Best Cat Carriers for 2022

Top-loading carriers are great if your pet is never ever going to go into the carrier of their own accord, and you need to gently place them inside without tipping the carrier up on its side or risking having your arms scratched.

When we faced this issue, finding the best cat carrier which made life easy was important – and we stumbled upon this bestseller.

This is quite a futuristic-looking carrier, and almost like a little temporary home for your feline. Both sides fold down to create a really open shallow dish-style base, which makes it one of the easiest to work with. Your cat won’t feel like it is being pushed into a confined space, and there won’t be any injuries for either party. It also means you won’t have to lower the top half onto them which could be stressful, like with other plastic carriers.

The front door is clear so your moggy can see out, and this can also be opened so they can come out of the carrier in their own time. Within this door are two dishes for food and water, and these can be accessed externally without risk of escape. There is a collection gutter around the sides to collect any stray food or water.

If you are travelling by car, the entire carrier can be attached to a normal seatbelt. The skid-resistant base will help keep your cat from sliding about, and the integrated moulded handle has been designed to reduce the risk of travel sickness and movement. There is also a shoulder strap option.

We love it, and the quality suggests it is a carrier-for-life, too.

There is a multitude of fabric pet carriers out there, so what made this one catch our eye?

Simply put, it is expandable on all four sides. So not only does your cat have a secure amount of space when being carried if it is folded up, but if you are going on a long car journey, they can have a bit more room in order to stretch out, play or cuddle into a corner. You could also pop their water and food dishes at one end so they have a separate area to eat in.

Folding it all out also means maximum air circulation, and they can see all around at what is going on if you feel it will help them to travel better, and the space could help with anxiety. Some users have also said that their cat likes to go into it just in the home if they’re feeling a bit nervous or need a nap, but it can be folded down flat if not in use.

It comes with a fleece pet bed inside, and this is machine washable for a freshen up. There is an attachment inside should you have a harness on your cat for security and want to leave the top open for visibility.

Wire carriers can be great if you think your kitty will want to see everything going on around them, and they are often a very secure option as well with rods and eye fasteners rather than zips, clasps and clips.

The square steel mesh will not wear away, rip or crack over time so it is definitely good if you are after a long term solution. It is 2.5cm gaps, so even if you have a kindle of kittens, none will be able to break free.

The basket is lightweight overall, so it isn’t going to be a strain to carry. A removable deep plastic tray on the inside gives a secure base, and it is easy enough to jazz this up with blankets, towels and toys as appropriate. This will also contain any spills or accidents, rather than them going over your car or the vet’s floor.

It is top opening, and really spacious so good for those of a nervous disposition. The plastic and wire is easy to clean, and the moulded carry handle doesn’t feel too harsh on the hands. Overall, it is well-made too, with no sharp edges or corners.

If your cat is prone to accidents before you even put them in the car, then a plastic carrier could be a good option for ease of cleaning.

The plastic is tough and durable, so if it is scratched or suffers a few bangs in storage, it shouldn’t become unusable. A good amount of ventilation in the sides will help with airflow without leaving your cat too open to the elements, and the front door is wire which helps if they do want to look out.

There is a strong, secure door locking system which is great if you are concerned about escape attempts. This is a quick release latch too, so they won’t have to spend ages in the carrier on the vet table as you both struggle for access.

If you would rather lower your cat in gently, the sides can be unclipped and the top half removed fully, which also makes it easier to clean. We will say it can be fiddly to get these back in place though, so maybe isn’t an option for very nervous cats.

It is available in large so great if your moggy is rather fluffy and on the bigger side. There is also a seat belt feeder at the top for secure car transportation and enough room for some extra bedding.

This little mobile pet home is solid and really looks quite fabulous.

It is a comfy, soft upholstered alternative to a wicker basket, which is great if you want the same shape and sturdiness wicker can offer. The interior is lined with plush faux fur, while the exterior is made from hard-wearing nylon. There are extra pockets on the side for travel accessories, and you can simply unzip the roof to have a regular cat basket. This is ideal for travelling since your cat will be used to having it in the house as their bed and so will feel less uneasy about being in it.

When it is enclosed, the roof has a double mesh fabric for good air circulation and visibility. A short leash prevents your pet from jumping out of the bag, and to make things easier for you; the carrier has a solid and comfortable grip.

A wheeled cat carrier could help to ensure things are a bit more steady if you have to walk quite a while to get to the vets or cattery, as opposed to your kitty jiggling about on your back or being carried.

It can open up at the side or front to let them out safely and has a padded bottom insert which can be removed and washed at 30 degrees in case of accidents. The transport handle comes up to 90cm off the ground, making it an ideal height for most adults to safely pull behind them without having to tip or tilt the carrier.

With a load-bearing capacity of 10kg, it is also great for any heavier cats who you perhaps find are difficult to carry for long periods. The black colour will keep nice and clean despite being outside near the ground, and will also work well if you have to take public transport.

We have picked this carrier as the best for two cats because of the sheer choice in sizes. Do you have two sleek Sphynx cats, two Ragdolls or two burly Scottish Folds which are mistaken for wild cats when out and about? Maybe you have a litter of kittens ready for their first injections? We don’t know, but there will be a size for you here.

Not only will your cat(s) have plenty of space, with enough to add furnishings too, but there is plenty of mesh which will allow them to see out and get some much-needed air. One side rolls up, so they can get into it themselves, or the top also opens.

Pet carriers large enough to fit two animals can be rare, especially if your cats are both very huge, but it can really come in handy if they are inseparable or it makes life easier for you. Measure well, because the largest is actually plenty big enough for a medium-sized dog so won’t be necessary, but could instead be good if you want to give your cat a play area or dedicated sleeping space when indoors.

Travelling with your cat on an aeroplane is probably only something you’d do once or twice in your cat’s life, but big moves do happen. If you are about to undertake one, then you need to do things properly.

Airlines can be strict when it comes to sizes, materials and weights, so no ordinary old carrier will do. The bag usually needs to be kept under the seat in front, and secure enough to ensure your animal won’t escape. This Sleepypod is specially designed with flying in mind, perfect for in-cabin travel. Made from luggage grade nylon, the inside is nice and plush for comfort too.

We love the fact that there is a dedicated large strap section so it can be secured to the handle of your suitcase, freeing up your hands and shoulders for other bags and keeping your cat as steady as possible.

The exact rules of each airline can vary, so if your flights are already booked then double-check before you buy. This carrier could also be a great option if you are going on a boat or a really long drive and you need something secure in the car.

It is a bit of an upmarket pick but must be done if you’re sticking to regulations. It weighs over 2kg on its own, so double-check it is okay for your airline depending on how much your cat weighs.

This Cream Fabric Carrier is both chic and practical with its classy cream shade and minimalist design. If you want a carrier that’s dependable but not too expensive, then this is a great option. It has a low price point and lots of glowing reviews, so it’s not going to disappoint.

The carrier has both a shoulder strap and handles, so you can choose what kind of transportation you prefer, and for added peace of mind, the carrier has a collar clip for extra security.

Available in either small, medium or large, this is a good option if you need the choice of size and something which is spacious on the inside, too.

It is soft sided, so comfortable for your cat and also easy to fold away when not in use. The entirety of the build is mesh panelling, great if your animal wants to be able to see out or you are concerned about airflow.

There is a soft blanket on the inside for a lining, and this can be taken out and washed as and when needed. Two generous length carry handles and a shoulder strap means your choice of carrying is a bit flexible, as well.

The carrier is on the small side, so measure your cat rather than thinking the large will suit your cat. Also bear in mind that as it is mostly mesh, it may not be good for those who like to be cut off from the world.