10 Best Cat Carrier 2026 in the United States

The Vceoa soft-sided cat carrier measures 19 x 12 x 12 inches, making it a good fit for cats or small dogs up to 22 pounds. Its size is suitable for many house cats, though it's important to check your pet's length and height rather than just weight. The carrier is made of textile materials, likely polyester, which is lightweight at about 2.5 pounds but might not be as durable as hard-sided options. Ventilation is well covered with mesh windows on the top and sides, ensuring your pet gets enough fresh air and can see outside, which helps reduce stress during travel. For security, it includes locking zippers on both top and side openings to keep your pet safely inside.

The carrier is designed for portability with carrying handles, an adjustable shoulder strap that also doubles as a seatbelt strap, and a strap to attach it to luggage, making it convenient for travel on foot or with other baggage. Cleaning is fairly easy since the cozy fleece bed inside is removable and hand washable; however, the overall fabric construction means you need to be careful with spills or messes. Comfort is enhanced by the removable solid base insert and soft fleece bed, giving your pet a stable and cozy place to rest.

This carrier is not approved for airline travel, so it’s more suitable for car trips or short outings. Also, as a collapsible soft carrier, it may not protect pets as well against bumps as rigid carriers. It is a lightweight and comfortable choice for everyday trips and short travel, especially if ease of carrying and pet comfort are priorities, but it may not meet the needs of air travel or very large pets.

The Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel is suitable as a carrier for cats and small dogs weighing 15-20 lbs, offering interior space that allows pets to move, turn, and lie down comfortably. Its durable plastic shell provides sturdiness and ease of cleaning, while ventilation is ensured by openings on all four sides, promoting fresh air and good visibility to keep pets calm during travel. Security is maintained with a sturdy wire door and easy-to-use latch.

For portability, the fold-down handle facilitates carrying, although the carrier weighs around 4.5 pounds, which is manageable though not the lightest option. A built-in storage compartment is convenient for holding treats or identification. Comfort features include a stay-dry moat to manage accidents, keeping pets dry and comfortable. The carrier is primarily designed for small to medium dogs, so very small cats or kittens might find it spacious, and larger cats will not fit. While the plastic construction is durable and easy to clean, some pets might prefer the cozier feel of soft-sided carriers.

This carrier is ideal for pet owners seeking a reliable, airline-approved hard carrier that strikes a balance between protection, ventilation, and ease of cleaning, suitable for both home and travel use.

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.