longer mane around the neck.
A very long tail that maintains rich fur coverage is another sign that your Ragdoll might be part Ragdoll. The fact that Ragdoll cats come in so many colors can make it very difficult to confirm that your Ragdoll is part Ragdoll.
Like all cats, Ragdolls can enjoy some outside time. However, the high desirability level of this breed means that it can be a target for theft when left to wander in a yard or neighborhood.
Like all cats, Ragdolls are susceptible to wildlife attacks, dog attacks and hostile weather conditions. Many Ragdoll owners use cat leashes or cat backpacks to enjoy some outside time with their pets safely.