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Best Cat Carriers 2024
Written by Emily Bayne
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/22/2024, edited: 10/22/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
If you have a feline friend, you're probably well acquainted with the chorus of yowling that usually accompanies a vet trip. Compared to their dog siblings, cats are much less likely to enjoy traveling. For this, as well as safety reasons, cat carriers are an absolute necessity. Plus, some kitties can are great escape artists, which is even more reason why finding a high-quality and comfortable cat carrier is so important!
A great carrier should be secure first and foremost, but practicality, airline compliance, ease of use, and comfort are also important. With so many styles and brands to choose from—hard-sided, soft-sided, multi-purpose carriers, and backpacks, etc.—finding the right one for your kitty's needs can be tough! But you're in luck! We've researched the top-rated cat carriers on the market to make your decision easier.
Overview
Katziela Luxury Rider Pro Airline-Approved Cat Carrier
Best rolling carrier
Your kitty will be rolling in style with the Katziela Luxury Rider Pro. This stylish carrier can be carried with padded handles or rolled like luggage to lighten your load. The carrier has 5 mesh windows and a mesh top, so your kitty will get plenty of fresh air (and a good view) on their journey.
Available colors:
- Black & Red
- Gray
- Black & Blue
- Gray & Orange
- White/Pink
- Pink/White
- Blue/Brown
- White/Blue
Katziela Luxury Rider
Why Wag! loves this carrier
- Has a removable cushion so your kitty can roll in comfort
- The cushion is washing machine friendly
- Safety attachment clips to your kitty's harness for added security
Considerations and concerns
- Some pet parents had concerns about the sturdiness of the design
- Some pet parents complained that the harness attachment broke off easily
- Does not have a carrying strap
What pet parents say about this carrier
"I was looking for a carrier for my [18 lb cat to use for vet trips]. As he's so big, a traditional carrier [was too] bulky and honestly hard to carry. This was such a great purchase! To make things even better, he seemed 100% more comfortable being able to lie down and sit up even more impressively! Couldn't recommend a better carrier. Plus, it's super easy to assemble!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Katziela.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel
Best hard-sided crate for small cats
If you're looking for a solid hard-sided cat carrier for a small cat, this two-door kennel from Petmate is a furrific choice. It comes in a variety of adorable colors, and it is solidly built.
In fact, the shelter where I volunteer has dozens of these kennels to transport residents to the spay and neuter clinic, and I can say from experience these definitely stand the test of time!
I prefer these over the basic front-loading kennels since they have a top opening to make loading, scruffing, and vaccinating combatant cats easier.
Available colors:
- White
- Pink
- Blue
- Tan
Available sizes:
- 19 inches (up to 10 lbs)
- 24 inches(up to 15 lbs)
Petmate Cat Kennel
Why Wag! loves this carrier
- Durable and will stand the test of time
- The hard plastic and stainless steel construction is easy to sanitize
- Attractive design and comes in several colors
- Features spring-loaded latches for added security
Considerations and concerns
- The doors don't stay open on their own, which can make loading anxious cats difficult without a second pair of hands
- It's on the small side, even the medium size will only hold cats up to 15 lbs
What pet parents say about this carrier
"We took our two kitties home from the shelter and borrowed a couple of these to transport them home. We liked them so much we bought two. They are sturdy, and roomy even for large cats. The top opens up which is super convenient. One of them the top will stay open but the other one the top does not stay open. I didn't mind but that might be some thing to consider if you are planning to load a cat in it without some assistance."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Petmate.
Kopeks Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier
Best backpack cat carrier
For those looking for versatility, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Kopeks Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier. This adorable carrier can be worn on your back and can be rolled like luggage.
The spacious interior is roomy enough for large kitties and is rated for pets up to 18 lbs. It's one of the best cat carriers for car travel, thanks to its seatbelt attachment. If you're in the market for a carrier that does it all, look no further!
Available colors:
- Black
- Gray
- Pink
Kopeks Cat Carrier
Why Wag! loves this carrier
- Stylish design that comes in 3 colors
- Has an interior seatbelt that can clip to your kitty's harness for added security
- Works as a car seat, backpack carrier, and rolling carrier — 3 products in 1
- Spacious design (the interior is 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall)
Considerations and concerns
- If you plan to fly with this carrier, be aware that it is too large to fit under economy seats
- Some buyers feel the material is too flimsy
What pet parents say about this carrier
"My cats love it. Love that you can wear it as a backpack or use it with the handle and rolling wheels. My 2 smaller cats can both fit inside if needed and all 3 cats like to sleep in it and play in it."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Kopeks.
