Traveling with your cat can be a lot of work, especially if it’s an escape artist. Whether you want to hike with your cat, go on a road trip, fly away on vacation, or just visit a vet, you need a carrier that is versatile, economical, and safe.

There’s a lot to consider, which is why we’ve compiled this list of the best soft-sided cat carriers. These reviews include airline-approved carriers, backpack carriers for hiking, and more, giving you all the options needed to make an informed decision.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		PetAmi Airline Approved Soft-Sided Cat Carrier	Plenty of features Airflow and ventilation Airline approved	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Frisco Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag	Collapsible for storage Plenty of mesh Attractive patterns	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Snoozer Roll Around Travel Cat Carrier Backpack	Airline approved Mesh panels for ventilation Versatile design	CHECK PRICE
		EliteField Soft Airline-Approved Cat Carrier	Durable materials Good ventilation and light Removable plush bed cover	CHECK PRICE
		Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack	Airline approved Mesh panels for ventilation Padded handle and shoulder straps	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers

1. PetAmi Airline Approved Soft-Sided Cat Travel Carrier – Best Overall

The PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Cat Travel Carrier is the best overall soft-sided cat carrier because of its sturdy design and array of features. It comes with a safety buckle, zippers, and a safety strap to prevent escape, as well as a collapsible bowl to keep your cat hydrated during travel. There’s plenty of airflow and ventilation on all sides and a name tag, two-sided access, a side zipper, and a detachable strap for flights.

This carrier is made with durable, high-grade polyester that can stand the test of time. You can choose from two sides and an array of colors, including pink, dark gray, light gray, light blue, red, black, charcoal, heather gray, heather purple, heather pink, heather taupe, and light red. Some reviewers felt the carrier was flimsy and poorly constructed, however. Some had their cats escape as well.

2. Frisco Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag – Best Value

The Frisco Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag is the best soft-sided cat carrier for the money. Designed to collapse for easy storage, the lightweight bag features plenty of ventilation with mesh sides and a small window that’s designed to fit the shape of a cat’s head. When not in use, it can stow away in your luggage, car, or closet easily.

The bag comes in two colors, one with a sketch print of animals and another in an attractive black-and-white plaid. It’s designed to accommodate cats up to 17 pounds. Some owners noted that their cats enjoy playing with the bag even at home, but others had issues with their cats escaping or the bag ripping. Some said the bag was too small for adult cats.

3. Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around Travel Cat Carrier Backpack – Premium Choice

The Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 Travel Cat Carrier Backpack is the premium choice for cat carriers, especially if you travel often. It’s an approved airline carrier that makes traveling with a cat in tow convenient and comfortable. For your cat’s comfort, it includes mesh panels on three sides for ventilation.

For you, this carrier has a 4-in-1 design that seamlessly functions as a wheeled carrier, backpack, car seat, or pet bed. The multi-stage telescope handling can be adjusted to your height to roll your pet around the airport. Medium fits pets up to 15 pounds, so it’s ideal for cats. Some reviewers noted that the bag has a bumpy ride when it’s pulled, and it’s too big for some airline standards.

4. EliteField Soft Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag – Best for Kittens

The EliteField Deluxe Soft Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag is the best option for kittens. It’s made of durable, lightweight materials with plenty of mesh netting for visibility and ventilation. There’s a removable plush bed cover with a hard support board to keep the carrier’s shape while your kitten is inside.

For you, there’s a pocket for accessory storage and a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying. The carrier is also collapsible for storage and machine washable to make cleaning a breeze. It’s water resistant as well. Reviewers did complain that the bag must be zipped into shape, however, which makes it challenging to use.

5. Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack

The Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack is an airline-approved backpack that keeps your cat safe and contained on the go. The mesh panels offer ventilation and light to keep your cat comfortable. There’s a large door to get your cat in and out easily.

Whether you want to hike or travel with your cat, this carrier has a comfortable padded handle and shoulder strap to make carrying it easier. There are pockets for treats, collars, leashes, and other travel gear. Some reviewers said that the rigid reinforcement of the panels makes the bag as uncomfortable as a backpack. It may be too big for airlines as well. Some reviewers had problems with the mesh separating as well.

