Whether you're taking your cat (or two cats!) on a glamorous outing, a trip to the vet, flying or travelling long distance, a safe and comfortable carrier makes the whole process much easier. From wicker baskets to backpacks with a bubble for your feline friend's face, sites like Amazon and Argos are jam-packed with cool ways to carry your kitten, many well-priced and of an a-meow-zing quality, too.
It's not always straightforward picking a design that suits your pet, especially if they're large in size, nervous and anxious, or just hate carriers! So, we've done the hard work for you by breaking down the decision-making process. And after you've read our buying guide, feast your eyes on our top 10 ranking, which we've ranked according to features, functionality and price.
Quick List - Top Cat Carriers
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Table of Contents
Think about size based on how large your cat is and how you will transport them. It's generally recommended that the carrier be 1.5 times bigger than its passenger, whilst remembering that cats like cosy, enclosed spaces and use them to feel safe.
For more corpulent moggies, look at cat carriers with a height of 40cm or more, which are either vertical or have a length/depth of 40cm minimum for maximum comfort. Smaller cats and kittens, meanwhile, should be perfectly content in carriers under 40cm, with a height of around 30 or 35cm.
If you're taking your pet on a short walk or transporting your pet from house to car, a hand-held cat carrier is a brilliant choice. They can be fairly heavy, however, so if you need to make a longer journey you may want to give them a miss as you'll be frequently swapping arms and taking rests.
In addition, hand-held carriers are usually pretty spacious, whilst they also have the most secure, safety-conscious fastenings, meaning they suit cars or public transport well.
If it's good enough for Taylor Swift, it's good enough for you! Even if you haven't watched her Netflix documentary seven times (us neither), you can still take inspiration from Ms Swift's feline transport technique.
Pet backpacks not only look quirky and cool, they're also kind to your shoulders and back. Providing you wear your rucksack sensibly – that is, with a strap over each shoulder – this type of backpack is more than just a jazzy way to show off your pet.
These funky looking bags often come with a transparent front panel to display your pretty kitty to the world as you carry her about, and keep her amused, but the balance of weight is a genuine health perk that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
On slightly longer journeys, it's wise to carry your pet along in a bag with a shoulder strap. As well as being easier for the carrier than those with only a short handle, the key benefit of such bags is that they're often able to expand, which we'll explore further shortly.
Shoulder-strap backpacks are often made of softer materials than their sturdy hand-held counterparts, which means they are less rigid and more flexible in space terms.
One cheeky extra benefit of some cat carriers that's worth looking for is a special expandable side section which allows your cat to stretch their legs on longer-haul journeys.
Expandable cat carriers often utilise mesh, and use a fold-out flap to provide extra space. This means they can be zipped up while you carry your pet and unzipped when she needs a little bit of space to wriggle in – handy and super space-efficient!
Many kitties can become nervous at the mere sight of a cat carrier. Short of spritzing a little catnip around the bag or basket, why not shop online for a carrier which has a soft, fleecy lining? This can often help calm your whiskery friend's nerves and make him feel more relaxed on your journey.
Other lining materials to look out for include cotton padding, and even faux sheepskin. Whichever you decide on, checking that the lining is removable means you'll be able to sponge it clean or throw it in with your other laundry – check our spec table to see which are suitable for machine washing.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sailosun Pet Carrier | ![]() | A Carrier With an Expandable Structure for Larger Pets | |
2 | Anxuan Portable Travel Pet Carrier | ![]() | Stay Stylish With Taylor Swift's Cat Carrier of Choice | |
3 | Petsfit Expandable Soft Pet Cat Carrier | ![]() | Ideal for Long Distances, With Maximum Airflow and Comfort | |
4 | Catit Cherry Red Cabrio Cat Carrier | ![]() | Aesthetically-Pleasing, Smart Design, Highly Functional | |
5 | HITSLAM Soft Sided Cat Travel Carrier | ![]() | Collapsible and Durable With a Firm Cage Construction | |
6 | Trixie Wicker Cat Basket | ![]() | Classic Dome-Shaped Wicker Carrying Basket | |
7 | HIKEMAN Pet Carrier Backpack | ![]() | Carry Your Pet in a Comfy Upright Position | |
8 | Siivton Dual Sided Expandable Pet Carrier | ![]() | Long-Distance Suitable Expanding Carrier With a Fluffy Floor | |
9 | FancyWhoop Cat Backpack Carrier | ![]() | A Ventilated Bubble Backpack With Unique Transparent Design | |
10 | AmazonBasics Two Door Top-Load Pet Kennel | ![]() | Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier With Secure Design |
Affordable and functional, this carrier is made from durable, waterproof nylon with a mesh extension, allowing your pet that precious extra space to move. It has a sturdy rectangular shape and roomy dimensions, as well as a padded floor and walls, so it's comfortable for even larger cats, too.
The lining is made of sumptuous fleece, and thanks to the interconnected viewing windows on three sides, your little four-legged friend has you in view at all times. Pets can sit on their haunches or stretch their legs out once the pop-out mesh side section is released, so it's another great pick for long trips, and our top recommendation!
If you simply can't go anywhere without your be-whiskered buddy by your side, then how about this bold, modern back pack, which just happens to be the right size for your cat; claw-some!
This bag has large, metal-rimmed circular ventilation holes and a plastic bubble space through which your pet can watch the world go by. Wide, thick straps make it gentle on your back and shoulder muscles and the bright yellow colour makes a fun style statement too.
As well as having a secure frame and an expandable side-flap to increase its floor surface area, this comfy cat carrier also has an adjustable strap making it easy to carry your pet from A to B. You'll have to check the specifics, but it's approved by most airlines, too.
Made from soft, pleasantly-textured polyester and mesh panels for ventilation on long trips, this cool grey cat carrier opens at the top and the front with smooth running zips. Plus, it has a soft fleecy floor to ease stressful journeys.
If you're looking to provide a smart, comfortable and cosy place for your pet on long journeys, this carrier is a superb pick. Made from super-smooth heavy duty plastic, it's totally secure and designed to be used with a seatbelt.
Inside the front of this cat carrier's door are two built-in food bowls, and it also folds out to become a snug yet spacious cat bed you can use at home! And to make shorter trips easier too, it can be carried either by hand or with a shoulder strap.
This cat carrier has exclusively five-star ratings on Amazon, and is described as 'airline-approved' so it's suitable for plane journeys with your kitty. Plus, its smart rectangular shape means it slots comfortably into most car and coach seats.
As well as having a long adjustable shoulder strap, this bag also has shorter handles on either side meaning it can also be carried by hand. The mesh windows provide impressive ventilation and the faux-lambskin lining is handily machine washable.
If it ain't broke, why bother to fix it? A classic wicker basket is a brilliant way to transport your cat for shorter journeys, since it's naturally ventilated and comfortable to carry.
Not just a high-quality, durable and attractive basket, it can be used as a den or bed at home, too, and can be lined with their favourite cushion or blanket. A chic take on the hand-held plastic design, this igloo-shaped statement carrier still boasts a secure door and plenty of room for your cat to move.
This is a robust, lightweight bag for larger cats with adjustable straps on both the back, waist and chest to fit comfortably. It is available in a range of colours and is genuinely aesthetically pleasing as well as practical.
As well as an inner safety strap to clip in securely, it also features a mesh-front window on the front which allows your pet to breathe comfortably. Both the front and top zips can be opened fully and securely while you're on the move, too.
This cat carrier is a brilliant option for longer journeys as it expands outward, giving your pet space to wriggle if you pause while on the move. You can load your cat in through the front or top, depending on which they react better to.
The expandable flaps open out on both sides and are lined with lovely, soft, fleecy fluff making it ultra luxurious for even anxious pets. Perfect for road trips with several breaks, the adjustable straps are also kind to backs.
If you want to show off your pretty kitty while carrying him to the vet or on a trip and keeping boredom at bay, this characterful backpack is a fun way to transport him comfortably with even distribution of weight.
The straps are adjustable so it's great for your shoulders and back, and easier than a single handle. Side pockets mean you can easily carry cat treats and toys too, and circular ventilation holes line the sides and back for peace of mind. Cute, stylish and comfy to use!
Massively popular with reviewers across eCommerce sites, this ultra-sturdy pet carrier can be loaded from the front or the top. It also comes in two sizes; so you can choose from 19 or 23 inches.
With small holes for ventilation on the top, front and sides and a spring loaded front door, this is a very safe way to carry your cat that won't set you back too much cash. It's wonderfully convenient and heavy duty, though it does prioritise practicality over comfort which may not suit mid- to long journeys.
A cat will feel more comfortable in a soft carrier, as it'll be easier for them to sit or lie down. Fabric cat carriers are also lighter to carry, and often come with a shoulder strap or handle.
No. 1: Sailosun|Pet Carrier
No. 2: Anxuan|Portable Travel Pet Carrier
No. 3: Petsfit|Expandable Soft Pet Cat Carrier
No. 4: Catit |Cherry Red Cabrio Cat Carrier
No. 5: HITSLAM|Soft Sided Cat Travel Carrier
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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