Whether you're planning a vacation with your cat or need to take them to the vet, it's important to have best cat carrier to hand. Not only do they keep your feline safe on their travels, but they can also double up as a cozy bed for them to retreat to.
Choosing the right carrier is a big decision, and with so many options on the market, you might be feeling lost. That's why we've rounded up our favorites below after testing them out on our own cats. If you need to transport our cat handsfree, we’ve sought out the best cat backpacks, too.
As a cat mom of two, I know first-hand that having a good carrier makes a world of difference to car journeys. My cats find soft carriers the most comfortable, like the Bella & Pal option I've tested and reviewed below.
If you want to go camping with your cat or are preparing for your kitten's first vet visit, our expert advice below will come in handy. We've rounded up our top picks and asked a vet whether you should cover the carrier when traveling, and how to choose the right one.
The quick list
The best expandable cat carrier
This expandable carrier gives your cat plenty of room to get comfortable and can be folded away when it's not in use. It has five doors for easy access and includes a fleecy bed for them to snuggle into.
The best cat carrier for car journeys
This 3-in-1 carrier can be turned into a bed, a stroller, or a car seat, and comes in three different sizes. It's crash-tested to the United Nations ECE Child Restraint Standard and has a removable mattress that you can clean.
The best hard cat carrier
This two-door cat carrier is made from 95% recycled plastic that's secure and sturdy. It has holes for ventilation, a foldable handle, and comes in two different colors.
The best cat carrier for plane journeys
This foldable cat carrier comes with detachable wheels, making it super easy to transport around the airport. It's airline approved and has mesh sides for ventilation.
The best soft cat carrier
This carrier doubles up as a car seat and can be attached to a seat belt to keep your cat in place. It has a removable fleece pad that's machine-washable and rear pouches for storage.
The best affordable cat carrier
This affordable cat carrier costs under $30 and has everything you need without breaking the bank. It features a removable fleecy pad, a detachable strap, two doors and mesh sides for ventilation.
The best cat carriers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust PetsRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best expandable cat carrier
This carrier will give your cat plenty of room to move around and get comfortable, thanks to the expandable design. Once you've unzipped the sides, there's an extra 10in on both ends, allowing your feline to stretch out their paws for some well-deserved rest. The carrier is easy to store and when it's not in use, you can fold it away to save space in your home.
If you struggle to get your cat in and out of their box, then we recommend this option as it has five doors. As vet Dr. Godfrey explains below, this can make vet trips easier as you won't necessarily need to take them out of the carrier for examinations – you can just unzip the top door.
The external material is weather-proof and when you want to clean the base, you can remove it to wash it. We were super impressed with the affordable price tag and were surprised that it cost under $30.
PetsRadar's editor, Georgia tested this on her mom’s cat Clemmie, who regularly travels to the cattery or Georgia’s house to stay.
“I like this cat carrier because it’s lightweight for me to carry, while also being soft and comfortable for Clemmie,” says Georgia. “I like the extendable sides because they allow Clemmie much more room on a longer journey – she can sprawl out over the back seats. And there are so many door options for getting her in and out, too.
“The carrier also has a side pocket that we keep her medical records in, which is handy as they’re always in the same place when you need them for the cattery or vets. Overall, I much prefer it to a plastic one, and it really wasn’t that much more money so definitely worth the extra spend.”
Best cat carrier for car journeys
The Tavo Maeve isn't your regular cat carrier; it can be turned into a stroller, a car seat, or a cozy bed, making it super versatile. There are five different colorways to suit your style, plus three different size options.
As pet parents, our fur baby's safety is our number one priority, so we were pleased to see that this is crash-test certified by the United Nations ECE Child Restraint Standard. It's made from flame-resistant materials, and the canopy fabric is UPF 50+ to protect your pet from the sun.
The carrier can be secured onto your car using its special base and stability leg, keeping your cat safe and secure while you drive.
Our tester Emily says: "It's very comfortable. In fact, since it arrived, this is where my cat Holmes has been sleeping and chilling so we ensure it is always out for him in the flat. He barely gets out of it!
"Given that it is made of high-quality plastic and fabric, it's really easy to clean - all you really need is a damp cloth for the hard shell and a sponge for the fabric. Plus, as an added bonus the carrier does come with an alternative interior you can swap out a dirty one for."
There's lots to love about this carrier, but Emily says that the instructions are a little tricky to follow and it's hard to set up.
Best hard cat carrier
If you're looking for a hard cat carrier, this one by Frisco is a great choice and is made from 95% recycled plastic. The durable material is perfect for cats who tend to chew and scratch and it's super quick to wipe clean.
The crate has lots of holes for sufficient ventilation but has enough coverage to give shy cats their privacy. Unlike many hard carriers, it has two doors which makes it easier to get your cat in. It isn't too expensive either, costing under $40 which is about right for this sort of design.
Due to the hard material, you can't fold it away when you're not using it, meaning it does take up more space to store. If that's important to you, then you're better off getting the best expandable cat carrier instead.
Our tester Allie says: "It’s very stylish, and your pets can see out of each side through the holes. I love that it opens at the top - it’s so much easier to place my cats in from the top, especially when they’re resisting! It’s big enough to fit both of my cats at once, which is a huge plus because they don’t like being separated - and it’s surprisingly light! Our current carrier was more expensive, more dull in color, heavier, and smaller.
"It’s super easy to set up! There are just a few screws with easy wing nuts for assembly - no screwdrivers or other tools needed!"