Petskd Car Travel Carrier with Litter Box
Best cat carrier for long road trips
Say goodbye to leaving your kitty behind on road trips with this nifty travel carrier by Petskd. This roomy 24"x17"x17" carrier has plenty of space for your kitty to relax on the ride, and it has numerous safety features (like eat anchors, ABS hooks, and collar hooks) to keep it secure as you drive.
Its mesh sides enable Fluffy to enjoy AC and the scenery as you travel. This carrier even has a separate space with a collapsable litterbox, so your kitty doesn't have to stop for potty breaks! Honestly, what more could your kitty need on a road trip?
Available varieties:
- Black with litterbox
- Black with wheels
- Black without litterbox
- Gray with litterbox
- Gray with wheels
- Gray without litterbox
Petskd Cat Travel Carrier
Why Wag! loves this carrier
Has a built in litterbox section making it great for long distance travel
Comes with a collapsable bowl, a carrying strap, a machine washable mat cover, a gift bag, and a clip-on storage compartment.
Features seat anchors, ABS hooks, and collar hooks to ensure your kitty is safe during travel
Folds up for compact storage
Considerations and concerns
Some parents complain that the litterbox is too flimsy.
What pet parents say about this carrier
"We traveled from Rhode Island to California with this. My kitty was more than comfortable. He never even meowed the entire trip. It was also a great place for him to hide out in unfamiliar hotels. I did leave it out and fed him inside of it with it open a month prior to our trip which made him more comfortable with it. The many openings made it so easy to be able to gently place him inside without a fight. It was very sturdy and spacious for him. Compared to others I feel this was the best price of them all. Once I was done I folded it flat and it went under my bed. Super easy to collapse."
Read more reviews on Amazon.
Image sourced from Amazon. Copyright Petskd.
Jespet Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Travel Dog & Cat Carrier
Best carrier for airline travel
If you're looking for a TSA-approved cat carrier, Jespet is a solid option. It has three zip-closed, mesh-lined openings to make loading and unloading your kitty a breeze. It also has two carrying handles and a carrying strap to make transport easier for you and your kitty.
It comes in two different size options that cater to cats and small dogs of a variety of sizes. Plus, at around 3 lbs in weight and with its collapsible sides, traveling with this carrier couldn't be more convenient.
Available sizes:
- Small/medium
- Medium/Large
Jespet Airline-Approved cat Carrier
Why Wag! loves this carrier
- It folds flat for easy storage
- Great for jet-set pet parents since it is made to airline specifications
- Has a removable cushion to keep your kitty cozy
Considerations and concerns
- If your kitty is a hairy Houdini, we highly recommend investing in some spring snap hooks since some pet parents said the zippers are easy for curious cats to undo
- The small/medium size supports pets up to 15 lbs, and the medium/large carrier supports pets up to 20 lb
What pet parents say about this carrier
"[We] purchased this because we take our cat, Dude, every 5 weeks to the vet for osteoarthritis shots. Our other carrier is the big, bulky hard plastic kind. Not very transport friendly. I am very happy with this carrier! Much easier to handle as I can carry it like a duffle bag and I like that it has multiple opening options. I think Dude likes it too! He liked being able to look out. We're going to purchase a second for when we have to take both cats to the vet."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Jespet Inc.
Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel
Best budget cat carrier
The Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel is the carrier I have for my kitties Bilbo and Binky, and I paws-itively love it. Assembly took maybe 5 minutes and just consisted of screwing in plastic wingnuts.
My boys are around 15 lbs each, and although it is quite heavy and awkward when carrying it, I have never had a scare where I thought they would escape. When the boys are sick, it's easy to sanitize and wipe clean, and we even use it on a regular basis to hold their food bowls and keep the dog out! I recommend this carrier to anyone who wants a sturdy carrier without spending a small fortune.
Available colors:
- Blue
- Pink
Frisco Two-Door Cat Kennel
Why Wag! loves this carrier
- Sturdy enough for heavier cats
- Assembly and disassembly is quick and easy
- Easy to clean and sanitize
Considerations and concerns
A Chewy-exclusive product
What pet parents say about this carrier
"I was looking for something sturdy to transport a large cat I recently adopted for his first vet exam. Kelly is around 22 lbs. I have yet to use it, but it appears to be of durable quality and was easy to assemble. Chewy did awesome with packaging this separate from the 42lbs of litter I purchased in one order. In another reviewers comment, I did at first believe the front door was not aligned, but realized when assembling, it just needs to be secured in front of the top lip of the carrier and not behind it. Once I figured this out, everything lined up as intended."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy, Inc.
FAQ
What is the best cat carrier for long-distance car travel?
What is the easiest carrier to clean?
What carriers are best for anxious cats?
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