6 Best Cat Carriers of 2024 – tuft + paw

Choosing the right cat carrier is an important decision for all cat parents—you may not use the carrier every day, but it’s an absolute essential for vet visits and travel of any kind. But what should you even look for? Which features are the most important? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions.
Beautiful modern cat furniture that both cats and humans will love. Shop our collection of cat beds, cat trees, scratching posts, litterboxes, and more. Flat rate shipping and 30 day returns. .
Choosing the right cat carrier is an important decision for all cat parents—you may not use the carrier every day, but it’s an absolute essential for vet visits and travel of any kind. But what should you even look for? Which features are the most important? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions (and many more) and give you our picks for the six best cat carriers on the market today. Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the carrier features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat carriers offer the best overall performance. Cheat Sheet: The Best Cat Carriers 1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier  Main Pros top & front entry, converts into bed, quality materials, limits stimulation for anxious cats, hidden structural panels, water resistant, seatbelt & luggage compatible, folds flat for storage, ID tag, interior safety tether, stylish design Cons pricey, some cats may prefer more mesh Size 18.75L x 10.5W x 11.25H Weight Limit 30 lbs Price $99 2) Mr Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier  Main Pros top & front entry, quality materials, self-locking zippers, ID tag, privacy flap for mesh windows, interior safety tether, removable plywood base, luggage compatible, portion of profits go to animal shelters Cons vegan leather components flake over time, some quality inconsistencies Size 18L x 10.5W x 11H Weight Limit 15 lbs Price $89 3) Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier Main Pros adjustable sizing for airline restrictions, quality construction, 4-star CPS crash rating, luggage compatible, privacy insert for mesh windows, interior safety tether, stylish design Cons expensive, relies on one giant zipper Size 22L x 10.5W x 10H Weight Limit 18 lbs Price $200 4) Sturdibag Pro 2.0 Small Pet Carrier Main Pros durable materials, flexible size, limits stimulation for anxious cats, fully machine washable, front and top entry w/ privacy flaps, luggage compatible, interior safety tether, locking safety zippers, removable platform base, replacement parts available Cons limited ventilation, small may be cramped for large cats, pricey Size 18L x 10W x 10H Weight Limit 25 lbs Price $94 5) Sherpa Original Deluxe Medium Pet Carrier Main Pros affordable, covered by Guaranteed-On-Board Program, top & front entry, solid base panel, locking safety zippers, flexible spring-wire frame, available in multiple sizes Cons insecure luggage strap, uncomfortable shoulder strap, no interior safety tether, some quality concerns Size 17L x 11W x 10.5H Weight Limit 16 lbs Price $39 ($70 full price) 6) Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel Main Pros affordable, hard protective body, large enough for XL cats, waterproof material, easy to clean, well-ventilated, top + front entry, interior moat in case of accidents Cons low quality materials, not seat belt compatible, too big for in-cabin air travel, no interior safety tether, assembly required, no cushioning included, doesn’t fold flat Size 24L x 14.5W x 17H Weight Limit 15 lbs Price $45 Soft Sided vs. Hard Sided Cat Carriers The first distinction to make when shopping for a cat carrier is whether you want a soft sided or hard sided carrier. Each type offers distinct advantages, and your choice depends on your cat's specific requirements and your travel preferences. Soft Sided Cat Carriers Soft sided cat carriers are lightweight and made from durable fabric materials. They have flexible walls and are usually collapsible, making them easier to store when not in use. These carriers are ideal for airplane travel, as they are usually more comfortable for your cat and can fit under airplane seats.  Hard Sided Cat Carriers Hard sided cat carriers are constructed from rigid materials, usually with plastic walls and metal grates for the entryways. They typically offer more room, protection, and stability than soft-sided carriers, making them great for longer car rides when you need to provide food, water, and/or a litter box for your cat. These carriers are also easier to clean because of their smooth waterproof materials.  Porto Cat Carrier by tuft + paw - Shop Here What to Look for in a Cat Carrier Choosing the right cat carrier involves considering many factors to ensure your cat's comfort and safety, and your own convenience. Here is our comprehensive list of features to look for when selecting the perfect cat carrier. Which features you prioritize are totally up to you and your cat.  