Choosing the best cat carriers comes in handy for those all-important trips to the vet, as well as any journeys or adventures you want to take with your kitty. From metal cages to fabric holders, backpacks and even pet strollers, there are loads of options out there. Keeping your cat cosy and safe in a cat bed is your top priority as a cat parent.
When a new cat comes into your family, you remember the big things: food, bedding, toys - maybe even a water fountain or two. One thing you won't want to forget though is a cat carrier. An essential item, much like a cat egg chair, a cat carrier lends a helping paw when your cat needs to take a trip (not counting through the cat flap).
Best cat carriers at a glance
It can be hard to know which cat carrier is best. Unless cats are comfortable with their carrier, it may be a struggle to fit them in without getting scratched. So, we recommend getting your cat familiar with the carrier by leaving it out with their favourite toy, blanket or pet comforter inside so that they can peruse without feeling intimidated. With a little luck, this cat carrier will become your cat's new favourite spot to chill, besides the radiator cat bed.
Which one is the best, you ask? Well, luckily we've got all the answers here. We've rounded up our favourites to buy right now so you don't have to, including pros, cons and all the features you'll want to know about.
The best cat carriers to buy
Best top-rated cat carrier bag
This Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag is top-rated on Amazon - with over 18,000 positive reviews you know you're getting the best for your cat. Including a portable pet bowl, attachable strap and bed included, this is totally worth the value.
Customer review: "My cat loves this, as soon as I opened it she was straight in, she’s a small cat and fits perfectly with plenty of room. Very stylish, comfy for the cat and spacious."
Pros
- Highly rated by other pet owners
- Machine washable
- Comfortable - appealing for cats
Cons
- Quite bulky, not suitable for large cats
| Dimensions: | 43 x 30 x 33 cm |
| Weight: | 1.52 kg |
- Breathable mesh on top
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Water bowl included
- Removable cushion/bed
Best overall cat carrier
www.debenhams.com
Crafted from waterproof fabric and steel tubing, this HUGGLEPETS Fabric Crate Foldable Pet Carrier boasts three openings for easy access. Mesh panels ensure visibility and ventilation, while the top and back pockets store essentials. With its plush sheepskin mat, this cosy crate offers security and convenience, available in various colours.
Pros
- Various colours and sizes are available
- Made from waterproof fabric
- Easily-accessible storage pockets
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Dimensions: | Small – 50 (L) x 34 (W) x 36 (H) cm; Medium – 60 (L) x 42 (W) x 44 (H) cm; Large – 70 (L) x 52 (W) x 50 (H) cm; X-Large – 82 (L) x 58 (W) x 58 (H) cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified |
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Pockets
- Mesh
- Foldable
Best large cat carrier
www.ebay.co.uk
A more classic choice of cat carrier, this large plastic Kingfisher KATC3 Large Pet Carrier is great for larger cats or pet owners who want to give their kitty a little more space. Getting a carrier with a lot of space means your cat is less likely to feel confined and also makes room for a bed and toys.
Customer review: "I got what I would call an average size for my very large cat. She's not fat just huge. We need to go to the vet so needed to get one big enough for her. It's really sturdy and any big cat would be comfortable in this carrier."
Pros
- Large space for extras
- Durable material
Cons
- May be too big and bulky
| Dimensions: | 171 x 180 cm |
| Weight: | 259g |
- Sturdy plastic cover
- Detachable roof
Best cat carrier backpack
You don't always need a classic carrier to get your kitty around and about. This pecute Cat Backpack Carrier is expandable and easy to fit on your shoulders, so you can even take your cat on walks with you. It's comfortable with ventilation through the mesh windows.
Customer review: "This product was made with animals in mind! There are so many cool features to this travel bag that it just blows my mind. It fits my cat perfectly and it has safety measures to stop my cat from getting out."
