10 Best Soft Cat Carriers 2026 in the United States

The Henkelion Large Soft Sided Cat and Pet Carrier is a solid option for daily travel, car journeys, and trips to the pet hospital. It is designed for pets up to 25 lbs, but you should also consider the dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit for your pet (20 x 13 x 13 inches). Made from durable and lightweight polyester fabric, this carrier includes four-side mesh panels for excellent ventilation, allowing easy checks on your pet during travel.

It is not airline-approved, so it's unsuitable for air travel. The carrier is collapsible and easy to store, featuring padded shoulder straps and handles for comfortable portability. Additionally, it is machine washable, making cleaning straightforward.

While it offers a spacious interior for small to medium-sized pets, it's important to reference your pet's length and height beyond just weight when selecting this carrier. The key strengths of this product are its durability, ease of cleaning, and good ventilation. On the downside, the lack of airline approval limits its use for plane travel. It also may not be ideal for larger pets despite the weight capacity due to size constraints.

The Amazon Basics 4-Doors Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate is a compact and lightweight option for small pets like cats, small dogs, and rabbits. Its size (26 x 18 x 18 inches) is suitable for small animals, and it weighs about 7.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The soft fabric material is water-resistant at the base, which adds some protection against spills or accidents, though soft-sided carriers generally won’t be as durable as hard plastic ones. Ventilation is good with four doors, including a top door that lets in sunlight and fresh air, and zipped doors on the front and sides for security and easy access. The multiple entry points make it convenient for pets to get in and out without stress. It also includes straps to keep the doors rolled open and a removable fleece pad for pet comfort.

Portability is a strong point here: the crate folds down quickly without tools and comes with a padded shoulder strap and carrying handle, so it’s easy to transport and store when not in use. Cleaning should be straightforward thanks to the removable bed pad, but since the main body is fabric, cleaning spills or pet hair from the crate itself might take extra effort compared to solid carriers. This crate fits well for pet owners who need a lightweight, portable, and breathable option for travel or short trips. For those seeking a carrier that offers maximum durability or a larger size for bigger pets, this model may not fully meet those needs.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a versatile option for small pets up to 15 pounds, combining a pet bed, carrier, and crash-tested car seat in one. Its size (17" x 17" x 13.5") is suitable for small cats and dogs, providing enough space without being bulky. Made from durable luggage-grade nylon outside and soft polyester inside, it balances toughness with comfort. Ventilation is well thought out with chew-resistant mesh panels on three sides, allowing plenty of airflow and visibility for your pet, which helps reduce stress during travel. The removable mesh dome offers easy access and can be taken off to convert the carrier into a cozy bed. Portability is enhanced by a padded shoulder strap and a carrying handle, although it weighs 4.5 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some other soft carriers, but understandable given its multi-use design.

The bedding is washable, and the foam liner is water-resistant, making cleaning straightforward. Pets can enter and exit comfortably thanks to the dome design, although it might be less convenient for very wiggly animals compared to carriers with side or front openings. This product is a great choice if you want a high-quality, safe, and multi-functional carrier for small pets, especially for car travel, but it may feel a bit heavy if you’re looking for something ultra-light for quick trips.