Cat Comfort The most important consideration when choosing a carrier is your cat's comfort. Look for carriers with soft and cozy interiors, ideally lined with comfortable padding or plush materials. A comfortable carrier can help reduce stress during travel, and added cushioning will minimize bumps and jolts while on the move.  Size A proper carrier should be spacious enough for your cat to stand in, turn around, lie down, and adjust their position. This is especially important when choosing a carrier for a large cat. A good rule of thumb is the length of the carrier should be equal to at least the length of your cat (nose to base of tail). This may seem small, but remember that cats significantly compress themselves when they're in the carrier.  A cat carrier should be roomy enough for your cat to turn around in. Porto Cat Carrier in Sand by tuft + paw - Shop Here Material & Durability A carrier's durability is super important, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Opt for carriers made from sturdy materials with reinforced stitching and reliable construction to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Check reviews to see if there are any complaints about certain components breaking or failing, and check the weight limit of the carrier before purchasing.  Safety Features Safety is a top priority when traveling with your cat. Choose carriers with secure closures (e.g. self-locking zippers, latches) and an interior safety tether to minimize the risk of your cat escaping during the journey.  Car Compatibility If you plan to use the carrier in the car, check for seat belt compatibility to secure the carrier during travel. Sturdy seat belt attachments will prevent the carrier from sliding around during the drive. If the carrier does not have seat belt attachments, then the safest place for it is on the car floor behind the front seat.  If car safety is especially important to you, consider carriers that have been crash tested by a third party like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Keep in mind that these certifications are expensive, so expect third-party crash tested carriers to be pricey. We included two of these carriers on our list of the best cat carriers for car travel.  Look for cat carriers that can be strapped into car seatbelts. Porto Cat Carrier in Charcoal by tuft + paw - Shop Here Airplane Travel Compatibility If you intend to fly with your cat, consider airline-approved cat carriers that meet the specific regulations set by airlines. Every airline has its own specific regulations about carrier size, so always double check those before you fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has some useful information on this topic.  Another important carrier feature for air travel is a trolley sleeve (also called a luggage strap). This is a strap which allows you to secure the carrier onto the telescoping handle of your suitcase, adding a much-appreciated dose of convenience to traveling with your cat. Ventilation + Visibility Proper ventilation is essential to ensure your cat gets a steady flow of fresh air during the journey. Look for carriers with plenty of mesh panels or windows that provide adequate airflow. These ventilation panels also allow your cat to see their surroundings and feel less confined during travel.  Note: Every cat has different preferences when it comes to seeing outside their carrier. Some prefer it, others get very anxious and overstimulated. Know your cat's preferences and choose a carrier based on their goldilocks zone: enough mesh for airflow and visibility, but not so much that it's overwhelming.  Easy to Clean Choose carriers with surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. Accidents can happen during travel, and a carrier with wipeable surfaces simplifies the cleaning process. Hard sided plastic carriers are the easiest to clean, but you can also get soft-sided carriers with water-resistant materials and machine washable components.  @tuftandpaw Replying to @lola_corolla Accidents can happen, but rest assured, our materials are designed for easy cleaning. If a mess occurs, start by using paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any solid waste or excess liquid. Gently blot the affected area with a dry cloth to soak up the remaining liquid. Then, apply a mild, unscented laundry soap to spot-clean the area. Let it air dry, and if a stain persists, consider using a household fabric stain remover following the manufacturer's spot treatment instructions for upholstery. For urine stains, use an enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine, available at most pet stores. The bed is machine-washable on a gentle, cold cycle, and it's best to air-dry it. Minor scuffs or stains can be tackled with a stain remover pen. #largecatcarrier #neutralcatcarrier #highqualitycatcarrier #travelingwithcats #easytocleancatcarrier #catcarrier ♬ original sound - editzzz Accessibility Easy access to your cat is crucial during travel. Consider carriers with multiple entry points, such as top-loading and side-loading options, which make it much easier to get your cat into and out of the carrier. During travel, these same entryways can be used to interact with your cat and offer treats or reassurance without the risk of them escaping. Easy to Carry Consider carriers with padded handles or adjustable straps for your carrying comfort, especially if you'll be walking with your cat in the carrier for extended periods. If you have trouble with conventional carriers, there are also backpacks and rolling luggage carriers on the market.   