Whether you’re driving your cat to a vet visit or planning air travel with your adventure kitty for your next vacation, the best cat carrier will ensure they have a safe, cozy space for their trip. From hard-sided crates to collapsible pet carriers and even cat backpacks, we’ve rounded up the best-selling and top-rated cat travel carriers. Tried, tested and reviewed by Chewy cat parents, these feline favorites are designed to make pet travel safer and more enjoyable for you both.
- 1
-
2
$50 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
- 3
- 4
-
5
Best Large Cat CarrierSherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag, Large $51 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$51 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
Best Overall Cat Carrier
-
It does the job
Ive used this to fly with my cat several times. Hes elderly so I added a 1 inch memory foam pad to the bottom (with slight lips on the sides) and he was very comfortable. It has good ventilation, is very sturdy (so no escapes), and has handy pockets for essentials. It does the job!
-
Useful!
Haven’t used it to travel yet but I have it in out in my home for my small dog to get used to it and my dog finds comfort in it.
-
Spacious and Sturdy
For a seventeen pound large cat, he still has room to move round and is quite comfortable and it is contained well and easy to carry
Best Hard-Sided Cat Kennel
-
Large Carrier!
I really like this carrier! We already own one, but I wanted to get a 2nd one in case 2 of our cats need to see the vet on the same day. I love the fact that it has doors on the top and the side. This makes it very convenient for putting the cat in, and then taking it out at the vet's. I recommend this 100%!
-
Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel
Purchased this to transport my new kitten home... it's very well made & I love the top loading door. The size will be suitable for her when she's grown
-
Easy loading from top and front
We got this carrier (kennel) for transporting our cats to the vet. They can easily see out, the carrier is light and manuverable, and has both top and front loading.
Best Cat Carrier Bag
-
Size and weight
My cat cries and pretty much throws a fit when I put her in a regular carrier but jumps right in this carrier. She likes the softness and that she can see everything (her view isn’t limited). No more trauma when taking her to vet appointments. She used to pretty much wail the whole time on the ride to Vet. I’m much happier now as well.
-
Well made and has easy access
So happy to have this nice carrier for my cats. Shoulder strap is better to carry and have hands free and the top access is awesome!
-
Nice carrier
Purchased this carrier to bring my cat on the plane with me. His hard plastic one was too big. This has a nice plush removable pad on the bottom which can be washed. He’s not a happy camper being transported as it is so his creature comforts are better met in this carrier.
Best Backpack For Cats
-
Durable and Safe
I love this for my Kitties. It has many options for easy access and is great if you want to just wear and go! Makes my vet visits a breeze
-
Great for small cats!
While there is no possible way my 16 lb cat would fit in this, my 4.5 lb kitten fits perfectly, with room for him to move around! The inside base unzips, which is great for cleaning. It keeps its shape very well, and the canvas outside and structure is sturdy. The zippers are a little sticky, but not a deal-breaker.
-
Loves to sleep in it
Even though he's still learning to be an adventure kitty, I take him to the vet and traveling in this. I like that you buckle in the straps for car safety, and it can open from the top or front depending on your need. The bottom unzips too for cleaning, which is key. Not very well designed as far as ergonomically for the human back (has a waist strap, but the shoulder straps can be awkward to put on at times), so it doesn't feel as natural a fit when backpacking as good backpacks should.
Best Large Cat Carrier
-
It does the job
Ive used this to fly with my cat several times. Hes elderly so I added a 1 inch memory foam pad to the bottom (with slight lips on the sides) and he was very comfortable. It has good ventilation, is very sturdy (so no escapes), and has handy pockets for essentials. It does the job!
-
Useful!
Haven’t used it to travel yet but I have it in out in my home for my small dog to get used to it and my dog finds comfort in it.
-
Spacious and Sturdy
For a seventeen pound large cat, he still has room to move round and is quite comfortable and it is contained well and easy to carry
Best Top Load Cat Carrier
-
Quality compared to cost
Perfect Pet Carrier!! Exceptional quality. Top and end door. Great for cat or small dog. Worth twice than the actual price in my opinion. Will be purchasing a second for my Pekingese, Linus.
-
Great 2 door carrier!
