Choosing the Best Cat Carrier for Your Feline Friend

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Cat owners have to pay attention to details to make sure that their furry friends are safe and sound in their company. This includes getting them the best food, taking them to see the vet, and buying them all sorts of useful products like cat water fountains, scratching posts and even luxury cat beds!

A really important item you should invest in is a cat carrier. It can come in handy when you’re transporting your cat in your car to make her feel less stressed out.

Unsure which brand to pick? Not to worry.

This article should be your guide to picking the best cat carrier that your little friend should feel at home in. We have some detailed reviews below, but if you are in a hurry then this easy to use table provides a great starting point

As an Amazon associate I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us to run the site. Thank you for your support!

Features You Should Look For in a Cat Carrier

Cat carriers come in numerous types, materials, and sizes. Therefore, before taking out your credit card to buy the first one that you lay your eyes upon, you should make sure it’s the perfect one first.

Here are some of the features you should consider.

Size

Ultimately, the dimensions of your cat’s safe haven should be your top priority. See, if you don’t get them right, your little friend might feel claustrophobic inside, which can lead to anxiety issues.

As a general rule, a crate needs to be one and a half times the size of your cat. Yet, you may want to be more precise to guarantee maximum comfort for your pet.

First, you need to measure your cat’s height and length. The height is the distance between the tip of its head and the ground. As for the length, you can get it by measuring the distance between its nose and the end of the tail.

Next, add 4-5 inches to both dimensions. The final result is the right carrier size.

Type

You’ll find many carrier types on the market, and it can be hard trying to pick one. Yet, it’s all based on your preferences.

The most popular kinds of cat carriers are:

• Cardboard carriers
• Hard plastic carriers
• Soft material carriers

Each type of those has its own plus points as well as its downsides. Thus, you need to consider all your options thoroughly before making your decision.

For instance, a cardboard crate is lighter than another one that’s made of hard plastic. It’s also eco-friendly since cardboard is a sustainable material as well as recyclable.

Yet, if your cat soils its interior, cleaning it might not be that easy. Not to mention that it wouldn’t withstand scratches.

Hard plastic carriers are sturdier and should last for years. They’re also much easier to clean with a wet towel. However, they can be heavier to carry around.

Soft material carriers are the cosiest option for your cat. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and carrying them shouldn’t be an issue.

Still, you may want to keep in mind that they can be quickly damaged by scratches.

Other Features

More options can help your cat enjoy its time inside its crate even further. These might include:

Proper Ventilation

Make sure that the crate has as many openings as possible, preferably on two sides. This should keep your cat from overheating or suffocating while inside.

It’s a plus if you manage to find a carrier that has a top opening. That makes it easier for you to place your cat inside, especially if your little friend isn’t accustomed to a crate yet.

Seat Belt Loops

This is another cool feature you may want to consider when you go shopping for a cat carrier. Seat belt loops allow you to secure the carrier in place to prevent rattling, which can leave your kitten unsettled.

Now that you know which points to think about when you pick a cat carrier, you can take a look at the following top 5 candidates.

Cat Carrier Reviews

Without further ado, here are some of the best products that might grasp your attention.

Morpilot Cat Carrier Bag

The first option you may want to consider is this breathable and comfy carrier by Morpilot. Even better, it’s been awarded Amazon’s Choice for the ‘cat bag’ category.

It’s pretty clear why a lot of customers appreciate it.

First off, it’s made of durable polyester, which should warrant you years of use as well as maximum comfort for your cat.

Not just that, the bag also comes with mesh on the top and sides, allowing plenty of air inside. Besides, it gives your cat the chance to look around to reduce boredom.

Another thing you’ll probably admire about this bag is that it’s light to carry, which makes it a nice portable option. Not to mention that it comes with top straps as well as a shoulder strap that you can adjust according to your needs.

Lastly, although it’s made of soft materials, it’s quite easy to clean with a soft brush. You can even take out the inner cushion to wash it by hand or in the washing machine.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comes with top and shoulder straps
• Breathable materials
• Easy to clean
• Available in two size options
• Mid-tier price

Cons

• Might not suit bigger cats

Amazon Basics 19 inch Pet Kennel

Here’s another Amazon’s Choice you might find a liking to. This hard plastic carrier by AmazonBasics is also popular among users.

This one comes with two doors, one at the top, the other at the front. Also, the top can be opened to the left or the right to suit your needs.

There’s plenty of ventilation with this carrier. You’ll find openings everywhere to ensure that your cat gets as much oxygen as possible.

Because of its solid construction and materials, this carrier’s lifespan should extend for years.

Pros

• Made of durable plastic
• The 2-door design allows easy pet loading
• 2 size options (19 inch and 23 inch)
• A lot of ventilation openings
• Made of durable plastic

Cons

• Heavy
• Some users complained that it was smaller than advertised

Pet Luver Cat Carrier Backpack

Even though this carrier is a bit more pricey than the previous two, you can be easily charmed by its features.

The first reason why it can be appealing is that it comes in the style of a backpack. Thus, the weight should be evenly divided on your shoulders instead of on only one arm.

Also, it allows your cat a lot of freedom since it features an expandable back. This way, it can stretch and relax, which can help it feel less like it’s contained.

In addition, the bag is breathable because it comes with three meshed windows. These are made of PVC, which is highly durable.

Other cool options include adjustable straps, a removable mat, and a collapsible bowl to keep your cat hydrated.

Pros

• Airline approved
• Sturdy build and materials
• Breathable PVC mesh
• Foldable for easy storage
• Easy to carry

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Might not be suitable for larger cats

Kaka Mall Waterproof Pet Carrier

This cute pet carrier might be a lifesaver in many scenarios. With its multiple features, there’s no wonder why it has such a high rating on Amazon.

You can carry it using top straps or shoulder straps, which makes it convenient for travel. Not to mention that it’s airline approved.

Another cool feature is that you can secure it to your car’s seat belt. This should keep your cat from moving too much while riding in your car.

Don’t forget that it’s made of washable, waterproof, and breathable materials. It also comes with mesh windows to enhance air circulation.

It comes with a tiny zipper so that you can pet your kitten along with a bigger zipper opening on the side for easy access.

There’s plenty to love about this adorable carrier bag!

Pros

• Includes 2 zippers
• Airline approved
• You can attach it to a seat belt
• Soft and comfy
• Foldable 
• Affordable price
• Lightweight, waterproof and washable materials

Cons

• Tends to rip easily

Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Last but not least, this cat carrier by Pet Magasin can be the best addition to your cat’s life.

Because it weighs about 1 kg, you can lift it with ease without straining your arms. Also, it’s quite simple to fold flat and store anywhere you’d like.

It has ventilation openings on 3 sides, a zipper entrance, and a padded interior. Therefore, it should increase your cat’s comfort and take all the travel stress away.

Even though its material is quite soft, the carrier is equipped with a firm base to keep from collapsing and bothering your kitten.

The material is also waterproof, so you can wipe it clean without fear of damaging it.

If you want a cat carrier that balances quality and a reasonable price, you may want to try this one.

Pros

• Plenty of ventilation
• Soft, padded interior
• Solid base
• Waterproof and durable materials
• Affordable
• Easy to fold, carry and store

Cons

• Might not fit big or fluffy cats

The Final Word on the Best Cat Carrier

The right cat carrier can mean quite the difference in your little pet’s life. It can give them feelings of security and calm their nerves, especially during travel or car rides.

Yet, in order to select the best cat carrier, you’ll need to think about what suits your feline friend most. After all, it’s their comfort and convenience you’re looking for.

If you found these reviews useful, check out our other posts on getting out and about with your cat including our reviews of the best cat harnesses, the best cat strollers , quick release cat collars and the best cat trackers to keep tabs on our cat when they venture out by themselves!