10 Best Cat Carrier 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is a solid choice for transporting cats or medium-sized dogs weighing between 12 to 20 pounds. Measuring 22.8 x 15 x 13 inches, it offers ample space while remaining reasonably portable at just 4.55 pounds. Its durable plastic construction with steel wire doors ensures robustness and longevity.

The two-door design, with front and top entries, provides versatility and ease of access, making loading and unloading your pet more manageable. The carrier also features spring-loaded latches for secure and convenient one-handed operation, and the top door can swing open to either side, enhancing accessibility. Ventilation is well-addressed with ample slots on the sides, top, and back, ensuring your pet has plenty of airflow during travel.

For security, screws keep the top and bottom sections tightly connected. Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the hard-sided material. Comfort-wise, while the plastic base may not be as cushioned as soft-sided carriers, it does offer a stable, non-collapsible environment for your pet. This carrier might be a bit cumbersome for very frequent travelers due to its size, but it strikes a good balance between durability, ease of use, and security.

The Petmate Sky Kennel is a sturdy and reliable cat carrier designed primarily for air travel and general transport of small pets up to 15 pounds, making it suitable for smaller cats and dogs like Chihuahuas. It meets airline regulations and has 360-degree ventilation, which helps keep your pet comfortable and well-ventilated during trips. The carrier is made from durable polypropylene plastic, largely recycled, so it’s strong and eco-friendly but may feel a bit rigid compared to soft-sided carriers. Security is well addressed with a heavy-duty door latch and tie-down points, giving confidence that your pet stays safely inside. Its size offers enough room for small pets to move or rest comfortably, though it’s too small for medium or large cats.

Portability is enhanced by a folding top handle making it easier to carry, though at about 2.2 pounds, it’s not the lightest option available. The kit includes useful travel extras like food/water cups, absorbent pads, and live animal stickers, which simplify preparation. Cleaning is straightforward since the plastic surface is easy to wipe down, though the design doesn’t open fully for deep cleaning.

This carrier is a solid choice if you need a hard-sided, airline-approved kennel for a small cat or dog, combining safety, ventilation, and convenience. If you have a larger pet or prefer something softer and lighter, you might want to look elsewhere.

The GAPZER Pet Carrier is designed for medium to large cats or small dogs, featuring a roomy interior (18.1"L x 11.8"W x 11.8"H) that is taller and wider than many competitors. This makes it suitable for pets who need extra space to feel comfortable. It uses durable oxford fabric combined with a cozy, removable faux lambskin liner to ensure both sturdiness and comfort during travel. Ventilation is provided by mesh sides all around, offering plenty of airflow and visibility to help keep pets calm. Additionally, roller blinds can be lowered to give pets some privacy if they become nervous. The carrier is lightweight (just over 2 pounds) and collapsible for easy storage and portability. Both top and side entry points are available, along with adjustable shoulder straps padded with cotton for comfortable carrying. The liner is machine washable, making cleaning straightforward.

Although the GAPZER Pet Carrier supports pets up to 20 pounds, pet owners should consider their pet's actual size since the shape might not suit every large cat perfectly. Some users might find the side entry a bit narrow, and while the cotton material is soft, it may not be as waterproof or rugged as some other materials designed for outdoor use. The security is adequate but not lockable, so careful handling is recommended. This carrier is ideal for cat owners seeking a spacious, breathable, and comfortable option for medium to large pets, particularly for indoor and light outdoor use.