Best cat carrier for plane journeys
If you're traveling by plane with your cat, then we think the Morline Cat Carrier is a must-have. Thanks to the detachable trolley, you'll be able to transport your cat around the airport with ease (without getting shoulder pain from an uncomfortable strap). The handle is retractable and the wheels spin 360 degrees, making it easy to move about.
The carrier is airline-approved and has a breathable design with mesh sides and roof ventilation. When you want to clean it out, you can wipe the exterior and remove the plush fleece bed to wash it.
It's slightly more expensive than the other soft carriers in this guide, but we think it's worth the money as it comes with the trolley, wheels, and shoulder strap. The foldable design makes it easy to store, unlike the Frisco carrier.
Best soft cat carrier
This cat carrier is made from a soft fabric and has a fleecy pad on the base for your fur friend to lie on. The sides, top, and front have mesh windows which is great for cats who like to look around and provides them with enough ventilation.
This carrier works well for car journeys as it can be attached to seat belts and has an interior tether to keep your cat safe and secure. It's super easy to clean as you can remove the base cover and put it in the washing machine.
There's a handy pouch on the back where you can store things like the best cat treats, vet paperwork, or anything else you might need. Costing around $50, it's a bit more expensive than your standard soft carrier, but we think it's worth the money thanks to the quality.
Our tester will be adding her review soon, so stay tuned!
Best affordable cat carrier
This cat carrier is a good option if you're on a budget, costing under $30, and having all the basic features you need. I'm obsessed with the lilac color and like how it comes with a longer strap if you don't want to use the short handles. There's even a special name card at the top which you can fill out with your cat's details and is perfect for vet visits.
I also like that it has two doors; my cat Chilli is very curious and enjoys sticking his head out of the top and having a look around. The carrier has mesh sides which provides ventilation and is perfect for nosy cats like mine! Thanks to the foldable design, it doesn't take up too much space and it's easy to store away when it's not in use.
The only drawback? The bed is a little bit hard. However, I put a soft blanket in the base which made it more comfortable for my cats, and this wasn't a huge issue in the end. I like doing this anyway so they have the comforting scent of their home when they're feeling anxious.
How we tested the best cat carriers
To find you the best cat carriers, I spent hours researching all the options on the market, and spoke to an expert vet to hear her advice. I selected my top picks based on design, functionality, reviews, and price, then gave them to the PetsRadar testing team to try out. We reviewed them based on:
Value for money
We decided whether the cat carrier was worth the money, based on the quality and compared to other products.
Fit for purpose
After extensive testing, we concluded whether the carriers were suitable for cats to use and what they're best for (for example, traveling by plane or car).
Set up
Whilst most cat carriers have a simple foldable design, others require some assembly which you might not want to do. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we explained how easy they were to set up and whether the instructions were clear to follow.
Hygiene
Cleanliness is very important to our feline friends, so it's something we took into careful consideration. Some carriers have removable beds or are made from wipeable materials which make them easy to keep clean. We included details about this to help you make the right choice.
Here's more information about how we test.
How to choose the best cat carrier
Here are some things to consider when choosing the best cat carrier:
Size
This may seem obvious but you need to make sure that you are getting the right size for your fur friend. Make sure that you measure the length and height of your cat when stood up to give you a good idea of what size you will need. The carrier should be just big enough for your cat to lay down, stand up and adjust their position. If they have too much room when on the move they can fall over or get thrown about, so make sure you get a snug but comfortable fit.
Soft vs hard
Choosing between a hard or soft cat carrier often depends on your cat. If you have a nervous cat who gets anxious when you travel and doesn’t like too much movement, a hard cat carrier is a better choice. These give better protection from knocks and bumps. Just make sure to get a soft cozy mat to go inside to help calm them down, especially if off on a long journey.
If your cat has a more placid personality, a soft carrier is ideal. While not as easy to clean as harder carriers, they’re typically comfier for the cat, have extra pockets for storage, give a choice of carry options, and typically have better safety features for traveling in a car.
Doors and ventilation
A cat carrier with more than one door gives your cat more options and will help to reduce their stress levels. Ideally, look for a cat carrier with a front door and top door.
This can help when being examined by a vet, as they might not need to leave the carrier. And you can leave the top door open just enough for your cat to have a look around if they want to. When it comes to ventilation, mesh is often a good choice as this lets in the air and keeps your cat cool and also keeps out any bugs and dust and lets your fur friend take a look around.
Expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey says: "The type of cat carrier recommended by your vet will depend on your cat. Some feel safer in a smaller carrier, as they feel enclosed and less vulnerable to threats. However, many will prefer a larger space, especially if traveling on a long journey where they may want to stretch their legs or reposition to get more comfortable.
"Remember, if you’re going on a long journey your cat might need a large enough space that they can eat, drink, and use a litter tray, or else you’ll need to take regular breaks. Although backpack carriers with large bubble windows are becoming quite popular with pet parents, many cats prefer not to be so visible and can feel more stressed with this type of setup."
Should I cover my cat's carrier when traveling?
If your cat hates traveling, you might be wondering if you should cover their carrier. This all depends on their personality, but Dr. Godfrey says that for most cats, the answer is yes.
She says: "The majority of cats prefer the security of being covered – not only does it make them feel safe and hidden from threats like dogs, unfamiliar people, and vehicles but it also muffles scary sounds, like barking or car engines. That being said, some cats are highly sociable and used to traveling, so they may prefer to be able to look around, especially on longer journeys or when using quieter transport."
Megan is Staff Writer at PetsRadar and is a cat mom of two. She's passionate about cat happiness and has made it her mission to find the best cat carrier that your feline will find comfortable. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster and grew up with cats all her life.
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focused on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
