Investing in the best cat carrier for car is crucial for keeping your feline companion safe and secure during car rides. Our list of the top 8 cat carriers for car includes options tailored to different needs and activities such as plane trips, short trips to the vet, and car travel.
With various designs to choose from, cat carriers come in different shapes and sizes, each intended for specific uses. Soft-sided carriers offer lightweight convenience and easy storage, while hard-sided carriers provide sturdier protection. If you plan to travel by plane with your cat, you’ll need an airline-approved carrier that meets all the necessary requirements.
This comprehensive buyer’s guide will help you navigate the market for cat carriers for cars, highlighting the essential qualities that differentiate the best carriers from the rest. Whether you are looking for a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier, we’ll provide you with the information you need to choose the perfect carrier that suits your feline friend’s needs.
Best Cat Carrier For Car: Top 8 Reviews
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1. Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Cat Carrier For Car
The Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Cat Carrier for Car is a top choice, measuring 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches, and providing ample space for your feline companion while fitting comfortably under most airlines’ seats due to its compressible spring-wire frame at the back.
This carrier features mesh windows to promote air circulation and calm your pet during air travel, as well as locking zippers to prevent any daring escape attempts mid-flight. With various strap options, including a padded adjustable shoulder strap, handles, and seatbelt or luggage strap, this carrier is perfect for extended travel days with your cat.
Available in six colors, including black, charcoal, and plum, the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Cat Carrier for Car comes with a convenient pocket for storing treats, toys, or other small items to keep your cat content during car rides, plane trips, and more. Choose this cat carrier for car to ensure your feline friend’s comfort and safety during travel.
2. Petmate Two Door Top Load
The Petmate Two-Door Top Load Cat Carrier for Car is a durable and secure option for transporting your feline friend. Constructed from heavy-duty plastic materials, this carrier ensures the safety and security of your cat during travel.
Featuring two doors – a front door and a top door – this best cat carrier for car offers easy loading and access to your pet. The steel-coated wire doors come with secure latches and a wing-nut and bolt design, ensuring that your cat stays safely inside the carrier. Although some assembly is required, once assembled, this carrier is straightforward to use.
While these carriers may not be as convenient for storage, they provide a comfortable and safe travel experience for your cat. With over 9,700 reviews on Amazon, the Petmate Two-Door Top Load Cat Carrier for Car is one of the most popular options on the market. While many customers praise the carrier’s durability and security, some have noted that the assembly process can be challenging, and the sizes may run small in some cases.
Overall, this hard-sided cat carrier for car is a top pick for pet owners who prioritize their cat’s safety and security during travel, making it a worthwhile investment.
3. Best Cat Carrier For Car from Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible
The Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier for Car is one of the lightest and most affordable options on the market. Constructed from sturdy fabric with breathable mesh walls, this carrier provides ventilation and comfort for your cat. The mesh side panels allow your furry friend to see everything around them, helping to reduce anxiety during travel.
This best cat carrier for car has a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and can accommodate cats up to 18 pounds. It comes with comfort carry handles and folds flat for easy storage. However, it’s not recommended for cats over 18 pounds and may not withstand chewing or clawing. It’s also not airline approved and may have a chemical smell when first opened.
While shopping for the best carrier for your cat, many factors come into play. However, for those on a budget, the Necoichi Ultra-Light Collapsible Cat Carrier for Car is an excellent choice. Kittens love this carrier and feel very relaxed in it, thanks to the breathable mesh walls. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable cat carrier that still gets the job done, this is a great option to consider.
4. Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier For Car
The Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier is an excellent option for transporting your cat in the car. This carrier features a sturdy bottom for effective transport and a small handle on top, although it lacks a shoulder strap, which is a disadvantage compared to typical soft carriers. The carrier can be unzipped completely and folded into an easy-to-store flat disk shape.
One of the unique features of this carrier is its unexpected pod shape with a mesh front door, ventilated body, and round lid that zips all the way open for easy entry. It’s the best cat carrier for car as it offers the benefit of a hard-cover cat carrier but is collapsible too. With a hard top and base, this carrier is relatively compact at 17 x 13 x 14 inches, making it lightweight, weighing just over 2 pounds. The open mesh sides offer good visibility and excellent airflow for your pet’s comfort.
While this carrier offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for all cats, as the size may not be appropriate for larger breeds. Additionally, the lack of a shoulder strap can make it less convenient to carry for extended periods. However, if you’re looking for a carrier that is both sturdy and collapsible, the Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier is an excellent choice for car travel.
5. PetLuv “Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier For Car
PetLuv “Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier For Car is a great option if you need to transport your pet over long distances. This best cat carrier for car by Petluv is on the pricier side, but it’s worth the investment for its extra features. At 24” x 16” x 16”, this large cat carrier provides ample space and comfort for your cat during travel. It can even accommodate multiple cats who like to be together and comfort each other on the road, with a weight capacity of up to 45 pounds. Mesh windows on all sides allow for good visibility, and the flaps can be rolled down for privacy.
Constructed from heavy-duty nylon canvas, this carrier is durable and comes with a machine-washable plush bed. However, some customer reviews suggest that the mesh isn’t particularly strong. The carrier is available in four colors: navy blue, pink, tan, and pink with a lace valance.
If you want a spacious and comfortable cat carrier for car, the PetLuv “Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier is an excellent option. Though it may be a bit expensive, its features and roomy design make it worth the investment for long-distance travel with your feline friend.
6. Sport Pet Foldable Travel Cat Carrier With Front Door Plastic
The SportPet Foldable Travel Cat Carrier is a great choice as a cat carrier for car. It has a wide top-down opening door that makes it easy for cats to enter and exit without feeling cramped. This carrier is large enough for pets up to 25 pounds, and the unique triangle shape measures 15.2 x 18.5 x 14.2 inches.
Despite its size, this carrier weighs less than 4 pounds, and the frame is made of impact-resistant polypropylene, providing protection during travel. Additionally, the rigid material is easy to clean and wipe down for any messes.
The carrier features a clever design that takes into account a cat’s psychology. Its wide-set door opens from the side, which can make your pet feel less hesitant about entering it. This design feature can be particularly helpful for nervous felines who may find small, unfamiliar environments alarming. With the SportPet Foldable Travel Cat Carrier, your cat will likely be more willing to walk right in on their own.
7. Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cat Carrier
The Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cat Carrier is a great option for cat owners looking for an affordable and stylish cat carrier for car travel. Measuring at 15 x 13 x 19 inches, this collapsible carrier is lightweight and easy to store. Its teepee shape with ventilated mesh windows allows your cat to look outside, while the large zippered side opening makes it easy for your cat to enter.
Made of water-resistant polyester and mesh, this carrier is perfect for cats up to 17 pounds. Its side flap zips open completely, providing easy access for your cat. The carrier is available in a neutral beige or a black-and-white checked pattern with a cat-shaped cutout.
Some cat owners report that their cats enjoy sleeping in this tent-like carrier at home as well. With its affordable price point and stylish design, the Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cat Carrier is a great option for cat owners on a budget who want a carrier that is both functional and fashionable.
8. Petsfit Dogs Carriers Backpack for Cat /Dog
When it comes to transporting your cat on a hike or a walk, a backpack carrier can be a lifesaver. The Petsfit Dogs Carriers Backpack for Cat/Dog is a top-of-the-line option, featuring both top and side entry for easy access, and a spacious interior that can accommodate cats up to 15 pounds.
The backpack is designed with front air vents, multiple mesh windows, and doors, ensuring that your cat has excellent visibility and ventilation. The top door of the backpack is expandable, with mesh and a clear plastic window, giving your cat extra space and a large viewing area. Additionally, the mesh windows are rubberized, making them resistant to clawing. This backpack is comfortable for the wearer as well, thanks to the soft back, padded straps, and the inclusion of a hip and chest strap. If you prefer to carry the pack by hand, there is also a handle on top. The best cat carrier for car from Petsfit Dogs Carriers Backpack for Cat/Dog is a versatile option that will make transporting your cat a breeze.
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Buyer’s Guide
From what we have shared above, you can easily see why these are currently the world’s 8 best cat carrier for car. There are those that look for affordability while others would go for the form and style. You can always considers these 8 products or you can perform your very own search as these are literally hundreds of feline carrier systems in the market. As promised, we’re here to share with you. Let’s get started!
Types of Cat Carrier For Car
Hard Plastic Carriers
Hard plastic carriers appeal to casual users who pop their cat into the carrier once a year or less. They’re convenient, easy to handle, and secure. Unlike some soft carriers that can’t hold up to clawing, it’s virtually impossible for a cat to break out of a hard carrier.
If your cat has a tendency to get carsick or has anxiety-induced accidents, you’ll appreciate that hard carriers are easy to clean. You can spray them out with a hose and let them dry in the sun.
Because they are large and don’t compress underneath the seat, hard carriers aren’t the best choice for airline transport. If you’re concerned about safety or going for longer, more frequent car trips, soft carriers are a better choice.
Soft Carriers
Soft cat carrier bags are a better choice for cats who are always on-the-go or traveling long distances. Plane travelers will appreciate that soft carriers can slide under the seat as carry-on luggage.
If your cat is an unhappy traveler, beware that soft carriers are harder to clean out than hard ones. They’re also easier for cats to escape from. Ambitious cats can claw their way through mesh windows or even unzip the doors on their own.
Roller Carriers and Backpacks
Cat carriers with wheels are perfect for people who like the ease of dragging a roller suitcase. These carriers are typically built with plenty of storage space for cat care essentials and have soft, comfortable interiors. The main drawback of a roller carrier is the fact that some cats are scared by the sound of wheels rolling over the ground, especially on uneven surfaces.
An best cat carrier for car are ideal for people who want to go for travel as car with their cat. The pack is a refuge in the case of a wildlife or dog encounter and gives your cat a place to rest their legs.
What size of Carrier For Cat?
We already shared with you what the size of the cat carrier should reflect the size of your cat. It is important that it should be able to move around the crate but not to the point that it can be rocked back and forth when you walk. The idea is to get a cat travel bag that is about 1.5 times the size of your cat.
A quality cat carrier is determined by the following criteria
They’re easy to clean: Plastic carriers should have smooth interior surfaces that won’t collect grime over time and are easy to wipe out. Soft carriers should have machine-washable removable padding and the body should stand up to at least a wet rag and soap.
Strong and durable: The best cat carrier for car have sturdy floors that won’t sag under your cat’s weight. In addition to sturdy bottoms, your cat’s carrier should be constructed from tough materials and won’t rip or unravel. Look for windows made from rubberized, rather than fabric, mesh. It’s stronger and can handle a little claw action.
Easy to get your cat in and out of: It shouldn’t be difficult to slip your cat into the carrier and help them get out once you reach your destination. Note that many veterinarians prefer to handle their patients while still in the carrier. Multiple entryways, top entry designs, and zip-off walls make this process easier.
The right size for your cat: The carrier should be relatively snug and secure and shouldn’t let your cat slosh around during transport. At the same time, your cat should have 3-4 inches of space on all sides so that they can stand up and turn around without crouching and contortion.
Conclusion
Investing in a good cat carrier for your furry friend is crucial for both their safety and comfort during travel. It not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also provides enough space for kittens. If you frequently travel by car, train, or any other means of transportation, a portable carrier gives you the flexibility to take your cat along without any hassle.
Our guide, researched by Top Kitty Care, presents you with the top 8 options for the best cat carrier for car. It helps you make an informed decision on which carrier to choose for your cat, taking into account their size, personality, and your travel needs.
