Buying something your cat won’t exactly love definitely hurts a little. That’s why selecting one of the best cat carriers on the market for your feline—one with all the features to make journeys less terrifying—is so important. “Basically, cats want something that is cozy, feels familiar, comfortable and is big enough to turn around in,” say certified cat behaviorists Linda Hall and Rita Reimers of the Cat Behavior Alliance, a feline-whispering service that helps correct troubling behaviors and more. “Cats need to feel safe and protected when inside the carrier.” With those criteria in mind, our top pick for 2023 is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, an airline-approved padded and ventilated carrier with locking zippers, making it ideal for trips of all kinds.
The best cat carrier for your feline is one that makes them feel safe—not stressed.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers
But remember: The right carrier for your cat ultimately depends on their personality and needs (as well as yours). For example, if your feline is a notorious escape artist, you need something super secure. If your cat commands luxury at all times, you might want something ultra soft and cozy to keep misery at bay. And if you’re looking for an air travel-friendly option, you should exclusively consider airline-approved carriers.
From a deluxe backpack carrier for adventuresome felines to a car-friendly model that attaches to your back seat, here are the best cat carriers that will make your feline feel safe—not stressed. (And if you’re unsure which kind of carrier is right for your cat, we’ve attached a handy buying guide beneath our top picks.)
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Material: Polyester
Can’t decide whether your cat prefers a hard or soft carrier? With the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, you don’t have to: Thanks to the brand’s patented spring wire frame, which holds its shape but is capable of bending, this carrier is the best of both worlds. While it might feel as luxurious as a cat bed (or a warm pile of clean laundry), the carrier is padded with a removable, washable faux lambskin liner that adds a plush feel to the area inside. Adding to its overall appeal, the zippers lock to keep your feline secure while the mesh sides offer great ventilation. (Worth noting: Some Amazon reviewers say their animals tore through the mesh, so if your cat is carrier-averse, maybe consider a hard-side option.)
Simply put, this flexible, comforting carrier checks all the most important boxes. Another perk: When it comes time to get your cat inside—a task every owner dreads—this carrier gives you options, as it opens on the side and top.
Pros:
Great price
A flexible design that’s the best of both worlds
Removable and washable insert
Cons:
Not as strong as hard-side carriers
Best Budget Cat Carrier
A Disposable Option That's Ideal For Quick Trips (Or Kittens)
MOST POPULAR
Petco
Petco Cardboard Cat Carrier
Dimensions: 18.5 x 9 x 12 inches | Weight: Lightweight | Material: Cardboard
Getting from Point A to B is easy with this cardboard carrier that’s made especially for newly adopted pets that are lightweight and small (think kitten-sized). Of course, this isn’t designed to be your forever carrier; while the small holes provide necessary ventilation, they don’t let in a whole lot of light. That said, this carrier gets the job done until you purchase a new, sturdier option that will accomodate them as they grow. Just keep in mind that it won’t hold up to any potty accidents so consider lining the bottom with a small towel, which will also keep your kitty from sliding around.
Pros:
Low priced
Extremely lightweight
Cons:
Disposable cardboard
Best Hard-Sided Cat Carrier
A Sturdy Model With Options
Walmart
Petmate Double Door Top Load Pet Kennel
Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Material: Steel and plastic
Some of us require no bells and whistles and oftentimes, our pets are exactly the same. (Nothing wrong with being low-maintenance!) This well-ventilated kennel has everything you need in a reliable carrier: two-door entry, secure doors and a sturdy handle. While it does require assembly, reviewers say it’s a breeze and entirely worth it for such a quality product at a reasonable price. Once it’s assembled, just pop in some soft bedding like a towel, fill up the convenient water cup to keep your cat hydrated and you’re ready to go.