6. Sherpa Delta Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag

The Sherpa Delta Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag is perfect for flights and any other kind of trip. It’s approved for use on most airlines, including the exclusive Guaranteed on Board program for Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada Airlines. The inside is plush and comfortable with machine-washable faux lambskin that’s also non-allergenic.

The patented spring wire frame allows the rear of the carrier to be pushed down several inches for under-seat dimensions. This fits cats up to 16 pounds and features locking zippers, top and side entry, padded straps, and mesh panels. Several people had issues with their cats tearing through the bag, however.

7. Armarkat Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier Bag

Armarkat Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier Bag is a good choice for travel with plenty of space for your cat to lie down or move around. It features a soft fleece pad with an expandable canopy that offers more space on layovers or rest stops. There’s a pocket on the side for toys, treats, and other travel supplies.

For you, the carrier has a padded handle and shoulder strap to carry it comfortably. It’s size compliant for most airlines and offers multiple access points. Based on reviews, the bottom of the carrier bends and it’s easy for determined cats to escape. Others had issues with the bag ripping almost immediately.

8. Frisco Basic Cat Carrier Bag.

The Frisco Basic Cat Carrier Bag is a great all-around travel bag with a roomy interior and machine-washable sherpa lining. It’s designed to comply with under-seat compartment requirements due to the sides that can collapse a bit to fit. Mesh panels provide ventilation and light, yet the locking zipper keeps your cat contained.

There are plenty of features for you, including a rear pocket, shoulder straps, and convenient side entry. You can even pet your cat through the petting window. You can get this carrier in a few sizes and colors, but plenty of reviewers said it was smaller than they anticipated. Others had issues with the zipper breaking or seams coming apart.

9. KOPEKS Deluxe Travel Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Backpack

KOPEKS Deluxe Travel Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Backpack is a versatile bag to carry your cat around or travel. With its telescoping handle and two-wheeled platform, shoulder strap, and handle, you can take your cat around the airport, to the vet, or on a hike comfortably. There are three ventilation mesh panels that offer a cool environment and visibility.

On the outside, you have two large pockets to stow your essentials. Reviewers said the assembly was easy, but the bag doesn’t feel sturdy, and there’s no cover for skittish animals that may not like all the light coming in. Some said the bag was much smaller than they expected.

10. HDP Paw Style Cat Carrier Purse

HDP Paw Style Cat Carrier Purse is ideal if you want to carry your cat around. It has a waterproof bottom with a separate pillow for comfort and two safety clips that tether to the collar or leash. The small version has one opening for the head, but the medium has two to accommodate two cats at once.

This purse-style carrier is best for your day-to-day outings, not for long travel, vet visits, or airlines. But if you want your cat in tow while you do errands or walk around a park, this is a good choice. Reviewers said it’s very warm if you have a cooler climate, but several said the bag fell apart quickly.

How to Choose the Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers

When you’re looking for a soft-sided cat carrier for your cat, there are several things you need to consider including:

Your Cat’s Size

A lot of cat breeds are on the smaller side, but if you have a large breed like a Ragdoll or Maine Coon, a standard cat carrier isn’t going to cut it. Measure your cat from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail to know how large of a carrier you need. You want your cat to be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier without trouble. You should also get an idea of what your cat weighs, as some carriers have weight limits.

Your Cat’s Temperament

As you probably noticed, a lot of reviewers experienced their cats tearing through a carrier and escaping. Some cats don’t do well when confined in small spaces unless they’ve gotten used to it. If you throw a cat like that in a carrier, it’s likely to act out. Consider your cat’s temperament when you’re choosing a carrier. You may need to start with some training using a rigid crate before trying a soft-sided carrier.

Travel Plans

Different carriers are designed for different modes of travel. If you’re looking to fly with your cat, you need a small carrier that’s roomy for your cat but suited to airline regulations. If you’re looking to hike or go on a road trip, however, the size isn’t as important.

Our Soft-Sided Cat Carriers Selection Process

Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat carriers. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

Conclusion

Our top pick overall is the PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Cat Travel Carrier, which is great for flying and comes with a bunch of helpful features. For value, the Frisco Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag is an affordable option with plenty of space and ventilation. If you travel often, the Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 Travel Cat Carrier Backpack is a versatile option that will last for all your trips.

Featured Image Credit: 21MARCH, Shutterstock