7 Best Cat Carriers for Ultimate Feline Comfort and Safety

It’s true that getting a skittish cat into a carrier can be a challenge for pet owners. The instinct to hide or resist can make the process stressful for both the cat and the owner. However, having a sturdy and secure cat carrier is crucial to safely transport your cat and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

At the Pet Lab, we understand the importance of a reliable cat carrier, and we have tested and evaluated various options to ensure they meet the requirements of both durability and ease of use. Our testing includes assessing the carrier’s ability to withstand the weight of a cat without causing damage to the straps or structure. We also involve consumer testers who have pet cats to evaluate the carriers in real-life scenarios to ensure they hold up well.

Additionally, we consider the dimensions and flexibility of each carrier to determine their suitability for travel, such as whether they can fit in an airplane cabin and under the seat in front of you. This ensures that you can find a carrier that suits your specific needs, whether you’re taking your cat on car trips, plane rides, or visits to the vet.

Our top picks:

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In our guide, you’ll find more information about our testing process, as well as helpful tips for choosing the right cat carrier and using it successfully. We believe that with the right carrier and approach, you can minimize stress and make the process of getting your cat into a carrier more manageable and comfortable for both of you.

Top 7 Cat Carriers Tested and Approved

Best Value Cat Carrier – Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

This affordable cat carrier is highly popular among customers on Amazon. It is equipped with mesh panels on all four sides and has zippered openings on the top and front. The back side of the carrier is solid and includes a zippered pocket for storing treats and other essentials.

One of the advantages is that the carrier comes with two inserts. The first insert is hard, smooth, and easy to clean, providing a stable “floor” inside the bag. The second insert features a zip-off cover that can be washed, providing added comfort. According to several reviewers, when their cats had accidents inside the carrier, they were able to wash the inserts and even put the entire carrier in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Afterward, they let the carrier air-dry, and the unpleasant odor was completely eliminated.

Many reviewers specifically use this carrier for transporting their cats to and from the vet, although it is also suitable for fitting under the seats in many airplane cabins. However, it’s worth noting a couple of things. Firstly, the dimensions of the medium-sized carrier are smaller than what is listed on Amazon. Secondly, the buckle that connects the shoulder strap to the bag, as well as the loop it attaches to, are made of plastic. While this helps keep the cost down, it may result in less durability over time. However, if you only make occasional trips to the vet, this should not be a significant concern. Additionally, the carrier lacks feet on the bottom, meaning it rests directly on the floor, which can cause the fabric to wear down with frequent use.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Over 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon
• Multiple entrances on the top and side

Cons:

• Long-term durability of the plastic shoulder-strap hardware may be a concern

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Best Cat Carrier For Large Cats – Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

The medium-sized carrier offers a spacious interior, even accommodating large cats, while still being approved for airline travel. It provides firm yet flexible sides, two entrances, and a comfortable fuzzy sherpa mat. You can carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap, which attaches with sturdy metal buckles. Loading a cat into the carrier is easy, as both the side and the top can be unzipped wide open, allowing you to choose the preferred access point. During our testing, we found that our largest cat, Helen, had the most success entering through the side. Each opening is equipped with two zippers, providing flexibility in closing the carrier quickly.

The polyester fabric used is thick and lined, maintaining its shape thanks to a springy wire frame. This allows for some flexibility when fitting it under an airline seat. With a little effort, the carrier can be folded down almost flat for convenient storage. We appreciate the substantial feet on the bottom of the carrier, as they keep the bag elevated off the floor, preventing wear and tear.

Three sides of the carrier are made of mesh, providing ample ventilation, while the top and one end are solid. The solid end features a deep zippered pocket where you can store your cat’s veterinary records and other important documents. Inside, the sherpa-fabric mat securely attaches to the bottom of the carrier using hook-and-loop strips, ensuring it stays in place.

Pros:

• Versatile loading options through the top or side
• Ample mesh ventilation for proper airflow
• Foldable design for convenient storage

Cons:

• The carrier does not have specific features to secure it in the backseat

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Best Hard-Sided Cat Carrier – Petmate Two-Door Cat Kennel

Hard-sided carriers may not be particularly visually appealing or flexible, but they offer safety and protection when transporting your cat, especially if you have a lot of luggage in the car. The sturdy construction ensures that your cat is shielded from any impact caused by items knocking against the carrier. Additionally, hard-sided carriers are easier to clean in case of accidents, as they can be washed or hosed down.

