How to Choose a Cat Carrier: Types, Size, Safety and Comfort

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A carrier is the single most important piece of cat travel gear. A poor one can make a trip stressful and even dangerous, while a good one keeps your cat safe and calm. Choosing well takes a few minutes and pays off for years, from the first vet visit to evacuations and moves.

Types of carrier

Hard-sided carriers. Made of plastic, with a metal door and ventilation. They offer strong protection in a crash and are easy to clean. Choose a model with a top opening and a removable lid, so that a nervous cat can be lifted out gently or examined while it sits in the base.

Soft-sided carriers. Made of fabric, lighter and easy to store. They can be comfortable and good for airline under-seat rules, but offer less protection, can sag and are harder to clean. Choose a model with a firm base and mesh on several sides.

Top-loading carriers. Either hard or soft, they allow you to lower the cat in, rather than pushing it through a door. Many cats are happier this way.

Backpack carriers. Useful for short walks or bike trips, but check that the cat has room, ventilation and a stable base. Not every cat tolerates one.

Rolling carriers. Handy for airports and long distances, though they must be sturdy and secure.

Cardboard carriers. Cheap and suitable only for emergencies, since they are flimsy and cannot handle wet or a strong cat.

Size

The carrier should allow the cat to stand, turn around and lie in a natural position. Too large, and the cat may slide around during travel. For two cats, use two carriers unless they are bonded kittens. Large breeds need larger carriers. See largest cat breeds. Measure your cat from nose to base of tail, and allow a few extra inches.

Features to look for

• Secure latches that cats cannot open, preferably metal.
• Good ventilation on several sides.
• Top and front openings.
• Easy-clean surfaces and a removable pad.
• A seat belt loop or strap.
• Carry handle that is comfortable.
• Non-slip floor.
• Sturdy construction with no sharp edges.

Making the carrier a safe space

Cats that only see the carrier before a vet visit learn to fear it. Instead, leave it out in a room, with the door off or open, and place a soft blanket and treats inside. Feed meals near it, then inside it. Over time, close the door briefly, then lift it. See carrier training a cat.

Using the carrier

• Line it with a towel that smells like home, and add a pad for accidents.
• Spray or wipe with a cat-calming pheromone product about fifteen minutes before use if your vet recommends it.
• Cover the carrier with a light cloth so that the cat feels hidden.
• Carry it level, and avoid swinging.
• Place it on the floor, not on a chair at the vet's office, and keep dogs away.

In the car

Secure the carrier with a seat belt in the back seat, or wedge it on the floor, so it cannot slide or tip. Never carry a cat loose in a car. Do not leave a cat in a parked car, since temperatures rise fast. See how to travel with a cat by car and keeping cats cool in hot weather.

Moving, flying and emergencies

For a move, keep the cat in a carrier in a quiet room while movers work. See moving house with a cat. For flights, check the airline's carrier size rules and requirements. Keep a carrier ready in case of fire, storm or evacuation, with a blanket and the cat's records. See cat first aid kit.

Cleaning

Wash the carrier regularly with mild soap, rinse well and let it dry. If a cat has had an accident, use an enzyme cleaner. See how to remove cat urine odor.

Fearful cats

If a cat is frightened, speak softly, avoid forcing it in, and consider asking a vet about anti-anxiety options for travel. See cat vet visit costs for planning visits.

Shopping checklist

Before you buy, check that the carrier fits in your car, closes firmly, and can be opened from above. Press on the sides to test strength, and shake it to see whether the latches hold. If you plan to fly, measure for the under-seat space and check the airline's rules. Read reviews for escape stories. For a nervous cat, choose a model where the top half lifts off, so that the vet can examine the cat in the base. Replace carriers that crack, rust or smell, because a cat that dislikes the scent may refuse to enter it.

Carrier safety for multiple cats

Keep each cat in its own carrier, even if they are friends, since stress can make cats fight. Place carriers where they cannot slide. A familiar blanket from home in each helps.

When to see a vet

Ask a vet about calming strategies if your cat is distressed by travel. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.