Are you looking for the best cat carrier for your furry friend? Do you want to know how to choose the right one for your cat’s needs and preferences? Do you want to learn how to train your cat to use a cat carrier without stress? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you.
In this article, you will discover:
- The two main types of cat carriers and their pros and cons
- The features to look for in a cat carrier and why they matter
- The best cat carriers of 2024 for different purposes and budgets
- The tips and tricks to train your cat to use a cat carrier with ease
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what kind of cat carrier is best for your cat, and how to make your cat’s travel experience more comfortable and safer. Let’s get started!
Hard-Sided vs Soft-Sided Cat Carriers: Which One is Better?
The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types of cat carriers: hard-sided and soft-sided. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Here is a quick comparison of the two types of cat carriers:
Table
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-Sided | – Sturdy and durable
– Easy to clean – Good protection for your cat – Suitable for airline cargo transport |
– Heavy and bulky
– Noisy and rattling – May feel claustrophobic for your cat |
| Soft-Sided | – Lightweight and portable
– Cozy and comfortable – Ideal for in-cabin airline travel – Some can be folded or expanded |
– Harder to clean
– Less durable and secure – May be scratched or chewed by your cat |
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to which type of cat carrier is better. It depends on your cat’s personality, size, and comfort level, as well as your travel mode and frequency. You should choose the type of cat carrier that suits your cat’s needs and preferences the best.
What to Look for in a Cat Carrier: The Essential Features
The next thing you need to know is what to look for in a cat carrier. Some features are essential for any cat carrier, regardless of the type. These features can make your cat’s travel experience more comfortable and stress-free. Here are the features to look for in a cat carrier and why they matter:
- Size: The cat carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too large that your cat feels insecure or slides around. A general rule of thumb is to measure your cat’s length from nose to tail and add four inches to get the minimum length of the carrier. You should also weigh your cat and check the weight limit of the carrier before buying it.
- Ventilation: The cat carrier should have enough ventilation holes or mesh panels to allow fresh air and visibility for your cat. This can help your cat breathe easier and feel less anxious. Avoid carriers that have only one opening or are completely enclosed, as they can cause overheating or suffocation for your cat.
- Accessibility: The cat carrier should have at least two openings, preferably on the top and the front, to make it easier for you to load and unload your cat. Some carriers also have side or back openings for extra convenience. You should also look for carriers that have secure locks or clasps on the doors, to prevent your cat from escaping or getting injured.
- Comfort: The cat carrier should have a soft and removable mat or pad on the bottom, to provide cushioning and warmth for your cat. You can also add a blanket or a towel with your scent to make your cat feel more at home. Some carriers also have pockets or pouches where you can store treats, toys, or other items for your cat.
- Safety: The cat carrier should be sturdy and stable, and not collapse or tip over when in use. You should also look for carriers that have safety belts or straps that can be attached to your car seat or luggage, to prevent the carrier from sliding or falling. Some carriers also have reflective strips or tags for better visibility at night.
These are the features that you should look for in a cat carrier, regardless of the type. However, depending on your purpose and budget, you may also want to consider some other features, such as design, color, style, warranty, and customer reviews. These features are not essential, but they can enhance your satisfaction and enjoyment of the cat carrier.
The Best Cat Carriers of 2024: Our Top Picks
Now that you know what to look for in a cat carrier, you may be wondering what are the best cat carriers of 2024 that you can buy online. Based on our research and the web search results, we have selected the following cat carriers as some of the best options for 2024. We have considered their features, quality, price, and customer reviews, and categorized them by type and purpose. Please note that these are not ranked in any order, and you should always check the product details and specifications before buying.
Best Overall, Hard-Sided: Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
If you are looking for a popular and versatile hard-sided cat carrier, you can’t go wrong with the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel. This cat carrier has a front door and a top-loading door, both with securely latching steel gates. It is made of recycled plastic and has plenty of ventilation holes and a carrying handle. It comes in two sizes, 19 inches and 24 inches, to accommodate cats up to 20 pounds. It is also approved for airline cargo transport and has a five-year warranty. The Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel is available on Amazon for $41.
Best Overall, Soft-Sided: Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier
If you are looking for a spacious and stylish soft-sided cat carrier, you will love the Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier. This cat carrier has a strong steel frame structure and a durable fabric cover. It has four mesh windows, three zippered doors, and two expandable sides, to provide maximum ventilation and accessibility for your cat. It also has a removable fleece pad, a shoulder strap, a luggage strap, and a pocket. It can fit cats up to 25 pounds and can be folded for storage. It is also airline-approved and has a one-year warranty. The Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier is available on Amazon for $70.
Best Airline-Approved: Away The Pet Carrier
If you are looking for a sleek and sophisticated soft-sided cat carrier that is designed to fit under the seat in most airlines, you should check out the Away The Pet Carrier. This cat carrier has a water-resistant nylon exterior, a cozy sherpa interior, and a removable and washable liner. It has two mesh windows, a zippered top opening, and a zippered side opening, to provide ample airflow and access for your cat. It also has a luggage sleeve, a shoulder strap, a pocket, and a collapsible water bowl. It can fit cats up to 18 pounds and comes with a lifetime warranty. The Away The Pet Carrier is available on Awaytravel.com for $225.