While the carrier is depicted online as fitting nicely under an airplane seat, it’s worth noting that the smallest carrier in this line measures 10 inches high, whereas some under-seat compartments have a height restriction of only 8 inches. Therefore, depending on your flight, it may not fit. We believe that this hard-sided carrier is better suited for car travel.

During our testing, we evaluated the 24-inch large size, which provides ample space for a big cat. Although the manufacturer states that the large model can accommodate animals up to 15 pounds, we found that it could comfortably carry up to 20 pounds, especially if you support the carrier with one hand from underneath and use the other hand to hold the top handle. Online reviewers with large cat breeds, including Maine Coons, have also reported success with this carrier.

Unlike the other carriers discussed in this article, which are ready to use out of the box, this hard-sided carrier requires approximately 8 minutes of assembly. You need to install the metal door and use the provided screws and washers to secure the top and bottom together.

Pros:

• Spacious and sturdy design
• Wide load-in doors at the top and side
• No zippers for easy access
• Suitable for large cat breeds

Cons:

• Requires assembly
• Only one carry handle

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Best Luxe Cat Carrier – Sleepypod Medium Mobile Pet Bed

This carrier doubles as a plush bed for your cat at home and easily converts into a travel carrier by zipping on the domed top. Among the carriers we tested, it stood out as the most well-made option, featuring durable hardware, foam padding, a washable soft lining, and a sturdy mesh top. Its design resembles a lovely hatbox, and during our testing, one of our cats, Helen, readily hopped inside and seemed to enjoy curling up in its round shape. To prepare it for travel, we partially zipped the top and left it propped open, allowing us to close it down and zip it the rest of the way once Helen was comfortably inside. However, we found the zippered opening on the domed top a bit narrow when trying to fit a resistant cat through.

We evaluated the medium-sized carrier, which unfortunately does not fit under an airplane seat. However, the mini size is suitable for pets weighing up to 7 pounds. Make sure to keep the directions that come with your Sleepypod carrier, as they provide instructions on how to secure it in a car using the seatbelt. It is specifically designed for car travel and has undergone crash-testing.

One of our favorite features of the Sleepypod carrier is the level of privacy it offers. The domed top is made of mesh, while the sides are solid, allowing a scared cat to nestle inside and be sheltered from the outside world. Nevertheless, you can easily peer through the mesh top to ensure your cat is comfortable and secure.

Pros:

• Crash-tested and suitable for car use
• Super soft lining inside
• Provides lots of privacy for a skittish cat

Cons:

• Our most expensive pick

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The Taylor Swift Cat Backpack – Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack

This faux-leather backpack cat carrier with a bubble window gained popularity after Taylor Swift was seen using it to transport her Scottish Fold cats. Many cat owners, including my college-age child, were excited about the possibility of using it to transport their young cat to and from campus during school breaks. While the carrier is tall, it is not particularly wide. We encountered difficulty loading a large, hefty cat into the carrier, as well as a feisty cat who managed to resist going inside by spreading its legs. However, we had success using it with a slender, older tomcat named Buddy. The carrier remained stable on our tester’s back, and Buddy seemed to enjoy peering out of the window.

The carrier exudes a luxurious feel and features quality hardware, secure and adjustable backpack straps, and a top tote handle. It offers the option to swap out the bubble window for a flat mesh window, which could make it easier to slide under an airplane seat. One minor disappointment is that the sherpa-fabric pad inside is not secured and tends to slide around. However, we appreciate the open ventilation holes, which allow the cat to breathe comfortably and also enable you to reassure your kitty or slip it a treat by poking your finger through.

Pros:

• Hands-free way to carry your cat
• Luxurious faux-leather fabric
• Option to swap out the bubble window for a flat mesh
• Great for city dwellers who walk to the vet

Cons:

• Large cats may not fit comfortably
• Feisty cats may resist entering the carrier

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Best Cat Carrier With Wheels – Gen7Pets Roller Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack

If you have a long walk to the vet or a chonky cat, this cat carrier on wheels is a practical choice. It can be easily pulled behind you using the telescoping handle or worn as a backpack. During our tests, we found that rolling the carrier was much easier than wearing it, especially since the bag itself weighs 8 pounds. When a 12-pound cat was placed inside, the total weight reached 20 pounds, making the rolling option more appealing. However, if you have a lightweight cat or kitten, using it as a backpack would work just fine.

