Whether you want to take your cat on road trips, or just want to get them to the vet in one piece, you need a great cat carrier for the car. There are many choices out there that vary in terms of quality, safety, and comfort.
You want to find the best carrier for your cat, but it’s tough to navigate the many options. Don’t worry, though! Our reviews will make it easy for you to find the best cat carrier for your needs.
A Quick Glance at our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
SP Pet Car Seat Crate
Can hold a litter box
Secures to seat belts and headrests
Large size for comfort and movement
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Best Value
Necoichi Collapsible Cat Carrier
Water-resistant
Ventilation windows
Collapsible for easy storage
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Premium Choice
ibiyaya 5-in-1 Airline Pet Carrier & Stroller
Great for car trips
Can be used as a backpack
Comes with a stroller attachment
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petisfam Pet Medium Cat Carrier
Adjustable shoulder strap
Plush, comfortable interior
Easy to load cat in and out
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Pet Gear Traveler Pet Backpack
Multi-use product
Secure, breathable mesh
Removable, washable padding
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The 10 Best Cat Carriers for Car Travel
Our best overall cat carrier for car travel is the SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate Carrier. This carrier is made specifically for long car trips. It securely attaches to the back seat of your car with seat belt loops and headrest straps. There is enough room in the carrier for a small travel litter box as well as food and water bowls. The sides are made of soft mesh and each end has a hard plastic shell with a wire door to make it easier for you to load your cat into the carrier. The only drawback is the size—this is a large carrier meant to fill most of your back seat.
Dimensions: 42.25” L x 18.75” H x 17.25” W
Product Weight: 6.57 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft side, hard ends
Safety features: Seat belt loops, headrest straps for securing in the backseat
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Pros
Large size for comfort and movement
Can hold a litter box
Secures to seat belts and headrests
Large enough for two cats
Cons
Takes up a lot of space in the car
If you are looking for an easy-to-use carrier for short trips to the vet, then the Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Cat Carrier for Travel is a great choice. This is our best cat carrier for car travel for the money. It is lightweight, made of a sturdy fabric, folds easily for storage, is water-resistant, and has large ventilation windows. It has a small footprint that will easily fit on the floor of the backseat of your cat. This carrier is not meant for long road trips, however, but it is a fine, affordable option for short ones.
Large size for comfort and movement
Can hold a litter box
Secures to seat belts and headrests
Large enough for two cats
- Large size for comfort and movement
- Can hold a litter box
- Secures to seat belts and headrests
- Large enough for two cats
Takes up a lot of space in the car
- Takes up a lot of space in the car
Dimensions: 19.7” L x 15.7” H x 13” W
Product Weight: 1 pound
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Sturdy fabric, small footprint
Pros
Made of strong fabric for security
Collapsible for easy storage
Water-resistant
Ventilation windows
Cons
Not meant for long road trips
If you are the adventurous type with an equally curious kitty who wants to go on adventures with you, then the EVA Airline-Approved Cat Carrier & StrollerIbiyaya 5-in-1 Combo Carrier is perfect for your needs! This deluxe option has it all. You can use it as a car seat by securing it with a seat belt. The back has straps that allow you to carry it as a backpack. Then there is a stroller attachment that you can use when you have extra stuff to carry. The carrier itself also has wheels so you can pull it like a suitcase too! All of these options make for a flexible carrier that also doesn’t shy away from comfort. The inside is softly padded so your cat will be comfortable on all of your adventures.
Made of strong fabric for security
Collapsible for easy storage
Water-resistant
Ventilation windows
- Made of strong fabric for security
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Water-resistant
- Ventilation windows
Not meant for long road trips
- Not meant for long road trips
Dimensions: Carrier only 19.7” L x 13.4” H x 11.8” W
Product Weight: 15. 7 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft, padded
Safety features: Seat belt strap, ventilation mesh
Pros
Comes with a stroller attachment
Can be used as a backpack
Great for car trips
Plenty of ventilation
Cons
A little expensive
- petisfam Cat Carrier for Car Travel
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Dimensions: 17” L x 11” H x 11” W
Product Weight: 2.49 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Leash hook, seat belt straps
This petisfam Cat Carrier for Car Travel is a great option for cat comfort and value. It has a plush interior pad with a machine-washable cover. The sides are made of a durable mesh for good ventilation and visibility for your cat. The three different openings make it easier to get your cat in and out of the carrier. There are also seat belt straps for safety in the car. The biggest drawback is the lack of padding in the shoulder straps. If you plan on carrying the carrier for a longer distance, it may be uncomfortable on your shoulders.