Pros:
Lightweight
Easy to assemble
Two-door entry
Cons:
Soft bedding not included
Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel
A Carrier That Attaches To The Back Seat
Amazon
Sherpa Forma Frame Pet Carrier
Dimensions: 19.68 x 9.84 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 3.66 pounds | Material: Polyester
The Sherpa Forma Frame carrier (which can accommodate pets up to 16 pounds) has several features to help keep your best friend safe on the road. Most importantly, it’s been crash-tested at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute’s testing facility. Adding to its security, it has versatile straps to keep the carrier fixed to your car seat while you drive (those same straps can be used for toting the carrier around). Plus, there’s a safety leash inside the Forma Frame that tethers your pet for safety.
Users report that there’s ample room in there for pets to move around and lay down, making journeys—short and long—more comfortable. There’s a reversible and washable quilted mat inside, too.
Pros:
Crash-tested for safety
Flexible frame
Cons:
Side entry only
Best Cat Carrier For Air Travel
A Sleek Carrier With Safety In Mind
Sleepypod
Sleepypod Air
Dimensions: 22 x 10.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Material: Polyester, nylon
Featuring flexible sides that can be partially collapsed to fit underneath the seat in front of you, the well-ventilated Sleepypod Air is designed for in-cabin use during air travel. (Just make sure it meets your airline’s size requirements for pet carriers.) When the seatbelt sign signals it’s safe for you to roam about the cabin, you can pull the carrier from under the seat and push down the sides, giving your cat a little more room to stretch his or her legs. Isn’t that what we all crave on a flight?
Once you deboard, the carrier can sit atop your suitcase, thanks to its side pockets that slide onto the handles of rolling luggage. And if your cat gets nervous during the flight and has an accident, no sweat: The carrier’s inner pad is removable and machine washable.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.2 x 16.3 inches | Weight: 3.26 pounds | Material: Polyester
Here’s a carrier that provides a place for all the outdoor excursion staples, like pockets for treats and a dish for water. There’s even room for your own water bottle. To use the PetAmi Deluxe (which holds cats that weigh up to 18 pounds), your pet can enter through the side or the front. Once they’re in and secure, you’ll appreciate the PetAmi Deluxe’s back and shoulder padding to help you more comfortably carry the weight, as well as buckle that fastens across your chest to aid in stability. Adding to the backpack’s safe and smart design, it features buckles to secure the zipper openings.
Reviews say the carrier is well-constructed and perfect for a small animal, though some note that the roof of the backpack dips inward, which might make some cats uncomfortable. That said, backpack carriers in general aren’t ideal for anxious cats—they’re better off with a more traditional option.
Here’s a conversation piece that will distract from the fact that you’re carrying a horrified feline inside. Thanks to its unique circular design, the Sleepypod never fails to turn heads at the veterinary office, though it’s got more than just good looks going for it. It’s the rare multifunctional carrier, as it also serves as a crash-tested car seat (for cats and dogs alike) and, when you unzip and remove the top, a cozy bed. While your feline is guaranteed to like it as is, you can up the comfort level with accessories to be purchased separately. One standout add-on: a warming pad that plugs into the wall or car lighter.
Clearly, a lot of thought has been put into the details of the Sleepypod, and they’re all aimed at keeping you pet perfectly comfortable. One caveat of all that comfort though is that the circular design can roll around on your hip when you use it with the strap on your shoulder, especially if you have a heavier feline (it’s made for pets that weigh 15 pounds or less.) Also, this high style comes at a high price.
Pros:
Cozy, soft feel inside
Doubles as a cat bed
Cons:
Can be awkward to carry
Pricey
Best Wheeled Cat Carrier
A Multifunctional Carrier With Wheels
Amazon
Lollimeow Pet Rolling Carrier
Dimensions: 15.5 x 11 x 17 inches | Weight: 16.9 pounds | Material: Waterproof mesh, alloy rod
For felines who go with the flow, meet the Lollimeow Pet Rolling Carrier, which can scoot across the floor or be worn as a backpack. Suitable for cats and dogs up to 15 pounds, this versatile, breathable carrier boasts tons of appealing features: anti-escape zippers, side pockets for storage of treats and a folding window-shield for cats that prefer privacy when they’re out and about. While this rolling carrier has a lot going for it, reviews especially love its ease of use, spacious interior and travel-friendly design. That said, some customers note that the Lollimeow was too large to fit under the seat in front of them on a flight; as always, check your airline’s carrier requirements and/or carry-on size restrictions before you show up to the airport with your cat in tow.
