11 Best Cat Carriers of 2023

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Meow-less travels not guaranteed.

As a proud cat mom, I can tell you that getting a cat ready to travel can be excruciating, especially if they don't want to get in their carriers. It doesn't matter what cat breed you have, how many cat treats you try to bribe them with, or how many cat toys you throw into the carrier, if they don't want to leave the comfort of their own home, they are not going to. Trust me, I've tried. The only hope you have of getting your cat to the vet and back is by finding the best cat carrier for both you and your pet.

But where do you even start? There are so many different kinds of carriers out there—hard-sided, soft-sided, crates, backpacks—and they all have their own pros and cons. Not to mention the fact that once you get the carrier, your cat actually has to be willing to get inside. Long story short: not all cat carriers are created equal, which is why we've combed through tester reviews and reached out to the experts—veterinarians Kim Ramdas, DVM, and Cori Blair, DVM—to help determine the best cat carriers available right now.

So go ahead, book that cat-friendly vacation, and make that vet appointment. Your cat will be purrfectly safe tucked away in one of these options.

Dr. Ramdas says this carrier is her go-to for taking her cat on a long car ride or trip, pointing specifically to the top and front access—two different openings are always better than one—as well as the expandable sides that can give your kitty more room to roam when not stuck under an airplane seat.

If you have an especially anxious kitty, the Sleepypod could be the answer to your prayers. Another fave of Dr. Ramdas, the Sleepypod cat carrier has a removable top and doubles as a cat bed, so your pet can use it daily, which helps make them more comfortable. Most impressively, it's designed to fit securely in a car and is seatbelt compatible. It's basically a car seat for your cat!

I got this carrier for my cat because I needed one that would fit under the seat for airline travel. Unfortunately, different airlines have different requirements, but I haven't been turned away yet! What I love about this carrier is that it has a removable sherpa lining for comfort and a huge pocket on the side for you to fit anything from puppy pads in case of accidents to your cell phone and passport.

As much I love my soft carriers, there's no denying that they're a pain to clean. Plastic crates, like this one form Petmate, are much more practical if your cat is accident-prone. Plus, as Dr. Ramdas points out, Petmate sells replacement parts so you won't have to buy a whole new crate if something goes wrong.

Dream of bringing your furry friend on a hike or outdoor adventure but don't actually want to let your cat loose? Try a cat backpack. This one's great because it has an entirely clear front, so your cat can see everything the world has to offer from the safety of your back.

Ignore the dog in the photo, this Away pet carrier is purrfectly appropriate for cats too. Designed specifically for travel, this carrier has seatbelt-compatible straps and a compact size that fits most airline requirements. It also comes with a removable sherpa bed and a zip pocket on the side for storing pet essentials on the go.

If your cat refuses to get into a traditional carrier, try tricking them with this bed/carrier. Just zip of the top half and set it up somewhere your pet likes to lounge, so that by the time you have to take them to the vet, it won't be a completely new experience.

Pets can be cute and cuddly, but they're also expensive. If you're not going to be taking your cat out other than an occasional trip to the vet, consider saving some $$ and getting a basic cat carrier like this one.

The chonkier the cat, the more support it needs. This hard carrier offers plenty of support and wheels to make transportation even easier. The crate also comes with little bowls for food and water and fits most cargo hold airline requirements.

Full disclosure: based on reviews, this backpack likely won't fit under the seat in front of you unless you turn it on it's side and smush it a bit. But, if you're willing to take a risk and want to be able to carry your cat through the airport on your back instead of by the handles or a shoulder strap, this backpack pet carrier is definitely a good option.

For all my fellow lower-back-ache peeps, help has come thanks to this cat carrier that has a removable frame with wheels and a handle, so you can roll your cat like a suitcase through the airport. The chassis is a bit bulky, but can be folded down for easy storage. And, if you prefer to keep the wheels for special occasions only, the carrier also has regular handles and a removable shoulder strap.

You could have the penthouse of cat carriers and your cat might still refuse to go inside. So we spoke to some experts for advice on how to get cats into their carriers in the first place.

If you have plans to take your cat on a trip or to the vet, give them time to adjust to the carrier by taking it out early. "Leave the door open with comfy bedding inside," says Dr. Ramdas, who suggests leaving toys or even treats near and/or inside the carrier. Dr. Cori Blair, who heads the Feline Health veterinarian office in NYC, agrees, adding that you can also "use the carrier as their bed."

Both Dr. Ramdas and Dr. Blair agree: sometimes you just need to bribe your pets. If it's the day of an appointment and you need to get your cat into their carrier, both vets suggest feeding them less the morning of and then placing treats or food in a trail leading into the carrier. If that doesn't work, Dr. Blair says, "Wrapping them gently like a burrito in a towel is usually best."

As a baseline, your cat carrier should be sturdy, easy to clean, and easy to access so you can get your cat in and out without too much drama. Beyond that, the right cat carrier depends on what exactly you and your fur baby are up to.

Are you going on a plane? Hiking in the mountains? Going to the vet across town? These activities could all require a different cat carrier, so it's important to determine what you and your cat will be doing the most. If you travel a lot, you want to make sure to get a small carrier that fits various airline requirements—typically something with dimensions around 17" x 11" x 11". But if you're taking your cat on outdoor adventures, a backpack might be best.

"Hard-side carriers are the most secure," says Dr. Ramdas, adding that carriers with a removable lid also make vet visits "a breeze." That said, if you want to bring your cat with you in the cabin of an airplane, you'll need a soft-sided carrier. "There is no one size fits all."

When it comes to carrier size, the general rule of thumb is that it should measure one and a half times the length of your kitty, that way they can stand up and turn around during their journeys. But on the opposite end, Dr. Blair says that cats feel safer in smaller spaces, so be sure not to go too big, either.

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an entertainment and culture writer and editor who will never turn down a romance or superhero movie. Her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.

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