Best Cat Carriers of 2026
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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 2-Door Top Load Pet Carrier
The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top Load Pet Carrier is a hard-sided pet carrier made of plastic and steel wire doors. It is a perfect carrier for transporting pets to the vet or general travel. The 2 doors for front and top entry promote easy access and loading of pets. The top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle. The spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing. The carrier also provides plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the crate. It can accommodate medium-sized dogs weighing 12 - 20 pounds. Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size.
Henkelion Pet Carrier for Small Medium Pets - Grey
The Henkelion Pet Carrier is the perfect travel companion for small to medium-sized pets up to 15 lbs. With its airline-approved design, you can take your pet with you wherever you go. The adjustable shoulder strap and dual handles make it a safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel needs. Made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric with a four-side mesh design, it provides a safe and comfortable travel experience for your pet, while also allowing you to check on them easily. Plus, it's portable and foldable, making it easy to store when not in use.
Mr. Pen Pet Carrier for Cats and Dogs
Mr. Pen Pet Carrier is a lightweight and durable cat and dog carrier made of cloth and scratch-proof mesh. It comes with a soft washable wool mat and solid base for stability. The pet carrier has extended handle grips, detachable shoulder straps, and adjustable padded shoulder straps for easy carrying. It also features breathable and ventilated design to reduce pet anxiety and has anti-slip zippers to prevent pets from escaping. The pet bag is suitable for pets up to 15lbs.
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.
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
The Amazon Basics Pet Carrier is a soft-sided carrier designed for comfortable pet travel. It comes with a removable, machine washable fleece pad for added comfort and convenience. The carrier features mesh ventilation panels that provide adequate airflow and visibility for your pet. With front and top openings, loading and accessing your pet is easy, and the sturdy zippers ensure a secure closure. The carrier also includes two connecting top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for convenient carrying. It is recommended for pets weighing up to 16 pounds and conforms to under-seat dimensions of most airlines. The Amazon Basics Pet Carrier is the perfect travel companion for your furry friend.
BAGSMART Quilted Soft Cat Carrier
The BAGSMART Soft Pet Carrier is designed with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. Its size meets airline cabin requirements, making it perfect for air travel with pets up to 20 lbs, so you can bring your furry friend along hassle-free. The carrier features a sturdy anti-collapse frame and an adjustable leash inside, helping keep your pet secure and preventing escapes. Breathable mesh panels on all sides ensure good airflow and visibility, which helps your pet stay calm during trips. Plus, the quilted, waterproof exterior adds style and durability, and the removable padded base offers extra comfort both on the go and at home.
Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats
The Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier is a medium-sized carrier with a max load of 16 lbs, recommended for pets' length and height. It fits under-seat dimensions of most airlines and features mesh windows for ventilation. The carrier has top and side entry with locking zippers for safety, and comes with carrying handles, adjustable shoulder strap, and back strap. Additionally, the carrier includes a removable base insert and a hand washable cozy fleece pet bed. This carrier is perfect for traveling with your cat.
Top Tasta Cat Carrier Bag
The Top Tasta Cat Carrier is designed with your pet's travel needs in mind. With dimensions of 17x11x11 inches, it accommodates pets weighing up to 15 pounds, ensuring a snug fit for your medium cats or small dogs. Airline approved, this carrier easily fits under most flight seats, allowing you to travel with your furry friend hassle-free. Made from durable polyester and featuring mesh sides, it provides great ventilation while letting you keep an eye on your pet. The sturdy metal zippers and safety buckle add extra safety, preventing any accidental escapes during your journeys.
LEHNI Soft-Sided Pet Carrier TSA Approved
The LEHNI Soft Pet Carrier offers a sturdy design with a steel frame and wooden support to keep its shape and provide stability, ensuring your pet's comfort during travel. Its breathable mesh windows on all sides let fresh air in and give your pet a clear view, while also allowing you to easily keep an eye on them. With four entrances, it's convenient for your pet to enter and exit. The carrier fits pets up to 16 pounds and is TSA approved, so you can bring it on most airplanes and secure it safely in cars with its adjustable shoulder strap and non-slip feet. Plus, there’s a handy front pocket for storing treats and toys.