When you set the carrier down with the handle against the floor, you can open the top hatch to create a cozy pet bed. One of our tester cats, Azula, immediately climbed inside and seemed convinced that it was a sanctuary. This makes the carrier ideal for a scared cat.

We also tested the carrier with a hefty male calico cat named Harry and appreciated how easy it was to get him through the large side opening. The carrier is spacious and made a 30-mile car trip comfortable for Harry.

To assess its durability, we rolled the carrier through the New York City subway system, up steps, down escalators, and along the sidewalks of Brooklyn. It held up beautifully, and the 360-degree spinning wheels allowed for easy maneuvering and direction changes. For those of us with fat cats (apologies, Harry), this carrier can comfortably accommodate pets weighing up to 20 pounds.

Pros:

• Convenient way to pull your cat behind you
• Four possible doors provide flexibility
• Can be converted to a backpack
• Perfect for transporting heavy cats

Cons:

• The carrier itself is relatively heavy at 8 pounds
• The large size may require some storage space

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Best Backpack Cat Carrier – Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Backpack Pet Carrier

With a deluxe backpack, you can easily carry your cat on your back while taking them on mass transit or walking to the vet. This allows your hands to remain free, and your cat won’t swing back and forth as they might in a kennel or bag held in your hands. The backpack keeps your cat elevated, giving them a view of dogs and other creatures down below.

While the top and front doors are too small for loading a full-grown cat, they could be suitable for a kitten. It’s better to use the wide side doors for larger cats. The backpack features a plush lining not only along the floor but also along the back, ensuring a soft and cozy experience for your cat.

The backpack includes a cupholder, two small pockets on one end, and a zippered pocket and identification tag on the other. There is also a strap on the back that can be used to secure the bag to a luggage handle, allowing it to ride on top of your suitcase. The black buckles on the front can be used to secure the bag to a seatbelt, making it suitable for both car and plane travel.

Pros:

• Can be attached to a luggage handle and secured with a seatbelt
• Faux-fur lined on the bottom and back inside
• Well-padded straps for comfort
• Brand supports animal shelters

Cons:

• The zippers can sometimes catch a bit
• Recommended for pets up to 10 lbs only

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Read Also:Top 6 Outdoor Cat Shelters to Keep Cats Cozy During the Winter Season

What to consider when buying a cat carrier

When adopting a new cat or kitten, it’s important to also invest in a cat carrier for safe transportation, especially for vet visits or when traveling. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when buying a cat carrier:

1. Will your cat be in a crowded car? If your cat will be surrounded by luggage or items that may shift in your vehicle, a hard-sided carrier can help prevent injury. Additionally, if your cat is prone to nervous peeing, a hard-sided carrier is easier to clean.
2. Will your cat be on a plane? Different airlines and planes have varying under-seat storage dimensions. Officially, the space should fit anything 18″ x 14″ x 8″ or smaller. For airplane travel, it’s recommended to use a soft carrier with a wire frame that can be slightly bent to fit if needed. The totes or backpacks mentioned in this article should be suitable for cabin travel, although flight testing was not conducted.
3. Do you carry your cat around town? If you frequently transport your cat on public transportation, via bike, or have a walk to the vet, backpack-style carriers or those on wheels are convenient options for city dwellers.
4. Do you have a large cat? Cats weighing 12 pounds or less can fit into almost any cat carrier, including backpacks. For larger cats around 15 pounds or more, a large and durable tote-style carrier with a shoulder strap or wheels is recommended. If using a hard-sided carrier, it’s advisable to support it with one hand underneath while carrying it with the other.

Tips for using a cat carrier

Veterinarians recommend several steps to make it easier to get your cat in a carrier and keep them calm:

1. Introduce the carrier early: Place the carrier in an accessible location well in advance. This allows your cat to explore the carrier at their own pace and familiarize themselves with it.
2. Use treats and toys: Entice your cat with their favorite treats or toys inside the carrier. This can serve as a lure and provide comfort during the trip.
3. Use cat-calming scents: Spray a cat-calming scent, such as Feliway Pheromone Spray, on a blanket or towel inside the carrier. This can help create a soothing environment for your cat. Wait for about 20 minutes after spraying before transporting your cat.
4. Consider the carrier tether: Many carriers have a tether inside that can be attached to your cat’s collar. While vets and experts recommend using it, if your cat is skittish, dealing with the tether may be an added challenge.
5. Use a blanket or towel at the vet: Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel at the vet’s office to shield your cat from the view of other animals. This can help reduce their stress, especially if they are uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs or cats.