Look for a cat carrier with both tote handles and a padded shoulder strap. Porto Cat Carrier in Charcoal by tuft + paw - Shop Here Easy to Store Carriers are not typically an item you use everyday, so it’s nice to have one that stores easily. Carriers that are fully or partially collapsible provide convenience and save space in your home. Style & Price Point Lastly, match the carrier's style and price point to your aesthetic preferences and budget. Cat carriers come in a huge variety of price points, colors, and designs, so you should be able to find one that suits your lifestyle.  Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Cat Carriers Build quality — A good carrier should be sturdy, made from durable materials, and able to comfortably hold a cat’s weight. Cat comfort — A comfortable carrier should have soft interior surfaces, a stable structure, and enough room for a cat to stand and turn around in.  Ease of use —  This includes the carrier’s strap design, entryways (top and/or front entry), carrying comfort, and method of carrying (e.g. backpack vs shoulder bag) Ease of cleaning — Easily cleaned carriers are made from water resistant materials and have removable bedding/liners.  Ease of storage — Is the carrier collapsible to save storage space?  Ventilation + visibility — Includes how much mesh/grates are incorporated into the carrier and whether there is a privacy flap.  Airplane compatibility — Includes the carrier’s dimensions and whether it can be attached to luggage.  Car compatibility — Includes the carrier’s seat belt compatibility and whether it has been crash tested.  Safety features — Includes internal safety tethers, zipper buckles, etc.  Other features — Anything else that improves the carrier’s functionality, like pockets or an ID card. Style — Cats don’t care much, but a stylish carrier is nice for humans.  Price point Deep Dive: The 6 Best Cat Carriers 1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier Price: $99Rating: N/ASize: 18.75L x 10.5W x 11.25HWeight Limit: 30 lbsMaterials: Water-resistant canvas and liner, spacer mesh, foam, metal, faux shearling Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat carrier here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat carriers on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents. Our pick for the best cat carrier on the market is the tuft + paw Porto. It offers everything we want as cat parents for under $100. Getting cats into and out of the carrier is always a hassle, and the Porto fixes this problem with its innovative zipper structure. This allows each panel to be unzipped independently, so cat parents can open or close it as needed, whether that’s just opening the front door, completely opening the top, or converting it into a “home away from home”. Leaving it out in its unzipped bed form lets your cat get comfortable with it and associate it with relaxing rather than scary traveling (a big problem with most carriers).  The faux shearling padding serves as a small bed or a larger lounging surface when unfurled. It’s also removable and machine washable. The body of the Porto is made of a durable water-resistant canvas and features hidden structural panels to keep its shape. The mesh windows allow for visibility and airflow, but they’re strategically placed to limit stimulation for anxious cats. It’s also seatbelt- and luggage-compatible, and its dimensions meet carry-on regulations for most major airlines. This makes the Porto an incredible travel companion, and its ability to convert into a cozy bed will help your cat feel at home in any destination.  In terms of weaknesses, larger cats or those prone to overheating may prefer a carrier with more mesh for ventilation. At $99, the Porto offers great value compared to other carriers on the market, but it may be slightly out of budget for some.  