Best Cat Soft-Sided Carriers of 2025

"For the price, you can't go wrong. I switched from a hard plastic carrier to this Amazon Basics bag after ten years. It's well-constructed, and I got the large size for my fat cat. The nylon is strong and pliable, and I appreciate the double straps for carrying options. The washable soft layer inside is a plus, and the mesh openings help my cat feel less claustrophobic. Overall, it’s great for vet trips or short travels."

"I use this carrier as a timeout space for my mischievous cat. It keeps him safe while I finish my tasks. The durability and attractiveness of the design impress me. He has a zippered opening to peek out while we’re in the car. Though he doesn’t love it, he’s comfortable enough to sleep inside. The price is very reasonable for its quality!"

"Es de buena calidad y me llegó un día después de lo prometido. Estoy muy satisfecho con la compra."

"I'm currently writing this from the plane. The carrier fits PERFECTLY under the seat, allowing enough space for my feet. It's easy to assemble and has comfortable padding for my cat. The mesh design is great for ventilation and the TSA opening is very convenient. I absolutely recommend this carrier; it's very safe. After using it, storing the carrier was a breeze—easy to fold and put away."

"I've had this carrier for about a year, and my cat loves it! Whenever I bring it out, he immediately hops in and feels cozy and secure. It's the perfect size, and the sturdy structure underneath with soft padding makes it great for lounging. The long strap is handy for carrying him over my shoulder, making it ideal for vet trips or travel. It’s a fantastic purchase, and I highly recommend it!"

"This carrier is fantastic for my two rescued kittens. It's sturdy, pretty, and spacious enough for them. They can see out of it, and the option to carry it by short handles or a long shoulder strap is a nice touch. The ventilation is excellent, ensuring there's no smell. Overall, it’s a very nice carrier that serves its purpose well."

"I was looking for a convenient carrier for my 10-pound cat, and this one has been perfect. It's much lighter than our hard-side carrier, and Charlie loves it! He can see us through the large windows, and the multiple openings make it easy to get him in and out. The quality is impressive, and the removable mat is a great touch."

"Flying with my 13lbs Maltese mix was a breeze thanks to this carrier. It fit perfectly under the seat, and I had no issues with the airlines. It's super sturdy and easy to carry, making it my go-to for train travel as well. I highly recommend it!"

"I bought this carrier for my 7-pound puppy, and I was pleasantly surprised! It was sturdy and the zippers worked smoothly. The top opening allowed me to pet him while adhering to the airline rules. Although it was a bit taller than the guidelines, it was flexible enough to fit under the seat."

“Overall, I’m satisfied with my purchase. The carrier is stylish and seems well-made, but it did wrinkle within 30 minutes of first use, which was unexpected. The expandable features and multiple ways to unzip made our travels much more comfortable, and my pup enjoyed the furry inner lining during our train ride.”

“I bought this carrier for my kittens, but it feels a bit snug as they grow. I’m giving it 4 stars for sturdiness because it collapses easily if they jump on it. However, the fold-out sides allow them to move comfortably, and the soft interior is a plus.”

“This travel carrier is just what we needed! It's airline-approved size and expands for extra comfort. We encouraged our puppy to explore it with treats, and now he loves to go in even when we’re not around!”

"I absolutely love this great little kitty kennel. It’s perfect for my cat who needs a bit more room while being confined. I would definitely recommend it!"

"This SweetBin Expandable Pet Carrier Bag is a fantastic choice for my frequent travels with my pets. The expandable design is a standout feature, giving ample space for my pet to stretch out. It’s built to last, with high-quality materials and airline-approved for travel. I appreciate the thoughtful features like the included pad and storage pocket!"

"I’m really impressed with this travel expandable large pet carrier. The expandable sides give my cat extra space, and the removable soft lining is washable, making it easy to keep clean. My 20-pound cat fits comfortably, and the dual openings make loading and unloading a breeze. It’s so well-made and durable, perfect for larger cats!"

"Traveling with my cat is quite the adventure! This carrier has become my unsung hero. It's sturdy enough to handle my cat's dramatic protests and spacious enough for him to sulk in style. On our way to the vet, he wasn't thrilled, but at least he wasn't plotting an escape, thanks to the secure zippers! The best moment was on our return trip when he snoozed peacefully in the carrier. I really appreciate how I can peek inside without letting him out. Five stars from me!"

