Traveling with a feline companion can be stressful for every cat owner when you don’t know where to start in picking out an appropriate and safe cat carrier. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the Top Cat Travel Carriers For Your Cat!
Not all cat travel carriers are approved by airlines, in fact, some are only approved for a few select airlines. Air travel can be a hassle when trying to find the cheapest flight, but knowing what airline to book from or investing in a “one size fits all” cat carrier can take a load of stress off your shoulders. Having to load and haul the cat carrier around an airport, in a car, and while moving around, it is essential to buy a cat carrier that has full support and sturdiness so as not to cave in on itself when hefting the weight of the carrier and the precious cargo—your favorite feline.
Some cats are content sitting back and enjoying the curious scents and views, while most…are not. Many cat owners struggle with difficult cats that would rather not leave their humble abode. This can result in a cat acting and attempting to escape, at all costs, from the cat carrier: claws, teeth, and all. Hence the importance of sturdy, secure material for locking mechanisms or ventilation material, like mesh, used for many cat carriers.
Take a gander at the Top Cat Travel Carriers For Your Cat that we’ve researched and reviewed based on reliable reviews from other customers and based on size, support, security, and safety for travel purposes.
How To Pick Out An Appropriate Sized Cat Carrier
It’s essential not to base the choice of carrier on pet weight but your cat’s measurements. To do this, it is recommended to measure your cat’s height and length. This will be productive in picking out an appropriate carrier for your cat.
An appropriately sized cat carrier should allow one’s pet to stand at full height with about half its body weight to stretch up in. The cat should be able to turn fully around without any issue.
Pet Safety
It’s a known fact, or experience for many, that most cats do not enjoy traveling. Unlike dogs, they can’t be left out in a car or they’ll either run out an open door or window, whenever they get the changes or will end up scrunching themselves underneath a seat and refuse to come out. That’s why investing in a properly reviewed, handled, and designed cat carrier is so very important in keeping your precious feline safe—though they may not be so sound as they stare into your soul and meow incessantly with an utter look of betrayal on their face.
Back Seat Only
It is recommended to keep your best cat carrier, and its precious cargo, out of the passenger seat and in the back seat instead. This is due to safety precautions if an airbag deploys, increasing the likelihood of injuring your pet.
Choose The Cabin
Check with your designated airline on whether your cat can travel in the cabin along with you, as most airlines do allow this for an additional fee. Make sure to call in advance to verify this with your select airline as this changes depending on each airline’s set of rules, regulations, and required measurements for under-seat bags.
Special Pet Health Requirements
Some airlines have special pet health, vaccine, and immunization requirements. Not all do, but it is recommended to check just to verify!
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics
Features
This Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics features an adjustable shoulder strap along with handles for carrying. The sizing of this travel carrier is adjustable as it fits under the seats of many different airlines’ select seating.
Cleaning
The cat carrier features a removable fleece pad that can is machine washable, making it easier for cleaning purposes benefiting in that handwashing can be a bit of a hassle. For cleaning, make sure to use cool water and a mild detergent. It is also recommended not to tumble dry, iron, or dry clean as it affect the shape of the fleece pad.
Maximum Load For The Carrier
This cat carrier has a maximum load of 16 lbs or 7.3 kg. Even with this recommendation, it is essential not to base the choice of carrier on pet weight, but on your pet’s measurements. To do this, it is recommended to measure your pet’s height and length. This will be productive in picking out an appropriate carrier for your cat.
Reviews
The Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics received 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 18,824 global ratings, 72% of them being 5-star ratings.
Pros
Fits perfectly under an airplane seat, therefore great for traveling.
Lighter and cheaper than most hard plastic carriers.
The bottom of the carrier is stiff and supportive for traveling with a pet. The front and top opening accessibility make it easier to reach your cat. The carrying straps are sturdy and do not wear out over time.
The carrier is easy to assemble and gives the feline traveler visibility to sate the curiosity of its new environment.
Cons
One customer in the review section gave this cat carrier one star out of five. Her reasoning for this poor review was the quality of the carrier. Mid-flight the mesh layer of the carrier simply ripped off. Her cat, that had recently had his nails clipped, on his very first attempt to get out of the carrier, had managed to easily tear down the mesh border meant to be safe and prevent issues like this from happening.
The sizing of the carriers can be an issue. They run smaller than mentioned, so sizing up is recommended.
Soft-Sided Pet Carrier For Cats By Vceoa
Features
This Soft-Sided Pet Carrier For Cats By Vceoa features a top entry and side entry opening, along with zippers that lock for safety protocol. There are also mesh windows in place for ventilation.
Along with carrying handles, this cat carrier also has an adjustable shoulder strap that can double in usage as a seatbelt. The backstrap of the carrier can be attached to your luggage to keep the cat carrier secure when roaming the airport.
The carrier has dimensions designed to fit under airline seats, though each airline has its own set of regulations, so verifying that storing cat carriers under seats is recommended.
Cleaning
There is a removable base insert and a removable fleece pet bed that is hand washable. The fleece pet bed creates a safe and cozy space for your cat while traveling.
Maximum Load For The Carrier
The recommended maximum load for this carrier is 16lbs or 7kg. It measures out at 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H. Make sure to measure out your pet to coincide with the cat carrier’s so that your cat has ample space to move about comfortably in the best cat carrier of your choosing.
Reviews
The Soft-Sided Pet Carrier For Cats By Vceoa received 4.8 out of 5 stars, with 10,544 global ratings, 85% of them being 5-star ratings.
Pros
The breathable mesh is resistant to tearing. A customer stated that their cat and dog (the carrier was sized to accommodate a dog and cat, at separate times) were not able to destroy the fabric or open any of the zipper holdings, giving the carrier safety and security for traveling. This specific customer, who gave the carrier 5 stars, stated that the carrier is easy to open and refold for storage purposes.
Another customer stated that the carrier is “built to last.” Her cat is an outdoor and indoor cat with a penchant for keeping its claws sharp for hunting. She was worried about the durability of the cat carrier, as her cat has been known to tear through cat food bags when impatiently hungry for feeding time. With this specific carrier, she noted that the netting is thick with proper breathing holes for ventilation purposes with metal supports lining the entrance and edges for sturdy support. Her friend’s father works for Delta and has verified that the dimensions of this cat carrier are acceptable for traveling aboard Delta airlines. The sturdiness and supportive structure of this Soft-Sided Pet Carrier For Cats By Vceoa are similar to a mini suitcase as it is not flimsy, the supportive carrying straps and handles are adjustable for comfort and occasion.
Cons
One customer gave this cat carrier a 2-star review for the “terrible chemical odor” that emanates from it. It is recommended to wash and clean the cat carrier after verifying its quality (minus the chemical odor), as the odor will disappear after cleaning.
TSA Airline-Approved Collapsible Pet Carrier by Henkelion
Features
Made to be airline-approved for United Airlines and other airlines, this TSA Airline-Approved Collapsible Pet Carrier by Henkelion is designed for travel along with you and your feline in mind. Two loop handles connect to balance out the carrier while being hefted around. When transporting the cat carrier and its precious cargo, these handles can also be utilized as a dual seat belt or luggage strap.
The adjustable shoulder strap on this carrier is perfect for travelers needing free hands, especially when carrying other luggage, plane tickets, purses, etc.
Cleaning
There is a removable base insert and a removable fleece pet bed that is hand washable. The fleece pet bed creates a safe and cozy space for your cat while traveling.
Maximum Load For The Carrier
This soft-sided carrier is specifically designed for small to medium-sized pets. The recommended size reference for the pets is within the range of 15″ x 9″ x 9″, the maximum load being 15 lbs. Remember to reference the height and length of your cat, rather than weight, when choosing a cat carrier!
Airline Approval
This specific soft cat carrier is not approved by Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines. Both of these airlines have a maximum height of 8.5 inches with the cat carrier being 10.5 inches in height (for the medium-sized carrier).
The large cat carrier is not suitable for placement under an airline seat. This specific size is only suitable for daily travel like going to the veterinarian or a car ride.
Reviews
The TSA Airline-Approved Collapsible Pet Carrier by Henkelion received a 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 29,033 global ratings, 80% of them being 5-star ratings.
Pros
Great for larger cats, this customer gave this cat carrier 5 stars. Her cat is 11 pounds and was able to stand up and change positions to adjust and get comfortable. She loved that there was an opening on the top of the cat carrier as it gave accessibility for her to console her kitty during trips.
Modestly priced, this customer also gave this TSA Airline-Approved Collapsible Pet Carrier by Henkelion five stars. She loved that there were various zipper openings as it can make veterinarian trips easier concerning simple tasks like grabbing the cat’s temperature or administering vaccines without having to coax and pull the cat out of the carrier to further stress it out.
Another 5 stars out of 5, this customer loved that the cat carrier was perfectly sized for traveling on planes. They stated that the cat carrier was easy to handle and carry around, better priced than others found in-store, and fit under most airline seats.
Cons
This is not a bad review- just a recommendation from a customer. Giving the carrier 4 stars out of 5, this customer stated that her cat was able to open up the zippers. She highly recommends attaching the zippers closed with ties if your cat has a penchant for finding weak spots in carriers.
Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics
Features
Designed with two doors for easy access to your feline friend, this Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics also has ventilation located on the sides, top, and back of the travel carrier. The latch is spring-loaded for a smooth and fluid opening and closing, with the top door having a handle and latch to open, right or left, for traveling convenience.
Cleaning
There is no removable pet crate or pet bed for this cat travel carrier. A small blanket, or equally small pet bed, can be placed for cushioning on the inside for your cat. For cleaning, using disinfectant wipes or soap, water, and a towel would be the best method for cleaning purposes.
Maximum Load For The Carrier
The maximum weight load for this hard carrier would be around 12 lbs or 5.5 kg, though not properly stated in the product description. The seller states 20 lbs is not proper or comfortable for the sturdy holding of the plastic carrier when toting the cat around. The height of the carrier is 22.83 x 14.96 x 12.99 inches.
Reviews
The Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics received a 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 32,860 global ratings, 78% of them being 5-star ratings.
Pros
Receiving 5 out of 5 stars, this customer stated that this Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier by Amazon Basics was simple to assemble and unassemble for easy storage purposes. They also benefited from the lower costs compared to other brands of carriers.
A second customer gave this cat carrier 5 out of 5 stars as they, though hesitant based on other reviews, decided to take a chance anyway. They believe with proper assembly, the cat carrier will not have issues (like other customers had with the top latch not staying secure) and can be a great product with a great price if assembled correctly.
Cons
One customer rated this cat carrier 1-star out of 5 due to the top lid of the carrier not being secure. They stated that the latching mechanism does not stay securely shut which causes an issue when the customer’s cat tries to get out of the carrier.
Another customer gave this cat carrier 1 star out of 5 for the same reason as the previous review. According to this customer, the mechanisms meant to keep the top secure continued to pop out when being carried, while the plastic managed to bend under the weight of the carrier and its precious cargo.
Conclusion
Picking out a travel carrier for your cat can be a tad strenuous; that’s why we’ve put together this list of Top Cat Travel Carriers For Your Cat—-to take a load of stress off your shoulders! Wanting a secure travel carrier for your favorite furry friend is important to you and your feline, to keep them safe and sound while traveling. Investing in a sturdy product that is also cozy and comfortable for your cat is essential for safe and happy travels onboard a plane or in a car.
We hope this article was informative in its content on “Top Cat Travel Carriers For Your Cat.” Share this article with friends and family looking to find an acceptable and safe cat travel carrier for traveling!
