10 Best Cat Carriers In The Market

We become excited simply by the notion of traveling to distant places, right?

But such is not the case with cats. Cats, by nature, are not very fond of traveling. They don’t like moving from their comfort zone. But it doesn’t mean, you can’t take your cat with you traveling. All you need is to take some basic preparation and buy the best cat carrier for your cat.

If you are a cat owner, chances are that you already have a cat carrier. If you don’t, you should purchase one immediately. Cat carriers are very useful in many ways, i.e. taking your cat to the vets or car rides etc.

As there are many types and sizes of cat carriers out in the market, it is not unlikely that you’ll be confused and buy a bad one for your cat.

Well, worry no more! In this broad guide on choosing the best cat carriers, you will know everything about buying the perfect carrier for your cat. Along with that, I’ll list out my top 10 favorite cat carriers.

How to choose the right size of cat carrier?

No matter how sturdy or good the carrier is, if it is not the right size, your money is wasted. It is extremely important to buy the right size of the cat carrier. I think it is the first thing that you should look into when buying a cat carrier.

A general rule of thumb is, the size of the cat carrier should be such that, the cat can move around it easily. Bear in mind that an adult cat weight about 9 to 12 pounds. Even if he can’t stand up, there should be ample space to move around the carrier.

The size of the carrier also depends on where you are going, how you are going. If you are planning to travel by plane, check with the airline guidelines of the cat carrier. The guidelines regarding to the cat carrier vary. So, you should always check beforehand.

If your trip is going to be a long car ride, it will be smart to buy a cozy and more spacious cat carrier for your cat. As long rides can be boring, it will be helpful if your cat can move around a bit.

Don’t rely on the measurements given with the cat carrier at all. Measure your cat’s length (collar to tail) and height (ground to shoulder) and then measure the cat carrier. Ensure that your cat will fit properly in it before buying.

Another tip is, before buying a particular cat carrier, do a research on it. If you Google it, you may find review articles on it. Research always makes you prepared for a new product. It also reduces the possibility of wasting your money.

Features of the Best Cat Carrier:

• The carrier should have plenty of ventilation so it won’t suffocate. Enough ventilation is also required for a comfortable journey.
• Cat carriers come with different sizes and weights. So, consider all these before buying one.
• A good cat carrier will have several safety features such as zippers, good quality locking system etc.
• The carrier should be easy to clean.
• A good quality cat carrier generally comes with food and water bowls, straps etc.
• The carrier should come with a guarantee in case of any problems.

Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Cat Carrier?

There isn’t any hard fast rule of this. It really depends on the user preference.

Hard sided carriers are easier to clean. They are strong and sturdy, so ideal for cats that like to chew things. On the downfall, they are bulky and have more weight that soft sided carriers.

Soft sided carriers are easier to carry and lighter in weight. They often come with soft pads and a more comfortable inner side than hard sided carriers. Most of the airlines approve of soft sided carriers too. However, they are not as sturdy as hard sided cat carriers.

Here is a list of the top 10 best cat carriers that I recommend:

1. Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel:

Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel will provide easy access for your cat. It is also different from other cat carriers for its superb ventilation system and visibility.

The cat carrier is made with sturdy materials, i.e. heavy plastic. It also looks visually appealing. The steel wire makes the carrier perfectly safe for any situation.

The heavy-duty plastic combined with steel wire makes it a very reliable cat carrier. The carrier also comes with a comfortable handle, so it will be easy to carry around your cat.

Features:

• Sturdy construction made of heavy-duty plastic and Steel.
• The carrier is designed with two doors. So, the cat can access it very easily.
• A comfortable handle makes carrying around the cat carrier easier.
• The inner dimension is 21″ x 14.75″ x 13.25″ which is perfect for small pets.
• Two sizes are available, small (19”) and medium (24”). So, you can choose the one you need.
• Comes with a wing-nut, steel door attached with a security latch and bolt design.
• Approved by most airlines.

Cons:

• Some cat owners find it not suitable for energetic cats.
• You can’t carry large cats in it.

2. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier:

AmazonBasics ensures a safe journey with your cat with their soft-sided pet travel carrier. This cat carrier is designed to offer a safe, secure journey for your cat.

The all-black pet carrier is suitable for all kinds of trips, i.e. plane trips, long car rides, and even short trips to the vet. Its comfortable inner sides ensure that your cat will enjoy a comfortable journey.

