Best Cat Soft-Sided Carriers of 2026

"I took my 19 lb schnauzer to Europe and needed a carrier she’d actually use. After trying several backpack styles that she refused, I found this crate and it was a complete lifesaver—super sturdy, lightweight, and surprisingly roomy. She adjusted quickly, even going in herself for treats. The firm base and cozy interior made it comfortable for her, and I was able to use it as a travel bag too. For the price and quality, it’s easily worth double what I paid. Highly recommended!"

"This carrier is perfect for my small cats and dogs—it’s roomy, sturdy yet lightweight, and easy to carry. I love the dual openings for simple loading, and the built-in leash keeps my pet secure. The fleece-lined bottom is soft and washable, and the mesh is tough enough for cats that don’t try to claw through. While it’s not collapsible, it’s not bulky and stores easily. Much better than plastic crates!"

"I bought the Large Carrier for my 17 lb dachshund mix and it worked well for air travel. The flexible body fit under the seat, and my dog could turn around comfortably. Introducing the carrier with treats worked wonders for easing his anxiety. My only minor complaint is the thin, loosely attached Sherpa padding, but it was easy to modify. Overall, it’s affordable and does the job well."

"I was really impressed by how spacious and comfortable this carrier is for my two cats during our 13-hour trip. The high-quality material and sturdy build made me feel confident they were safe, and the easy-to-clean interior was a huge plus. Even at home, they choose to lounge inside, so I know they really like it. For anyone looking for a reliable cat carrier, this one is definitely worth it — great price, great product."

"With my Yorkie, this carrier has been a great fit. Well-built and easy to fold up, it has a decent Sherpa-type pad for comfort and enough ventilation to keep my dog comfortable. The only thing I noticed was a bit of a plastic smell at first, but letting it air out did the trick. All in all, I think it's a good purchase and suitable for small breeds."

"I got this carrier for my older cat who struggled with hard plastic models. This one offers a much better view, which helps her stay calm, and the quality is sturdy with a comfortable shoulder strap for carrying. There's plenty of room for her to move around, and it feels like a great value for the quality."

"I am honestly impressed with how sturdy and well-made this carrier is. My energetic kitten put it through a serious test after surgery—clawing and biting at the mesh for hours—yet the only thing she managed to damage was the cover for the bottom pad. The zippers are smooth and secure, and I love having openings on both ends for easy access during vet visits. The color looks great too, not cheap at all."

"As someone with multiple pets, I can say these carriers have exceeded my expectations for quality and comfort. The frame keeps its shape, and the removable liner makes cleanup easy. I love the mesh panels for visibility and ventilation, and the variety of entry points is so convenient. Plus, the colors are vibrant and modern, and the price is unbeatable. I highly recommend these for anyone with cats or small dogs."

"I bought this carrier for my two kittens, and it's perfectly sized for small pets. They both fit comfortably with plenty of room to see out the mesh panels, which helps keep them calm. I'm planning to get a second one as they grow because we're so happy with how easy it is to transport and clean. This carrier is an excellent choice for pet owners."

"I needed a travel crate for agility competitions and found this one to be lightweight, easy to assemble, and surprisingly sturdy. Although I had to exchange sizes to get the right fit, I still give it top marks for quality and ease of use. Just make sure to add a pad at the bottom since there's no built-in padding."

"This crate has been a lifesaver for trips and hotel stays with my nervous dog. It’s super simple to collapse and set up, plus it cleans up easily after muddy paws. I appreciate the thoughtful features like the zip-open top and zipper lock. Just a heads up—it's best for dogs who don't try to escape or chew a lot."

"We bought this for our Golden Retriever to use during storms and road trips. She feels safe and cozy inside. The crate is well made, folds flat, and is really practical for travel. Highly recommended for dogs who like a comfortable, portable space."

"I've used this carrier for years and it's been incredibly reliable and comfortable for my cat. I love the roomy interior and the breathable mesh keeps my pet safe and cool. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and folds down for storage. The zippers feel secure, and I appreciate having both a shoulder strap and handles. I can't find anything to complain about after extensive use!"

