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The best cat carrier for most cats is a hard-sided, top-loading carrier: you lower the cat in from above, it wipes clean, and it holds its shape. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and often easier to fit under an airline seat, and backpacks suit calm cats on short walks. Whichever type you choose, pick one your cat can stand up, turn around and lie down in, with a latch that cannot pop open. Below are the best cat carriers by type, with sizing rules and what to check before you buy.
Updated October 2026. Specs below come from the makers’ listings and published vet guidance, and are labeled “per listing” where we could not confirm them on the maker’s own page. Always check the size and weight limits on the current listing.
📋 Table of Contents
- Best Cat Carriers at a Glance
- All Kinds of Cat Carriers: Types Compared
- Top-Loader Cat Carriers: Picks for Vet Trips
- Lightweight Hard Carriers
- Soft-Sided and Airline Carriers
- Carriers for Large Cats (Ragdoll, Maine Coon)
- What Size Cat Carrier Do You Need?
- Is a Cat Carrier Safe in the Car?
- How to Choose a Cat Carrier
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict
- Sources Checked
- Related Cat Carrier Guides
Best Cat Carriers at a Glance
| Carrier | Type | Door layout | Cat weight (per maker or listing) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basics 2-Door Top-Load (19 in) | Hard-sided | Top and front | Check listing | Everyday vet trips |
| Petmate Two Door Top Load (24 in) | Hard-sided | Top and front | 5 to 15 lb | One durable carrier for years |
| MidWest Spree (22 in) | Hard-sided | Front | Up to 12 lb | Light hard shell, easy to carry |
| SportPet Designs Foldable | Hard-sided, collapsible | Front | Check size chart | Storage in small spaces |
| Sherpa Original Deluxe (Medium) | Soft-sided, spring frame | Top and side | Up to 16 lb | Under-seat airline trips |
| Sleepypod Air | Soft-sided, car restraint | Top and side | Up to 18 lb | Car and cabin travel, premium pick |
| Petsfit Expandable (Medium) | Soft-sided, expandable | Top and side | Up to 13 lb | Extra room when parked |
| Henkelion Soft-Sided | Soft-sided | Top and side | Up to 15 lb | Budget short trips |
| Morpilot Soft Carrier | Soft-sided | Top and side | Up to 20 lb | Large cats |
All Kinds of Cat Carriers: Types Compared
See also: Washable Kitten Bed With Removable Cover: 7 Easy-Wash Picks • Cat House for Outdoor Cats: Insulated Shelters and Straw Bedding
Most carriers fall into five types. The right one depends on how your cat reacts to being handled and where you are going.
| Type | Strength | Weak spot | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-sided top-load | Rigid, easy to clean, top door for reluctant cats | Bulky to store | Vet visits, nervous cats |
| Hard-sided front-load | Light and protective | Cat must walk or be pushed in | Cats that enter on their own |
| Soft-sided | Light, padded, often fits under a seat | Less crush protection, harder to wash | Flights and short trips |
| Backpack or sling | Hands-free carrying | Not for panicky cats | Calm cats on short walks |
| Expandable or wheeled | Extra room or less weight on your arm | Larger footprint | Long waits and big cats |
The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine favor a hard-sided carrier that opens at the top and the front and can come apart in the middle, so the vet can examine the cat in the base. Their client handout on getting a cat to the vet also says soft carriers should have a large top opening. If you want to dig into one type, see our pages on hard-sided cat carriers, top-loading cat carriers, soft-sided airline carriers, cat backpacks with a window and sling carriers. For a side-by-side explanation, read hard-sided vs soft-sided carriers.
Top-Loader Cat Carriers: Picks for Vet Trips
A top door matters most when your cat will not walk into a front opening. Lowering a cat in from above avoids the head-first push that makes many cats brace and scratch. These two are the picks to start with.
Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided: Top Pick
Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs, 19" L x 12.6" W x 10" H, Gray & Blue
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonBasics 2-Door Top-Load – hard shell – top and front doors – 19 x 12.6 x 10 in (per listing)
This is the practical default for most cats: a plain plastic shell with two doors, ventilation on the sides and a handle on top. A cat that refuses the front door can be lowered in from above, and the shell rinses clean after an accident. It is a good match for the hard, top-opening style that feline vet groups describe.
Pros: top and front doors; rigid shell; easy to wipe down.
Cons: bulkier to store than a soft bag; check the listing’s weight limit if your cat is over 12 lb.
