Best Cat Carriers - Top Picks and Reviews

Whether you're on a short car trip or a long flight, you want to make sure your cat is both safe and comfortable. The ideal cat carrier is spacious, simple to clean, and will hold them securely in place if there is turbulence on the way. We conducted top options research to assist you focus your search so you can effortlessly transport your cat. The best cat carriers are listed below.

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• Best Soft Sided Cat Carrier: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

• Best Overall Cat Carrier:  Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

• Best Cat Carrier For Nervous Cats: Sturdi Products SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier

• Best Lightweight Cat Carrier: Henkelion Carrier for Small Medium Cats

• Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier 

1. Best Soft Sided Cat Carrier: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

Specifications:

• Brand: Sleepypod

• Dimensions: 22.83"L x 11.42"W x 3.94"H

• Material: Nylon

• Weight: 4.5 Pounds

Pros:

• Has a padded shoulder strap

• Flexible size to accommodate various airline size requirements

• Conveniently compressible for storage

• Approved for use in cars

Cons:

• You can have trouble viewing your cat due to limited window space

The carrier shrinks from 22 inches long to 19-16 inches so that it can fit different under-seat arrangements. You will press the ends in during boarding until the carrier is the proper size for your space.

The Sleepypod has straps on both sides so you can drive your cat to and from the airport in safety. This makes it possible to completely encircle the carrier with a seatbelt.

It has a removable privacy panel and two sizable windows. Additional advantages include the possibility to couple it with an electrically powered warming pad and big zipper pockets on both sides.

2. Best Overall Cat Carrier:  Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Specifications:

• Brand : Petmate

• Dimensions : 24.05"L x 16.76"W x 14.5"H

• Material: Plastic

• Special Feature: Airy, Secure, Comfortable, Top-load

Pros:

• Sturdy and lightweight

• Top-loading door

Cons:

• Sometimes the latch mechanism is difficult

Despite having a durable plastic and steel wire construction, the Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat & Dog Kennel is still lighter than other similar-sized carriers. It includes convenient, dual-spring loaded locks and uses venting throughout to ensure optimum ventilation. It includes a top-loading entrance in addition to the standard door on the front of the carrier. This makes it much simpler to put your cat in the carrier, allowing you to be on time at your veterinary appointment.

The Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat & Dog Kennel comes in four distinct colors and can accommodate animals weighing up to 20 pounds. Additionally, it is composed of recycled materials.

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3. Best Cat Carrier For Nervous Cats: Sturdi Products SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier

Specifications:

• Brand : STURDI PRODUCTS

• Dimensions: 18"L x 12"W x 12"H

• Material: Fleece

• Weight: 2.6 Pounds

Pros:

• Designed to fit beneath the seats on the majority of airlines

• Rugged structure and clever design work together to prevent escapes

• Reaches an excellent balance between breathability and privacy

Cons:

• Lacks a side strap for securing to the handle of a roller bag

The carrier includes a few advantages in addition to its sturdy design that might aid to keep your cat secure and comfortable. With its numerous entrances, you may choose the one that your cat prefers. Even when the carrier doors open, a harness tether aids in keeping your cat inside. Additionally, the carrier has zipper locks for added security in case your cat is tenacious enough to try opening a door on his own.

4. Best Lightweight Cat Carrier: Henkelion Carrier for Small Medium Cats

Specifications:

• Brand : Henkelion

• Dimensions : 17"L x 11"W x 11"H

• Material: Polyester

• Weight: 15 Pounds

Pros:

• TSA and airline approved

• Folds flat for easy storage

Cons:

• Cats can chew through the mesh

The Henkelion Cat Carrier is well-liked by cat owners, fairly priced, and approved by the TSA and airlines. Three sides of this soft-sided carrier's breathable mesh provide for optimal airflow and visibility. Its polyester fabric, while being strong and lightweight, is waterproof. Two loop handles make it possible to hold objects steadily, offer security in the automobile by acting as two seat belts, or act as a luggage strap. You can carry it without using your hands by using a removable shoulder strap. Both the removable, comfortable fleece pet bed and the carrier are machine washable. For cats up to 15 pounds, ideal.

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5. Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier 

Specifications:

• Brand : Sleepypod

• Material: Nylon

• Dimensions: 13"L x 13"W x 11"Th

• Fill Material: Foam

• Target Species: Cat, Dog

Pros:

• Long-lasting construction

• Uncomplicated top entry

• Elegant style

Cons:

• May not meet airline under-seat requirements

• Too small for extra-large cats

Many cats and dogs connect travel with unpleasant events like visits to the clinic or kennel. As a trusted fixture in its daily life, the Sleepypod mobile pet carrier enables a pet to travel safely in the comfort of its own bed, thereby lowering anxiety associated with travel. The Center for Pet Safety has certified it for animals weighing up to 15 pounds.

Which carriers do cats prefer, soft or hard?

Look for something that is simple to store and simple to clean if yours spends more time on the shelf than it does in use. Some cats feel more safe in a hard carrier than a soft one, thus they prefer it. Any carrier you use should be in good condition, free from holes or other damage, and cleaned on a regular basis.

Should you put anything in a cat carrier?

Put a piece of clothing that has the scent of your kitties' preferred person inside. Additionally, you can line the bottom of the carrier with a towel. She will feel less stressed and the carrier will appear less frightening if she can smell familiar, reassuring scents. Play and food are powerful tools!

Where in a car is a cat in a carrier most secure?

The back seat of your car is the ideal location for your cat. It might assist to offer your pet an even more stable trip if you have some boxes or luggage you can position on either side to stabilize the carrier.