Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Lifestyle

Cat-in-the-Bag Cat Carrier Review of 2026: Pros & Cons

By Kristin Hitchcock
Share
Cat-in-the-Bag Carrier Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Cat-in-the-Bag a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

4.8

Cat-in-the-Bag is the creator of a one-of-a-kind cat carrier bag. It makes traveling much easier, as well as nail-trimming, medicating, or teeth-cleaning. Their cat carrier is designed to be better than a crate for travel, as well as doubling as a way to keep your cats still while you trim their nails or brush their teeth.

At this time, the company only makes the carrier bag.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

Cat-in-the-Bag Review

If you struggle to use ordinary crates for your feline, the Cat-in-the-Bag might be the best option. It is made to hold your cat still. They can't run away or scratch, as their legs are safely contained inside the bag. Their head is free, so they don't feel contained. You can also keep your eye on them the whole time, so you'll never have to worry about them unnecessarily.

The bag's collar portion is made with adjustable fabric, which is tightened to prevent your cat from pushing through the hole. The bag is quite roomy, which allows your feline to stretch out and lay down.

How Is Cat-in-the-Bag Designed?

The bag is made with tightly woven cotton, which won't rip when exposed to your cat's claws and won't snag your feline's claws. The bag is made to remain loose. This allows your feline to stretch out and have unrestricted movement. They also won't get any traction on the bag, preventing rips.

The Velcro collar fits around any cat's neck and is very adjustable. There is a zipper along one side and the bottom of the bag. This feature helps you get your cat inside the bag. A handle also functions as a shoulder strap and connects to a seat belt to keep your cat secure in the car.

How Do You Get the Cat in the Bag?

One of the most common questions about this product is how you get the cat in the bag to begin with. It is a lot easier than it may look. You start by unzipping the bag and loosening the neck. Place your cat on the bag and then guide their head through the hole with the bag unzipped and folded over.

Cat-in-the-bag E-Z-Zip Cat Carrier Bag_Lavender

Then, adjust the collar so that it is tight around your cat's neck. It isn't easy to make the collar too tight. You should only be able to slide one finger between your cat's neck and the collar. This will ensure they cannot slip a paw out, which can potentially cause injuries.

Once your cat is secure in the collar, you can zip up the bag easily. Watch for your cat's tail!

What Is Cat-in-the-Bag Used For?

This handy product is perfect for trips, including those for the vet. When in the cat bag, your cat cannot scratch or fight against the vet, which makes visits far less stressful. The vet doesn't have to remove the bag to examine the feline. The head can be examined because it is out of the bag, while the bag can be unzipped to access the rest of the cat's body.

Shots can be easily administered by unzipping the bag a little bit. Medication can be given with the bag zipped up, eliminating the danger of the cat's claws. Medicine and dental care can also be easily performed while the cat is in the bag. Usually, it is recommended to wrap your cat in a towel to give them medication. However, the towel can come undone as the cat struggles.

The bag keeps the cat in place and is much easier to put on than a towel. Your feline cannot fight while in the bag, making trips to the vet much easier. Nail trimming is also much easier with these cat bags. There is a small Velcro hole in each shoulder, which allows you to access the front feet. You can access the bag feet by unzipping the bottom of the bag.

Benefits of the Cat-in-the-Bag

The Cat-in-the-Bag is ideal if you're looking for a bag system for your feline. There are other brands, but they are simply rip-offs of this brand-name product.

Cat-in-the-bag E-Z-Zip Cat Carrier Bag_Light Blue

This bag is machine washable. If your feline has accidents, they make disposable liners for the inside to combat the problem. This is especially helpful if your cat tends to pee when they get scared. This bag also doesn't break or tear. It will not catch your cat's claws and is too large for your feline to get traction and tear it.

When you're done with it, you can easily store it away. The handle makes it easy to carry your cat around. Moving in and out of the car is also effortless since you don't have to transport your feline between containers.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

A Quick Look at Cat-in-the-Bag

Cat-in-the-bag E-Z-Zip Cat Carrier Bag_product

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Machine washable
  • Disposable liners available
  • Keeps cats calm

Cons

  • Challenging to get some cats in the bag
divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

What Other Users Are Saying

Many users loved this bag. It makes carrying around cats much easier. Some complained that their cats didn't quite like the bag. However, that is to be expected. The bag is not designed to be something that the cat wants to be in. Instead, it is made to keep your cat contained and still, like on car trips and at the vet.

It's essential to choose the correct size for your cat. The bag needs to be large enough for your pet to stretch out in, as this prevents them from getting any traction. At the same time, the neck part needs to be small enough to keep them contained. You should measure your cat before getting the bag since size problems are mentioned frequently in negative reviews.

