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.
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Best Overall Cat CarrierSherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag $71 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$71 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Large Cat CarrierSherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Cat Carrier Bag, Large $59 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$59 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
Best Overall Cat Carrier
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Sherpa cat carrier
The size was as stated. It is roomy and comfortable for my cat. The carrier gives 2 options to open, I can put my cat in the carrier using a side zipper or it zip opens on top. Easier for me to use the top opening because I don't have to push him in anymore. Love the flexible material. It is light weight which helps because my cat is 15 lbs. It is easier for me to lift him in this carrier. We'll constructed, easy to use, easy to carry, and a good price
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I have 3 of these Carriers, 2 large w wheels, one med. No wheels
I bought my first carrier a long tome ago, when I didn't use it, it sat in the basement and the zippers became hard to use, a little silicone fixed the problem and the pulls oxidized, they are not like new but work just fine. Along the way I purchased 2 more and leave them in a guest bedroom where they both look brand new. They are great for taking the cats to the vet, I put the carrier in the seat, put the seatbelt through the carrier handle so it is secure and off we go. They all just had their teeth cleaned and I took three of them in on the first trip, easy peasy? with these Carriers on wheels!
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Useful and Sturdy
I love this carrier! This is the second one I've had in seven years. I finally had to put the old one to rest, but it has taken my little dog on at least 30 flights. What happened was that I stuffed a little too much in the outer pocket, whose stitching was starting to get frayed. So I opted to get a replacement one. This was is just as great!
Best Hard-Sided Cat Kennel
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A good size for an adult cat
I started feeding my feral cat in here so it was easy to shut the door and take her to the vet to get spayed.
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Top entry- lifesaver!
The top opening is perfect when trying to get a rowdy kitten in! This is a sturdy, roomy & easy to handle crate! Love it!
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Petmate top load kennel
Bought for feral cat. He went right in when I put the top on. He Also sleeps on top of it. He loves it
Best Cat Carrier Bag
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Great carrier
No more fighting with my Ragdolls to get them in a carrier! Just sit cat in and zip top shut!
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Great carrier with handy features.
This carrier is perfect for our little dog. She can enter it a variety of ways. She can look out through the mesh panels. The zippered pocket and detachable shoulder strap make it very handy.
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Pet carrier
We haven't used it yet but we are sure it will appeal more to our cat when we need to go to vet. It is very nice.
Best Backpack For Cats
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Backpack
Archie travels in this backpack. We all love it. I can take him everywhere. He curls up and sleeps in it even.
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works for 8lb cat
Prefer a backpack to the standard carrier as I can have my hands free, plus it's more stable and not bouncing off legs and doorways. Do not think this would be a viable option for heavier cats.
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I love this so much! AND our cat (11 lbs. and lanky- plenty of room for him) likes it, too. I got him used to it by leaving it out with the mesh part rolled up so he could sit in it whenever he wants, and now he can come on walks with us when the weather is nice! I like that it opens from the front and the top, and with the straps, you can buckle it into the car if needed.
Best Large Cat Carrier
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Sherpa cat carrier
The size was as stated. It is roomy and comfortable for my cat. The carrier gives 2 options to open, I can put my cat in the carrier using a side zipper or it zip opens on top. Easier for me to use the top opening because I don't have to push him in anymore. Love the flexible material. It is light weight which helps because my cat is 15 lbs. It is easier for me to lift him in this carrier. We'll constructed, easy to use, easy to carry, and a good price
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I have 3 of these Carriers, 2 large w wheels, one med. No wheels
I bought my first carrier a long tome ago, when I didn't use it, it sat in the basement and the zippers became hard to use, a little silicone fixed the problem and the pulls oxidized, they are not like new but work just fine. Along the way I purchased 2 more and leave them in a guest bedroom where they both look brand new. They are great for taking the cats to the vet, I put the carrier in the seat, put the seatbelt through the carrier handle so it is secure and off we go. They all just had their teeth cleaned and I took three of them in on the first trip, easy peasy? with these Carriers on wheels!
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Useful and Sturdy
I love this carrier! This is the second one I've had in seven years. I finally had to put the old one to rest, but it has taken my little dog on at least 30 flights. What happened was that I stuffed a little too much in the outer pocket, whose stitching was starting to get frayed. So I opted to get a replacement one. This was is just as great!
Best Top Load Cat Carrier
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I love the top door
It is easy (ok, relatively easy) to get my cats to go in this carrier because of the top door.
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size
Rescued a new "Large" kitty and the old carrier was too small; donated it. This one is very good quality; large and I love that it has top and side opening. A very quality item. Bought the Midwest dog kennel bed and it fits perfect.
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I like the top door.
It makes it so much easier to put my cat in the carrier. And when I take him to the vet and they put him back in after the exam, it is so much easier for them.
Best Collapsible Cat Carrier
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Easy Peasy
My cat was scared at all to lay in it. So nice to not fight to shove her in the plastic carrier.
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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.
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One of my 2 cats absolutely loves it all the time; the other for transport only
I ordered two. One for each cat to go to the vet. So lightweight and easy to hold in the hand. Much easier to lure a reluctant cat into it who otherwise resists going in a standard design carrier. There is plenty of room to walk in and claim the catnip or treat. I have a cushy flat bed with a rolled edge that fits perfectly in each carrier. My other cat loves it as you would love a tent. She loves to go inside every day and sleep in it for hours; because she enjoys every factor - being sequestered, but having an open door at the same time, the darkness, quietude. I also love the flap that can remain open by aligning the velcro with the...
Best Rolling Cat Carrier
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Best bag ever
Seriously, my vet almost begged me to find them again for her. Easy to open in 4 places, easy to keep closed, easy to clean, easy to transport- I can’t recommend these enough and would absolutely buy more if I need additional carriers.
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Very Nice
I have a large black cat and an energetic but old dog, and both fit in this. It was cheap enough for them to have their very own. I can get them in it fairly easy.
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Great for on the go kitties!
Bought two of these, one for each of my 9 lbs cats. So far we've taken one trip with them, a 4 hrs drive away to visit family. Also used one for an emergency vet visit. I love the versatility of the carriers with the different zippers. When my one cat had to wear an e-collar, I could open her carrier with the full front panel so the door was bigger. I also appreciate the simple design for buckling them into the car. Detachable mats on the bottom are also a great design so you can throw them in the wash. The carriers are roomier than I've had before. Both of my cats can fit in one together (at home, I wouldn't do a car trip like that), so I...
Best Budget Cat Carrier
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Good for a 14 pound cat
My cat is 14 pounds and she fit well. It was easy to carry and I like the Sherpa floor lining.
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Great
Needed another cat carrier for storm season in the event we'd have to evacuate, this one is great and even comes with a fluffy liner that velcroes to the bottom for the cat to be comfy, as well as a little tag to write the cats name and owner information.
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Great item
Dog loves it, our yorkie puppy likes her trips in it and does not whine or bark when in it
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.
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