1. PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier Premium Soft Sided
Key Features
Premium soft pet carrier
Suitable for cats weighing up to 45 pounds
Spacious interior is four times the size of a conventional hard carrier
Soft but supportive pillow keeps cats comfortable
Mesh side panels facilitate airflow and visibility
Features an adjustable padded carrying strap
Secure, lockable zippers
Seat-belt loops for easy car installation
Four access panels for easy loading and unloading
PetLuv have nabbed the first spot on our list with their premium soft cat carrier. Their product offers the optimum combination of durability and comfort, allowing your pet to travel in luxury. The spacious interior is accommodating enough for pets weighing up to 45 pounds, so you can rest assured it’s suitable for felines of all sizes. In fact, PetLuv say their unique design provides pets with four times the space of conventional carriers.
On the bottom of the carrier, a soft but supportive pillow gives cats a comfy spot to relax on the go, while mesh panels make for great airflow and visibility. It’s easy to handle too, thanks to an adjustable carry strap with padded handle, secure, lockable zippers, and seat-belt loops to keep the carrier safely in place in the car. The cat travel bag also includes four access panels, so you can pop kitty in and out from any angle for your convenience.
2. Necoichi Portable Ultra Light Cat Carrier
Key Features
Fabric cat carrier suitable for pets weighing up to 17 pounds
Excellent value for money
Collapsible for easy storage
Made from lightweight but sturdy polyester
Easy to clean
Mesh panels allow great visibility and ventilation
Features a soft carr handle
Lockable zip for optimum security
The next cat carrier bag to earn itself a spot on our list is Necoichi’s practical and budget-friendly offering. Their collapsible carrier folds down for convenient storage, and features a lightweight made from sturdy but soft polyester.
This fabric is easy to clean, too, and features mesh panels allowing your cat to peek out, and be properly ventilated. The soft but durable carry handle makes transportation comfortable for you, while the carrier’s spacious design makes it comfortable for kitty. It also features a lockable zip for maximum security. Necoichi’s design is suitable for felines weighing up to 17 pounds.
3. Pawfect Pets Airline Approved Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Key Features
AIrline approved pet carrier
Perfect size for tucking under seats
Available in four stylish colors
Made from soft but durable fabric, resistant to pets’ claws and teeth
Includes a soft fleece lining for comfort
Easy carry handle
Mesh panels for ventilation and visibility
Three doors allow pets to be loaded from left, right, and the top
Features a zipper pocket for storage
Can be clipped to car seatbelts
If you need to fly with your feline friend, this airline approved pet carrier could be the perfect solution. Pawfect Pets’ handy carrier is cabin sized, allowing it to be tucked under the majority of airline seats. It’s stylish, too, available in four attractive colors that you and your pet will love.
The carrier is made from soft but tough fabric, resistant to claws and teeth to keep cats exactly where they should be. It includes a soft fleece lining your pet can settle down on for the duration of their trip, and mesh panels for improved ventilation and visibility. It has three doors, allowing pets to be loaded from left, right, or top, and a zipper pocket that’s perfect for storing essentials. The bag is great for cars as well as planes, too, thanks to its two seatbelt buckles. Customers say they carrier is well-made and stylish.
4. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier
Key Features
Mesh pet carrier available in three different sizes
Great visibility and ventilation
Wide strap and carry handle for easy transportation
Machine washable
Includes a bottom panel for rigidity and a fleece lining for softness and comfort
Cabin sized for travel on most airlines
Amazon’s handy cat and kitten carrier is available in three different sizes, making it ideal no matter the size of your pet. It’s made from lightweight and durable mesh fabric, so pets can see out on the go, and enjoy a gentle breeze. The carrier also features a wide strap and carry handle, making it comfortable to carry, even over long distances.
It’s also machine washable for your convenience, and features a fleece lining so your cat can sit comfortably and settle in for the ride. Beneath, a removable solid base makes the carrier rigid when the need arises. As well as this, the carrier is cabin sized, and approved for travel on most airlines. Pets weighing up to 16 pounds can find a comfy travel spot with this simple but effective mesh carrier.
5. Paws & Pals Airline Approved Cat Carrier
Key Features
Attractive fabric carrier available in 11 bright colors
Features a removable fleece bed
Padded shoulder straps make for comfortable carrying
Includes a removable ID tag
Breathable mesh panels allow excellent ventilation
Allows good visibility for pets
Features handy side pouches for storing essentials
Can be easily attached to car seats with handy straps
Paws and Pals are a familiar name on our lists – and for good reason! Their products are excellent quality, and this large cat carrier is no exception. The attractive fabric carrier is available in 11 bright colors, so you and your feline friend can travel in style wherever you roam.
It also features a removable fleece bed, padded shoulder straps, and a removable ID tag, keeping your pet comfy, secure, and safe. The breathable fabric makes for excellent airflow, while its machine washable design allows convenient cleaning. On its side, handy zipper pouches allow you to store your cat’s travel essentials, and treats. Owners report that the sturdy design keeps pets safe, and is easy on your shoulders. Handy straps on the side of the carrier mean you can attach it to your car’s seats with ease.
6. Pet Magasin Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Key Features
Soft fabric pet carrier
Approved as cabin sized for most airlines
Available in 4 vibrant colors
Features piping along its edges for secure rigidity
Padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying
Folds flat for convenient storage
Mesh fabric makes for great ventilation and visibility
Folds down for convenient storage
Waterproof and wipe-clean
The next cat carrier to make it onto our list is Pet Magasin’s Luxury soft-sided option. The airline approved case is the perfect size for tucking underneath plane seats for safe and secure travel, wherever you’re heading. It’s available in four vibrant colors, so you’re sure to find something eye-catching that you and your pet love.
It also features sturdy piping along its edges, providing a secure spot for pets to relax throughout the journey. The luxury fabric is is lightweight and durable, so the carrier is sure to last and last. Meanwhile, a padded shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry, and mesh panels for visibility and ventilation. It also folds down flat for convenient storage, and can be easily wiped down thanks to its waterproof fabric. Many users say their cats love this carrier so much that they even seek it out again when they’re safely home.
7. Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Cat Carrier
Key Features
Fabric pet carrier available in 3 sizes and 7 colors
Approved for travel by many airlines
Patented spring wire frame allows you to squeeze the carrier into snug spaces
Mesh ventilation panels allow airflow and visibility for your cat
Lockable zippers keep pets secure
Seat belt compatible straps for easy car travel
Features a read pouch for storing pet essentials
Unzips at the top and side
Available in three different sizes and seven subtle color-schemes, Sherpa’s pet carrier purse is the perfect solution whether you’re travelling by road, air, or water! The bag’s unique spring wire frame allows it to be squeezed into most small spaces – including under airline seats.
It also features mesh vents for optimum airflow, ensuring your feline friend doesn’t get too stuffy. Lockable zippers allow you to secure your pet in place, while a padded strap makes for comfortable and convenient carrying. The carrier also has a seatbelt-compatible strap, allowing you to secure it to your car seats with ease. Each case comes with its own faux lambskin liner, so your cat can relax in comfort throughout their journey, and a rear pouch for storing pet travel essentials. Finally, the case unzips at both the top and front, allowing you to access your pet from any angle.
8. SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier
Key Features
Plastic cat carrier available in two sizes
Foldable design collapses down for convenient storage
Constructed from sturdy, durable plastic
Easy to wipe clean and maintain
Large opening is ideal for cats
Solid clasps hold the door firmly shut
Features a comfort grip handle for easy carrying
Great ventilation helps keep cats comfortable on the go
The first plastic option to earn itself a spot on our list is this small pet carrier by SportPet. Available in two sizes, its foldable design collapses down, making it a great space saver when not in use. The carrier is made from sturdy, durable plastic, which is easy to wipe clean and maintain.
The large opening is perfect for cats to climb in and out of without fuss, and strong, solid clasps hold the door in place once closed. The comfort grip handle makes holding on almost effortless, and SportPet have included a soft but supportive fleece bed with each of their carriers. This bed can be easily washed by simply popping it in the washing machine, while vents in the side of the case help to keep it fresh. Owners say that cats love it: the carrier offers a comfortable and secure space for them to chill out for the duration of their journey.
9. Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Cat Carrier
Key Features
Unique backpack carrier distributes weight to save your shoulders
Allows cats to ride higher than in conventional carriers for a great view
Transparent plastic dome allows kitties to peek out
Features adjustable padded shoulder straps
Built-in security leash keeps pets in place
Features both top and side openings
Available in 6 different colors
Texsens’ unique cat carrier backpack is comfortable to carry and gives your feline friend the best possible view on the move. Kitties will love riding up higher than conventional carriers allow, and thanks to the transparent plastic dome mounted into the pack, they’ll have an excellent view wherever you roam.
The adjustable padded shoulder straps allow you to carry the bag in comfort, while mesh ventilation panels, along with a removable layer of padding, allow your pet to travel in comfort too. A built-in security leash keeps cats in place should the bag become unzipped, while top and side openings make it easy to manoeuvre pets in and out of the carrier from any angle. It’s available in six different colors, too, so you’re sure to find something to your unique taste.
10. Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cat Carrier Cage
Key Features
Versatile fabric cat cage
Spacious; ideal for multiple cats
Folds flat for convenient storage but pops up in seconds
Made from durable fabric and durable mesh
Gives cats their own private space both at home and on the go
Wipe-clean
Necoichi have earned themselves a second spot on out list with their versatile cat cage; the last option on today’s list. If you have more than one cat and want them to travel together, this could be the perfect solution for you.
The spacious carrier takes up minimal space in storage, but pops up in seconds to give cats a safe and comfortable spot during transit. Made from soft but durable mesh panels, the carrier offers cats the optimum balance between visibility and privacy, and they’ll enjoy it as their own special space in the home as well as on the go. It’s the perfect size to lay across the back seats of your car, and is easy to wipe clean should it become dirty.
Best Cat Carrier Buying Guide
These 10 carriers are the best the petcare market has to offer, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect solution for your feline among these diverse options.
With so many carriers to choose from, finding the best one for your needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this handy buying guide! We’ve also compiled some useful advice about how to travel with your cat as safely and comfortably as possible.
What to Look for in a Cat Carrier?
When you’re choosing a cat carrier, there’s plenty to think about - below are some key features to look out for in a quality carrier, and some factors to consider that might influence your decision.
- Size
It might sound obvious, but the best place to start when choosing your carrier is to make sure it’s big enough for your kitty! We’ll discuss this in more detail below, including how to properly measure your cat for a carrier.
- Material
The next consideration to bear in mind when selecting a cat carrier is what material it’s made from - you’ll usually choose between fabric and plastic. Fabric carriers are lighter, and can often be folded down for easy storage. Because of their flexibility, they’re often best for air travel. Plastic carriers, on the other hand, are more rigid, and stronger, but often provide less room for your pets.
- Types of Travel
Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, or automobile, it’s a good idea to select a cat carrier that fits with your plans. If you’ll mostly be using the carrier to travel by car, look out for a model with seat belt straps, and for planes, check it’s approved by your favored airline.
- Security
Another factor to bear in mind is your pet’s safety and security. Look out for a carrier that can be securely closed, to prevent wiley felines from squirming out. Many fabric models feature lockable zippers, scratch proof mesh, and double stitched seams. Plastic carriers are more secure naturally, thanks to the rigidity of the material - when shopping for this type of carrier, look out for a good clasp system to ensure the door stays shut while your cat is inside.
- Ease of Use
Chances are, you’ll be using your carrier on more than one occasion, so ease of use is vital. Look out for carry handles, adjustable straps, and plenty of padding to distribute the weight of your pet as widely as possible for a load that doesn’t hurt your hand. If you’re concerned about your shoulders, it could be worth choosing a backpack style car carrier, such as number nine on our list. Backpacks are designed to help you carry weight comfortably and without doing any damage. For a wider selection of choices, check out our review of the best cat backpacks.
- Budget
As with any purchase, your budget will also inform your final decision. Fortunately, cat carriers exist to meet the needs of any budget, and you’ll be able to find a quality product for as little as $20. Costlier options will likely mean more features and style options, but there’s no need to splash out when it comes to this essential piece of kit.
Why Do You Need a Cat Carrier?
Using a cat carrier comes with a whole host of benefits - below are some of the most important to bear in mind:
- When travelling with your cat by air, airlines require that they’re kept in some sort of carrier - possessing one is vital if you’re going to take your cat on a plane
- Using a cat carrier in the car prevents kitties from roaming around and causing distracted driving
- Cats can become used to their carriers, and enjoy having their own space - this familiarity reduces the stress of travelling for them and, by proxy, you
- Keeping your cat in a carrier allows them to be unattended for brief periods of time, as it prevents them from getting into any mischief
- Using a cat carrier makes walking with your cat far easier, since they’re unlikely to enjoy walking on a lead as their canine counterparts would
- Cat carriers are a budget-friendly way to keep pets safe on long journeys
- With a wide range of colors and styles available, your cat carrier can now double up as an attractive accessory
- Enclosed environments, including cat carriers, give cats a sense of safety and security
- Larger and smaller carriers exist, catering for cats of virtually any size and weight
Check out our guides on Cat Harnesses and Cat Strollers for more info.
What Size of Cat Carrier Do I Need?
Before you make your purchase, measuring your cat is essential:
Have your cat stand up and fetch a tape measure. Measure them from the tips of their ears to their toes, and from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail, before making a note of each measurement. To ensure your pet has enough room in the carrier, add a few inches to each of these measurements, and use the resulting figures as a rough guide.
You can check these ideal measurements against those given by the manufacturer to make sure you get the best possible fit. When buying for a kitten, ensure you leave plenty of room for growth.
How to Safely Travel with Your Cat Carrier
When using a cat carrier, there’s plenty you can do to ensure the process is as safe as possible for both you and your feline friend:
- Get your cat used to the carrier in your home days or weeks before you hit the road
- Make sure both the carrier and your cat’s collar have an ID tag attached
- Pack a bag with travel essentials for your cat, such as food, water, and bowls
- Make sure the carrier is positioned in a well ventilated area, and nowhere too hot
- Never leave your cat alone in a parked car
- Feed your cat a light meal about four hours prior to travel - this way, they have time to digest the food before their journey, but won’t be hungry yet either
Take a look at our reviews of Food Bowls For Cats and Water Bowls for Cats for more options.
Our Top Pick
For us, the best cat carrier about right now has to be PetLuv’s aptly named Happy Cat Premium. With five different colors and three different sizes to choose from, the fabric carrier looks great no matter your taste and the size of your cat. Its spacious design gives kitties plenty of room to spread out and relax as they travel, while strategically placed mesh makes for excellent ventilation and good visibility, so your feline friend can keep cool and peek out.
The adjustable seat belt loops make it easy to secure in any car, and reinforced seams, along with lockable zippers, keep your cat as safe and secure as possible. Four different access panels allow you to take your cat in and out of the carrier from any angle, too. Finally, the carrier is comfortable and easy to carry, thanks to an adjustable shoulder strap and padded carry handles.