Pros Cons Top & front entry Quality materials Machine washable removable bed Converts into cozy bed Hidden structural panels Water-resistant material Seat belt compatible Luggage compatible Mesh panels for ventilation Limits stimulation for anxious cats Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether ID tag One exterior pocket Multiple color options Stylish design Some cats may prefer more mesh Pricey @tuftandpaw Join us for an exclusive hangout with Zoe, our Director of Product at tuft + paw, as she takes us on a tour of the Porto Cat Carrier. Zoe dives into the details our product design team poured their hearts into perfecting. She highlights the carrier's remarkable features, including its water-resistant canvas, a coated bottom panel for base protection, breathable mesh windows for ventilation and visibility, the convenience of slipping it over luggage handles for effortless airport travel, its compatibility with securing onto a car seat, an outer pocket for storage, a shoulder strap for easy carrying, and internal wires and structural panels that ensure the carrier's shape remains intact, avoiding any sagging or flattening. Moreover, it boasts a built-in name tag for travel and vet visits, the ability to partially unzip for a home away from home experience, and a removable, foldable faux shearling bed for ultimate comfort. For added convenience, it can be fully unzipped and collapsed for easy storage. Loading your cat into the carrier is a breeze, whether from the top or the side entry. The Porto Cat Carrier is available in two sophisticated colors, Sand and Charcoal, to suit your style preferences. 🐾✈️ #catcarriereview #cattravelessentials #bestcatcarrier2023 #travelingwithcat #comfycatcarrier #neutralcatcarrier #portocatcarrier #largecatcarrier #cleaningcatcarrierr ♬ Cooking, bossa nova, adults, light(950693) - Kids Sound 2) Mr Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier Credit: Mr. Peanut's Price: $89 Rating: 4.6/5 with 2,700 reviews Size: 18L x 10.5W x 11H Weight Limit: 15 lbs Materials: Nylon, metal hardware Our runner-up for best cat carrier is Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier. It may not be the best in any one area, but it offers almost everything you need in a cat carrier for a good price. It’s made from a durable nylon fabric and has plenty of mesh windows for ventilation and visibility. Each window has a built-in privacy flap which you can unroll if your cat gets stressed. It has top and side entryways for easy accessibility, and the interior features a comfy padded bed that can be removed and machine washed. The addition of a structured plywood base prevents the carrier from sagging when being carried by the shoulder strap. This carrier is also compatible with luggage and seat belts, so it can serve ably no matter which form of transportation you choose. Finally, we have to shout out the interior safety tether and self-locking zippers—both must-haves if your cat is an escape artist.  In terms of cons, there have been a few reported issues regarding this carrier’s stitching, mesh durability, and shoulder strap attachments. These concerns could reflect some inconsistencies in the quality control process. Additionally, the vegan leather tends to flake over time, but this is purely a cosmetic issue which shouldn’t impact the carrier’s structural integrity. Finally, at $89 this carrier offers solid value, but it still may be out of budget for some cat parents.   Pros Cons Top & front entry Quality materials (600D nylon fabric and metal hardware) Machine washable removable bed Removable plywood base Water-resistant material Seat belt compatible Luggage compatible Well-ventilated w/ privacy flap option Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether Self-locking zippers ID tag Two exterior pockets Multiple color options Portion of profits go to animal shelters Vegan leather components flake over time Some quality inconsistencies Pricey 3) Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier Credit:  Price: $200 Rating: 4.5/5 with 850 reviews Size: 22L x 10.5W x 10.5H (max size) Weight Limit: 18 lbs Materials: Nylon outer, polyester fleece interior, metal zips Sleepypod has established a reputation for stylish high-end pet carriers, and in our opinion, the Sleepypod Air is their best model. This sleek soft sided carrier is perfect for cat parents who fly frequently thanks to its flexible sizing and ability to squeeze under almost any airline seat. When fully extended, this carrier is a spacious 22” long, but with the ends flipped up it compresses down to just 16”. For even more peace of mind, the Sleepypod Air has been crash tested by the Center for Pet Safety, where it earned a 4-star rating (out of 5). In terms of features, it’s both luggage- and seat belt-compatible, has removable machine washable bedding, and plenty of mesh for ventilation. If your cat gets nervous while traveling, you can cover the mesh windows with the included privacy insert.    Unfortunately, the Sleepypod Air’s main weakness is the price tag of $200, which we understand is not accessible for all cat parents. The only other real drawback is the reliance on one continuous zipper to open and close the carrier. The zipper is fairly robust, but if it broke it would render the whole carrier useless.   