"I was excited to find this carrier from Mr Pen, as I’ve had great experiences with their other products. The color is reminiscent of denim, which I love! It comes with a cushion and a strap to secure my pet, as well as handles for easy carrying. The price was really reasonable, and I'm very pleased with my purchase!"

"I needed a carrier for my new kitten during our flight from Tennessee to Florida. This one is sturdy and fits under a standard airline seat. The faux sherpa lining is removable, which was a lifesaver after her water bowl spilled. It’s small, so I’d recommend it for smaller cats and kittens."

"I purchased the Cat Carrying Case for my Senior Maine Coon cat. I love the nylon mesh on three sides and the top, allowing my cat to see out and making it easy to check in on her. The wool mat adds comfort, and it's sturdy enough for my 10-pound cat. I’m donating my hard case carrier to a shelter because this one is so much better!"

"I was stressed about getting my two cats back into our hard-sided carriers after camping until I found this mesh carrier. The ventilation is fantastic, and it folds flat for storage. I found it easy to open from the top or either end. The bedding insert is removable and washes well. This carrier has become my best friend!"

"I love this carrier! It has strong zippers and sturdy netting. My new kitty seems very comfortable, often sleeping in it. The ventilation is great, and I appreciate that it opens from the top and sides, making it easier to put her in and take her out. Overall, it looks amazing and is a solid product!"

"My kitty and I love this carrier! The moment I took it out, she hopped right in and seemed so comfortable. It’s made of durable material with excellent airflow. The straps are easy to carry, and the bubble window allows her to see me during vet visits. The zippers open fully for hassle-free access. My cat is about 7 pounds and fits perfectly, with extra space around her. Overall, I appreciate the quality and durability!"

"I’ve got four kitties, and they all were curious about the carrier as soon as it was unboxed. We used it to take one to the vet, and they still enjoy playing inside it. The top-loading door is handy, and the lightweight design offers great ventilation. My larger cats (12-14 lbs) fit comfortably, but I wouldn’t try my 26 lb cat in it. It’s a great size for my other cats, so it gets a thumbs up from us!"

"I am extremely satisfied with this cat carrier. It perfectly balances comfort, safety, and portability. My cat seems more relaxed during our trips than with her old carrier. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable solution. Key features include a spacious interior, a bubble window, and durable materials. Its lightweight design makes transport easy, and the removable pad simplifies cleaning. While I can't speak on long-term durability yet, it feels sturdy and well-made!"

"I wanted to use this carrier for my big boy, Walter, who weighs over 16 pounds. Unfortunately, he doesn't fit comfortably. However, my smaller cat, Rosie, who is 11+ pounds, fits perfectly and can turn around with ease. I love the top entry, making it easier to get her in. The carrier has a sturdy bottom and is much lighter than traditional hard-shell ones. Just remember to measure your kitty for a comfortable fit!"

"For my 15 lb Ragdoll, this carrier has been a game changer! He outgrew his old one, so I bought this for his vet visits. I prefer this design over the hard plastic carrier. The two openings make it easy to access him, and it's collapsible, saving space when not in use. Plus, it's a nice color and seems high quality! I highly recommend it!"

"I’ve used this tote several times, even with two 10 lb cats. It's easy to assemble, disassemble, and carry. The base board is removable, and the lining washes well! My only slight issue is that it can be a bit difficult to fold up, but the comfort of this bag is worth it compared to hard plastic options. I also appreciate the padded shoulder strap!"

"This carrier is amazing! It's made with great materials, providing the best bang for your buck! It's incredibly easy to set up and collapse for storage. No more bulky plastic crates taking up space. The multiple zipper openings make it easy for me and the vet to reach my fur baby comfortably. It’s made with actual steel-like poles, so I feel secure carrying my heaviest cats!"

"I purchased this carrier for my two cats. One weighs 9 pounds and the other 12 pounds. They fit perfectly together and have enough space to lay out comfortably. I love that they can both sit up without slouching. The assembly was tricky, though; I had to really work at getting the bottom rails to lock in place. But once it’s set up, the carrier is very sturdy and I believe it will be a great option for travel!"

"Overall, the carrier is okay. I was excited about the seatbelt capability, but it doesn’t fit well in my Ford Expedition. However, it works fine for my needs otherwise."