Never owned a 2 door top load carrier before. I have been looking for one for a little while. Glad I found this one for a really good price, and it is really good quality! Used it today to bring home a somewhat wild stray. Scuffed it and was able to load it through the top. Best thing I have bought for all our TNR and rescue operations!
-
Great price for a perfectly serviceable carrier
We don't travel so I can't speak to that but this is going to be safe and secure for trips to the vet.
Best Collapsible Cat Carrier
-
Easy to store
Closet space is minimal in the house so these collapsible carriers are GREAT! They came in handy when we had a tornado cow through my neighborhood last year. Quick to put up and put the cats inside each of their carriers and get them all to safety without having to worry about my girls.
-
Easy Peasy
My cat was scared at all to lay in it. So nice to not fight to shove her in the plastic carrier.
-
Purrrrfect
My kitten loves this. She sleeps in it during the day and I put her in it at night. She loves being in there.
Best Rolling Cat Carrier
-
great cat carrier
I'm getting old - lol - so much easier to use this rolling carrier for trips to the vets office. And it fits easily and securely into my 2 seater car.
-
10 Stars!!
I would give this 10 stars if I could. Gone are the days carrying a heavy cat in a carrier with a handle that kills your back because the cat shifts in it and throws off your balance. This is a god send, the cat is safe and not sliding around and you are safe from back strain and shifting throwing you off balance, saving you from a potential fall.
-
Very Practical
Gucci loved it, she felt very comfy. She had space. I loved that you could roll it, use it as a backpack and a carryon. It's worth the money. You pet will love it, you will love it.
Best Expandable Cat Carrier
-
Big boy loves it!
My cat has never been averse to carriers, but they certainly aren't his favorite either, especially since he's a big boy. I put this down though, went to get treats to put in it to start teaching him it was safe, and he'd already crawled in and settled down for a nap. Of course I can't say it's for every cat, but for mine it's definitely an improvement on the last one! Only thing is that I wish it had a suitcase strap, but that's solveable.
-
Pet Carrier
I like the fact that it expands to give my pet more room. However, it came not as the color in the picture. It was all black. They should update picture.
-
my cat tolerated this well
I used this to bring my 13 lb cat on a 2 hour plane ride. He managed it very well. On the way there, I gave him gabapentin, which he hated, and he somehow managed to open the zipper to the bag from the inside and stick his head out. I kept it expanded under the seat while we flew so he could stretch out. On the flight back home, I didn't give him gabapentin (he spat it out and refused to take it), so we flew without it and he did even better. Highly recommend this, even better if you can put something soft inside (I put a soft highly absorbent microfiber towel in case he had an accident) and he really did just fine. He doesn't love flying...
Best Cat Carrier for Car Travel
-
The color
The fact that I could contain my puppy and he could still see out, and the fact that I could secure his car seat to the cars seat belt.
-
Works great for short trips in the car
The soft-sided carrier with mesh ventilation is gentle on the puppy. I pull the seatbelt over the top through the handle straps and fasten it for added security. The carrier size, along with its sturdy straps and comfortable handle, allows me to carry my pet as easily as luggage to and from the vehicle.
-
Did the job
This was a great carrier until my pup outgrew it. I didn't select/order the wrong size. My pup is about twice the size the breeder indicated.
Best Budget Cat Carrier
-
Easy-convenient-nice looking
I love it- so much easier to handle than a regular cat carrier- lighter, easy to hold and carry, beautiful looking also.
-
Size and weight
So much easier to handle with your pet in it. Allows plenty of air circulation and comfort for your pet.
-
Great for my pups long legs
I was looking for a carrier because our previous one was a little too stiff to fit well under the seat while flying. Although the measurements are an inch too tall for what my airline listed it fit well because it was soft sided. My pup is an 11 lbs poodle mix with long legs so I wanted something he could stretch in but that wasn’t too oversized since he prefers to snuggle into a tight donut. We also added a large disposable hand warmer to a corner and he LOVED it. He could see in every direction and was the calmest he’s ever been while traveling. It had enough storage to hold his bowls, treats, a few spare pouches of food, and meds....
Now that you’ve picked out the best cat carrier to keep your fur baby secure and comfortable during their travels, get tips for keeping them safe while on the road—or wherever your journey takes you.
Shop other top-selling, top-rated pet product for cats:
Share: