cats car travel

8 Tips to Help Cats Enjoy Car Travel

Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home.

Cats can't imagine something that's never happened to them before. Instead, they remember past experiences and believe the same thing will happen again. Because a puppy or kitten's first car trips aren't always that pleasant, some pets dread traveling.

Instead, help cats associate cars with fun, happy experiences instead of just trips to the vet. The process, called desensitization using classical conditioning , takes patience and time but works whether your kitty acts scared , sick, or hyper. Use positive reinforcement, and once he realizes a car ride means wonderful things for him, he'll look forward to every trip.

8 Tips for Cat Car Travel

• For safety's sake, it is recommended that kittens and cats ride inside a carrier while in the car. A loose pet becomes a furry projectile in case of an accident. The driver needs to concentrate on the road and traffic, not the baby on your lap or under the pedals. Even well-behaved cats loose in the car could be injured, because an airbag will crush the pet if on the front seat during an accident. So be sure to crate train the cat before you hit the road for a vacation.
• Even though he'll be inside a crate, it's helpful for kitty to experience positive things about the car before you start the engine. Cats are sensitive to the environment and territory which is why they prefer staying home in familiar surroundings. S o make the car familiar placing the cat's bed, blanket, or a towel you've petted him from inside the car in his crate and on the back seat. That way, his scent is already inside.
• Spraying a calming pheromone such as Comfort Zone with Feliway on the towel or car upholstery also may help the cat feel more relaxed.
• If your cat is leash trained to take short trips with you outside, consider allowing them to jump in the car under your supervision. Giving them pets as they explore or treats in the car can help a positive association form. Take care as smaller cats or kittens can squirm into cubbyholes under the dashboard. Allowing them to explore at their own will and not forcing it can be helpful. Be ready to get the kitty back into safe, non-scary surroundings should he act overwhelmed. You might see fluffed fur, down-turned ears , active tail , or vocalizations .
• Make mealtime car time. Once he's calm in the car, feed all his meals in the car for a week, or offer very high-value treats that kitty gets at no other time. If your cat is more motivated by play or catnip, indulge him with favorites during the car times. He should learn that only these good things in life happen when you're near the car.
• You should be combining the crate training with car visits. Once kitty accepts the car as his territory, place him in his carrier, set it on the back seat (away from airbag danger), and start the car. Then turn off the motor and get out without going anywhere. Do this three or four times during the day until the pet takes it as a matter of course. Each time, you'll give him lots of play or other rewards once he's released from the crate.
• Finally, after you start the car, back the car to the end of the driveway and stop. Do this two or three times in a row, always letting the pet out after you return. If the pet cries or shows stress , you may be moving too fast for him. The process takes forever, but it works.
• Continue increasing the car-time by increments—a trip around the block and then home, then a trip down the street and back, and so on. Make every car trip upbeat and positive, so the experience makes the cat look forward to the next trip.

Treatment of Behavior Problems in Cats . Merck Veterinary Manual.

Travel Training for you and your Pets . United States Food & Drug Administration.

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How to Travel With Your Cat in The Car (and Help Your Kitty Stress Less!)

It doesn't have to be so stressful for you or for your cat.

Janelle is a cat mum to two resident adventure kitties, Lyra and Atlas, and numerous cat and kitten fosters. Janelle and her furry family enjoy filling their days with hiking, kayaking, and seeking out the best cat-friendly destinations around the Pacific Northwest. You can follow Janelle, her adventure kitties, and adoptable fosters at @paws_pdx.

Do Cats Like Car Rides?

Why is my cat panting in the car.

• How to Travel Long Distances
• Travel Gear

Cats have their own way of saying , "No thanks, I'll stay home!" From excessive meowing to hiding at the sight of their carrier—there is something about a trip in the car that many felines often dislike.