Pros
- Take your cat on adventures
- Expandable for more room
- Multiple doors for entry
Cons
- Better for adventurers than everyday use
| Dimensions: | 34 x 27 x 44 cm |
| Weight: | 1.6 kg |
- Storage pockets on sides
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Safety belt
- Removable cushion
Best basic pet carrier
Sometimes you just want something that gets the job done. This Wowsubli pet cage comes in five sizes and is simple but effective. It has enough room for you to put on a blanket or bed., and a handle and lockable doors so you can easily carry your cat around.
Customer review: "I liked this small cage just right to catch a small stray cat that lives in my garden."
Pros
- Simple but effective
- Larger sizes available
- Folds flat for travel
Cons
- Not as comfortable for your kitty
| Dimensions: | 60 x 42 x 50 cm |
| Weight: | 5kg |
- Removable tray
- Multiple entrances
- Removable handle
- Metal exterior
Best bed and cat carrier
The Doc + Phoebe Sleep and Go in Grey is a versatile bed and transporter for pets, facilitating safe and comfortable travel for cats and small dogs. It offers a washable cushion, a removable dome, and a vinyl liner, ensuring a stress-free experience both at home and on the go. We can't help but love this pick.
Customer Review: "We’ve just got two kittens and they use this happily to hop in and out of for a bed. First vet trip yesterday and it really seemed to calm them, they were happy in there and not too stressed when they came out either. Wouldn’t fit two grown-up cats but fine for one. Also it looks really nice in the flat! Cosy and sturdy build."
Pros
- Convertible cosy bed and carrier
- Includes washable pillow for comfort
- Easily adjustable and storage
Cons
- May not suit some cats
| Dimensions: | 44.45 x 50.8 x 26.67 cm |
| Weight: | Carries up to 22 lbs |
- Converts into Bed
- Vinyl Liner
- Washable Cushion
Best Amazon Basics cat carrier
Yep, that's right. Amazon Basics even stock its own proper cat carrier. This is something you know you'll get quality from while also getting the efficient delivery of Amazon. The Amazon Basics 58cm Two-Door Top-Load Pet Carrier is available in two sizes also.
Customer review: "This is a fab carrier. It’s not basic, it is easy to put together. It is extremely sturdy. The metal door rod opening system is far superior and so much easier than the little plastic twist and turn system. It is a good size for my 6-kilo cat. It is a real bargain. The top opener is a bonus for anyone needing to use it. If you need a cat carrier, buy it, you won’t be disappointed."
Pros
- Not too heavy
- Multiple entry
- Easily unlockable
Cons
- May need an extra bed or pillow
| Dimensions: | 48.8 x 23.7 x 31 cm |
| Weight: | 2.4kg |
- Removable lid
- Steel wire front door for safety
- Two-door design
- Ventilation holes
FAQs
What cat carrier should I buy?
As for choices, here's a roundup of what you need to know about the types of carriers:
Cages: A very basic option and maybe not the most comfortable, these cages usually come as metal and will have a top handle to hold your kitty in. Most will have a removable tray, but you'll definitely want to invest in a bed or pillow for your loved one to lay on.
Plastic carriers: A more popular choice, these are a perfect affordable option that does the job well. They usually have a removable lid for multiple entries and will last a long time.
Fabric carriers: More stylish and possibly more comfortable for your kitty, these will be made out of material and mesh to offer ventilation and are usually zip-up for doors. Invest in a shoulder strap for these ones.
Backpacks: Yes, you can even get backpack carriers. A great option if you're looking to take your cat on any walks or adventures out. Also helps as they will usually have multiple pockets.
Strollers: Great if you struggle with mobility or don't have a car to take your cat to a vet. These are literally like baby strollers but made with your pet in mind, so will have a mesh panel top to protect them from jumping out.
Caitlin Casey has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Take a Break, heat, Closer, Grazia and What’s The Best as a Senior Commercial Content Writer since 2021 and currently works at Verve Search as a Content Writer.