Features

• The carrier comes with a pet bed made with fleece. So, it is very cozy for the cat.
• The pet bed is removable. So you can clean the carrier easily without any hassle.
• The dimension is 20×10.5×11 inches.
• The carrier is designed for offering a comfortable journey to both the cat and the cat owner. It comes with two loop-sided handles which ensure a balanced carry of the carrier by hand. The carrier also has an adjustable strap which can be used if you want your hands to be free.
• It follows the guidelines of almost every airline.
• It has two openings: front and top. So, your cat has a very easy access to it.
• The zipper on the front along with dual zippers on the top ensures the security of the cat inside the carrier.
• This soft sided pet travel carrier has mesh ventilation system on four sides of the carrier. So, there is no possibility of the cat being suffocated.
• The AmazonBasics pet travel carrier has a base insert system which is removable. So, if your cat wishes to be on a solid surface, you can insert it. The fleece bed also ensures that it will have a soft, cozy spot for sleeping.
• Three available sizes to choose from: small, medium and large.

What’s inside the box?

• Fleece pet bed
• Removable base insert
• Shoulder strap
• Soft sided carrier
• 1-year warranty

Downfalls

• Some owners don’t like the leash inside.
• Some owners are not satisfied with the size.

Tips

You can wash the fleece bed inside mechanically. But the carrier can only be spot cleaned.

3. Portable Ultra Light Cat Carrier with Double Zipper Closure:

Portable Ultra-Light Cat Carrier with Double Zipper Closure is best for simple but trustworthy transportation. It’s not very much suitable for long ride journeys.

But for short emergency journeys, this cat carrier is the best.

As the name suggests, this carrier is very portable meaning it’s of very useful when visiting vets or doing short car rides. The ultra-lightweight structure makes it very comfortable for the owner to move around.

The interior is spacious and sufficient ventilation system makes it the ideal cat carrier for traveling with your cat.

The fold-up design makes it very easy to travel without any hassle. In the aspect of portability, this carrier will surely get a 10 out of 10.

Top features

• The foldable mesh panels make the cat carrier extremely portable and travel-friendly.
• Sturdy structure makes it durable against any kind of weather.
• Ultra light weight construction makes it very easy for traveling.
• Doesn’t need much space for storing.
• Can take up to 18 pounds of pressure.

Downsides

• Not suitable for a large cat.

Tips

For some additional bucks, you can get a comfortable pet bed with the carrier.

4. AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Whatever breed your cat is, he/she will surely enjoy a trip with AmazonBasics Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel.

This pet carrier is designed for security, comfort, and portability. You can take it to any trip, whether it is in a park or on a hiking trail.

The carrier has two doors, one in the front and the other in the top.

So, it allows easy access for the cat inside. If the entry is stress-free for the cat, the whole journey may turn out to be enjoyable for her.

The pet kennel was designed in such a way that it provides maximum convenience to the cat owner.

The top door can be opened on either the right side or the left side. You can simply control it with the two black handles on top of it. The front door comes with a spring latch. The spring latch allows the door to open and close gently without startling the cat.

The combination of highly durable plastic with steel wire, the AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel offers security, strength, and durability more than most of the cat carriers.

Plenty of mesh panels ensure enough ventilation and a cozy journey.

The construction of this cat carrier is much more secure.

There are four latches in the carrier to ensure a tight enclosure without any possibility of breaking down. For added security, you can use the included screws.

After you put the cat inside the carrier, you can simply move around with it using the handle on top the carrier.

Top Features

• The dual door system allows easy access to the carrier.
• Dimension is 23x15x13 inches
• Constructed with a design that provides maximum convenience to both the cat and the cat owner.
• Comes with screws for added security.
• Constructed with a combination of steel wire and durable plastic.
• Two available sizes to choose from.

Cons

• Some cat owners find the assembly of the carrier a bit tiresome.

5. Caldwell’s Airline Cat Carrier

Traveling with your cat adds more entertainment to your trip. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about your cat.

Caldwell’s airline cat carrier will let you take your cat all over the world with you. This cat carrier fits perfectly under an airplane seat.

So, you can have a close eye on your cat the whole time.

The carrier comes with a shoulder strap, side strap and double handles which let you carry the carrier in multiple ways.

The carrier is made with a polyester outer shell which is rip-resistant. The structure also includes safe PVC liner, which makes the cat carrier durable and ready for any kind of journey.

The rigid bottom part of the carrier provides stability to the cat. There are two removable pads with the carrier. So, your cat can always have one when the other is dirty.

