Best Cat Carriers of 2025

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Cat carriers are an essential item for any cat owner. They provide a safe and secure way to transport your feline friend to the vet or on trips. There are a variety of cat carriers on the market to choose from, including hard-sided carriers, soft-sided carriers, and backpack carriers. Hard-sided carriers offer more protection and durability, while soft-sided carriers are lightweight and easier to store. Backpack carriers are perfect for cat owners who want to take their furry companion on outdoor adventures. No matter which type of carrier you choose, make sure it is the appropriate size for your cat and has proper ventilation.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cat Carriers
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier is a large carrier perfect for keeping your pet comfortable when traveling or heading to the vet. The carrier features a removable, machine washable fleece pad and mesh ventilation panels for comfortable air flow and visibility. It has front and top zippered openings for easy loading and access, and comes with connecting top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for convenient carrying. The carrier conforms to under-seat dimensions of most airlines and is recommended for pets up to 22 pounds.
SportPet Designs Foldable Cat Carrier
The SportPet Foldable Cat Carrier is designed for your convenience and your cat's comfort. It easily collapses for storage, making it perfect for those who need to save space when not in use. When it's time to travel, setting it up is quick and hassle-free. Its durable plastic and steel construction ensures it lasts through many adventures, while the secure door lock keeps your pet safe. The carrier's unique triangular shape offers a cozy spot for your feline friend, along with ample ventilation to keep them calm and comfortable during travels.
Mr. Pen Pet Carrier
The Mr. Pen Pet Carrier is designed to ensure your small pet's comfort and safety during travel. With multiple openings and breathable mesh windows, your pet enjoys excellent airflow and visibility, making the journey more enjoyable. The cozy lining provides a soft resting place, whether you're driving or flying. Measuring approximately 17.5" in length and 11.5" in height, this carrier fits under most airline seats, simplifying air travel with your furry friend. Constructed with durable materials, it features secure zippers and an adjustable shoulder strap for hassle-free transportation.
SportPet Designs Pop Open Carrier
The SportPet Pop Open Carrier is a convenient solution for transporting your cat. Its collapsible design makes it easy to set up and store, saving you time and space. The fun print on the carrier adds a touch of personality, showing off the serious feline inside. With mesh panels, your pet enjoys great airflow, keeping them comfortable during travel. Additionally, the O-ring feature secures the zippers, ensuring your cat stays safely inside. This carrier is a practical choice for trips, as it can hold pets weighing up to 15 lbs and has removable wires for easy washing.
Pet Carrier Bag for Cats - Portable, Breathable & Durable
This cat carrier bag is perfect for small and medium pets up to 20lbs. It features portable and collapsible design, with carry handles and adjustable shoulder straps. The cat backpack carrier is made of durable Oxford cloth and scratch proof mesh with breathable mesh openings, and includes a soft washable wool mat. The carrier is airline approved and comes with additional accessories such as cat harness, nail clipper, hair removal brush, grooming brush and a foldable bowl. This is a perfect gift set for small cats and kittens.
GAPZER Pet Carrier for Large Cats 20 lbs+
The GAPZER Pet Carrier is a high-quality and durable travel carrier designed for medium to large cats, small dogs, puppies, or even two kittens. With its spacious dimensions of 18.1 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches, it can comfortably accommodate pets weighing up to 20 lbs. The carrier is constructed with a sturdy interior steel frame and made from 600D Oxford cloth fabric, ensuring long-lasting durability. It features a removable and machine-washable cover with a cozy fleece side and a cooling side, providing a comfortable and versatile hangout for your furry friend during journeys. The carrier also offers excellent ventilation with its 5-sided mesh design, keeping your pet cool and allowing easy interaction. Loading your pet is a breeze thanks to the roll-up mesh top entrance and side zippered opening. The carrier is secured with auto-locking zippers and includes an inner tether for extra safety. It also has a reflective stripe for added visibility during nighttime walks. For convenient transport, you can choose between two carrying methods - by hand with the padded top handle or over the shoulder with the adjustable and detachable non-slip shoulder strap. The carrier can be easily secured on a car seat using the shoulder strap, ensuring your pet's safety while driving. Additionally, it features a side zippered panel that can be used as a storage pocket or securely attached to a telescoping handle on luggage. The carrier also includes an easy-stow storage compartment for storing medicine, toys, and treats. When not in use, it can be easily collapsed for convenient storage. Overall, the GAPZER Pet Carrier is a reliable and versatile travel companion, providing comfort, safety, and convenience for both you and your pet.
MidWest Homes Spree Travel Carrier
The MidWest Spree Carrier is designed for the safe travel of toy dog breeds, small cats, and other small animals. Its hard-sided construction ensures durability, making it perfect for quick trips to the vet, pet store, or dog park. The stylish design comes in three vibrant colors and allows for easy assembly while ensuring proper airflow and visibility for your pet. With its easy-to-clean plastic and built-in carrying handle, you can transport your furry friend with ease and comfort. Plus, you benefit from a quality guarantee and a one-year manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind.
Hannadepot Bubble Window Cat Carrier
The Hannadepot Cat Carrier is designed to provide your pet with a comfortable and spacious travel experience. Measuring 19.7 x 11 x 10.2 inches, it accommodates pets up to 17 pounds, allowing them to move around easily. The unique bubble view window lets your furry friend gaze outside, making travel more enjoyable. Additionally, the carrier features durable, scratch-resistant materials and double-slider metal zippers for added security. With ventilation holes on all sides, your pet will enjoy excellent airflow, ensuring they stay calm and relaxed throughout the journey.
