The 6 Best Cat Carriers of 2023

Lorraine Wilde, Product Reviewer for The Spruce Pets By
Lorraine Wilde
Lorraine Wilde, Product Reviewer for The Spruce Pets
Lorraine Wilde
Lorraine Wilde, M.S. is a freelance writer for The Spruce Pets. She has over 25 years of experience, almost as long as her 30 years of being a dog and cat mom. Her work has included Run Those Dogs, Parents Magazine, Leaders in Heels, Sheownsit.com, and Miss Millennia Magazine, among other publications and, most recently, a Sniffspot host.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/23/22
Fact checked by
Regine Parrish
Regine Parrish
Fact checked by Regine Parrish
Regine Parrish is a subject matter expert in her field and has been fact-checking since 2022.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process

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The 7 Best Cat Carriers of 2022

The Spruce Pets / Chloe Jeong
Reviewed & Approved

Our favorite cat carrier is the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog & Cat Kennel, which offers multiple ways to load your pet. If you're looking for a soft-sided carrier, check out the Sherpa Original Dog & Cat Carrier Bag.

Choosing the right cat carrier is the first step to providing your cat with a sense of security when traveling outside your home. We looked at a wide variety of carriers, including soft-sided carriers, backpacks, and cat carriers designed specifically for car or air travel. The best carriers are reliable, have multiple methods of access, and are light enough to be easily carried.

Our favorite cat carrier combines great airflow with a sturdy, durable design. It also has multiple doors, so you can load your cat from the top or the side. While our best overall pick has a flexible design—suitable for travel or taking your cat to the vet—we also offer a number of other recommendations for more specific scenarios, including a minimalist budget pick.

Here are the best cat carriers.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Soft Carrier:
Sherpa The Original Sherpa at Chewy
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
Petco Cardboard Cat Carrier at PETCO
Jump to Review
Best Lightweight:
Henkelion Cat Carrier at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Backpack:
Mancro Cat Backpack at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best for Airplanes:
Sleepypod Air at Amazon
Jump to Review
In This Article

Best Overall

Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

4.8
Petmate Two-Door Dog Kennel

Amazon
View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart
What We Like

  • Sturdy yet lightweight

  • Top-loading door

  • Four colors to choose from

What We Don't Like

  • The latch mechanism is sometimes problematic

  • Can be awkward to carry

While soft carriers offer convenience and can work well with cats who are comfortable traveling, the best cat carrier for most people is one with a rigid design. The structure provided by a hard carrier can help your cat feel assured that they are not in danger, providing them with a consistent interior space that's not distorted by jostling or movement, as a soft-sided carrier might be.

The Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat & Dog Kennel has a sturdy plastic and steel wire construction, but is still lighter than similarly-sized carriers. It employs venting throughout, ensuring proper airflow, and has easy-to-use, dual-spring loaded latches. Most usefully, it has a door on the front of the carrier—the traditional design—and a top-loading door. This makes it way easier to get your cat inside the carrier, so you can get to your veterinary appointment on time.

The Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat & Dog Kennel can hold a pet up to 20 pounds and is available in four different colors. Plus it's made from recycled materials.

Dimensions: 24.1 x 16.8 x 14.5 inches (medium) | Weight: 6.4 pounds

What Editors Say

"I find this carrier can be a bit bulky and awkward to carry, but it's very sturdy, so I feel reassured on car trips. It's easy to wipe down, but I recommend placing a soft towel or blanket inside to give your cat a little extra comfort."—Margaret Badore, The Spruce Pets Senior Editor

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Best Soft Carrier

Sherpa The Original Sherpa

Sherpa The Original Sherpa

Chewy
View On Chewy View On PETCO View On Wayfair
What We Like

  • Comes with Guaranteed On-Board Program

  • One end can conform to airline under-seat

  • Can lay flat for easy storage

What We Don't Like

  • Must fill out forms for Guaranteed On-Board Program

Soft carriers are ideal when you don’t need a crash-proof rigid structure. Most are collapsible and are often lighter than a plastic kennel. We like the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier because it has a number of valuable features while remaining affordable. The medium carrier, for cats up to 16 pounds, has quilted nylon and mesh panels for good ventilation and some visibility for your cat. A seat belt security strap will keep the carrier secure in the car while doubling as a luggage strap for easy transport in the airport or train station. Top and side entry options make it easier to comfortably load your cat into the carrier. Its locking zippers prevent accidental escape.

Air travelers love the spring wire frame that allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to conform to airline under-seat requirements. It’s also equipped with a large side-zippered pocket that can hold travel documents, treats, or anything else your pet may need. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap makes it easier to carry hands-free. Plus, Sherpa includes a cozy, removable, and machine-washable faux lambskin liner. 

