If you and your cat love embarking on adventures, then our favorite cat carriers will help you do it in style and comfort. Whether it’s a short road trip, a hike in the mountains, or a cross-country excursion, we’ve found the perfect carriers so your cat can enjoy the journey and stay safe.
Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier
The smart two-door design gives you a choice of loading options
Unlike a lot of front-loading pet carriers, this Amazon Basics carrier has a top-loading option, too. It's perfect if you have a cat who won’t always go into its carrier willingly!
Pros:
- Two doors
- Easy to clean
- No sharp edges
Cons:
- Top door latch not always secure
At 23-inches long, this is a great choice for cats of all sizes, and there’s plenty of ventilation to keep them comfortable while they’re traveling. The spring-loaded latch offers a smooth opening, and the plastic design is durable, secure, and doesn't have sharp edges that could injure your kitty. It's easy to take this carrier apart so you can thoroughly clean it. Additional screws offer extra reinforcement and great peace of mind.
Jekeno Small Sling Cat Carrier
Keep your kitty close with this sweet sling
If you have a furkid who likes to stay close, then this sling will help them feel safe and secure. Available in three stylish designs, this carrier has an adjustable shoulder strap and is constructed in a lightweight, breathable cotton fabric.
Pros:
- Soft materials
- Reversable
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Not approved for travel
The sling is reversible, which is a real bonus as it means less frequent washing is required, but it’s also super easy to clean in the washing machine. It's a great choice for taking your cat on walking, cycling, or shopping adventures. It's only for smaller pets, though, with a maximum weight limit of 13 pounds.
Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
Take to the skies in this airline-approved carrier
Your furkid will travel comfortably with this airline-approved carrier with soft sides and a padded floor. There’s also a suitcase-style handle and removable shoulder strap for easy portability.
Pros:
- Airline approved
- Soft materials
- Strap and handles
Cons:
- Not for luggage transport
Lightweight and foldable, this carrier holds its shape and is sturdy, ensuring your cat is safe throughout their journey. It’s also leakproof, adequately ventilated, and conforms to under-seat airline dimensions. This carrier isn't hard or sturdy enough for pets that are stored in the luggage area underneath the airplane, but is okay for smaller animals traveling with you in the passenger cabin.
Midwest Spree Travel Pet Carrier
A durable and easy-to-assemble carrier that’s bright and fun
With three brilliant colors to choose from, you’ll never lose sight of your kitty in this carrier. The hard sides make it a durable choice that ensures your cat travels safely and securely at all times.
Pros:
- Well ventilated
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
Cons:
- For short trips only
Providing excellent ventilation, a carry handle for easy portability, and a simple four-step assembly process that doesn’t require tools, this is a winning choice. It’s also easy to clean. While this carrier is secure and sturdy, it isn't approved for airline travel. We recommend this carrier for short trips to the vet or in drives in the car.
Morpilot Foldable Cat Backpack
Outdoor adventuring with your cat just got a whole lot easier
Hit the hiking trails, camp out under the stars, or embark on an epic adventure with this stylish backpack that will carry your cat in comfort. Made of eco-friendly polyester, this backpack is scratch-resistant, lightweight, and easy to carry.
Pros:
- Holds a lot of weight
- Backpack style
- Well ventilated
Cons:
- Not a lot of room to move
It can hold cats up to 15 pounds and has a four-sided mesh ventilation system that allows your cat to see the great outdoors while fresh air circulates. It also has a sunshade to prevent your cat from getting too much exposure. With adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps, and plenty of pockets for storage, this is travel at its best. This carrier is more vertical, so there isn't a lot of room on the bottom for your cat to stretch or move around while in it.
How to choose the best cat carrier
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When traveling with precious cat cargo, your main priorities are likely to be safety and ease of use, which is why our top pick is the AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier. If plane travel is a regular thing for you and your furkid, then the Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is an excellent option that’s airline approved and conforms to under-seat dimensions.
Like to keep your kitty close? Then why not go with the Jekeno Small Sling Cat Carrier? It's perfect if your cat tends to get anxious and you want to mimic that warm and safe feeling they would get next to their mother. And for those of you that like to hike or camp with your cat companion, the Morpilot Foldable Cat Backpack is not to be missed. It's a comfortable mobile retreat for your cat.
Why trust us
At Pets Radar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.