With the 360-degree mesh panel, your cat will be able to see you from every direction. So, it will remain calm during the journey.

Caldwell’s products are made to ensure 100% satisfaction of the cat owners. If for any reason, you don’t like the carrier, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for you. So, you can order it with a peace of mind.

Top Notch Features

• The dimension is 18x10x13 inches with 360-degree mesh panel. So there will be proper air ventilation in the carrier.
• The puncture resistant polyester material ensures that the carrier is ready for taking any journey around the world.
• A number of straps and the dual handles let you carry the carrier in any way you want.
• The enhanced structural design doesn’t let the carrier collapse down on your cat in any occasion.
• The zipped window lets you feed the cat or even stroke him without the need to remove him from his carrier.
• The cat carrier also includes two external pockets which can hold necessary things and treats for your cat.

Downsides

• Some cat owners found a chemical smell from the carrier which they are not fond of.
• Some people find the carrier slightly fragile.

6. Pet magasin’s Luxury Soft Sided Cat Carrier

Pet magasin’s soft-sided cat carrier is very much popular among cats for its cozy interior design.

Hard-sided carriers are not steady enough and most cats panic in these. But this soft-sided carrier is sturdy, durable, and remains steady.

As it has a very comfortable soft inner padding, many cat owners said that their cats easily get inside and take a nap.

Beneath the soft padding, there is a strong sturdy floor, so it won’t collapse even with the heaviest cat.

The carrier is designed with waterproof material. So, you can use it in the rainy season too. Moreover, cleaning and washing it is extremely easy and user-friendly.

You can carry the carrier with the top handles or even use the shoulder strap if you want.

The carrier comes with a leash added inside. If you think your cat will dart outside as soon as you open the carrier, you can use the leash to keep him from darting off.

There is also a pouch inside the cat carrier for storing necessary things, foods and treats.

The carrier dimension is 18x11x10 inches.

Top Notch Features

• It’s airline-approved design is sleek and amazing. Comes in two sizes and colors for you to choose. It’s not just a portable carrier, it can be a portable home for your cats too.
• The soft sided paddings make the inner environment comfortable for the cat. So, it is highly unlikely that your cat will feel panic during the trip.
• The manufacturers designed the carrier keeping in mind the comfort of the cat owner. As the carrier is only 2 pounds of weight, it hardly adds any extra weight than that of the cat. With its adjustable shoulder strap and suitcase-like handles, you can carry the carrier in any way you want.
• Even after all of these features, you are not satisfied with the product, there is always a 2-year warranty.

Cons

• Some cat owners suggested that the bottom of the carrier can be a bit stiffer.
• The strip of Velcro is not liked by some cat owners.

Pet magasin’s soft sided cat carrier is undoubtedly one of the best cat carriers in the market.

7. Petmate Sky Kennel

The Petmate Sky Kennel offers both security and comfort to your cats. The heavy-duty plastic makes the carrier very sturdy.

The secure door latches make the carrier safer for cats. Ventilation is ensured from all four sides. So, your furry friend is surely going to enjoy it!

The Petmate Sky kennel meets the requirements of most airlines.

Moreover, it comes with a live animal tag which is extremely important.

There is also a clip-on water bowl with the carrier available for your cat.

Features

• Petmate Sky Kennel is made in the USA with high-duty plastic material
• The plastic wing nuts are non-corrosive.
• The latches on the secure doors make it easy to operate.
• Full 360-degree ventilation system
• Comes with a live animal sticker. It is extremely useful in many cases.

Downsides:

• The carrier doesn’t meet some airline regulations. So, check with your airline before attempting to buy.

Tips

There are many sizes available of the Petmate Sky Kennel. You should choose the right size according to the length and height of your cat.

An important tip is, the carrier should be a couple inches higher and longer than your cat. It will ensure your cat has ample space inside the carrier.

8. Oxgord’s Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Oxgord’s airline-approved pet carrier ensures to give you a pleasant experience when traveling with your cat.

With Oxgord’s pet carrier, maximum comfort can be ensured when traveling. We often need to take our cat to vets, short rides or at relatives.

With Oxgord’s carrier, you can make these trips safe for your cat.

The Ooxgord pet carrier provides a safe and secure environment for your cat.

It comes with the amazing Unbind and Bind feature, which allows the owners to access their cats without the risk of escaping.

There is a fleece travel bed with the carrier. It makes the carrier very comforting for your cat. Again, the fleece travel bed is removable.

So, you can wash it anytime you want.

When it comes to security, Oxgord didn’t leave any stone unturned.

The carrier comes with a safety belt strap. With it, you can restrain the carrier with the car seat using the seat belt.

There is also a locking zipper which double ensures that your cat can’t make a dash towards outside.

Unique Features

• Removable fleece travel bed. You can wash it anytime you want.
• Safety belt buckle ensures that the carrier is restrained well with the vehicle seat using seat belt.
• Ultra ventilation system
• There are multiple pouches in the carrier to store important stuffs, food, treats inside.
• Ultra Security with the Unbind and Bind feature.
• Shoulder strap so the owner can carry the carrier in shoulder too.
• The carrier is compliant with almost all of the airline regulations.
• There is a lost and found tag enclosed with the cat carrier.
• The cat carrier is constructed with breathable material for extra ventilation and super comfort.
• The dimension of the large size is 19 x 10 x 13 inches. Pets weighting up to 10 pounds can be safely carried with it.
• 10 different colors to choose from!

Cons

• Not suitable for pets weighing more than 10 pounds.
• Some owners suggested that the shoulder strap should be padded.

Tips

Always use the Safety belt buckle of the carrier. It ensures top most security for your cat.

9. Petluv’s Soothing “Happy Cat” Premium Soft-Sided Cat Carrier:

Petluv’s premium soft sided cat carrier is not only a carrier, it’s a luxury home for your cat.

The carrier has soft fleece bed and comfy pillows for your cats to take a nap. It almost 4x the size than that of traditional carriers in the market.

It is very easy to carry around with its padded carry strap.

Petluv’s carriers are famous for their security aspects.

It comes with a locking zipping system to prevent any escape of your cat. You can access your cat with 4 ways. So, the accessibility is quite good.

Petluv’s premium carrier is very convenient for traveling. You can even fold it to save storage.

Trip to the vet or a long journey on plane, no matter where you go, this cat carrier will make your travel far much easier and enjoyable.

Petluv’s happy cat carrier is not only stylish in looking, it also has a very sturdy structure to ensure longer durability.

The carrier is made with nylon canvas which is completely heavy-duty.

The Ultra deluxe cat pillow is washable and moisture resistant. So, you can clean the carrier and keep it odor free within a snap.

The soft sided cat carrier is made from Ultra high quality cloth using double stitching. It is definitely going to stay with your cat for about 9 years.

There are also four breathable mesh windows on the carrier to ensure super ventilation.

It is extremely important to make the trip comfortable for your cat otherwise he will panic.

The super soft inner paddings of the cat carrier ensure a warm, cozy environment inside the carrier. It will definitely keep your cat stress-free throughout the whole journey.

Features

• Perfect for both short trips and long trips either by road or plane.
• Both medium and large size cats can fit in it perfectly. It supports up to 45 pounds of weight.
• The study frame made of steel makes the carrier strong and durable.
• Four mesh panels for ultra ventilation and 360 degree view.
• Perfect napping place for your cat even in the home.
• Easily removable and washable wither by hand or by machine.
• Dimension of the carrier is 24 x 16 x 16 inches.

Cons

• The stitching on the carrier can be more durable.
• The carrier doesn’t have any specification for using the seat belt.

Petluv’s soothing premium cat carrier is definitely a combination of durability and comfort.

10. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel:

For a safe, trouble-free journey with your cat, Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel will be of great use to you. The wire windows provide sufficient ventilation for your cat.

The kennel is highly secured with covered doors, heavy duty fasteners and a secured locking system. Cats of 10 to 14 inches tall can fit in it easily.

Top Notch Features:

• Durable construction with sturdy materials.
• Latches to easily open and close the doors.
• Very easy assembling without any need of tools.
• Side vents made of metals.
• Comes with an interior moat which helps to keep the cat dry.
• Has a zip tie installation system for added security.
• Two available sizes to choose from. One can hold up to 15 pounds and the other can hold up to 125 pounds.
• Two available colors to choose from!

Downsides:

• Sometimes the lock on the door doesn’t shut easily.
• Some cat owners find the construction material a bit flimsy.

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is an extremely good cat carrier if you are in a tight budget.

These are my top 10 lists of the best cat carriers in the market!

I hope you’ll give any of them a go! Let me know what you think!

Also, comment below if you have any questions! I will get to you as soon as I can!