Comes with a stroller attachment
Can be used as a backpack
Great for car trips
Plenty of ventilation
- Comes with a stroller attachment
- Can be used as a backpack
- Great for car trips
- Plenty of ventilation
A little expensive
- A little expensive
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Dimensions: 17” L x 11” H x 11” W
Product Weight: 2.49 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Leash hook, seat belt straps
Pros
Plush, comfortable interior
Good ventilation
Adjustable shoulder strap
Easy to load cat in and out
Cons
Shoulder straps are not padded
- Pet Gear I-GO Plus Traveler Rolling Cat Carrier & Backpack
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Dimensions: 16” L x 22” H x 13.5” W
Product Weight: 6 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Seat belt loops, ventilation mesh
If you are looking for a multi-use carrier at a lower price than our deluxe option, then this is the carrier for you! The Pet Gear I-GO Plus Traveler Rolling Cat Carrier & Backpack is a backpack, roller bag, car seat, and carrier all in one. It does not require any tedious assembly and is easy to use. For safety in the car, you can securely fasten this carrier with a seat belt. Your cat will appreciate the comfortable, fleece-lined pad that you can remove and wash when needed. One thing to be aware of is storage. If you are short on space, this carrier does not collapse and fold up like some of the others on our list.
Plush, comfortable interior
Good ventilation
Adjustable shoulder strap
Easy to load cat in and out
- Plush, comfortable interior
- Good ventilation
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Easy to load cat in and out
Shoulder straps are not padded
- Shoulder straps are not padded
Dimensions: 16” L x 22” H x 13.5” W
Product Weight: 6 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Seat belt loops, ventilation mesh
Pros
Multi-use product
Removable, washable padding
Secure, breathable mesh
Cons
The handle isn’t padded
Not collapsible for storage
- OMORC Airline Approved Cat Carrier
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Dimensions: Normal: 18” L x 9.4” H x 11” W, Expanded: 18” L x 9.4” H x 29.8 ”W
Product Weight: 3.79 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Reflective tape, safety belt
The OMORC Airline Approved Cat Carrier is a good choice if you are traveling and then staying somewhere for the night. The expandable sides give your cat more space to stretch out after a long car ride. It can attach securely to your car seat when not expanded for your cat’s safety. The interior is only 9.4 inches in height when the bottom pad is inserted, making this a better choice for smaller cats rather than large ones. The maximum weight it can carry is 15 pounds.
Multi-use product
Removable, washable padding
Secure, breathable mesh
- Multi-use product
- Removable, washable padding
- Secure, breathable mesh
The handle isn’t padded
Not collapsible for storage
- The handle isn’t padded
- Not collapsible for storage
Dimensions: Normal: 18” L x 9.4” H x 11” W, Expanded: 18” L x 9.4” H x 29.8 ”W
Product Weight: 3.79 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Reflective tape, safety belt
Pros
Expandable for more space
Comfortable interior
Attaches to the seat belt for safety
Cons
15-pound weight limit
Interior height is only 9.4”
- morpilot Cat Travel Carrier Bag
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Dimensions: 17.3” L x 13.4” H x 12.2” W
Product Weight: 3.15 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Safe for car, good ventilation
The morpilot Cat Travel Carrier Bag is a nice value for car rides with your cat. It has a super-soft removable bed inside for ultimate cat comfort. The carrier easily buckles in with your car seat belts for safety and security. It even comes with a collapsible dish for food or water on the road. The detachable shoulder strap is padded for your comfort. This is a good choice for smaller cats as the top opening is a bit of a tight fit for huskier kitties. The weight limit is 15 pounds.
Expandable for more space
Comfortable interior
Attaches to the seat belt for safety
- Expandable for more space
- Comfortable interior
- Attaches to the seat belt for safety
15-pound weight limit
Interior height is only 9.4”
- 15-pound weight limit
- Interior height is only 9.4”
Dimensions: 17.3” L x 13.4” H x 12.2” W
Product Weight: 3.15 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Safe for car, good ventilation
Pros
Collapsible food or water dish included
Plush interior bed
Easy to buckle in with car seat belt
Cons
15-pound weight limit
The top opening is a little small
If you have a heavy or feisty cat, then you may want to consider the Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel. The top-loading door feature makes it easier to get a resistant cat into the carrier while the weight maximum is 20 pounds. This basic kennel does not have some of the frills of the other choices here, but it will get your cat where they need to go safely. Even though it lacks seat belt loops, you can rest this carrier securely on the floor of your backseat.
