• Lightweight and highly portable
• Often collapsible for easy storage
• Provides a cozy, den-like interior
• Typically features multiple entry points
• Many are approved for in-cabin airline travel

Disadvantages:

• Offers less protection in accidents
• Can collapse if compressed from the top
• More challenging to clean thoroughly
• May not meet all airline structural requirements

Wheeled Carriers

Advantages:

• Effortless transport for large or heavy cats
• Reduces physical strain on the owner
• Ideal for navigating airports or long distances
• Some models convert to backpacks or totes

Disadvantages:

• Tends to be bulkier and heavier
• Higher price point
• Wheels can add noise
• Impractical for stairs

Backpack Carriers

Advantages:

• Enables hands-free transport
• Excellent for hiking, biking, or crowded areas
• Many cats enjoy the elevated vantage point
• Modern, ergonomic designs

Disadvantages:

• Limited interior space
• Ventilation and heat can be concerns
• Not suitable for extended trips
• Places weight on the owner's back

Top Cat Carrier Brands of 2026

Petmate

Price Range: $25 - $80

With over 50 years in the industry, Petmate is a trusted name, renowned for durable, airline-compliant kennels like the Sky Kennel.

Standout Products:

Petmate Sky Kennel

• Price: $45 - $80
• Sizes: 21", 28", 32", 36", 40" (21" or 28" recommended for cats)
• Key Features:
  • Heavy-duty plastic construction
  • Secure wire door with squeeze latch
  • Four-sided ventilation
  • Includes "Live Animal" stickers
  • Attachable food and water cups
• Airline Approval: Approved by most major airlines for cargo hold.
• Weight: 7 - 15 lbs

Petmate Vari Kennel

• Price: $25 - $50
• Key Features:
  • A more basic, cost-effective version of the Sky Kennel
  • Secure 4-way vault door
  • Durable plastic shell with good ventilation
• Best For: Car travel and routine veterinary visits.

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★★ (Built to last for years)
• Safety: ★★★★★ (Airline-compliant and secure)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★☆☆ (Functional but basic)
• Portability: ★★★☆☆ (Can be heavy)
• Value: ★★★★★ (Excellent durability for the price)

Best For: Airline travel (cargo), large cats, and owners prioritizing maximum durability.

Sherpa

Price Range: $35 - $100

Sherpa pioneered the soft-sided carrier category and remains the leader in premium, airline-approved soft carriers, famous for its "Guaranteed On Board" program.

Standout Products:

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

• Price: $35 - $55
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
• Key Features:
  • Quilted, padded exterior
  • Removable faux lambskin liner
  • Top and side entry points
  • Car seatbelt safety strap
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Mesh windows for ventilation
  • Machine-washable liner
• Weight: 2 - 4 lbs

Sherpa Travel Original Airline Approved Carrier

• Price: $45 - $70
• Key Features:
  • Backed by the "Guaranteed On Board" program
  • Spring wire frame maintains shape under seats
  • Locking zippers for security
  • Padded shoulder strap

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★☆ (High-quality construction)
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Secure and airline compliant)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★★ (Plush, cozy interior)
• Portability: ★★★★★ (Extremely lightweight)
• Value: ★★★★☆ (Premium price for premium quality)

Best For: In-cabin airline travel, cats who prefer cozy spaces, and frequent travelers.

Sleepypod

Price Range: $150 - $250

Sleepypod represents the luxury market, with innovative, crash-tested designs that function as carriers, beds, and car safety seats.

Standout Products:

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

• Price: $165 - $195
• Key Features:
  • Independently crash-tested for car safety
  • Converts from a secure carrier to a comfortable bed
  • Domed top zips off
  • Machine-washable bedding
  • Made with PETA-approved vegan leather
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Safety Rating: Passed 30 MPH crash tests.

Sleepypod Air

• Price: $165 - $185
• Key Features:
  • Compresses to fit under airline seats, expands at destination
  • Maintains the same crash-tested safety
  • Machine-washable

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★★ (Premium, robust materials)
• Safety: ★★★★★ (Industry-leading crash-test standards)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★★ (Doubles as a familiar bed)
• Portability: ★★★★☆ (Excellent design, high price point)
• Value: ★★★☆☆ (High investment for exceptional quality and safety)

Best For: Owners prioritizing car safety, luxury buyers, and cats who benefit from a familiar bed environment.

