Cats · Product picks
The Best Cat Carriers
The Petmate E-Z Load Top Load Cat Kennel is our top pick. See four more carriers, plus how to choose the right size, style and safety features.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never decides what we pick.How that works
If your cat only leaves home for the vet, a sturdy carrier with a big top door is the easiest to use. Our top pick is the Petmate E-Z Load Top Load Cat Kennel. Below are four more picks for bigger cats, shy cats, kittens and flights.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: Petmate E-Z Load Top Load Cat Kennel
- Best for bigger cats: Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel
- Best for shy cats: Get-A-Round E-Z Load Kennel For Cats
- Best for flying and car rides: Sleepypod Air
- Best for kittens and tiny cats: Sleepypod Mini Crash-Tested Carrier
The best cat carriers
Cat carriers
Petmate E-Z Load Top Load Cat Kennel
Best for: Everyday trips to the vet
This hard plastic carrier has a large top door, which makes it easier to lift your cat in and out. It fits cats up to 10 pounds and comes in one size. Skip it if your cat is bigger than that.
- Pro: Large top door that is about twice the size of a standard front door, according to Petmate
- Pro: Ventilation on all sides for air flow and visibility
- Pro: Hard plastic body with a top carry handle
- Con: One size only, for pets up to 10 pounds
- Con: You assemble it with a screwdriver
Cat carriers
Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel
Best for: Larger cats and cats that need more room
This kennel comes in a 19-inch size for pets up to 10 pounds and a 24-inch size for pets up to 15 pounds. That makes it a better fit for larger cats. It is plastic with steel wire parts. Skip it if you need a carrier that Petmate lists as airline approved.
- Pro: Two sizes, with the 24-inch rated for pets up to 15 pounds
- Pro: Plastic is at least 90% recycled material, per Petmate
- Pro: One-year limited warranty
- Con: Heavier than the small size, at 6.43 pounds for the 24-inch
- Con: Check with your airline before flying, since Petmate does not list airline approval on this page
Cat carriers
Get-A-Round E-Z Load Kennel For Cats
Best for: Cats that like to curl up and hide
This round kennel is made for cats and has an extra large top opening. Petmate says the shape feels like a den. It holds pets up to 20 pounds. Skip it if you want something narrow that fits easily under a seat.
- Pro: Extra large top opening for loading
- Pro: Holds pets up to 20 pounds, per Petmate
- Pro: Round shape with ventilated sides
- Con: Wide at 19 by 19 inches, so it takes up more floor space
- Con: Does not fold down for storage
Cat carriers
Sleepypod Air
Best for: Air travel and car trips with cats up to 18 pounds
Sleepypod says this soft carrier shrinks to fit under an airline seat and is rated to 18 pounds by the Center for Pet Safety. It also works as a car seat. Soft carriers are not the first choice of International Cat Care, so pick it mainly for flights.
- Pro: Compresses to fit under an airline seat and expands for more room
- Pro: Crash-tested and rated to 18 pounds by the Center for Pet Safety
- Pro: Top and side entry, with machine-washable bedding
- Con: Soft sided, which International Cat Care says can collapse and be harder to keep clean
- Con: Always check your airline's rules before you fly
Cat carriers
Sleepypod Mini Crash-Tested Carrier
Best for: Kittens and very small cats
This small carrier is made for pets up to 7 pounds, so it suits kittens and very small cats. It has seatbelt straps for car rides. Skip it if your cat is likely to outgrow 7 pounds.
- Pro: Seatbelt straps for securing it in a vehicle
- Pro: Rated for pets up to 7 pounds and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
- Pro: Mesh on three sides and a removable dome
- Con: Most cats will outgrow the 7-pound limit
- Con: Soft sided, which International Cat Care says can collapse
How to choose a cat carrier
Pick a sturdy, secure style
International Cat Care says a carrier should be safe and secure so your cat can’t escape. It prefers a sturdy plastic carrier because it is easy to clean. It advises you to avoid soft fabric carriers, which can collapse. It also warns that backpack-style carriers can cause too much movement.
Look for a top opening or a removable top
International Cat Care notes that carriers without a removable top or a top opening make it harder for the vet team to examine your cat. With a top that comes off, your cat can stay in the bottom half and feel safer during the exam.
Check size and weight limits
Brands list the inside size and a weight limit for each carrier. Look at both before you buy. For example, Petmate’s 19-inch two-door kennel is for pets up to 10 pounds, and its 24-inch size is for pets up to 15 pounds.
Plan for one carrier per cat
International Cat Care says each cat should have its own carrier. Cats that get along at home can act differently when they are stressed and shut in.
Think about flights
Airline rules vary. Always check with your airline before you buy a carrier for a flight. Sleepypod says the Air is approved for in-cabin travel, but you should still confirm the rules for your trip.
How to get your cat used to the carrier
International Cat Care suggests keeping the carrier in a part of the house your cat likes, rather than in a garage or basement. Then your cat can use it as a place to rest. Put in something warm, soft and familiar, such as a blanket your cat has slept on. A small treat or a toy can help too.
Safety tips
- Secure the carrier in the car. The American Association of Feline Practitioners says to place the carrier securely in the vehicle. Your cat should not roam loose in the car.
- Support the carrier from below. International Cat Care says holding a carrier by the handle alone can make your cat feel unsteady. Keep it level and support it underneath.
- Cover it. International Cat Care suggests draping a towel or blanket that smells familiar over the carrier to help your cat feel safe.
- Check the fit and the latches. Make sure the doors latch and the carrier is not too small or too heavy for your cat.
- Ask your vet. If your cat is very afraid of the carrier, talk with your vet about the best way to help.
Common questions
Are hard or soft cat carriers better?
International Cat Care prefers a sturdy plastic carrier. It says soft fabric carriers can collapse and are hard to keep clean. Soft carriers can still suit some trips, like flights, but check your airline first.
Can two cats share one carrier?
International Cat Care advises one carrier per cat. Even cats that get along can act differently when they are stressed and shut in.
How big should a cat carrier be?
Check the weight limit and inside size on the product page, and pick one that fits your cat with room to spare. Brands like Petmate list a weight limit for each size.
How do I get my cat used to a carrier?
International Cat Care suggests leaving the carrier out where your cat likes to rest. Put something soft and familiar inside, plus a treat or toy.
Sources
- International Cat Care: Taking your cat to the veterinary clinic, a guide for cat carers
- AAFP: 2020 Transportation of Cats in Motor Vehicles position statement
- Petmate: E-Z Load Top Load Cat Kennel
- Petmate: E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel
- Petmate: Get-A-Round E-Z Load Kennel For Cats
- Sleepypod: Sleepypod Air
- Sleepypod: Sleepypod Mini