Pros Cons Quality materials Adjustable size for airline restrictions Machine washable removable bedding Water-resistant material Luggage compatible Seat belt compatible Third party crash tested Well-ventilated + privacy insert Tote handle & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether Two exterior zip pockets Multiple color options Stylish design Expensive Relies on one giant zipper 4) Sturdibag Pro 2.0 Small Pet Carrier Credit: Sturdi Products Price: $94 Rating: 4.5/5 with 200 reviews Size: 18L x 10W x 10H Weight Limit: 25 lbs Materials: 600D polyester, foam bedding, faux leather The Sturdibag Pro 2.0 is our recommended carrier for anxious cats. This “sturdy bag” is made from 600D polyester and has fewer mesh windows than other carriers on this list, which helps reduce visual stimulation and muffle noises for its feline passenger. It has a unique flexible frame and removable base which allows it to be compressed (height- and length-wise) for storage under airplane seats without sacrificing structure. Even better, the whole carrier is machine washable and replacement parts are available on Sturdibag’s website. We also love the variety of options available for this bag—you can choose from thirteen colors and sizes from small to XXL. The weight limits are impressively high as well, so it’s a good fit for chunkier cats.  While the Sturdibag Pro 2.0 offers many benefits, it’s lacking in the ventilation department. As a cat parent, it’s up to you to decide what’s more important for your cat’s comfort: reducing stimulation or maximizing ventilation. The other drawback to the Sturdibag is its price. The small size starts at $94, while the XXL will run you $128. It’s not the most expensive carrier on this list, but it’s not cheap either.  Pros Cons Durable materials Flexible height and length Limits stimulation for anxious cats Fully machine washable Front and top entry w/ privacy flaps Luggage compatible Interior safety tether Locking safety zippers  Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Seat belt compatible One exterior pocket Removable platform base Replacement parts available  Lots of color options Available from size S-XXL Limited ventilation Small may be cramped for large cats Pricey 5) Sherpa Original Deluxe Medium Pet Carrier Credit: Chewy Price: $39 ($79 full price) Rating: 4.6/5 with 11,200 reviews Size: 17L x 11W x 10.5H Weight Limit: 16 lbs Materials: Polyester, plastic, metal A veritable classic in the cat carrier game, Sherpa’s Original Deluxe has almost everything cat parents need at a pretty dang affordable price. At the time of writing, this carrier is available on sale for only $39, and even at full price it’s still a solid deal. It has a durable water-resistant body with lots of mesh for ventilation, as well as an interior fleece bed that can be removed and machine washed. The top and front entryways make it easy to get your cat in and out of the carrier, and when not in use it folds flat for storage. It’s also available in small, medium, and large sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your cat.  The Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier deserves special mention for its airplane-friendly features. The back end of the carrier has a spring wire frame which allows it to squeeze under airplane seats without squishing your cat. Sherpa also offers its Guaranteed-On-Board program for the small and medium sizes of this carrier, meaning they’ll reimburse the cost of a cat parent’s flight if they are denied entry because of the carrier’s size. Of course, this Sherpa carrier does have some weaknesses befitting a budget option. According to some reviews, recent iterations of this carrier are worse quality than the older models. Other reviews mention the shoulder strap being uncomfortable and the luggage strap being insecure, which is a real annoyance if you’ve ever experienced it. Our final criticism is that there’s no interior safety tether, which is an important feature that prevents your cat from running away if the carrier opens unexpectedly.   Pros Cons Affordable Top and front entry Machine washable removable bedding Water-resistant material Seat belt compatible Well-ventilated Solid base panel Tote handle & shoulder strap Folds flat for storage One exterior pocket Locking safety zippers Flexible spring-wire frame  Guaranteed-On-Board Program (small & medium only) Available in multiple sizes Luggage strap works poorly Uncomfortable shoulder strap No interior safety tether Some quality concerns 6) Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel Credit: Chewy Price: $45 Rating: 4.7/5 with 3,800 reviews Size: 24L x 14.5W x 17H Weight Limit: 15 lbs Materials: Plastic frame, steel wire Last but not least is our pick for the best hard sided cat carrier, the Petmate Two Door Kennel. This carrier’s strengths lie in its versatility and affordable price point, which is why it’s one of the most popular models on the market. It has a top and side entryway, both of which are roomy and easy to coax a cat through. The rigid plastic walls feature a boat load of ventilation holes to keep your cat cool and comfortable, and the inside is super easy to clean thanks to the smooth waterproof material and interior moat. It’s also large enough for most cats, though the weight limit is only fifteen pounds.  