Pecute Cat Carrier
The Pecute Cat Carrier is a versatile and airline-approved pet bag designed for comfort and safety. It features a sturdy frame and wooden base, ensuring it maintains its shape during travel, so you can rest easy knowing your pet is secure. The breathable mesh fabric allows for excellent airflow, keeping your cat comfortable throughout the journey. With multiple entry points and a feeding port, you can easily access and care for your pet on the go. Plus, the double safety features, including lockable zippers and a built-in safety belt, help prevent any escapes while traveling.
PEGIC Extra Large Cat Carrier for 2 Cats
The PEGIC Extra Large Cat Carrier is a spacious and portable pet carrier that is easy to set up or fold down in one minute. It has a 30% smaller folding size than regular carriers, making it easy to store. The carrier features multi-safety designs, including a seat belt buckle, locking zippers, and safety straps to keep pets secure. It provides plenty of room for at least two cats or one medium dog, with screened panels on all sides for better sunlight and breathability, and multiple mesh windows for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do cats prefer hard or soft carriers?
Some cats prefer hard carriers over soft ones as they feel more secure in them. However, it ultimately depends on the individual cat's preference. The carrier should be in good condition, without any holes or damage, and should be regularly cleaned.
2. What is the easiest carrier to get a cat in?
The easiest type of carrier to get a cat in and out of is a hard-sided plastic carrier with an opening on the top as well as the door in the front. These carriers are often referred to as 2-door or top-load carriers.
3. Where is the best place to put a cat carrier?
The safest place to put a cat carrier in the car is in the back seat or on the floor behind the front passenger seat. This helps ensure the carrier is secure and minimizes the risk of injury to the cat during travel.
4. Should I put a towel in the cat carrier?
When setting up a cat carrier, it is recommended to place newspaper or a washable blanket or towel inside. This helps absorb any liquid in case of toileting issues during travel and provides a comfortable surface for the cat. It is best to use a synthetic material that can absorb liquids effectively.
5. Is it better to cover cats in a carrier?
Covering the cat carrier with a blanket or towel can help keep the cat relaxed. Cats often feel safer and more secure in darkness and covered spaces. The covering can provide a sense of security during travel and help keep the cat calm.
6. What can I use instead of a cat carrier?
If you don't have a cat carrier or prefer not to use one, an alternative option is a sports bag. Sports bags are designed to carry clothing and equipment, and they can provide a secure and enclosed space for transporting a cat. However, it is essential to ensure the bag is secure and comfortable for the cat.
7. What to do if a cat won't go in the carrier?
If your cat is reluctant to go into the carrier, try placing the carrier in plain sight and within the cat's reach. Leave the carrier door open and make it inviting by placing a blanket, towel, or bed inside that bears the cat's scent. Additionally, placing the cat's favorite toys and treats inside the carrier can help entice them to enter.
During our cat carrier research, we found 25 cat carrier products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 167,219 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cat carriers list. We found that most customers choose cat carriers with an average price of $33.54.
The cat carriers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cat carriers, including SportPet Designs, Mr. Pen, SZZJKJ, GAPZER, MidWest Homes for Pets. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.
Cat Carriers Comparison Table
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Brand | Amazon Basics | SportPet Designs | Mr. Pen | SportPet Designs | SZZJKJ | GAPZER | MidWest Homes for Pets | Hannadepot | Pecute | PEGIC |
Color | Black | XL carrier | Orange | Pattern | Grey | Grey | Red | Grey, green and black | Light Gray | Grey |
Material | Fleece | Plastic | Polyester, Nylon | Nylon | Polyester,Fleece,Nylon | Polyester | Plastic | Nylon, Plastic | Nylon | Oxford cloth, Metal |
Target Audience | Dog | Dog | Cat, Dog | Cat | small dogs, Up to 20 lbs Meddile & Small Cats/Dogs/Rabbit, Meddile & Small Animals, kitten cats | Guinea Pig, Small Animals, Cat, Rabbit, Dog | Dog | Cat | Cat, Rabbit, Dog | Cat, Small animals, Dog |
Item Weight | 2.65 pounds | 6.41 pounds | 1.92 pounds | 13.1 ounces | 1.85 pounds | - | 1.95 pounds | 2.59 pounds | 3.04 pounds | 6.35 pounds |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 21 x 11.5 x 2.75 inches | 24.3 x 19.2 x 5.5 inches | 17.32 x 11.73 x 2.72 inches | 9.09 x 8.35 x 2.8 inches | 17.17 x 9.69 x 3.82 inches | - | 19 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 16.97 x 12.95 x 4.72 inches | 17.76 x 9.72 x 1.65 inches | 17.6 x 17.24 x 3.31 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 19.69 x 10.2 x 11.18 inches | 18.75 x 23.13 x 17.25 inches | 1 x 2 x 0.1 inches | 20 x 15 x 14 inches | 17.71 x 10 x 11 inches | - | 17.91 x 11.5 x 12 inches | 19.7 x 11 x 10.2 inches | 17.32 x 11.81 x 9.25 inches | 24 x 16 x 16 inches |
Brand Name | Amazon Basics | SportPet Designs | Mr. Pen | SportPet Designs | SZZJKJ | - | MidWest Homes for Pets | Hannadepot | Pecute | PEGIC |
Target Audience Keyword | house-cats, dogs | house-cats | house-cats | house-cats, house-cats; dogs; rats, dogs, rats | house-cats, Cats dogs rabbits cat dog pet kitten kitty | - | cats, dogs, birds | Cats | house-cats, dogs | house-cats |
Style | Without Wheels | XL Carrier | Casual | Carrier - Pet Pen | Airline Carrier car seat carrier | - | Fashion Red & Gray | Modern | Modern | Modern |
Specific Uses for Product | - | Outdoor | Cats | Outdoor | taxi go out, Outdoor, Indoor, travel, airline | - | Indoor | Outdoor | dog carrier, cat carrier, pet carrier | Outdoor, Indoor |
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