Many customers complained that their cats could fit their paws through the opening. That can be rectified by purchasing the right size and tightening the neck opening appropriately. It is challenging to make it too tight. You should only be able to fit one finger between the cat's neck and the collar.

There also seems to be some confusion over the size of the bag. It is supposed to be large, and your cat should be able to stretch out in any direction.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

If you are looking for an alternative to a crate, you may want to check out Cat-in-the-Bag. It is the only product the company makes, and it is unclear if they will make other products in the future.

As far as cat bags are concerned, this is about as good as it gets. It is one of the original cat bags. Despite being a "brand name," the bag is not expensive. It is more than worth trying if you're looking for a travel solution.

The Catster Newsletter

Expert cat care, straight to your inbox

News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.

No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)

Kristin Hitchcock
Authored by

Kristin Hitchcock

Leave a Reply

You're very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let's have a positive and constructive conversation.

Catit Cabrio Carrier 2026 Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Catit Cabrio Carrier 2026 Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Is your cat a homebody who hates traveling in cramped, dark crates? Who could blame them? That’s why Catit came up with this more cat-friendly Cabrio Carrier w…

Codee Chessher
By Codee Chessher ·
Can I Carry My Cat in a Purse? Vet-Approved Safety Tips

Can I Carry My Cat in a Purse? Vet-Approved Safety Tips

Getting your cat to and from the vet can be a difficult and dangerous task if you don’t have a cat carrier. Some people opt to wrap their cat in a blanket or t…

Crystal Uys
By Crystal Uys ·
How to Get Your Cat into a Carrier: Vet-Verified Tips & Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Your Cat into a Carrier: Vet-Verified Tips & Step-by-Step Guide

Having to take your cat anywhere in a carrier can be challenging. After all, cats are not dogs and are not coerced into a carrier as easily. In fact, if your k…

Rachel Giordano
By Rachel Giordano ·
Travel Cat "The Navigator" Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2026: A Detailed Look

Travel Cat "The Navigator" Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2026: A Detailed Look

Does adventure call to your kitty? Do they look at the confines of a catio and flick their tail in disgust? Then Travel Cat may just have the product for you.…

Sara Seitz
By Sara Seitz ·

Why Do Cats Hate Car Rides? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If you’ve ever had to take your cat somewhere, you know that they aren’t the biggest fan of car rides. But why exactly is that? Many dogs seem to enjoy riding…

Misty Layne
By Misty Layne ·
Why Do Cats Hate Car Rides? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Is It Cruel to Use a Cat Backpack? Vet Reviewed Safety Tips & Risks

Most cats like to stay at home, where they can claim and protect their territory. When they have to travel for a veterinary visit or move to a new house, they…

Rachael Gerkensmeyer
By Rachael Gerkensmeyer ·
Is It Cruel to Use a Cat Backpack? Vet Reviewed Safety Tips & Risks

Why Can't I Get My Cat Into a Carrier? Our Vet Explains

How do you get your cat to the vet? The safest way to get them to the vet or places requiring a car ride is by putting them into a cat carrier. But this is eas…

Dr. Samantha Devine
By Dr. Samantha Devine ·
Why Can't I Get My Cat Into a Carrier? Our Vet Explains

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed: 2026 Review

If you need a pet carrier and a pet bed in one, the Sleepypod can be your perfect all-in-one solution for smaller pets. With a maximum weight capacity of 15 po…

Adam Mann
By Adam Mann ·
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed: 2026 Review

5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons to Consider a Cat-Only Veterinary Clinic

Visiting the vet is stressful for a lot of animals, but especially for cats. They’re taken from an environment where they’re safe and comfortable, put in a cra…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons to Consider a Cat-Only Veterinary Clinic

Why Does My Cat Hate Going to the Vet? Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Calming Tips

Dogs are famous for their reluctance to go for their annual veterinarian visit, but cats have the same reluctance! As cat parents, we know how essential these…

Kathryn Copeland
By Kathryn Copeland ·
Why Does My Cat Hate Going to the Vet? Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Calming Tips

How to Take a Road Trip With a Cat: 10 Vet-Reviewed Tips

It’s hard enough for cat owners to get their pets inside their carriers and to the vet for an annual check-up, let alone embark on a long road trip with them.…

Chantelle Fowler
By Chantelle Fowler ·
How to Take a Road Trip With a Cat: 10 Vet-Reviewed Tips

How to Choose the Right Cat Carrier in 2026: 7 Vet-Approved Steps

Cat carriers are a convenient way to transport your cat both short and long distances. Cat owners might feel overwhelmed when looking for the right carrier for…

Sarah Psaradelis
By Sarah Psaradelis ·
How to Choose the Right Cat Carrier in 2026: 7 Vet-Approved Steps

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert cat care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on feline behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Catster site on a phone