The Best Cat Travel Carrier
Though we love our cats for their naturally adventurous temperament, it's not every day that they join us on an expedition out of the house. Whether taking your kitty to the vet or on holiday to a faraway land, you'll need an appropriate carriage to safely hold them en route. Modern cat carriers come in all shapes and designs to reflect the wide range of possibilities for pet transportation. What they all have in common is that they'll offer your cat comfortable passage, giving you peace of mind wherever you're headed.
What to Look For
Every journey comes with its own demands, so we were sure to highlight a range of different features during our search. Capacity is crucial, and you might want to measure your kitty in advance to ensure you purchase an option with enough room. For example, the Siivton expandable pet carrier boasts ample space with its many compartments. But with so many zippers, it might not be the most secure for curious cats. If you’re searching for an impenetrable fortress for playful escapists, the hard-sided case from Amazon Basics will ensure they make it from A to B in one piece. Please read below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Siivton Expandable Pet Carrier
Compartments galore
If you take a glance at the expandable design of this feature-packed carrier, you’ll see that it offers more space than most for your pet to relax during transit. Thanks to the nifty zipper design, you can fold the sides down to give your kitten space to roam inside. And when the time comes to pack up and leave, each compartment is as quickly folded back in, leaving you with a compact form that’s easy to carry using the comfortable shoulder strap.
Pros:
- This airline-approved design will fit snugly under aircraft passenger seats, so you can keep an eye on your furry friend as you fly.
- The high-capacity side pocket offers plenty of room for toys and treats.
- Tailor the interior to your cat’s preference with one of the flippable inner pad liners. You can choose from soft suede or cooling EPE material.
Cons:
- These zippers aren’t the sturdiest we’ve seen.
ZaneSun Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Cheap and cheerful
It’s not every day that we travel with our kitties, and this carrier from ZaneSun brings practicality at a bargain for occasional pet transportation. The breathable mesh lining ensures comfortable ventilation and lets you keep a loving eye on your pet as they sit inside. You can take your pick and travel in style with a range of bold colors to choose from.
Pros:
- This 600D oxford material is waterproof, making on-the-go clean-ups easier than ever.
- You can always find a comfortable way to carry it between the shoulder straps and handles.
- The removable soft pad at the base willstabilize your pete when the carrier is lifted.
Cons:
- This soft-lined design doesn’t offer much protection against accidental impacts.
Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier
No more spills
Any long journey will call for the occasional pit stop, and traveling with our cats is no exception. Luckily, Necoichi’s cat carrier comes equipped with a portable litter box, so you’ll be ready when nature calls. The simple carrier features a single zipper opening and two vertical straps, so you won’t have to hassle with buckles and multiple closures when it’s time to hit the road.
Pros:
- This compact design folds flat for efficient storage.
- If you’re worried about the burden of carrying your pet by hand, you can rest easy. This feather-light carrier weighs just under a pound.
Cons:
- We would have appreciated more color options.
Amazon Basics 2-Door Hard-Sided Cat Kennel
Locked up tight
While soft-lined carriers offer ease of transport due to their lightweight construction, they don’t provide much safety. If you want to give your kitty maximum protection on the road, a hard-sided case could be the way to go instead. This reliable option from Amazon Basics ticks all the boxes. The heavy-duty plastic shell effortlessly deflects any knocks along the way and offers maximum security to keep any known escape artists safely inside.
Pros:
- With clasps lining each side, the plastic case can be deconstructed for easy cleaning.
- Spring-loaded latches on the steel door allow one-handed operation.
- There are multiple sizes available, offering an option for cats of all breeds and life stages.
Cons:
- This case isn’t the most comfortable to carry because it only has one small plastic handle at the top.
Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack
Hands free
Travelling can be an intense ordeal, and with so much to account for, we often need to keep our hands free. This compact backpack carrier from Lollimeow offers unparalleled ease of carriage for your pet. You can keep an eye on their movements through a large clear panel at the front, with nine wide ventilation holes ensuring good airflow. When it’s time to rest, the backpack can be expanded to almost double its standard carrying size.
Pros:
- The padded handle at the top means you can also comfortably carry this backpack by hand.
- We love this backpack’s sleek and modern design, and there are plenty of colors to choose between.
Cons:
- This medium-sized carrier might not be suitable for large cats like Maine Coons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I introduce my cat to a new carrier bag?
Most felines love to roam free, so making them feel comfortable in an enclosed space like a carrier bag can sometimes be challenging. If you’re struggling to get your kitty to cooperate when it’s time to set forth, try putting some of their favorite toys or blankets inside. If all else fails, a little cat will to get their attention.
Can I take my cat carrier with me on a flight?
If your furry friend is about to join you on a jet-setting adventure, you’ll need an appropriate carrier to match the occasion. Some carriers are designed with air travel in mind, with dimensions and safety features to match. Be sure to check with your airline before travel to avoid any unpleasant surprises during check-in.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.