"This carrier is perfect for my two kittens and would even fit a larger cat or a small dog. The foldable design is convenient, and the removable cushion adds comfort. Getting my cats in and out is simple with the multiple zipper entries, and the price is great for the quality you get."

"I needed something breathable for my cat after surgery, and this carrier was exactly right. The ventilation is excellent, and there's plenty of room for my 5kg cat to stretch out—even with a cone on. The material feels solid and supportive while being easy to carry on hot days."

"I've used this carrier a lot over the years and I have to say, it's incredibly spacious, lightweight, and simple to fold down for storage. My cat has enough room to move around, and the mesh keeps air flowing so he stays comfortable. The zippers feel very secure, and I love the option to carry it by hand or with the shoulder strap. Traveling with my cat is way easier now."

"I was surprised by how durable and roomy this carrier is—even my 18lb cat fits comfortably. The handles are strong, and there are multiple ways to open it, which makes getting my cats in and out a breeze. My cats even like to play in it and don't get scared when it's time for the vet, which is a big plus!"

"The material feels strong and the design is practical, with plenty of mesh for ventilation. It's easy to clean, folds flat, and the padded handles make it comfortable to carry. I feel confident using it for vet trips or travel—definitely recommend it to other cat owners."

"I really appreciate how roomy and comfortable this carrier is for my larger cats—they can easily turn around and relax during trips. The multiple zippered openings, including a handy top entry, make it so much easier to place them inside. I also like the velcro-wrapped handles for easy carrying and the soft padded bed, which adds a nice touch. Overall, it feels well-made and durable, so I expect it to last for years."

"For my 14-pound cat, the large size offers plenty of space without feeling cramped. Compared to bulky hard carriers, this one is lightweight, easy to store, and much more manageable. The side entry is a game-changer, and the mesh panels provide excellent ventilation so my cat stays cool and can see out. It’s a practical, well-designed carrier that’s made travel far less stressful for both of us."

"When I needed to take my 5-pound bunny to the vet, I found this carrier to be the perfect fit—just enough room for him to move but not so big that it’s awkward to carry. The adjustable strap is comfortable, and I love the multiple access points for easy entry and exit. The soft, sturdy pad inside kept him content, and the carrier’s lightweight build made transport a breeze."

"I got this for my little guy after he had a stroke, and I’m really happy with the sturdy build and great ventilation. Assembly was a breeze, and there’s plenty of space plus a comfy pad. The zippers on every side make it super convenient while traveling."

"This carrier is perfect for my 16-pound cat. He fits comfortably and can stretch out without feeling cramped. The shoulder strap is a lifesaver for vet trips, and I love being able to secure his harness inside. The multiple access points and smooth zippers are a huge plus, and the soft base makes it cozy for anxious pets."

"I’m impressed with how easy it is to load my cats into this carrier—travel is so much less stressful now. My cats seem more comfortable and content in this carrier than any I’ve used before, and even the vet tech complimented its design and quality."

"I bought this carrier for my little guy after his stroke, and I’m impressed with how well made and sturdy it is. The built-in ventilation and comfortable pad make it easy for him to travel in, and it’s a breeze to assemble. The zippers are secure, and I feel confident using it for trips to the vet."

"With a 16 lb cat, I needed something roomy, and this carrier fits him perfectly with extra space to stretch. The shoulder strap makes transport much simpler, and I love the multiple openings for convenience. The soft base is a nice touch—adding a blanket helps anxious pets feel more at ease."

"This carrier is perfect for our kitten, but I did notice that the bottom sags a bit with heavier cats. The mesh is strong, but my cat’s claw did get caught. Still, it’s a reliable option for smaller cats who need a comfortable ride."

"I'm genuinely impressed by how roomy and comfortable this carrier is for my new cat. The extra storage compartments are super handy, and it was exactly as described. My fur baby was so cozy inside!"

"This pet carrier is both sleek and lightweight, making travel a breeze. My pet loves it, and it was perfect for our flight. The quality is top-notch, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish option."

"I chose this carrier because it doesn't collapse under my cat's weight, unlike others I've tried. The support rods keep its shape, it's easy to clean, and airlines accepted it with no issues. The color options are beautiful, too!"