Before we even went about scanning the market, we first consulted certified cat behaviorists Linda Hall and Rita Reimers of the Cat Behavior Alliance to learn what kinds of carriers felines typically favor. With this knowledge, we looked into some of today’s most popular cat carriers, studied their ratings and reviews and then winnowing down the list to the best of the best.
How To Choose A Cat Carrier
You know your cat better than anyone so first, think about their likes and dislikes—especially when it comes to material, construction and features. Then, consider where you’re taking your cat in the carrier, whether that’s a car, airplane or vet office. (And of course, keep your budget in mind.) All of these things will help you zero in on the right one.
Material
Cat carriers are made of a wide range of materials including plastic, metal, polyester and mesh, and at least one of those is bound to suit your cat’s fancy. If your cat is at his most calm when he’s sitting on sherpa or some other plush fabric, consider investing in a soft-sided carrier (or investing in soft bedding you can place inside any type). Or, are loud noises the most terrifying thing in the world to your cat? Then a metal carrier that is more prone to making startling noises when you open and close it may not be the best choice. Also think about where you are taking the carrier. If it needs to be put in a small space, something with soft sides will be more accommodating than, say, a square metal crate. If you’re traveling by air or by train, always check for requirements.
Additional Features
Many cat carriers come with additional features like feeding bowls, locking zippers, washable inserts, wheels and backpack straps. Think about what you need and what your cat can handle. For example, while one cat might like being toted in a backpack, that may be a hard pass for another. Additionally, cat carriers can be a source of anxiety for many felines, so it’s a good idea to choose one that’s easy to spot clean—think removable inserts or washable material that can be wiped down—because if an accident happens while you’re on the road, you want to clean it quickly and easily.
What Carriers Do Cats Like Best?
As mentioned, the best carrier for a feline is one in which they feel safe. To help facilitate a safe feel, make your carrier a regular part of your cat’s environment before travel day. Experts recommend that you make it a hang out, a place for them to go anytime they want a cozy little cave. “Leave the carrier out, put some blankets in it, leave treats or toys inside, and reward your cat with praise or petting (if they are open to it) when you find them investigating the carrier or using it,” says Dr. Marci Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant for Feline Behavior Solutions, a business she established 2014.
Do Cats Prefer Hard Or Soft Carriers?
The answer to this question is certainly up for debate, seeing as we can’t ask the cats in question. But according to Koski, most cats will prefer a hard carrier with something soft placed inside. The sides of a soft carrier, after all, can bend toward the cat, causing anxiety—and most true soft-sided carriers come with a shoulder strap and when it is utilized the cat can bounce around next to the person's hips or legs. “Hard-sided carriers are much sturdier, won't ‘cave in’ on cats, and can be easily kept still by carrying with two hands,” she notes.
What Is The Best Carrier For Scared Cats?
If your cat is terrified of stepping foot in a carrier, there are things you can do to minimize the trauma (for the both of you). Koski says the best carrier for scared felines is a hard-sided carrier with which they can become familiar before they actually need to use it. Try putting the carrier in their space weeks before and allow them to hang out in it. “Scent is incredibly important for cats,” Koski reminds us. “It helps them feel secure to be surrounded by their own scent. So, when you're traveling with a scared cat, have a blanket or towel that the cat has already slept on in the carrier for a sense of familiarity; you can also put a familiar stuffed toy in it as well.”