If you're like most of us cat lovers, you might be wondering if there are any kitties on earth who actually enjoy riding in the car. With all the hiding and meowing that happens ahead of a vet visit, it's tough to even imagine a world in which cats are willing to get in the car, let alone enjoy it. But pet pros say that with enough positive associations with the car and their carrier, it's possible for cats to actually learn to like an occasional ride here and there. With a little training and some help from his favorite treat, your kitty could be on their way to co-pilot status. So buckle up, because we've teamed up with two cat behavioral experts to determine how to make those wild rides just a little more enjoyable for everyone.

Before we try to modify a kitty's behavior, it's important to understand it. When considering why so many cats have an averse reaction to trips in the car, think about their experience with that action. Many times, a car ride is associated with a dreaded trip to the veterinarian. This negative association—combined with the motion of the car and all the new sights, sounds, and smells that go along with it—can cause a total sensory overload for your cat. This may be why your feline friend harbors her distaste for traveling in the car, explains Shannen McNee , CCBC at The Toronto Humane Society. But it doesn't have to be this way! McNee says that a little bit of training can make a trip in the car a less stressful experience.

So, how do you train your cat to like the car, or at least tolerate a ride to the vet? LeeAnna Buis , CFTBS at Feline Behavior Solutions, says training your cat for car rides starts inside your home. "Your cat may actually be reacting to the carrier more than the car," Buis explains. With a few desensitization strategies and positive reinforcement that incorporates high-value rewards (like favorite treats or toys), the carrier can become a safe, fun space for your cat.

To help your cat love his carrier, McNee suggests a few simple steps:

• Leave the carrier out so it becomes a part of your cat's familiar environment. Make it a cozy space by placing his favorite blanket inside.
• Encourage your cat to spend time in his carrier by rewarding him with treats and feeding meals inside the carrier. Playing with your kitty inside the carrier is a great idea, too!
• Once your cat starts relaxing in his carrier, close the door for short amounts of time followed by rewarding him with a tasty treat. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed.
• Once he is comfortable in the carrier with the door closed, start picking the carrier up for short amounts of time. Where will your first trip be? A walk around your house with him safely inside the carrier!

When your kitty successfully associates his carrier with positive interactions and as a cozy place to take a nap, Buis recommends slowly introducing him to a car ride inside of his carrier. "Start by just sitting in the car in the driveway," Buis explains. "After a few sessions of this, start the car. Move on to letting it run for a few minutes, then backing out of the driveway and pulling back in, and so on."

Lastly, Buis says to pay special attention to reward your cat for the desired behavior. "Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement," Buis says. If a car ride comes with lots of verbal praise and treats, your kitty will be more likely to want to repeat it another time.

While cooling down is the most widely recognized reason for panting in animals, there are other reasons your cat may be panting while traveling in the car. One of those reasons, McNee says, is anxiety . To calm down your cat in the car, McNee has a few suggestions:

• Put some of your cat's familiar scent in the car by rubbing your cat's cheeks with socks or small cloths, then put them in the car.
• Play your cat's favorite tunes . That's right, there's actually music created specifically to calm cats (and it's quite soothing for humans, too). Composer David Teie created Music for Cats , an album of classical, species-specific music that scientific studies have shown actually reduce stress for kitties.
• Spray a calming pheromone like Feliway inside the car and carrier that mimics the natural essence that mama cats give off when their young are nursing.

How to Travel With a Cat in a Car Long Distances

When it comes to long car rides with your cat, Buis has three words of advice: practice, practice, practice. "Start well in advance of your trip with mini car rides and slowly work up to longer and longer periods in the car as your cat gets comfortable," Buis says.

McNee and Buis recommend planning each and every stop along your journey. "Call ahead to ensure the places you plan to stay are cat-friendly and plan your route to include regular water and elimination breaks," McNee recommends.

Cat Car Travel Gear You Might Need

Testing out your gear before a long-distance car ride isn't a bad idea either. Here's a few suggestions of the gear you might need for your kitty's next road trip.

1. Cat Car Carrier

Your cat's carrier should be large enough that he can stand up and reposition. "Look for carriers designed specifically to be strapped or belted-in for security," Buis recommends.

2. Cat Car Harness and Seatbelt Loop

"If your cat is harness trained for adventures and enjoys car rides, get a harness with a seatbelt loop to secure him," McNee suggests.

