Traveling with your cat can be stressful, especially if your cat has high anxiety while traveling. When you have to load up your cat to go to the vet, or if your cats are accompanying you on vacation, you want to make your cat as comfortable as possible while providing a safe environment for your cat to travel in—even on airplanes—and that’s where cat carriers come in.

When it comes to cat carriers, you have many options to choose from, but how do you know what to choose? What should you look for in a cat carrier? If you’re in this predicament, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ve ranked our picks for the 10 best cat carriers with reviews and the specifics of each one. We’ve also added a buyer’s guide at the end to help you even further. But for now, let’s check out cat carriers!

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Cat Carriers

1. Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier – Best Overall

The Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag combines style with comfort so your cat is cozy while in the carrier. This bag is approved by most airlines and is easy to carry and use if traveling by train or car. This carrier comes in medium or large, and the material used is polyester, mesh, fleece, and synthetic fabric.

This cat carrier comes with a faux lambskin liner for extra comfort, and you can purchase replacements if needed. The bag is ideal for car travel due to its patented spring wire frame that allows the bag to conform to the car seat, as the rear end of the bag can be pushed down several inches. It features mesh windows for ventilation, and you can access it from the top or the side that’s secure with locked zippers. It has a padded, no-slip carrying strap that’s adjustable, and it has a rear pocket for storage. It also has a seatbelt strap to keep your kitty safe.

A downfall is the mesh can easily be chewed through or ripped, allowing your cat to escape. All in all, this bag is our pick for the best overall cat carrier due to its reasonable price and array of features.

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2. Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag – Best Value

The Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag is our pick for the best cat carrier for the money. This ultra-light cat carrier weighs only 1 pound and is super cute with its chic plaid pattern. Another adorable feature is the kitty-head-shaped window that allows your cat to see outside. It’s super convenient to use and folds quickly and easily with its collapsible feature, allowing you to store it virtually anywhere while not in use. The fabric is sturdy and easy to clean, and it’s water-resistant.

This carrier does not have an opening on top, which may make putting your kitty in the carrier challenging if you have one that does not like being in a carrier. It also only accommodates cats up to 17 pounds, so this one will not work if you have a large cat. Some consumers state the bag is flimsy, and the zippers do not lock in place.

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3. Midwest Day Tripper Cat Backpack – Premium Choice

For those who prefer a backpack-style carrier, the Midwest Day Tripper Cat Backpack may work for you. It complies with major airline carrier rules and regulations and is sturdy and durable. It features metal zippers for added safety, and the mesh is strong for ventilation with solid clips. It also has an interior safety leash to keep your cat secure while inside. The fabric is durable and lightweight, and it has a machine-washable, reversible interior cushion for added comfort.

The straps are cushioned for your comfort with an added hip strap to take the pressure off your shoulders and back. It also features a poop bag dispenser and water bottle holder if you use it for a small dog. You can open this bag from the side or the top, and it comes in green, blue, or gray. You can also carry it in the front or back of you.

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4. Pet Gear Signature Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag

The Pet Gear Signature Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag is a 2-in-1 car seat and carrier. It has front and top mesh zippered windows for your cat’s viewing, and it features rear storage pouches. You can access it from the top or the side, and it comes in a nice aqua color. It has a machine-washable fleece cover and can accommodate a dog or cat up to 20 pounds.

This carrier attaches to your existing seatbelts and comes with an interior tether to keep your cat secure while inside. When you arrive at your destination, simply unbuckle the carrier from the seat and lift it with the convenient handle for toting. This carrier is not airline compliant, and it has only one strap in the back that may not secure the carrier securely in a car.

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5. Sport Pet Cat Carrier

For cat parents with large cats, the Sport Pet Cat Carrier may be what you need to lug your large kitty around. This carrier can handle up to 35 pounds, and it’s roomy enough for multiple cats as well. It has a release latch for opening, and it collapses with the push of a button for storage. This carrier uses secure latches that click in place instead of zippers and mesh material, making it sturdier compared to its competitors—the secure latches are also ideal for added security for larger cats. It has plenty of ventilation, and the opening is extra large with a removable door, making placing your cat inside a cinch.

Unfortunately, this carrier does not come with interior cushioning and is unsuitable for airline travel.

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6. Armarkat Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier Bag

The Armarkat Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier Bag works much like the other products we’ve listed so far, except for one added feature: it has an expandable canopy that allows your kitty more room to stretch out. It comes with a soft fleece cushion for added comfort, and it’s compliant with airline regulations. It has double-mesh windows for airflow and viewing, three access points, and a pocket for storage. It also comes with a padded handle and strap for your comfort while toting, and it comes in beige or chocolate.

This carrier is made of canvas and is scratchproof. However, the zippers for the mesh openings are not as sturdy as they should be, allowing some cats to escape.

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7. Frisco Premium Travel Bag Cat Carrier

The Frisco Premium Travel Bag Cat Carrier comes in medium and large sizes, and it features a luggage strap that conveniently allows you to attach the carrier to your suitcase. It comes with a machine-washable fleece lining for added comfort, and it folds easily when not in use. This carrier complies with most major airlines, and it has a rear pocket for storage.

It features auto-locking zippers, meaning it can only be opened from the outside. It has top or side entry access, and it has comfy shoulder straps for you, the human. This carrier can also be collapsed slightly to ensure it fits underneath the seat in front of you on a plane while keeping your cat safe and secure.

Even though the zippers can only be opened from the outside, some consumers state the zipper malfunctioned, allowing their cat to escape.

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8. Jespet Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Travel Cat Carrier

The Jespet Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Travel Cat Carrier comes with a safety belt strap you can use in the car to secure the carrier to the seat, and it also has a strap that allows you to strap it to your luggage. It comes with a removable pad and offers a back pocket for storage. It has mesh netting on the top and sides for ventilation, and it folds down flat for easy storage. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap and is compliant with most airlines.