If you travel with your cat by air often, you’ll appreciate Sherpa’s Guaranteed On-Board Program included with small and medium carriers. The program provides with step-by-step instructions to ensure your pet and carrier are compliant with the airline rules and regulations. If you’re denied boarding due to your carrier, Worldwise will refund the cost of your airline flight and your pet airline travel fee. 

This carrier is available in three tasteful colors and also in small and large sizes. Sherpa products are also designed to meet child safety standards so you know your fur baby will be safe, too.

Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches (medium) | Weight: 4.1 pounds

Best Budget

Petco Cardboard Cat Carrier

Petco Cardboard Cat Carrier

Petco
View On PETCO
What We Like

  • Lightweight, yet sturdy

  • Flattens for easy storage

What We Don't Like

  • Some cats can claw their way out by pulling on the handle

  • Can't be cleaned if your cat has an accident

When your cat rarely leaves the house, you may not want to spend much on a carrier. The Petco Cardboard Cat Carrier is an affordable solution. Ventilated and easy to assemble and disassemble without tools, this is an economical way to bring your kitty to vet visits. Designed with a built-in handle, this carrier is top loading. For added comfort, you can place a towel or small cat bed in the bottom. Petco sells this simple carrier for about $15.

Dimensions: 18.5 x 9 x 12 inches | Weight: Not listed

Best Lightweight

Henkelion Carrier for Small Medium Cats

Henkelion Carrier for Small Medium Cats

Amazon
View On Amazon
What We Like

  • Five colors

  • TSA and airline approved

  • Folds flat for easy storage

What We Don't Like

  • Determined cats can chew through the mesh

The Henkelion Cat Carrier is popular with cat owners, reasonably affordable and is TSA and airline approved. This soft-sided carrier has breathable mesh on three sides allows for good visibility and airflow. It’s lightweight yet sturdy polyester fabric is also waterproof. Two loop handles allow for balanced carrying, add security in the car as a dual seat belt, or as a luggage strap. An adjustable shoulder strap can be used to carry it hands-free. This carrier and its cozy fleece removable pet bed can be machine-washable. Ideal for cats up to 15 pounds, it comes in five solid colors.

Self-locking zippers and a built in leash help you travel with confidence knowing your cat can’t accidentally escape. You can load your kitty either through the top, side, or the end as well as the bonus side pocket.

Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 11 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

Best Backpack

Mancro Expandable Cat Backpack

4.5
Mancro Expandable Cat Backpack

Amazon
View On Amazon View On Meekoutlet.com
What We Like

  • Plenty of room

  • Good ventilation

  • Will stand upright on its own

What We Don't Like

  • Doesn’t sit well if worn on your front

We have tried three different cat backpacks. Although we like the plastic bubble style backpack carriers that are popular right now, that style isn’t large enough for bigger cats. Also, that the straps fell apart in only a couple of months and that the plastic bubble gets too hot when in direct sunlight. We also don't recommend an all-mesh pack, because looking through the mesh caused cats to get motion sickness.

Our favorite of the three we tried is the Mancro Expandable Cat Backpack Carrier for a number of reasons. It’s suitable for large cats and small, even when it’s not expanded. The pack holds its form and sits upright when you set it down, so it’s easier to put your cat in and out. When opening the zippers and expanding the back, the interior size of the pack is doubled, which gives your cat more space to stretch out in the airport or plane, in the car, or other circumstances when you’re not actually wearing the backpack.

The cat loved being able to see out of the clear front and sides. The pack also has a built-in leash that can connect to your cat’s collar or harness, allowing you to open the top so your cat can ride with an unobstructed view (if your cat will stay in while its open). This pack also has excellent ventilation with holes in the clear sides and a mesh top. A bonus is that it folds flat when not in use. 

If you like to put your pack on front so you can see their cat while strolling, this might not be the best fit. The pack is definitely designed to be worn on the back because it doesn’t sit well on the body when worn in the front.

Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 15 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds

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Best for Airplanes

Sleepypod Air

5
Sleepypod Air

Amazon
View On Amazon
What We Like

  • Sleek, fold-down design

  • Separate and machine washable bedding

What We Don't Like

  • Most suitable for small cats

  • Mediocre ventilation

It’s wonderful to be able to take your pet with you when you fly, especially if they are small enough to travel in the cabin by your side. When you do, try the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier.

To deal with highly variable airplane size restrictions, the Sleepypod Air’s sides contract and expand in size to accommodate various airline size restrictions. Better yet, it can be made small enough to fit under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing and then expanded during the flight to give your cat more leg room. It comes with a removable and machine-washable ultra plush cushion for a cozy pet bed away from home.

With mesh on three sides for air flow, this carrier is sturdy and well-made with luggage-grade nylon, but also lightweight so carrying it won’t wear you out. It comes with a shoulder strap, but in the airport you can use the bonus feature—a zippered trolley pocket on the carrier’s side that, when opened, enables you to slide the carrier over the telescoping handle of your roller luggage so you can walk easily to your flight.  