Best for: owners whose cats resist being placed in a front-load carrier.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel: Most Durable
Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel for Small Dogs and Cats, 24in, Blue | Top and Front Loading USA Made Crate Built from Recycled EcoTEC Plastic
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonPetmate Two Door – hard plastic – top and front doors – 24 in, rated by Petmate for 5 to 15 lb
Built from recycled plastic and made in the USA, according to the listing, this kennel suits owners who want a carrier that survives years of vet trips. The interior is roughly 21 x 14.5 x 13.5 in. Petmate suggests a kennel a few inches longer and taller than your pet so the cat can stand, turn and lie down.
Pros: sturdy build; two doors; roomy for an average adult cat.
Cons: heavy compared with soft carriers; some retailers say it is not accepted for air travel, so check your airline.
Best for: one durable carrier for the long haul.
More top-opening options are on our top-loading cat carrier page.
Lightweight Hard Carriers
MidWest Spree Travel Carrier: Light Hard Shell
Spree by MidWest 22-Inch Travel Carrier, Blue, Fits Pets up to 12 lbs | Hard-Sided Pet Carrier, Steel Door, Ventilated Design, Locking Tabs, Easy Assembly
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonMidWest Spree – hard plastic – front door – 22 in, fits pets up to 12 lb (per listing)
The Spree trades a top door for low weight. It is easy to carry, wipes clean and protects better than a soft bag from bumps in a car or waiting room.
Pros: light for a hard shell; easy-clean plastic; secure door latch.
Cons: front-load only; 12 lb limit excludes bigger cats.
Best for: small to average cats that walk in on their own.
SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier: Collapsible
SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier - Front Door Plastic Collapsible Carrier, Gray and Tan, Medium (Pack of 1)
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonSportPet Foldable – hard plastic – front door – folds flat (per listing)
This carrier collapses for storage, which helps in small apartments where a rigid kennel has no home. Pick the size from the maker’s size chart, and check the weight rating before you order.
Pros: folds flat; plastic wipes clean.
Cons: a folding design may feel less rigid than a molded kennel.
Best for: small homes that need storage space.
Soft-Sided and Airline Carriers
Soft carriers are lighter and often compress under a seat, but airlines set their own under-seat sizes and the height is usually the limit. Measure your airline’s current rule before you buy; see cat carrier dimensions for airline travel and airline-approved cat carriers.
Sherpa Original Deluxe: Under-Seat Classic
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier, Airline Approved & Guaranteed On Board - Black, Medium
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonSherpa Original Deluxe, Medium – soft sides with spring wire frame – about 17 x 11 x 10.5 in – pets up to 16 lb
The spring frame lets the rear compress to help the carrier fit under a seat. Sherpa says to choose the size by your pet’s length and height first, then check weight. It has top and side entry, mesh panels and a seat-belt strap.
Pros: compresses under seats; top and side entry; washable liner.
Cons: soft sides give limited crush protection.
Best for: cats that fly or take frequent short trips.
Sleepypod Air: Car and Cabin Travel
Sleepypod® Air, Airline Approved Cat/Dog Carrier, Crash Tested, Jet Black
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonSleepypod Air – soft sides – top and side entry – 16 to 22 in long when compressed, 10.5 in wide and high – up to 18 lb
The Air is built as both an in-cabin carrier and a car restraint, and the maker says it has earned a top rating from the Center for Pet Safety. Check the Center for Pet Safety’s own site for current results. It is the premium choice for owners who drive or fly with their cat often.
Pros: designed for car and cabin use; length adjusts; padded.
Cons: premium pricing; at about 10.5 in tall, it is too tall for some airlines’ under-seat limits.
Best for: frequent travelers who want a carrier built for car restraint.
Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier: Room When Parked
Petsfit Medium Expandable Cat Carrier for Air Travel, Up to 13 lb | 17 x 11 x 11 in; sized for Delta Airlines, with locking zippers, a handy D-ring, large pocket and multi-side ventilation.
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonPetsfit Medium Expandable – soft sides – side expansion – 17 x 11 x 11 in – up to 13 lb (per listing)
The side panel unzips to create a rest area, which helps on long waits. Keep it zipped closed while moving, and confirm the airline’s size rule.
Pros: extra room when expanded; soft padding.
Cons: 13 lb limit; the expansion adds a zipper to check.
Best for: cats that need to stretch during long trips.
Henkelion Soft-Sided: Budget Pick
Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier For Small / Medium Cats Dogs Puppies (Up To 15lbs), TSA Airline Approved Small Dog Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Waterproof Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' because the listing is waterproof, which is the attribute this article compares.
View on AmazonHenkelion – soft sides – collapsible – up to 15 lb, listed as airline approved (verify with your airline)
An inexpensive soft carrier with mesh ventilation, comfortable for short trips and easy to store. It is the value choice for a calm cat.
Pros: light; collapsible; good airflow.
Cons: less protective than a hard shell.
Best for: budget buyers with calm cats.
Carriers for Large Cats (Ragdoll, Maine Coon)
Large cats often outgrow the 12 to 16 lb limits of standard carriers. Look at floor length first, because a carrier can sound roomy by weight but be too short for a long cat. Measure from the nose to the base of the tail, then add a few inches.
Morpilot Soft Carrier: Large Cats
Morpilot Cat Carrier Soft for Large Medium Cats and Puppy up to 20lbs | with Dual-Sided Cushion, Secure Buckle and Foldable Bowl, Dog Carriers for Small Dogs - Pet Carrier (Dark Gray)
Included for 'Best Cat Carriers: Top-Load, Hard, Soft and Backpack Picks' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonMorpilot Soft Carrier – soft sides – top and side entry – rated up to 20 lb (per listing)
This is the soft option when a standard carrier is too small. It has a dual-sided cushion, a buckle and a foldable bowl, and it gives bigger cats more room to turn.
Pros: roomy; padded; several carry options.
Cons: larger footprint to store and stow.
Best for: owners of big cats.
Breed-specific guides: Maine Coon, Ragdoll and big cats in general. For flights, see airline carriers for large cats.
What Size Cat Carrier Do You Need?
Choose a carrier where your cat can stand up, turn around and lie back down. The Chewy carrier guide, reviewed by Dr. Sandra Mitchell, DVM, DABVP (feline), gives that rule for short trips and suggests more space for long ones. Petmate adds that a kennel should be a few inches longer and taller than your pet. Do not buy on weight limit alone.
- Measure your cat from the nose to the base of the tail while standing.
- Measure standing height at the shoulder and sitting height to the top of the ears.
- Compare with the carrier’s interior length and height, not the outside size.
- Check the weight limit last, and leave margin if your cat is near it.
More on measuring: what size carrier for a cat and carrier size for two small cats.
Is a Cat Carrier Safe in the Car?
Most carriers are not crash tested. The Center for Pet Safety runs independent crash testing and publishes a short list of certified carriers and crates. When we checked the list, the carriers named included the Away pet carrier and several PawsInCar models. Whatever you use, put the carrier on the floor behind a front seat or secure it with the seat belt, and never leave it loose on a seat. Hold it from underneath rather than by the handle alone so it stays level.
How to Choose a Cat Carrier
- Hard or soft: hard shells protect and clean easily; soft carriers travel lighter and fit under seats.
- Top-load access: a top door makes loading a resistant cat far easier.
- Size: your cat should be able to stand, turn and lie down.
- Ventilation: mesh or slots on several sides keep a stressed cat cool.
- Air travel: confirm the airline’s under-seat dimensions; height is usually the limit.
- Security: strong latches or locking zippers prevent escape mid-trip.
Getting the cat to accept it matters as much as the carrier. Leave it out at home with a blanket inside. Our guides on introducing a carrier to cats and getting a cat into a carrier walk through it, and the carrier guide for nervous cats covers anxious travelers. To keep a soft carrier fresh, see how to clean a soft carrier and how to repair torn mesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hard or soft cat carrier better?
Hard carriers are better for vet trips and easy cleaning. Soft carriers are better for flights and short walks because they are lighter and compress.
Is a top-load or front-load carrier better?
Top-load is better for reluctant cats because you lower them in. Front-load works for cats that walk in on their own.
What size carrier does my cat need?
One where your cat can stand, turn around and lie down. Measure nose to tail base and compare with the interior length, then check the weight limit.
Which cat carrier is best for flying?
A soft carrier that fits your airline’s under-seat size. Height is usually the limiting number, so measure before you buy.
How do I get a reluctant cat into a carrier?
Use a top-loading carrier, leave it out at home with bedding inside, and reward visits. Never force the cat in head first.
Is a backpack safe for car trips?
Not on its own. For driving, use a carrier secured with a seat belt or placed on the floor, and look for crash-test results.
Our Verdict
Top Pick: the Basics 2-Door Top-Load, the most practical all-rounder for stress-free vet visits. Most durable: the Petmate Two Door Top Load. Best for travel: the Sherpa Original Deluxe for flights and the Sleepypod Air for cars and cabins. Best for large cats: the Morpilot. Budget soft carrier: the Henkelion.
Sources Checked
- American Association of Feline Practitioners and International Society of Feline Medicine, client handout on getting your cat to the veterinarian.
- Chewy carrier buying guide, reviewed by Dr. Sandra Mitchell, DVM, DABVP (feline), updated June 2026.
- Center for Pet Safety, list of certified carriers and crates.
- Petmate and Sherpa product information; Sleepypod product page.
Related Cat Carrier Guides
- Airline-approved cat carriers
- Cat carriers for vet visits
- Cat carriers for car rides
- Hard-sided cat carriers
- Cat backpack carriers with a window
- Cat carrier size guide