Best for Nervous Cats: Travel Cat The Transpurrter Calming Cat Carrier
If you have a nervous or anxious cat, you may want to try the Travel Cat The Transpurrter Calming Cat Carrier. This is a unique and innovative soft-sided cat carrier that has a built-in calming diffuser that releases a natural pheromone to help your cat relax and cope with stress. It has a waterproof polyester exterior, a plush fleece interior, and a removable and washable mat. It has three mesh windows, a zippered top opening, and a zippered front opening, to provide optimal ventilation and visibility for your cat. It also has a shoulder strap, a luggage strap, a pocket, and a collapsible water bowl. It can fit cats up to 15 pounds and is airline-compatible. The Travel Cat The Transpurrter Calming Cat Carrier is available on Amazon for $170.
Best Budget: Frisco Plastic Pet Kennel
If you are looking for an affordable and functional hard-sided cat carrier, you should consider the Frisco Plastic Pet Kennel. This cat carrier has a front door with a secure latch and a top handle. It is made of sturdy plastic and has ventilation slots on all sides. It comes in four sizes, 19 inches, 22 inches, 24 inches, and 28 inches, to fit cats of different sizes. It is also easy to assemble and disassemble and can be used for airline cargo transport. The Frisco Plastic Pet Kennel is available on Chewy for $37.
Best Budget Airline-Approved: Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful soft-sided cat carrier that is airline-compliant, you should take a look at the Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier. This cat carrier has a reinforced steel frame and a waterproof Oxford fabric cover. It has four mesh windows, a zippered top opening, and a zippered side opening, to provide adequate ventilation and access for your cat. It also has a removable fleece pad, a shoulder strap, a luggage strap, and a pocket. It can fit cats up to 20 pounds and can be folded for storage. It is also airline-compliant and has a one-year warranty. The Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier is available on Amazon for $60.
Best Backpack Carrier: Halinfer Space Capsule Cat Backpack
If you want to have some fun and adventure with your cat, you may want to try the Halinfer Space Capsule Cat Backpack. This is a backpack cat carrier that has a transparent dome window that allows your cat to enjoy the view. It is made of eco-friendly polycarbonate and Oxford cloth and has nine ventilation holes and a mesh cover. It also has a soft mat, a chest buckle, a waist buckle, and a pocket. It can fit cats up to 13 pounds and comes in six colors. The Halinfer Space Capsule Cat Backpack is available on Amazon for $34.
Best Electronic Backpack Carrier: PETKIT Pet Backpack Carrier
If you are looking for a smart and high-tech backpack cat carrier, you should check out the PETKIT Pet Backpack Carrier. This is a backpack cat carrier that has a built-in fan, a temperature sensor, and an LED light. It is made of durable ABS and PC material and has four ventilation modes and a transparent window. It also has a memory foam pad, a chest buckle, a waist buckle, and a pocket. It can fit cats up to 17 pounds and comes in three colors. The PETKIT Pet Backpack Carrier is available on Amazon for $129.
Best Wheeled Carrier: Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Backpack
If you are looking for a versatile and convenient wheeled cat carrier, you should consider the Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Backpack. This is a wheeled cat carrier that can be used as a backpack, a tote, a car seat, or a roller bag. It has a telescoping handle, smooth wheels, and adjustable straps. It has a mesh window, a zippered top opening, and a zippered side opening, to provide good ventilation and access for your cat. It also has a removable fleece pad, a tether, and several pockets. It can fit cats up to 25 pounds and comes in five colors. The Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Backpack is available on Chewy for $80.
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Carrier: The Tips and Tricks
Some cats may be reluctant or fearful of using a cat carrier, especially if they associate it with negative experiences such as going to the vet or traveling. However, you can train your cat to use a cat carrier with patience and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips and tricks to help you train your cat to use a cat carrier.
- Start early: The best time to introduce your cat to a cat carrier is when they are young and curious. However, even older cats can learn to use a cat carrier with proper training.
- Choose the right carrier: As we have discussed, there are different types and features of cat carriers, and you should choose the one that suits your cat’s personality and preferences. For example, some cats may prefer a hard-sided carrier that provides more security, while others may prefer a soft-sided carrier that provides more comfort.
- Make the carrier familiar: You should place the cat carrier in a place where your cat spends a lot of time, such as their favorite spot or near their food bowl. You should also leave the doors open and put some treats, toys, or bedding inside the carrier, to entice your cat to explore and enter the carrier. You should praise and reward your cat whenever they show interest or go inside the carrier, and avoid forcing or scaring them into the carrier.
- Make the carrier fun: You should make the cat carrier a source of positive and fun experiences for your cat, such as playing games, giving treats, or having cuddles inside the carrier. You should also gradually increase the duration and frequency of your cat’s stay inside the carrier, close the doors, and move the carrier around occasionally, to get your cat used to the motion and noise. You should always end the session on a positive note, and let your cat out of the carrier when they are calm and relaxed.
- Make the carrier safe: You should make sure that your cat is comfortable and secure inside the carrier, especially when traveling. You should check the temperature, ventilation, and stability of the carrier, and avoid exposing your cat to loud noises, bright lights, or unfamiliar smells. You should also talk to your cat in a soothing voice, and give them some treats or toys to distract them from the stress. You should also consult your vet if your cat suffers from severe anxiety or motion sickness, and ask for medication or other solutions.
These are the tips and tricks that you can use to train your cat to use a cat carrier. Remember, every cat is different, and you may need to adjust your approach according to your cat’s personality and behavior. The key is to be patient, consistent, and positive, and to make your cat feel safe and happy inside the cat carrier.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you find the best cat carrier for your cat, and given you some tips on how to train your cat to use a cat carrier. A cat carrier is not only a necessity but also a way to bond with your cat and make their travel experience more enjoyable and safer. Remember to always check the product details and specifications before buying, and to follow the airline regulations if you are flying with your cat. Happy travels.
Check out more articles!