3. Car Seat Cover

A car seat cover is the best way to keep your car clean and free of pet hair, kitty puke, muddy paws, and anything else your cat drags in.

4. Calming Medication

"If your cat is prone to motion sickness or anxiety, talk to your vet because they may recommend medications that can help," McNee says.

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Travelling with your cat

Need to take your cat on a trip by car, taxi, or train? Or perhaps just need some advice on how to travel long distance with a cat? Read our guide on making travelling as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your cat.

Travelling with cats

Choosing the right cat carrier when travelling, how to get your cat used to a carrier for travel, what to bring when travelling with your cat, how to get your cat used to travelling in a car.

• Tips for travelling long distance with your cat

Travelling with your cat by taxi

Travelling with your cat by train or bus, how long can cats travel without going to the bathroom, what is motion sickness in cats.

We know that most cats find travelling stressful. They feel safe in a familiar environment and are not used to the different smells, noises and sensations of travelling in a vehicle. Even the sight of the pet carrier being taken out can stress some cats because they associate it with a sign of an upcoming trip.

It is best to only take your cat on trips if absolutely necessary, but some journeys, like going to the vet or moving to a new place, may be unavoidable.

If your cat gets very stressed when travelling, speak to your vet as they can discuss further options.

Find out more about spotting signs of cat stress .

One of the first things to prepare before travelling is to have a cat carrier that is safe and comfortable.

It should be well-ventilated and made of sturdy material such as plastic or metal wire that is also easy to clean in case of any accidents.

While some cats prefer being in small spaces when frightened, it’s important to choose a carrier that’s the right size for your cat, so they can stand up and move around if needed.

Learn more about how to choose and use a cat carrier .

To help your cat feel more comfortable, get them used to the carrier at least a few days before the trip. Place the carrier in a room where they like to relax and leave it open so they can explore and get to know it better in their own time. You can also put in their familiar blanket and add some treats.

For more nervous cats, a pheromone spray like FELIWAY® can be used inside the carrier around 15 minutes before going on a trip.

When going on a short trip with your cat such as to the vet, apart from having them in the carrier you can also bring their favourite toy or blanket.

For longer road trips, you should take the following to ensure your cat has everything they may need:

• cat carrier and soft bedding
• food and bottled water
• litter box, familiar litter and waste bags
• puppy pads (to line the carrier or place under a blanket)
• pet-safe cleaning wipes and disinfectant  

If your cat hasn’t travelled in a car before, introduce them to travel gradually. Start with a short trip and go on a slightly longer journey the next time.

Your cat may be loud and meowing excessively. This is a sign of stress, but they should settle down eventually. You can show them attention and help them calm down a little by talking to them gently and reward them with treats when the journey is over.

Can I drive with my cat loose in the car?

To keep everyone safe, your cat should be kept in their carrier at all times when driving. Leaving your cat loose in the car can be a distraction and put you at risk of an accident. To secure the carrier, it’s best to put it on a backseat and fasten it with a seat belt.

Tips for travelling long distance in a car with your cat

• Book a routine vet check to make sure your cat is healthy for travel
• Unless you’ve been told otherwise by your vet, try to limit food for at least a few hours before the journey to avoid vomiting and reduce motion sickness
• Plan your journey route and breaks in advance. Don’t leave your cat unattended in the car, especially in hot weather . If travelling alone, limit to only essential short breaks and make sure inside the car is well-ventilated and the temperature is comfortable for your cat
• If possible, avoid travelling with your cat for more than four hours in a day and let them out in a room where they will spend the night. For longer journeys, aim to take regular breaks every two to four hours to give you a chance to check up on your cat

There may be situations when you need to go to the vet urgently or take your cat somewhere quickly, and if you don’t have a car, a taxi can be a good option.

As for taxis, whether or not you can travel with your pet depends on the taxi company or driver. Some companies may charge extra to bring a pet. Depending on your location, there may be a pet-specific taxi service in the area.