AmazonBasics

Price Range: $20 - $40

AmazonBasics offers straightforward, budget-friendly carrier options that provide essential functionality without premium features.

Standout Products:

AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

• Price: $20 - $35
• Key Features:
  • Polyester construction with mesh panels
  • Fleece-lined base
  • Adjustable shoulder strap and seatbelt loop
  • Top and front entry

AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Carrier

• Price: $25 - $40
• Key Features:
  • Hard-sided plastic construction
  • Top and front loading doors
  • Screw-together assembly
  • Adequate ventilation holes

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★☆☆ (Average construction)
• Safety: ★★★☆☆ (Provides basic security)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★☆☆ (Functional but not plush)
• Portability: ★★★★☆ (Lightweight)
• Value: ★★★★★ (Excellent for the budget)

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, occasional use, or as a backup carrier.

PetLuv

Price Range: $50 - $90

PetLuv focuses on reducing pet anxiety with its "Happy Cat" design, emphasizing visibility and ventilation.

Standout Products:

PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Carrier

• Price: $60 - $80
• Key Features:
  • Four mesh windows (can be covered for privacy)
  • Folds flat for compact storage
  • Includes a plush pillow
  • Adjustable straps and seatbelt loops
  • Accommodates cats up to 20 lbs
  • Can be used as a pet bed

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★☆ (Good quality materials)
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Secure when properly closed)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★★ (Superior visibility reduces anxiety)
• Portability: ★★★★☆ (Folds flat conveniently)
• Value: ★★★★☆ (Good feature set for the price)

Best For: Anxious cats who need to see their surroundings, and travel in hot climates.

Necoichi

Price Range: $40 - $70

Necoichi offers stylish, Japanese-designed carriers with unique features like ultra-wide openings for stress-free loading.

Standout Products:

Necoichi Ultralite Pop-Up Carrier

• Price: $45 - $60
• Key Features:
  • Pops open and folds flat instantly
  • Ultra-wide zippered opening
  • Extremely lightweight with stylish patterns
  • Machine-washable

Necoichi Portable Stress-Free Cat Cage

• Price: $50 - $70
• Key Features:
  • Larger size for extended stays
  • Multiple access points
  • Can attach a litter box
  • Suitable for travel or emergency confinement

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★☆☆ (Lightweight construction)
• Safety: ★★★☆☆ (Best for calm cats in controlled environments)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★★ (Easy entry drastically reduces stress)
• Portability: ★★★★★ (Ultra-lightweight and compact)
• Value: ★★★★☆ (Unique, functional, and stylish)

Best For: Cats who resist entering carriers, and style-conscious owners.

Pet Gear

Price Range: $40 - $100

Pet Gear specializes in innovative, wheeled carriers and multi-functional travel solutions for larger pets.

Standout Products:

Pet Gear I-GO2 Traveler

• Price: $60 - $90
• Key Features:
  • 5-in-1 function: carrier, car seat, backpack, roller bag, tote
  • Wheels with a telescoping handle
  • Includes a fleece pad and storage pockets
  • Mesh ventilation panels

Pet Gear View 360 Carrier

• Price: $50 - $70
• Key Features:
  • 360-degree visibility for the cat
  • Convertible straps for multiple carrying styles
  • Top entry option

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★☆ (Well-constructed)
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Secure when used correctly)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★☆ (Spacious with good features)
• Portability: ★★★★★ (Wheeled options are exceptional)
• Value: ★★★★☆ (Highly versatile and good value)

Best For: Large cats, owners with mobility considerations, and long-distance travel.

Frisco (Chewy Brand)

Price Range: $20 - $45

Frisco offers reliable, mid-range carriers exclusively through Chewy, combining solid construction with practical features.

Standout Products:

Frisco Premium Travel Carrier

• Price: $30 - $45
• Key Features:
  • Durable polyester with multiple mesh panels
  • Padded shoulder strap and seatbelt loop
  • Includes fleece bedding
  • Top and side entry

Frisco Top-Loading Kennel

• Price: $25 - $40
• Key Features:
  • Hard plastic construction
  • Top-loading design for easier access
  • Secure latch system
  • Good ventilation

Brand Assessment:

• Durability: ★★★★☆ (Solid, reliable construction)
• Safety: ★★★★☆ (Provides good security)
• Cat Comfort: ★★★★☆ (Well-padded and comfortable)
• Portability: ★★★★☆ (Standard weight and handling)
• Value: ★★★★★ (Excellent mid-range value)

Best For: Chewy customers seeking quality at a reasonable price for everyday use.