SportPet Foldable Travel Cat Carrier with Waterproof Bed
The SportPet Designs Sport Pet Foldable Travel Cat Carrier with A Waterproof Bed is a patented design with a unique wide side-opening door that makes it easy for cats to walk into. It comes with 1 waterproof bed and 1 new color carrier. The carrier is easy to clean, folds down compactly and the pet bed is machine washable and dryer safe. It holds pets up to 25 lbs and measures 15.2" L x 18.5" W x 14.2" H while the bed size is 18" L x 13.75" W.
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 27 cat carrier products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 792,745 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 $20.47.
The cat carriers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cat carriers, including Henkelion, Mr. Pen, SZZJKJ, BAGSMART, Vceoa. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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 | Henkelion | Mr. Pen | SZZJKJ | Amazon Basics | BAGSMART | Vceoa | Top tasta | LEHNI | SportPet Designs |
| Item Weight | 4.53 pounds | 7.1 ounces | 2.07 pounds | 1.85 pounds | 2.4 pounds | 2.88 pounds | 2.18 pounds | 1.85 pounds | 2.66 pounds | 4.3 pounds |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 22.05 x 12.2 x 8.66 inches | 16.93 x 10.63 x 1.97 inches | 17.09 x 11.14 x 1.81 inches | 17.17 x 9.69 x 3.82 inches | 17.8 x 11.18 x 2.83 inches | 17.56 x 11.34 x 3.43 inches | 17.56 x 11.44 x 2.46 inches | 15.98 x 10.71 x 1.73 inches | 17.24 x 11.77 x 1.69 inches | 18.9 x 14.96 x 4.72 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 22.83 x 14.96 x 12.99 inches | 17 x 11 x 11 inches | 17.5 x 11.2 x 11.5 inches | 17.71 x 10 x 11 inches | 16.5 x 11 x 11 inches | 18.11 x 11.02 x 11.02 inches | 17.51 x 11.04 x 11.04 inches | 17 x 11 x 11 inches | 17 x 11 x 11 inches | 18.5 x 14.25 x 15.3 inches |
| Brand Name | Amazon Basics | Henkelion | Mr. Pen | SZZJKJ | Amazon Basics | BAGSMART | Vceoa | Top tasta | LEHNI | SportPet Designs |
| Target Audience Keyword | dogs, house-cats | Cats, Dogs, dogs, house-cats | house-cats | Cats dogs rabbits cat dog pet kitten kitty, house-cats | dogs, house-cats | house-cats | dogs, house-cats, small-animal-pets | Rabbits Cats Dogs Birds, dogs, house-cats, small-animal-pets | Cats, Dogs, PET | cats, dogs, house-cats |
| Color | Gray & Blue | Grey | Grey | Grey | Black | Baby Pink | XH | green | GRAY | Large Carrier w/ Bed (Teal & Gray) |
| Size | 22.8"L x 15.0"W x 13.0"H | 17.0"L x 11.0"W x 11.0"H | 17.5"L x 11.2"W x 11.5"H | Large | 16.5"L x 11.0"W x 11.0"H | Medium | 17.5"L x 11.0"W x 11.0"H | 17.0"L x 11.0"W x 11.0"H | 17"L x 11"W x 11"H | 18.5"L x 14.3"W x 15.3"H |
| Material | PP, Iron | Polyester | Durable Cloth, Scratch-proof Mesh | Polyester,Fleece,Nylon | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester | Fleece,Nylon,Polyester,Steel | Polyester | Plastic |
| Style | Two-Door Top-Load | Safety | Hand or Shoulder | Airline Carrier car seat carrier | Without Wheels | Modern | Safety | Casual | Casual | A Carrier With A Waterproof Bed |
| Special Feature | Durable | Airline Approved,Collapsible,Durable,Foldable,Lightweight,Portable | Breathable, Durable, Lightweight | Adjustable, Breathable,Resistant,Lightweight,Portable, Easy to Clean, Environmentally Friendly, Lightweight | Adjustable,Zippers | Durable | Collapsible | - | Airline Approved | Collapsible, Foldable |
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