Being a budget pick, this carrier does have some notable shortcomings. First of all, the plastic quality isn’t great, which makes it more likely to crack than higher-end hard carriers. Second, there’s no interior padding, so you’ll have to add some cushioning yourself. It’s also too large for in-cabin air travel and a bit cumbersome to carry because of the lack of shoulder strap. It requires some assembly and doesn’t fold flat for storage, so it might not be the best option if you’re short on living space. Lastly, it lacks an interior safety tether.   Pros Cons Affordable Hard protective structure Roomy enough for XL cats Waterproof material Easy to clean Interior moat in case of accidents Well-ventilated Top and front entry Multiple color options Low quality materials No cushioning included Too big to fit under airplane seats Not seatbelt compatible Assembly required Doesn’t fold flat No interior safety tether How to Get Your Cat Into Their Carrier Getting your cat into their carrier is one the eternal struggles of cat parenthood, up there with litter tracking and scratching furniture, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some expert tips on how to make the process easier, or you can check out our full-length article on how to get your cat into a carrier… The Blanket Method Open the carrier and place it on its end so the door is facing upwards. Keep the carrier nearby but hidden from your cat.  Grab a blanket/towel/large clothing item. Using the blanket, pick up your cat and wrap them up securely and gently. Leave their head exposed.  Slide your blanket-cat-wrap into the carrier tail first. Close the carrier door. Your cat will unroll themselves on their own.  How to Carrier Train Your Cat For long-term success, we recommend training your cat to become comfortable with the carrier. Here are the basic steps to take:  Leave the carrier out in the open at all times so your cat can explore it and become completely at ease with it. Build positive associations with the carrier by putting a familiar object inside, incorporating treats and toys, spraying calming pheromones, and feeding your cat in the open carrier. This will help your cat see the carrier as a nice place to hang out.  Gradually carrier train your cat by first closing them inside the carrier for short intervals, then progressing to carrying, walking, and driving with them in the carrier. This process will take some time.  Exercise patience and consistency. Building your cat’s confidence and comfort with the carrier may take weeks or even months. Take small steps, don’t rush the process, and reward your cat when they do well.  Tips for Traveling With Cats Now that your cat is comfortably inside the carrier, it's time to embark on your journey together. Whether it's a short car ride or a cross-country adventure, these tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip with your feline buddy. For more tips and detailed information check out our article on how to travel with a cat.  Feed Your Cat Before Traveling Feed your cat a light meal a few hours before traveling.  Avoid feeding them right before departure to minimize the risk of an upset stomach. If the trip is going to be longer than an hour or two, bring some fresh water for your cat to drink during the journey.  Dock Bowl and Stand by tuft + paw - Shop Here Secure the Carrier If you're traveling by car, make sure the carrier is securely fastened in the backseat. You can use seat belts or carrier straps to keep it stable and prevent any sudden movements during travel. If your carrier isn’t seat belt compatible, put it on the floor behind the front seat. Take Regular Breaks (if driving) For longer car trips, schedule regular breaks to allow your cat some time outside the carrier. Provide a litter box and fresh water during these stops, and give your cat the opportunity to stretch and move around in a safe, enclosed space. Bring their leash and harness if you want to walk them outside. Fly With Your Cat In the Cabin If you're bringing your cat on an airplane, we strongly recommend bringing them into the cabin as a carry-on. Many airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier meets their size requirements and can be safely stowed under a seat. The cabin is a much less stressful place for cats than the cargo hold, and it allows you to monitor their well-being throughout the flight.  Only check your cat as cargo if you have no other option. The cargo hold is a loud, scary, and potentially dangerous place for your cat. They will require a sturdy hard-sided carrier.  Give Treats and Reassurance Throughout the journey, offer your cat treats and reassurance to keep them calm and comforted. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in reducing anxiety during travel. Pack a Familiar Object Bring along your cat’s favorite toy or cozy blanket from home to provide them with a sense of security and familiarity during the journey.  