Specialized Carrier Recommendations

Best Airline-Approved Carriers

1. Petmate Sky Kennel – The most widely accepted hard-sided option.
2. Sherpa Original Deluxe – Top choice for in-cabin travel with a guarantee.
3. Sleepypod Air – Premium, crash-tested, and space-efficient.
4. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided – Reliable budget option for cabin travel.

Best Car Carriers (Crash-Tested)

1. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed – The gold standard for vehicular safety.
2. Sleepypod Atom – A smaller, equally safe crash-tested option.
3. Petmate Sky Kennel – A secure, hard-sided alternative.
4. Sherpa Carriers – When used with the integrated seatbelt strap.

Best Carriers for Anxious Cats

1. Sleepypod – Converts to a familiar bed, reducing stress.
2. PetLuv Happy Cat – Excellent visibility helps manage anxiety.
3. Necoichi – Ultra-wide opening minimizes the struggle of entry.
4. Sherpa – Provides a dark, cozy, den-like environment.

Best Carriers for Large Cats

1. Petmate Sky Kennel (28") – Spacious and secure hard-sided option.
2. PetLuv Happy Cat – Roomy soft-sided design for bigger felines.
3. Pet Gear I-GO2 – Wheeled functionality eases transport of heavy cats.
4. Frisco Top-Loading Kennel – Easy top access for large cats.

Cat Carrier Size Guide

How to Measure Your Cat

• Length: From the base of the tail to the tip of the nose.
• Height: From the floor to the top of the head or ears while standing.
• Weight: Use an accurate pet or bathroom scale.

Size Recommendations

The Comfort Rule

Your cat should be able to:

• Stand up completely without touching the top.
• Turn around comfortably in a full circle.
• Lie down in a natural, stretched position.

2026 Cost & Value Comparison

Essential Tips for Carrier Training & Travel

Acclimating Your Cat

1. Integrate the Carrier: Leave it out in a common area with the door open.
2. Create Positive Associations: Place treats, catnip, or meals inside.
3. Use Familiar Scents: Add your cat's favorite blanket or bedding.
4. Practice Gradually: Start with short sessions with the door closed, offering praise and rewards.

Pre-Travel Checklist

For All Travel:

• Ensure your cat is wearing a secure collar with an ID tag.
• Place a familiar, absorbent pad or small blanket inside.
• Carry a recent photo of your cat.

For Air Travel:

• Acclimate your cat to the carrier weeks in advance.
• Attach identification inside and outside the carrier.
• Freeze water in the dish to prevent spills during check-in.
• Include a item with your scent (e.g., a worn t-shirt).
• Always check the airline's specific pet policy.

For Car Travel:

• Always secure the carrier with a seatbelt or other restraint.
• Never place a carrier in the front seat (airbags are dangerous).
• Maintain a comfortable temperature; never leave your cat in a parked car.
• For long trips, plan stops every 2-3 hours for water and a litter box break in a secure space.

Final Conclusion

The perfect cat carrier in 2026 depends on your specific needs: Petmate offers unmatched durability for airline cargo, Sherpa provides premium comfort for frequent flyers, and Sleepypod delivers top-tier safety with crash-tested designs.

For budget-conscious owners, AmazonBasics and Frisco provide reliable functionality. Anxious cats often fare better with Sleepypod's bed-like design or PetLuv's visibility, while large cats benefit from Petmate's spacious kennels or Pet Gear's wheeled solutions.

Ultimately, the best carrier is one your cat will enter willingly. Invest time in positive carrier training, choose the appropriate size and type for your lifestyle, and always prioritize safety. With the right preparation and equipment, traveling with your feline companion can be a smooth and manageable experience.

Related Articles:

• The Complete Guide to Traveling with Your Cat in 2026
• Proven Techniques for Reducing Cat Travel Anxiety
• Understanding Airline Pet Travel Requirements
• How to Prepare Your Cat for a Stress-Free Vet Visit