It's certified by the rigorous third-party non-profit Center for Pet Safety for pets up to 18 pounds. Your cat can enter this carrier from the end or the side, and when it's not in use, the carrier folds flat for easy storage.

There’s also safety features for car trips to and from the airport. Buckles on the front and back secure the carrier using the seat belt in your car’s back seat, transforming Sleepypod Air into a crash tested car seat.

Dimensions: 22 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches (reduces to 16 x 10.5 x 8 inches) | Weight: 4.5 pounds

Final Verdict

Our best overall cat carrier is the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog & Cat Kennel, which combines a sturdy design with excellent ventilation and easy access. Our favorite soft-sided carrier is the Sherpa Original Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, which is great for traveling with your cat.

What to Look for in a Cat Carrier

Materials

Look for easy-to-clean surfaces, recommends Registered Veterinary Technician and professional dog trainer (KPA-CTP) Jaime Lyn Bast. "Lingering odors will be offensive to your cat," she says. Check to see if any removable fabric or foam padding is machine-washable.

Design

“The safest carrier is made of sturdy plastic with access doors on the top and the side. A rigid carrier protects your cat from any external impact,” Bast told The Spruce Pets. “Cats are easily stressed by jostling and disturbances during transport, and hard-sided cat carriers make it easier to maintain consistent, level support."

The carrier must be large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around comfortably, but small enough that they feel secure and avoid excessive movement during the ride she says.

The ideal cat carrier should also have easy-to-use latches or zippers, according to Bast. "You should be able to open the crate easily with one hand."

Opaque Sides

"A visual barrier helps your cat feel protected from outside threats," says Bast. If you have a rigid carrier cage with a lot of places to look out, can also try covering it with a sheet or towel to help your cat feel secure.

FAQ
  • What is the best way to put a cat into a carrier?

    “Ideally, you should train your cat to become comfortable with their carrier by leaving it out and placing blankets, toys, and treats inside. Once your cat forms a positive association with the carrier, you can entice them with treats to willingly enter,” suggests Bast. “However, if you have not had a chance to train your cat, or they do not voluntarily enter their carrier, you will have to place them inside."

    Cats commonly resent their carriers due to pain and fear associated with improper loading she says. Always handle your cat gently and calmly to prevent panic. "When lifting your cat, support their body to avoid causing fear or discomfort. Gently lower your cat inside the carrier from above or, if using the side door, guide them in backwards (i.e., rear-end first). If your cat struggles, you can wrap them snugly in a towel, slide them inside like a swaddled baby, and then unwrap them.”


  • How can I help my cat stay calm in their carrier?

    “Your cat will be comfortable in their carrier if they identify it as an extension of their territory,” notes Bast. “To achieve this, the carrier must be a predictable part of the home and an attractive hangout for your cat." Here are her training tips:

    • Place the crate near your cat’s favorite resting spot.

    • Remove the top and door initially, if necessary.

    • Place a cozy blanket inside the carrier, sprayed with a synthetic feline pheromone to attract and calm your cat.

    • Periodically place toys and treats inside the carrier for your cat to discover. 

    • Feed your cat near, and then inside the carrier.

    • Close the door briefly with your cat inside, then open the door.

    “Gradually increase the time your cat spends in the carrier, so long as they remain calm,” says Bast. “If your cat panics, take a step back and progress more slowly.”

    To help your cat remain calm during veterinary visits:

    • Do not feed your cat in the hours preceding a car ride to prevent nausea.

    • Drape a towel misted with feline pheromones over the carrier to create a visual barrier.

    • Keep the carrier elevated on a chair or counter, and away from curious dogs.

  • What is the safest way for a cat to travel in a car?

    “Cats should never travel loose in the car," explains Bast. "Unrestrained cats may distract the driver, impede driving, and risk severe injury, escape, or death in an accident." For car travel, keep your cat in a secure carrier on the floor behind the driver's seat. This location provides better security and stability during a sudden stop, turn, or collision, she says. “Carriers placed on the backseat may be tossed about on the ride or fall off the seat, distressing and potentially injuring the cat.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat companions in her home for the past 35 years including some special needs kitties.

When researching each product and brand, Wilde evaluated the type and quality of each product, customer reviews, the company’s research, development, and business ethics. We also asked cat owners about their experiences with using cat carriers in the real world. Additionally, we consulted Registered Veterinary Technician and professional dog trainer (KPA-CTP) Jaime Lyn Bast. Bast has more than 10 years of technician experience, including a busy specialty referral hospital. She and her cocker spaniel, Tutti Fruitti, also compete in various dog sports.

Wilde also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in environmental science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy and informed choices to protect their pets.