Handling Carrier Anxiety In Cats For some cats, the carrier can be a source of fear or anxiety. This apprehension might stem from past negative experiences or the association of the carrier with unfamiliar surroundings, such as visits to the vet. It's essential to address these feelings and help your cat feel more at ease with the carrier. Here are some strategies that might help:  Try Calming Techniques Calming techniques can work wonders for soothing an anxious cat. Consider using feline pheromone sprays or diffusers designed to create a calming environment, or get your cat a thundershirt to wear when traveling.  Cover the Carrier For cats who are easily stressed, covering the carrier with a blanket or towel can provide a sense of security by reducing visual stimulation and muffling noises. Ensure that the cover still allows adequate airflow for your cat.  See the Vet If your cat's fear or anxiety persists despite your efforts, consider scheduling a visit to the vet. A vet can assess your cat's behavior and offer professional advice on how to handle their anxiety during travel. In some cases, your vet might recommend medication or supplements to help ease your cat's stress during journeys. Cat Carrier FAQs We asked professional cat trainer Connie Rusgen some frequently asked questions about cat carriers. Here’s what she said… What do you look for in a cat carrier? For me, it should be roomy enough that my cats can turn around easily. I like stain resistant materials and a strong shoulder strap that can be removed. It should stand up firmly by itself and not easily collapse if something is accidentally placed on it or my cat rolls around in it. Do you prefer hard or soft cat carriers, and what situations are each best for?  I prefer hard carriers for trips to the vet or if the cat is not good with travel. I also like hard carriers for being on set or around a lot of equipment (for safety). I prefer soft carriers for airline transport because I can put them under the seat in front of me. I always try to fly with my cat in the cabin, not cargo. What carrier features are most important for cat comfort? There should be enough room for them to turn around easily, and lots of air circulation with sides or tops that can open for ventilation. What carrier features are most important for cat safety? I look for a strong material and easy access to zippers. I also look for a strong, level bottom that does not collapse or sag when carrying a cat.  How can you get your cat comfortable with the carrier? First, I open up the carrier and allow my cat to sniff it inside and out at their own pace, and use treats to encourage them to go in. Initially, when they are getting used to the carrier, I never force them in. I leave the carrier out and eventually they like to crawl in for a private nap.  What is the best way to get your cat into the carrier? Once trained and familiar with the carrier, I like putting cats in from the top entry instead of the front. I find that placing them in from the top is easier because they are being guided in.   What do you look for in a cat carrier for air travel? I like soft carriers for air travel so my cat can fly in the cabin with me. The carrier should be airline approved and fit under the seat in front of me. I also look for a strong, removable shoulder strap, a sleeve to fit over the suitcase handle, and a wide top opening that gives me easy access (which is perfect for getting them in and out at the security line).  What do you look for in a cat carrier for car travel? For longer car travel or days on set, I usually have a larger hard crate that can accommodate a small litter box. For short trips, I like soft crates that can be easily carried.  Conclusion Finding the perfect carrier for your cat can be a confusing process, but we hope this list has provided you with some promising recommendations and made the decision a little easier. Our top choice is the tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier for its versatility, high quality materials, and design. The Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Carrier is another great option which should be a fit for most cats and cat parents. If you fly frequently and want something more deluxe, then the Sleepypod Air is a good bet, while the Sturdibag Pro 2.0 is our recommended carrier for anxious cats. If you’re shopping on a budget, then we think the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier and the Petmate Two Door Kennel won’t lead you astray—it’s just up to you whether you want a soft or hard sided cat carrier. Whichever model you choose, as long as you put your cat’s comfort and safety first you can’t go wrong. Good luck and happy travels! 

The 8 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Best Soft Sided Cat Carriers of 2024 – tuft + paw

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers in 2024 – tuft + paw

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Best Cat Carriers of 2024 – tuft + paw

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

12 Best Cat Carriers 2023

The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Best Soft Sided Cat Carriers of 2024 – tuft + paw