The Best Cat Carriers
A suitable cat carrier can be the difference between an anxiety-inducing journey and a smooth, easy voyage. Getting your cat comfortable with traveling isn't always easy, but a safe and comfortable carrier will go a long way towards making their (and your) ride a pleasant one. However, they're not all made to the same standard, which is why we've spent some time looking for the best cat carriers. A cat carrier had to answer a few questions to get two paws up from us: Will your cat feel comfortable in it? Is it sturdily made and able to resist bites and scratches? Will it fit comfortably in most vehicle seats? We found a few cat carriers that had us positively purring with delight. Vceoa's carrier proved to be the best overall blend of comfort, stability, and airline readiness. However, for car travelers, the seatbelt-optimized carrier from Petbobi makes an excellent choice. No matter your traveling needs, there's a cat carrier here that you and your kitty will adore. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats
Our top cat carrier is perfect for luxury and security alike, no matter how you and your cat are traveling. This carrier is sized to airline standards and has versatile carrying straps that can also be used as seatbelts. Comfort is considered, too, with a removable insert that allows your cat to stand up as well as a complimentary fleece bed to keep them snug on long trips. When it comes to safety and leisure, this cat carrier covers all bases.
Pros
- The zippers hold fast when closed, and the fabric is resistant to bites and tears.
- There’s a handy pocket that can carry all the accessories your cat needs to have a good trip.
- We love how the carrying straps are adjustable for height, letting you carry your cat high or low depending on your (or their) preference.
Cons
- The fleece bed can shift fairly easily during bumpy rides.
Refrze Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Hold them and fold them
This cat carrier keeps your kitty safe while giving them a comfortable ride to wherever you’re heading. Soft yet durable Oxford cloth surrounds flexible mesh openings while your cat enjoys the view as they relax on the plush fleece pad. It also offers collapsible storage, which is great for saving space when not in use. You can rely on this cat carrier to respect the space and comfort of both you and your feline friend.
Pros
- We appreciate all the delightful colors and patterns this cat carrier comes in.
- The carrier opens from multiple angles, which can come in handy for interacting with feisty or irritable cats.
- Its base and padding are very easy to clean.
Cons
- Upon removing it from its package, there’s a strong chemical smell that takes some time to go away.
Siivton 4-Sided Expandable Pet Carrier
No one wants a cat carrier that you can’t bring on an airplane, and that’s where this choice comes in. This plus-sized bag gives your kitty plenty of room to stretch out while still conforming to strict airline size standards. And with its soft fur interior, multiple openings, and strong but breathable fabric material, their ride is sure to be a pleasant one. Flying the friendly skies is a lot less of a hassle with the help of this excellent cat carrier.
Pros
- The duffle bag design makes it a very discreet way to transport your cats.
- It’s hefty enough to fit more than one cat in case they need to be transported in an emergency.
- There are accessory pouches for storing toys, leashes, and more.
Cons
- The Velcro tabs in the interior don’t serve much of a function and seem like a poor use of space.
Petbobi Pet Car Booster Seat
Kitty you can drive my car
Sometimes you need a cat carrier specifically for a road trip, and this one is custom made for long drives. Two safety belts keep your furry friend in place, while reliable Oxford cloth makes sure they stay comfy and safe. Cleaning this cat carrier is simple, and it’s just as easy to fold up and take apart to save car space when not in use. If you like to take your cat with you on the road, this is the ideal option for you.
Pros
- We like that it comes in pink as well as grey.
- Since this cat carrier has no ceiling, your cat is free to take in the sights while you’re driving.
Cons
- Installation is a little complex and can take some trial and error.
Pet Gear View 360 Pet Safety Carrier
Feline ingenuity
This incredibly portable cat carrier is great for getting a full view of your cat. The zipperless, push-button design allows you to open and close the carrier without fuss, and the see-through mesh walls let your pet breathe and get 360 degrees of vision. It also comes with a seatbelt attachment, making it easy to use as a fun car seat. This cat carrier has a number of unique features that’ll make traveling so much easier.
Pros
- A fun floral pattern and variety of colors make this a more stylish choice than other cat carriers.
- Its unconventional visual design means many cats won’t recognize it as a carrier, which is great for kitties who have an aversion to them.
- We love using this as a comfy indoor cat bed, even when we’re not traveling.
Cons
- You need to use the button a few times before it starts to feel natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I don’t bring my pets traveling, do I really need a cat carrier?
Cat carriers aren’t only useful for making your vacation easier — they’re also vital to have in case of an emergency. Sudden trips to the vet might be needed, or you may need to flee a natural disaster, and in those instances, it’s critical to be ready at a moment’s notice.
How can I get my cat into a cat carrier if they don’t like being carried?
The easiest way to get a cat to be more amenable to their carrier is by putting treats inside it, allowing them to associate it with their favorite snacks. You can also put blankets and toys inside when not in use so that they’ll be more likely to relax and think of it as a safe, cozy space.
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