A downfall is the zippers and mesh material are not sturdy enough to prevent anxious cats from escaping.

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9. SlowTon Hands-Free Padded & Adjustable Sling Cat Carrier

The SlowTon Hands-Free Padded & Adjustable Sling Cat Carrier is perfect for those who prefer carrying their kitty in a sling rather than a carrier. The straps are adjustable and come with safety hooks to clip to your cat’s collar to ensure your cat’s safety in the sling. The straps are thick and spongy, which offers comfort for you when lugging your kitty around.

It’s made from breathable soft cotton and features a zipped side pocket for storage. This sling allows you to move around with your feline pal hands-free, which is a nice feature. A drawback is you cannot use this for airline travel or for securing your cat in a car. The sling is machine-washable and can hold up to 13 pounds. You can use this for a small doggie, too! It doesn’t offer much support and is not designed for using an extended amount of time.

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10. EliteField Deluxe Soft Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag

Our last pick is the EliteField Deluxe Soft Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag. This carrier is made of lightweight yet durable waterproof fabric and is easy to clean. It has mesh windows on the front and sides so your kitty can see, and it comes with a removable plush bed complete with a hard board for support. It has a built-in leash for added security, a pocket for storing accessories, and a padded strap. It also comes in many colors: brown/beige, black/gray, black/lemon green, pink/gray, purple/gray, and blue/gray.

Some consumers claim the carrier is not durable, especially for use on an airplane. The design is also less than desirable, with zippers on either end being the only way to open and close the carrier, which makes it hard to keep your cat in before closing it, especially if your cat wants to escape.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Cat Carrier for Your Needs

As you can see, the type of cat carrier you should buy will depend on what you need the carrier for. Will you be flying with your cat? Traveling in a car or train? Or are you driving to your destination? All of these scenarios will be deciding factors on which cat carrier is best for your needs. Even if you’re not planning on traveling with your cat, having a cat carrier is essential in keeping you and your cat safe while taking trips to the vet. Let’s explore this further.

Hard vs. Soft Carriers

Most of the carriers on our list are made of soft material, such as polyester and synthetic fabric, but we do have one that’s made of plastic, which is the Sport Pet Cat Carrier ranked #5. Hard carriers are easier to clean and are sturdier than soft carriers. Hard carriers are also ideal for aggressive cats or cats with high anxiety while traveling. Soft carries often have mesh material for ventilation, and many cats can chew through this material. You also do not have zippers with hard carriers, which can sometimes malfunction or break.

On the other hand, if you plan to fly with your cat, you’ll need a soft carrier that is compliant with the airline’s regulations regarding traveling with pets. You can use hard carriers, but a hard carrier needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. Soft carriers usually have a “collapsible” feature that allows you to maneuver and adjust the carrier to the appropriate size without compromising your cat’s comfort.

Loading Options

What do we mean by “loading options?” This means where the access points are on the carrier to load and unload your cat. For example, some carriers only have a side-loading option, which can prove challenging if your cat fights you and doesn’t want to go in. It’s best to look for carriers that have both a top opening and a side opening to make the process easier and less stressful for you and your cat.

Ventilation

Your cat will need ventilation while in the carrier. Many have mesh windows that also allow your cat to see, which can help ease anxiety. If your cat likes privacy, you can buy one that has a privacy flap that can be lowered or raised, depending on your cat’s needs at the time.

Interior Safety Tether

Having an interior safety tether adds security for your cat while in the carrier. These particularly come in handy if you have a cat that likes to dart out of the carrier as soon as you open the door. However, never leave the tether attached to your cat’s collar while actively traveling, as your cat could get tangled, which could lead to a choking hazard.

Floor Mat/Bedding

You’ll want to ensure your cat is comfortable while in the carrier, and most come with machine-washable, removable plush bedding for added comfort. If you find a carrier you love but it doesn’t; have a bed, you can always purchase one separately.

Airline Compliant

If you plan to fly with your cat, ensure the carrier adheres to the airline’s rules and regulations. All the major airlines have their own protocols and size requirements for pet carriers, and you’ll need to check with the airline you plan to fly to ensure the dimensions are appropriate to carry the carrier onto the plane.

Straps and Handles

The carrier should easily be secured in the seat of your car, and the handles and straps should be comfortable for you while carrying the carrier around. A quality carrier should have padded, adjustable straps and a double handle for lifting.

Pockets

Pockets on a cat carrier are beneficial, as you can store your car keys, treats, or anything else you need for your trip. Ensure the pocket has a zipper or button of some sort to secure your items inside.

Measuring a Cat Carrier

You might think that you’ve found the perfect cat carrier, but if the dimensions are too small for your cat, then they won’t enjoy traveling in it at all. You want your cat to be able to lie down, stand up, and turn around in comfort. Most carriers come in a couple of sizes, and the manufacturer will usually mention the size of a cat that each is designed to fit. Here’s how to measure your cat:

Soft cat carriers often have a weight limit as well, so either weigh your cat at home or make a note to ask your veterinarian to do so at your cat’s next regular check-up.

If your cat is a large breed, then it’s even more important to make sure the carrier is going to be big enough to accommodate them comfortably. You can head over to our review of the best cat carriers for large cats here.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews of the best cat carriers help you make an informed decision for your needs.

To recap, the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag provides comfort, style, and complies with airline regulations for our best overall pick. The Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag is lightweight, affordable, and collapsible for the best value. For a premium choice, the Midwest Day Tripper Cat Backpack complies with airline travel regulations, is stylish, and is storing and sturdy with an interior safety leash.

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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock