Designed for ultimate comfort, this bubble backpack has a built-in fan and ventilation system to facilitate airflow. The hard top and base give your cat added security and a firm surface to stand on. It doesnt have a shoulder strap, which is a disadvantage when compared to the typical soft carrier. To help you out, The Dodo rounded up a great selection of cat carriers for the car that could make your next trip to the vet or road trip across the country much less stressful. The double zippers at each entrance are accompanied by an additional little clip that lets you lock the zippers together so that they can't be openeda thoughtful feature that helps keep the multiple access points easy to secure. The top door of the backpack is expandable with mesh and a clear plastic window, giving the passenger additional space and a large viewing area. Dimensions: 11.5 x 19 x 18.5 inches (medium) | Weight Limit: Pets up to 10 pounds (medium) | Weight of Carrier: 6.8 pounds, Very lightweight, a little over two pounds without a cat inside, Keeps pet hidden and limits exposure to potential triggers, The flexible structure might make it challenging to get some cats inside the bag. Soft carriers are best for airline travel because theyre flexible enough to crumple down slightly to accommodate the height of the seat ahead of you. When youre ready to go up stairs or walk down the sidewalk, you can convert the carrier into a backpack. Also, the carrier comes with strong seams as well as locking zippers which provide optimum security for your cat. Review Summary Introduction Simply Nourish is a PetSmart brand, sold exclusively at PetSmart, at least officially. When boarding, youll press in the ends until the carrier is the right size for your space. Theyre also easier for cats to escape from. The zippers also dont glide smoothly and get stuck easily. There are also no loops or straps to secure it with your vehicles seat belt. Our best value choice is the Pet Magasin Collapsible Cat Carrier because it combines the best features from both hard carriers and soft. It should also have plenty of ventilation and, ideally, be lightweight. In addition to providing a safe ride, the Sleepypod attempts to reduce travel stress by doubling as a cozy pet bed. There are two zippered panels made of mesh that can be used for entry or as windows. Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 16.5 inches | Weight Limit: Pets up to 55 pounds | Weight of Carrier: 6.4 pounds, Crash test certified by the Center for Pet Safety for use as a pet car seat and approved for use in-cabin on most commercial airlines, Does not provide sufficient space for larger cats. Unlike many cat carriers that have a rectangular shape, this carrier tapers from a width of 10 inches at the bottom to 7 inches at the top. We'll go into greater depth about each product later in the article. It comes in two designsone is printed with a live animal crate design, while the other is tan and blue. But while we noted it as a potential design flaw, the door has been reliably secure through more than a year of use. Drape a towel misted with feline pheromones over the carrier to create a visual barrier. It folds to a convenient, compact size for easy storage. The lightweight case comes in two sizes, Extra-Small and Small, and is made with 95 percent pre-consumer recycled plastic. This helps the carrier to conform to varied under-seat space restrictions. These carriers are typically built with plenty of storage space for cat care essentials and have soft, comfortable interiors. Check to see if any removable fabric or foam padding is machine-washable. When shopping for cat carriers, look for one that is about 1 times larger than your cat. Weve also included a buyers guide to explain all the features of cat carriers ideal for car travel. If you have a large cat, like a Maine Coon or a Ragamuffin, or more than one adult cat in your care, the Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier will help you keep your kitty comfortable while in transit. At the bottom of this guide, you can find more information about travel systems, including what to look for when buying one . With mesh windows all around, the carrier provides lots of ventilation and allows your cat to watch the world outside. Center for Pet Safetys 2015 crash testing, Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier Review, Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier Review, Mr. Peanuts Airline Approved Soft-Sided Small Dog & Cat Carrier, Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Carrier with Smart-Level Pet Carrier Review, Best Large Cat Carriers for Travel Reviewed, Moving Cats to a New Home: A Step-by-Step Guide, https://cats.com/community/product-recommendations/gadgets-gear-and-accessories-recommendations#post-115, 7 Signs Your Cat Is Not Getting Enough Love, 7 Common Cat Vocalizations And What They Mean, Heatstroke In Cats: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment, Limited window space means that you might have difficulty seeing your cat, Removable, machine washable inner padding, Some reviewers say that Sherpas quality has declined over the years and that todays carriers are prone to zipper malfunctions, weak mesh, and ripped seams, Smart design and rugged construction help to prevent escapes, Achieves a good balance of privacy and breathability, Doesnt have a side strap for attaching to the handle of roller luggage, Hasnt been crash tested or certified for car travel, At almost $90, this is one of the more expensive cat carriers you can buy, All of the zippers are self-locking for maximum security, Features an inner leash to help keep your cat safe even if you open the windows, This carrier has not been crash-tested and may not be the safest choice for car rides, Wont qualify for in-cabin transport on most airlines, Not appropriate for cats who weigh more than 15 lbs, May not meet airline under-seat requirements, A lightweight, breezy carrier that wont weigh you down, One of the most affordable products on this list, The carrier hasnt been crash tested and may not be the safest choice for car travel, Not appropriate for larger cats weighing more than 14 lbs, Includes a seatbelt strap and inner safety tethers for security, Not machine washable - must be wiped with a damp cloth and light detergent, Cats may not like the sound of the wheels rolling over the ground, Not crash-tested - may not be the safest choice for car rides, Large mesh panels to improve airflow and visibility, Auto-locking zippers help keep your cat secure, Medium/large may be too tall for airplane under-seat requirements, Nervous cats may be more likely to damage the carrier, Features a chest and waist strap for easy carrying, Waist belt may be too loose for some users, Not crash-tested and may not be the best choice for car rides, Probably wont satisfy under seat requirements for plane travel. Windows on the carrier allow excellent ventilation for your cats comfort. It has plenty of breathable mesh for good airflow and ventilation. A harness tether helps to keep your cat inside of the carrier even when the doors come open. Theyre easy to clean Plastic carriers should have smooth interior surfaces that wont collect grime over time and are easy to wipe out. The Maskeyon Airline Approved Carrier can be used on most commercial flights to keep your cat cozy and secure while they ride under a seat (always check with your flight provider). The Sleepypod Air fits cats weighing up to 18 lbs. Theyre also available in hybrids of the two. Cat carriers are available in soft, fully collapsible carriers or hard ones. This will keep them securely attached to the carrier while they poke their head out of an unzipped window. When its safe to do so, you may rotate the Sleepypod so that its perpendicular to the back of the seat, expand the ends, and let your cat stretch out. Having produced and managed multimedia content across several pet-related domains, Mallory is dedicated to ensuring that the information on Cats.com is accurate, clear, and engaging. Its available in six colors: jet black, dark chocolate, strawberry red, robin egg blue, orange dream, and glacier silver. The large top zip door also gives you full access to the occupant once theyre all packed up. The bag is offered in a wide range of colors and comes with a removable fleece pad held in place with a hook and loop strap. Its stronger and can handle a little claw action. Theyre easy to get your cat in and out of It shouldnt be difficult to slip your cat into the carrier and help them get out once you reach your destination. With the Halinfer Expandable Space Capsule Cat Backpack, you'll keep your hands free while you comfortably transport your cat on your back. You can either use a soft sided carrier or a hard sided carrier depending on the weight of your cat. Related Read:How to Sedate a Cat for Car Travel. The Petmate Two-Door is made from recycled materials, with surfaces that are easy to wipe clean. Lorraine Wilde, M.S. If you frequently travel by car with your cat, then you know it can be difficult, especially if your kitty hates to be confined. This will keep your cat cool and comfortable, even on long car trips. Our favorite soft-sided carrier is the Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier, which provides a stable yet mobile den for a cat and can be folded for storage. What is the Safest Cat Carrier for Car Travel? The soft sides allow the carrier to collapse, which is ideal for easy storage. If all goes well, your cat will eventually mark the carrier with their own facial pheromones. The carriers floor also has a padded mat to give your cat a non-slip surface as well as extra comfort. The best cat carrier for most is one with a rigid design because it provides a cat with a defined interior space. Plus, the carrier can be unzipped and folded down for optimized storage. The airline-ready carrier is built with wheels and a pop-out handle. This allows you to wrap a seatbelt all the way around the carrier. This carrier also has a litter box included for long car trips. Many carriers have them, and they loop through the seat belt in your car. In total, we tested 30 different cat carriers,including hard-sided and soft-sided kennels, bags, totes, and backpacks. Learn more. For carrying over-the-shoulder or by hand. I am looking for a carrier for my cats but the ones you have mentioned are either not available where I am, or are too expensive. Always handle your cat gently and calmly to prevent panic. Acclimating your cat to the carrier can help make your life easier when its time to put him in. The carrier is collapsible and folds completely flat for easy storage. Billie, thats concerning. The safest carrier is made of sturdy plastic with access doors on the top and the side. The carrier is available in six colors: original black, charcoal, black lattice, original brown, original gray, and original plum. Thanks for all the amazing research and content you put out! Once youre back home, the carrier folds down flat for easy storage. Hard carriers are a good choice for those who want maximum ease-of-use. This carrier has plenty of ventilation, with large holes all the way around, and a see-through mesh door. Mallory is the Head of Content at Cats.com and an NAVC-certified Pet Nutrition Coach. 7 Best Cat Carriers for Long Car Trips and Car Travel (2023) The 6 Best Cat Carriers for Long Car Trips By Gary H. / April 26, 2023 / Cat Carrier We take reviews seriously. But the more ventilation a carrier has, the better. Ambitious cats can claw their way through mesh windows or even unzip the doors on their own. Traveling by car with your cat doesnt have to be a hassle with the right carrier! Best Cat Carrier Backpack: Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack. Best Durable: petisfam Pet Carrier. For car travel, keep your cat in a secure carrier on the floor behind the driver's seat. Using US airlines as a guide, the average under-seat dimensions are 17 x 11 x 9, but this will vary by airline and your seat on the plane. Well go into greater depth about each product later in the article. The mesh on the fold-out sides isnt durable and tears easily. Here are a few ways to make carrier time more fun. "Unrestrained cats may distract the driver, impede driving, and risk severe injury, escape, or death in an accident." Henkelion Soft-Sided Collapsible Pet Carrier 3.2 2. You may be aware of the risks of traveling with your pet in the planes cargo hold. Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Cat Car Carrier, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? A hybrid of the two is a great option. The carry straps also fray easily, so its not a long-lasting option. Your cat will be comfortable in their carrier if they identify it as an extension of their territory, notes Bast. The carrier isnt very sturdy. Multiple entryways, top entry designs, and zip-off walls make this process easier. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. When its time to put your cat in the carrier, place it upright with the open door facing the ceiling and place your cat in then close the door and gently lower it into the proper horizontal position. The floor isnt reinforced for added stability. The last thing you want on a car trip is for your cats carrier to slide around or fall on the floor if you have to brake hard. Your cat should be able to lie down and comfortably turn around in the carrier, but it shouldnt be so large that he slides around during travel. See our review guidelines. You can also unzip the dual carrier and create two individual carriers. The carrier has one door and two window screens to give your cat plenty of ventilation. 6. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than 200 articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. The carrier has several features to make travel easier. While some carriers are collapsible and easy to slide onto the top shelf of a closet when not in use, I dont recommend this practice for several reasons. The carrier is also equipped with adjustable shoulder straps for use as a backpack keeping your hands free. Therefore, its important to look for carriers that have multiple access points. The Mr. Peanuts Soft Sided Pet Carrier is lightweight for easy portability. There are access points on the top and sides to easily put your cat in and out of the carrier. This carrier doesnt include seat belt loops to secure it to your car. The front viewing window is made out of plastic and resembles a bubble. If something goes wrong and your cat is denied permission to go on-flight, Sherpa will reimburse your flight and pet fee. Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.8 inches | Weight Limit: Pets up to 18 pounds | Weight of Carrier: 3.9 pounds, Made with 95% pre-consumer recycled plastic content, The top door does not stay propped open on its own. 12 top picks We spent hours researching the cat carrier market to learn what makes for a safe and convenient cat carrier. The small wheels provide a smooth ride and the telescoping handle makes it easy to cruise with a cat. The Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Cat Carrier is lightweight and collapsible for easy portability. You also want the handle or strap to be comfortable. The carrier is available in blue or grey, and can be used as a car seat for your cat with straps designed to attach to a seatbelt. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. After all, its easier to clean up cat vomit from hard plastic than when its embedded in soft fabric. It has two zippered pockets to store supplies. All of these qualities make it durable and relatively easy to clean. The carrier has a steel support structure to give the carrier added support, but the whole thing is still collapsible for easy storage. According to Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety, the safest place for your cat in the car is on the floor behind the front seat. The mesh windows on the top and the sides are small, though, and dont allow much airflow. Safe and Durable : Cat carrier is made of durable, lightweight and waterproof polyester fabric. What is the best way to put a cat into a carrier? Premium pet-product brand Diggs recently released the . You can access your cat from either the top of the carrier or the front, which is ideal for kitties who get scared and dont want to leave their carrier at the vet. The carrier unzips completely and can be folded into an easy-to-store flat disk shape. Outfitted with zippered mesh windows and air holes, the carrier allows for airflow and easy access to your cat. Whether youre traveling with your cat or transporting your cat during a move, its essential to have a quality cat carrier. Periodically place toys and treats inside the carrier for your cat to discover. The Away carrier meets the requirements for use in-cabin on most commercial flights (since requirements can vary from airline to airline, always check with your flight provider in advance). Rumbling around in a roller carrier can be scary and uncomfortable, so this carrier has a smart-level platform to ensure that your cat doesnt fall over when the carrier tilts. The carrier comes with a machine washable faux lambskin liner for comfort. Carriers placed on the backseat may be tossed about on the ride or fall off the seat, distressing and potentially injuring the cat.. This carrier has a strong chemical smell thats unpleasant, especially right out of the box. To begin our search for the best cat carriers, we reviewed the results of the Center for Pet Safetys 2015 Carrier Study. Gently lower your cat inside the carrier from above or, if using the side door, guide them in backwards (i.e., rear-end first). After three weeks of use incorporating the carrier into their routine, each tester provided detailed feedback and numerical scores across four categories: performance, portability, quality, and value. Required fields are marked *. The carrier is from PetLuv. Best bubble: Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack. The carrier has mesh windows on the top and all the sides for ventilation. To conclude, for the money, we think this is the best cat carrier for car travel available. Customer reviews indicate that the materials may not be heavy-duty enough for anxious cats who try to escape, but the carrier works very well for trips to the vet. It also has seat belt straps to secure the carrier in your car. Recommendations result from hundreds of hours of research. The bottom of the carrier is lined with removable, machine-washable sherpa pad. As a backpack, most adult cats will have to sit upright, but with the expansion open, a full-grown cat will have room to spread out. The pack is a refuge in the case of a wildlife or dog encounter and gives your cat a place to rest their legs. Similar to our pick for Best Overall, Hard-Sided, (the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel) this carrier can be awkward to carry, but it will provide your cat with a secure mobile den for any essential trips, like visits to the vet. The WOpet Pet Car Seat Carrier is great for both airline travel and car. If you plan to use your cat carrier for trips to the vet, then this wont be much of a concern. The mesh windows are rubberized, so they should be able to withstand clawing. The Pet Gear Signature Dog & Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag is one of the best cat carriers for car travel. Now that you have a better idea what kind of testing and research we completed to write this review, lets jump into the details. Because they are large and dont compress underneath the seat, hard carriers arent the best choice for airline transport. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. Plus, there's a 100-day trial period, so you can test out the Away Pet Carrier for yourself. The best carriers for nervous cats offer a combination of smart design, comfortable materials, and tough construction that can handle all the kicking, scratching, and biting a nervous cat can do. You can take out the wires (which work like tent poles) and fold it down into a small disk that will fit in your drawer when not in use. So that you can safely drive your cat to and from the airport, the Sleepypod is built with straps on both sides. The base is supported by a wooden stability board encased in a waterproof liner. Your email address will not be published. The steel wire latch to the top door is sometimes a little hard to align, but it's also easy to tell when you've securely closed it. The PetLuv Cat Carrier is our best overall choice because it includes seat belt loops to secure the carrier in your car. However, if you have not had a chance to train your cat, or they do not voluntarily enter their carrier, you will have to place them inside. If you do want to give your cat a taste of freedom while they stroll, there is a leash tether inside that can be latched to a collar or harness. Before you start shopping for a cat carrier, however, its important to know whats out there. She has two cats, Wessie and Forest. Some cat carriers are marketed as airline approved, but this term isnt necessarily a free pass to in-cabin transport. Look for cat carriers with mesh sides or plenty of large ventilation holes to ensure your cat doesnt get overheated. We found it comfortable to wear with our participating cat inside. Its made of a waterproof nylon material thats lightweight and durable. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Here are her training tips: Place the crate near your cats favorite resting spot. 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The Pawhut Soft-Sided Dual Pet Carrieris our premium choice because its made of high-quality materials, and it can be used as a dual-carrier with two separate compartments. The 12 Best Cat Carriers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed By Anna Mejorada and Lorraine Wilde Updated on 03/31/23 Fact checked by Emily Estep We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Its available in four pearlescent shades: white, pink, blue, and tan. The carrier is made of water-resistant Oxford cloth thats very durable. Hard-sided carriers offer your cat greater stability and are often more durable. It has multiple entrances, allowing you to find the entry route that works for your cat. A better way to ensure that the carrier is the right size is to compare its dimensions to your airlines under-seat space and maximum sizes for in-cabin carriers. Diggs Passenger Travel Pet Carrier. Its additional features include large zipper pockets on both sides and the option to pair it with an electrically-powered warming pad. Well talk about that more in the next section. Note: In conducting our initial research, weve determined that traveling with your cat in-cabin is significantly safer than storing your cat in the cargo hold. Its been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety or CPS. Keep your storage space in mind before purchasing a cat carrier. The bag is very lightweight, weighing only two and a half pounds, and has lockable zippers to prevent your cat from figuring out how to unzip it from the inside. A patented spring wire frame allows you to push the rear end of the carrier down if needed. This multifunctional carrier moves effortlessly from the car to the plane to the sidewalk. While this will help you out if theres an abrupt stop at low speeds, most carrier straps will snap if theres a high-speed collision. The larger option is designed to carry cats up to 20 pounds, making it appropriate for use with most adult cats. She has two cats, Wessie and Forest Adaptable size for varied airline size restrictions, Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Covered by Sherpas Guaranteed On Board program, Comes in small, medium, and large sizes for cats up to 22 lbs, Sturdi Products SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier, Designed to fit under the seats in most airlines, Petsfit Double Sided Expandable Dog & Cat Carrier, Appropriate for traveling on most airlines, Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel Review, Securely-latching steel top and front doors make loading and unloading your cat simple, Comes in two sizes to accommodate cats up to 20lbs, SportPet Designs Cat Carrier with Zipper Lock- Foldable Travel Cat Carrier, Large size, fits most cats up to 18 pounds, One of very few crash-tested and car-safe cat carriers, Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved Soft-Sided Small Dog & Cat Carrier, Smart-level platform ensures that your cat wont tip over when being pulled along, Side storage pockets allow you to stow essentials on the carrier, Top and front doors allow for easy access, Frisco Basic Dog & Cat Carrier Medium/Large, Made from lightweight but durable materials, Generously sized for larger cats or multiple small cats. Many cats find travel stressful which means they may be prone to clawing or chewing a hard-sided carrier may stand up to this treatment better. 2. This is especially important for older cats or ones with long hair. It doesnt hold its shape when you use the handle or shoulder strap, which can be very uncomfortable for your cat. There's also a built-in safety collar clip, a key clip in the external pocket, and even a removable name card. Best hard-shell cat carrier: Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Kennel - See at Chewy It keeps the carrier fully secured inside the carrier. Ideally, your cat will have no issue with entry through the side door, which was the case with our two kittens, but our two adult cats were not as easy to get inside. This location provides better security and stability during a sudden stop, turn, or collision, she says. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog, a happy pomeranian named Gidget. It also comes with a one-year warranty from PetKit. What is the safest way for a cat to travel in a car? When shes not reviewing pet products or editing content, Mallory enjoys skiing, hiking, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. They are more difficult to store, however. At just under $160, its a little expensive for occasional transport, but the features and quality design make this carrier worth the price for cats who travel. Once your cat forms a positive association with the carrier, you can entice them with treats to willingly enter, suggests Bast. Ready to find the best carrier for your cat? It's available exclusively at Chewy. The soft-sided carrier has a steel frame, with two cross beams that come apart in the middle for folding. Pet Magasin Collapsible Cat Carrier Best Value, 3. A fleece bed is also included which is easy to remove for cleaning. It also has mesh windows on all sides that roll up for great ventilation. You can drag it across the airport like any other suitcase. There are many features to look for when youre shopping for the best cat carrier to use on car trips. Our top choice is a soft cat carrier thats airline approved and crash-tested for car safety. Fortunately, feline travelers are small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage and can slide under the seat in front of you. We also spent time researching in-cabin requirements for airline travel with pets as well as the safety of traveling with your pet stored in the cargo hold.