Before booking, make sure the taxi driver will accept travelling with pets. You will also need to keep your cat inside the carrier for the duration of the trip.

If you’re wondering whether you can take your cat on a train, you should know that in the UK each passenger is allowed to travel with up to two pets, free of charge.

If you want to take your cat on a bus, the bus driver may decide at their discretion whether you are allowed on with a pet, depending on how busy the bus is and whether there are other animals on board.

Other things to be aware of when travelling on a train or bus are the many different smells, unfamiliar faces, and other animals, all of which can scare your cat. You can try booking a ticket outside of peak hours and, if possible, find a quiet place during the journey. Do not leave your cat unattended, and keep the carrier close to you. Throwing a light blanket over the carrier can help prevent overstimulation but ensure there is adequate airflow. 

When travelling by public transport, you should keep your cat in a carrier throughout the trip.

On average, cats with no underlying health issues urinate two to four times daily and poop about once a day.

However, being in an unfamiliar environment such as in a car is stressful for your cat so they might hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. But sometimes they are not able to hold it and will need to use the litter box right away. 

If you notice that your cat suddenly becomes extremely loud and shows signs of distress or wanting to get out, it might be the time you will need to let them use the litter box. It’s advisable to avoid letting your cat in and out of the carrier frequently but, if needed, have the litter box ready next to them and let them use it once you stop for a break.

Motion sickness is a common occurrence in many cats. There can be several causes, but the most common cause of motion sickness in cats is anxiety and stress associated with travel. If your cat experiences this, you may notice the following symptoms:

• fast breathing or panting
• excessive lip licking and drooling
• increased vocalisation and meowing
• lethargy or inactivity

If you see any of these signs, you should let your vet know so they can do a physical exam to rule out any health issues or advise you on ways to manage your cat’s anxiety when travelling.

Although desensitising cats to travel can take some work and patience, over time your cat should become more comfortable when going on a trip.

Related topics

Foreign travel and cats

Moving home with your cat

Going on holiday without your cat

8 Tips For Traveling with a Cat

If you are lucky enough to live with a cat, you are most likely aware of their desire for routine with as few surprises as possible. Cats are generally attached to their home environment, where they feel safe and secure. However, it may be necessary to travel with your cat, and there are many things you can do to ensure that it is as pleasant as possible for both of you. Preparation is definitely the key!

Make Sure You Have the Correct Cat Carrier

There are many types of cat carriers available , but an ideal carrier has a front and top opening to give you and your cat options for entry and exit.

It is also nice to be able to remove the top of a hard-sided carrier for a couple of reasons:

It offers a less stressful way to remove your cat from the carrier (do not “dump” your cat out of the front opening).

You can place a cozy blanket in the bottom of the carrier and place the carrier in a quiet spot in your home with the top off.

Allow your cat to check out the carrier before you travel; this can make going into the carrier just another part of your cat’s normal routine.

Get a carrier large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in. If your cat is a larger breed, such as a Maine Coon, you may need to use a carrier designed for dogs to ensure that it’s big enough. Many cats also like having a blanket draped over the carrier to block out stress-inducing visual stimuli when traveling.

Cat Carrier Travel by Car

If you are traveling by car, try to make sure that the carrier is level in the vehicle, as this will feel more secure to your cat. It is also a good idea to buckle the carrier in the car with a seat belt if possible. Some carriers come with small dishes for food and water. If your trip is going to be several hours long, it is a good idea to offer small amounts of food and water in the carrier.

Cat Carrier Travel by Airplane

If you and your cat are traveling by airplane, a soft carrier with a waterproof bottom is preferred, but more than one entry and exit option should still be available.

You will be required to remove your cat from the carrier to go through TSA security screening, so be sure to have your cat wear a harness that you can attach a leash to, so you can safely hold your cat during this time. Airports can be loud, scary places, and you wouldn’t want your cat to get startled and run off.

 The carrier should not be larger than a typical carry-on bag—17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches in some cases. Check with your airline for other requirements before you travel.

Chat With Your Veterinarian About Anxious Cats

If you know or suspect that your cat will be anxious during travel, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian well in advance of your trip to discuss options for preventing and treating anxiety. If your cat does not seem anxious, you can still get your veterinarian’s input on whether they recommend a medication or supplement. Your veterinarian will consider your cat’s age, demeanor, and overall health when making such recommendations.

If medication is prescribed, it’s a good idea to try it at home before you travel to make sure your cat tolerates it and does not have any undesirable side effects.

Examples of supplements and medications used for travel anxiety include:

Calming Care

Feliway Spray

Buprenorphine

Ensure You Have Cleaning Supplies for Your Cat

Despite your best efforts, accidents may happen when traveling with your cat. Pack some extra blankets or towels in case one gets soiled. It can also be helpful to place a disposable absorbent pad in the bottom of the carrier.

If traveling by car, bring along some paper towels and a cleaner in case you need to clean up urine, stool, or vomit. If you will be flying with your cat, unscented baby wipes or wipes designed for cats will help with any cleanup needed.

Pack Their Own Litterbox if Possible

When going on a road trip, it’s helpful to bring a familiar litterbox and litter from home if you can. Cats are very sensitive to scents, and asking your cat to use a different type of litter or litterbox may lead to accidents on the road or at your destination.

Bring Along Favorite Toys and Blankets

Just like you, your cat will appreciate having some of their favorite items from home when traveling. A favorite blanket or bed, familiar toys, and their own food and treats will make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.

Additional Tips

Make sure to ask your veterinarian if your cat needs any vaccinations, bloodwork, or special documentation before you travel. This is especially important if you plan to travel outside of the United States. Requirements imposed by some foreign countries may require several months of advance planning, so do your research.

Whether traveling by car or airplane, take along proof of vaccinations and ask the airline or state/country of destination what other documentation is needed, such as a health certificate or certificate of veterinary inspection.

Always be sure your cat has identification in case you get separated. Having your cat microchipped and wearing a collar with an ID tag with your contact information will aid in reuniting you if you become separated.

Remember that traveling with your cat can be quite enjoyable for both of you, with the right preparation.

Featured Image: iStock.com/humonia

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Dr. Grota decided at an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. A native of Indiana, she grew up in a home where animals were...

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Cats and the Law

Local laws and ordinances.

Local laws, such as local animal control ordinances, are part of a city and/or county code. Ordinances often include sections on animal cruelty, ownership, at-large regulations, mandatory spay/neuter, and cat licensing. For community cats, the inclusion or omission of just a few words in these laws can be the difference between life and death. Many local laws are punitive. We seek to change them into positive laws that save animals and meet the needs of cats, caregivers, owners, and the community at large. Here are some of the most common sections of local laws that commonly affect cats.

Animal Cruelty

These laws should apply to all cats, not just owned, family animals.

Local ordinances that protect community cats differentiate between owners and caretakers, and they recognize that community cat caretakers are Good Samaritans using their own time and money to care for community cats. Provisions that define someone as an owner for feeding, harboring, or keeping an animal discourage well-meaning people from caring for cats and participating in Trap-Neuter-Return because they fear the costs and legal consequences associated with owning the cats.

At-large Regulations

Often known as “leash laws,” these regulations prohibit cats from being loose in the community. Leash laws are incompatible with Trap-Neuter-Return, because community cats are by nature free-roaming, and they don’t have an owner whose property they can stay on.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Although often well-meaning, mandatory spay/neuter does not increase the amount of spay/neuter taking place in a community. In addition to not providing resources that make it easier for people to meet this requirement, mandatory spay/neuter does not help community cats because they have no owner . Punitive in design, owned cats can be impounded and stiff penalties made so that owners cannot reclaim their companions. As a result, more animals are in the shelter system and quite often killed, instead of working with individuals to match the needs of animals with community resources.

Cat Licensing

Licensing requirements are often a death sentence for community cats because they typically require that any cat not displaying a license tag be impounded. It’s not safe, or practical, for community cats who have been through Trap-Neuter-Return to wear collars for these tags, so they are vulnerable. For community cats, an eartip signifies that they’ve been spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Owned cats, even those who live primarily indoors, are at risk of being impounded if they slip outside and are not wearing a collar and license. Licensing fees are often money for general funds and not applied to save or to spay or neuter animals, which demonstrates the failure of cat licensing measures.

Increasingly, communities are passing local ordinances with positive, proactive language related to Trap-Neuter-Return or Shelter-Neuter-Return. These ordinances write into law protections for community cats and their caretakers and explicitly endorse Trap-Neuter-Return. For model ordinances and examples of communities leading the way for humane care, read more about how Alley Cat Allies is creating community change.

Cat Licensing: A License to Kill

Guide to Local Government: Animal Control

Harmful Laws That Push Cats into Shelters

Help with Ordinances

How to Find Laws That Relate to Cats

Know Your Rights: How to Talk to Animal Control

Ordinance Drafting Guidelines

Sample Ordinance: Baltimore

Sample Ordinance: Washington, DC

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12 Best Cat Carriers for Car Travel In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Every cat owner knows the struggles of traveling with their pet and how difficult it can be for both parties. While you’re looking for the most convenient way to transport your cat, your kitten just wants to feel safe and comfy. Finding an ideal cat carrier is easier said than done, as there are many options to choose from.

To help you narrow your options, we have reviews of the 12 best cat carriers that may fit all your needs and requirements. These cat carriers are specifically made for car travel to help make trips less stressful for your cat (and you!).

• A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
• The 12 Best Cat Carriers for Car Travel
• 1. Pet Gear Signature Dog & Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag – Best Overall

This Pet Gear Signature Cat Car Seat and Carrier is perfect for long and comfortable car travels with your pet. It is incredibly spacious and gives your cat a great view of its surroundings. This pet carrier is our overall best choice because of its sturdiness and durability, ideal for larger cats and even small dogs. While the mesh may not withstand anxious kittens not used to being confined, it will make your cat feel safe and cozy when inside.

It comes with a removable fleece pad that makes it convenient to remove and wash if there are any accidents during the trip. While the zipper may not endure long-term wear and tear, this product offers excellent overall quality.

• Folds flat for convenient storage
• The fleece bottom pad is removable and washable
• The top and front open for easier access
• Safety belt loop, pockets, interior tether
• The zipper may break over time
• Anxious cats can easily break through the mesh during a trip
• 2. EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Cat Carrier – Best Value

The EliteField cat carrier is a product of excellent quality and is the best cat carrier for the money. It comes in six colors, so every pet owner can find something that matches their taste. This carrier is soft-sided, which is an advantage and a potential drawback as the sides may collapse, but it’s perfect for fitting under airplane seats.

The EliteField carrier is suited only for smaller pets up to 12 pounds and comes with a convenient 3-year warranty. It can be carried by the two handles or by the comfortable, padded shoulder strap. It has enough pockets to fit all your pet’s necessities and can be folded flat for effortless storage.

• Airline-approved
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Hand and shoulder straps
• 3-year warranty
• It comes in six colors
• Suitable for smaller pets only
• 3. Pet Gear View 360 Booster Travel System Cat Carrier – Premium Choice

This Pet Gear View 360 Booster carrier is another impressive product on our list, and several valuable features make it our premium choice. This carrier doubles as a booster seat and is exceptionally convenient for car traveling. It contains an inside tether to secure your pet’s harness without worrying about them during the ride.

While the carrier comes with a unique zipperless design that most pet parents love, it might be easy to accidentally push the open button, opening your pet’s carrier and creating a risk during travel. While the Pet Gear carrier has a higher price, it is worth it due to its convenient and sturdy design.

• The carrier doubles as a booster seat
• The zipperless design opens with a single push of a button
• Equipped with an inside tether to easily secure your pet
• Removable and easily washable cushion
• The opening button can accidentally be pressed
• 4. Frisco Single Soft-Sided Expandable Cat Carrier

This Frisco Single Soft-Sided carrier is a great choice for pet owners who frequently travel by car or airplane with their cats. It’s very versatile, as the sides can collapse, which can come in handy when storing the carrier beneath a seat. The Frisco carrier’s low price draws most cat owners towards it, and the expandable sides will make it a comfortable experience for your pet.

It also comes with a soft shoulder strap so you can easily carry your pet hands-free.

• Expandable mesh sides
• Airline approved
• The sides may collapse easily
• 5. K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Pet Carrier

The K&H Travel Safety pet carrier is another very convenient product that can make travel for your cat much more comfortable. It is cozy, secure, and safe for your pet since it can be easily fastened to the car seat. It’s mostly made of breathable mesh to give your kitten a view of the surroundings and good airflow.

One of the very few minor inconveniences this carrier has is the small entry door compared to the overall size of the carrier. However, you can open three sides of the unit to allow your pet easier access. Some customers also reported a slight chemical odor when they received the product.

• Multiple entry points
• It can be safely secured to a seat belt
• It comes with a removable pad
• Small entry door
• Chemical odor
• 6. One for Pets Fabric Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel and Shelter

The One for Pets Fabric Portable Double Carrier is a fantastic choice for those looking for a larger unit for more than one cat. While it comes at a higher price, it offers an extra spacious unit for your pets to stay safe and secure during travel. The double design allows space for two cats, with a divider in the middle—but when unzipping the partition, you get one large space if needed.

The only risk with this carrier is that some cats can quickly figure out how to unzip the zipper from the inside, which can be dangerous during a car ride. However, the carrier can easily be secured to the car seat.

• Double design
• Two separate units or one large unit
• Cats may be able to open the zipper from inside
• 7. Siivton 4 Sides Expandable Cat Carrier with Removable Fleece Pad

This Siivton Expandable cat carrier is a fantastic choice for overly anxious or claustrophobic cats. It makes traveling much easier and more comfortable for our furry friends, and the breathable mesh cloth makes them feel like they are not confined. Because of its convenient and sturdy design, you can even use it on airplanes and fit it snugly beneath any seat.

While the bottom is flexible, it may collapse under heavy weight when carried on the shoulder. However, it is double-sided to provide your pet maximum comfort while resting. When receiving the product, you may notice a chemical odor that can be unpleasant for pets, especially during longer trips, so make sure to air out the carrier before use.

• Four expandable sides
• Doesn’t take up too much space during travel
• Flexible bottom
• 8. GAPZER Travel Carrier for Large and Medium Cats

The Gapzer Travel Carrier is one of the best value carriers, considering its low price. It is incredibly affordable and offers fantastic quality. The all-mesh design gives your kitten a perfect view with excellent air circulation.

The zipper is extra strong, and a cat cannot open it from the inside, although the mesh may get caught by the zipper sometimes. This carrier is perfect for road trips because it comes with a strap to secure your pet to the seat. It can be folded easily for your convenience and easy storage.

• Long strap to secure the carrier
• All-mesh surface
• Easy to fold and store
• The zipper may get caught easily
• It might collapse when open
• 9. Prutapet Large Cat Carrier with Collapsible Litter Box and Bowl

The Prutapet Large Cat Carrier  is an excellent product for all small pets, including dogs. One of this carrier’s best features is the additional collapsible litter box and a water bowl, making road trips and camping much more convenient.

Because the bottom is equipped with a soft lamb fluff, your cat will enjoy using this carrier and resting inside. It is ideal for car rides because it can be buckled for safety, and when you are not using it, you can fold it for easy storage. While the zipper makes it quick to open the carrier, some skilled cats may find a way to open it and get out—so keep an eye on that!

• It comes with a travel litter box and a water bowl
• Foldable for easy storage
• The carrier can easily be buckled during car rides
• Unpleasant chemical odor
• Cats may open the zipper inside
• 10. Wakytu Portable 2-in-1 Cat Carrier for Travel

The Wakytu Portable 2-in-1 Cat Carrier is an excellent solution for traveling and home use. While most pet owners choose this carrier for car traveling and camping trips, it is also an effective crate for your cat to rest at home.

While the carrier may be a bit more expensive, it comes with several convenient accessories if you want to use it for travel. For camping, you can use the four gift tent stakes to windproof your carrier and secure it. The mesh may be a bit weak for cats that may try to break free, as they can easily tear a hole in the fragile material.

• Includes extra accessories
• It can be used as one large pet carrier or two separate carriers
• Waterproof, washable material
• Mesh can be ripped from the inside
• 11. Petprsco Large Soft Cat Carrier with Washable Pad

This Petprsco Large Cat Carrier is versatile and convenient for transporting your pet. It is a perfect product for car travel as it contains many useful features such as side pockets, a built-in safety leash, and additional gadgets. While it doesn’t come with a handle on the center of the carrier, it has handles on each side, making it fairly easy to use.

While the anti-scratch mesh is handy for anxious pets, it might not be entirely scratch-proof; if your cat is not used to traveling this way, several scratches may rip the mesh. The plushy pad and warm blanket should help make your cat more comfortable.

• Three openings
• Waterproof, anti-scratch mesh
• It comes with a plushy pad, warm blanket, and foldable bowl
• It doesn’t include a shoulder strap
• No center handle
• 12. Jespet Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Travel Cat Carrier

The Jespet soft-sided travel carrier might take the last spot on our list, but it is still one of the better carriers on the market. It has an amazingly low price and offers excellent value for money. It can easily be collapsed for storage and is perfect for car rides.

The inside ridges are made of fiberglass, which can be dangerous if your cat tries to chew on them, so keep an eye on them while they get used to the carrier. Also, a determined cat will tear through the mesh easily. The carrier is soft-sided and convenient for traveling as it’s lightweight and easy to stow away.

• Collapsible
• Includes carrying handles and shoulder strap
• The inside ridges are made of fiberglass
• Not highly durable
• Mesh tears easily

• Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Carrier

Picking out the ideal cat carrier depends on its intended use. Some pet owners use their carriers only for monthly or annual vet trips, and others use them for regular trips. Whether you take your cat on a vacation or need to transport them from point A to point B, you’ll need a sturdy and durable unit.

It is best to search for carriers that include portable litter boxes and bowls for longer trips, while some may even have tent stakes. A comfy, fluffy mat is another plus to keep your cat warm and cozy. If you are looking for a simple transporter carrier, it’s best to find one with sturdy edges that won’t collapse and plenty of attachments to secure it to the car seat.

When deciding on the ideal cat carrier size, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. The larger the carrier, the better. While the cat’s weight is an essential measurement for a perfect fit, you must also consider the cat’s length. Some cat carriers have an excellent weight capacity but tend to be a little shorter, so you don’t want your cat to feel uncomfortable or cramped.

Finding a large enough carrier can make vet visits and trips much more tolerable, as your cat won’t try to scratch their way out and destroy the carrier. Search for a cat carrier with as much mesh fabric as possible, giving them sufficient airflow and allowing them to view their surroundings.

We know how difficult finding a perfect carrier can be, and hopefully, our reviews will give you some great options to consider. We discussed several high-quality carriers but we have a few favorites we recommend over the rest.

To recap, the Pet Gear Signature Cat Car Seat and Carrier is ideal for long car travels with your pet and is our top choice overall. If you’re looking for a more budget option, the EliteField cat carrier provides an excellent value for the price and is ideal for airline traveling.

• How to Sedate a Cat for Car Travel
• Best Cat Water Bowls

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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About the Author

Jana Blagojevic

Upon completing my degree from the College of Fine Arts, I embarked on a quest to find a platform to manifest my wild imagination. It was then that I discovered my passion for content writing, which swept me off my feet. As a freelance writer, I am always on the move, with an adventurous and restless spirit that propels me forward. When I am not typing away in my cozy writing nook, I spend my time honing my skills as a sculptor, painter, and woodworker in my workshop. Writing has become my primary medium of expression, and I plan to nurture this passion further, using it as a conduit for my never-ending creativity.

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