Collapsible food or water dish included
Plush interior bed
Easy to buckle in with car seat belt
- Collapsible food or water dish included
- Plush interior bed
- Easy to buckle in with car seat belt
15-pound weight limit
The top opening is a little small
- 15-pound weight limit
- The top opening is a little small
Dimensions: 24.05” L x 14.5” H x 16.76” W
Product Weight: 6.43 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Hard
Safety features: Hard plastic shell, steel wire front
Pros
Good for feisty cats
Secure front latch
Can carry cats up to 20 pounds
Cons
Lacks seat belt loops
No inner padding for comfort
If you are looking for the ultimate carrier for cat safety and security, then you may want to check out the Sherpa Forma Frame Cat Carrier Bag. This heavy-duty carrier has both seat belt straps and a built-in tether system for great security. It has a comfortable liner for your cat and three ventilation windows. It can also be used for cats of all sizes as the maximum weight is 35 pounds. The biggest drawback is the price. This is one of the most expensive options on our list.
Good for feisty cats
Secure front latch
Can carry cats up to 20 pounds
- Good for feisty cats
- Secure front latch
- Can carry cats up to 20 pounds
Lacks seat belt loops
No inner padding for comfort
- Lacks seat belt loops
- No inner padding for comfort
Dimensions: 22.83” L x 15.94” H x 15.94” W
Product Weight: 6.68 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Seat belt straps, crash-tested
Pros
Securely attaches to your car seats
Comfortable, quilted liner
Can hold pets up to 35 pounds
Cons
Quite expensive
A little heavy
- Sleepypod Atom Cat Carrier
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Dimensions: 18.5” L x 11.02 ”H x 8.8” W
Product Weight: 3.31 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Seat belt straps, ventilation mesh
The Sleepypod Atom Pet Carrier is not made for large cats. However, if you have a petite kitty and want a safe, secure way to transport them in the car, this might be a good choice for you. The Sleepypod is made with your cat’s safety in mind. It can attach securely with your seat belt and has thick padding on the sides for protection. It is a little on the pricey side but does a great job of keeping your small cat safe in the car.
Securely attaches to your car seats
Comfortable, quilted liner
Can hold pets up to 35 pounds
- Securely attaches to your car seats
- Comfortable, quilted liner
- Can hold pets up to 35 pounds
Quite expensive
A little heavy
- Quite expensive
- A little heavy
Dimensions: 18.5” L x 11.02 ”H x 8.8” W
Product Weight: 3.31 pounds
Soft/Hard-sided: Soft
Safety features: Seat belt straps, ventilation mesh
Pros
Seat belt straps for safety
Mesh top panel
Padded shoulder strap
Cons
Expensive
12-pound maximum weight
8” height only tall enough for smaller cats
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Carrier for Car Travel
Now that you have read about our top picks for cat carriers for car travel, let’s take a look at some things you should consider when selecting the best carrier for your needs.
Seat belt straps for safety
Mesh top panel
Padded shoulder strap
- Seat belt straps for safety
- Mesh top panel
- Padded shoulder strap
Expensive
12-pound maximum weight
8” height only tall enough for smaller cats
Expensive
12-pound maximum weight
8” height only tall enough for smaller cats
See also: 11 Best Cat Carriers – Reviews & Top Picks
Things to Consider
How long is the car trip? A small carrier is perfectly fine for quick trips to the vet or the groomer. However, if you are going to be in the car for hours, you need to give your cat more space. They are going to need a litter box and access to food and water, so you’ll need a carrier that gives you the room your cat needs.
How big is your cat? It is recommended that your cat be able to stand up fully and turn around in its carrier. You also need to pay attention to the weight limit for the carrier you choose. A heavier cat will need a sturdier carrier for its safety and comfort.
How much space do you have for the carrier? Some of our picks require a lot of space in the car. If your car doesn’t have enough room for a full backseat-sized carrier, you’ll need to consider a smaller option. It is always best to securely fasten the carrier with a seat belt or tether whenever possible.
What’s your cat’s personality? If your cat likes adventures, you may not have too much trouble coaxing them into the carrier. However, if you have a feistier feline, one of the top-loading options might be an easier choice for you to get the cat in.
What’s happening when you get to your destination? Are you bringing your cat for a quick vet visit? Or are you going on a hike with your outdoor-loving kitty in tow? Will you be staying in a hotel or other rental in which your cat will need a secure place to sleep, eat, and use their litter box? If you are going to stay somewhere for a few nights, it might be worth it to invest in one of the larger carriers that can fit a litter box and food and water bowls.
- Related Read: 11 Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers: Reviews & Top Picks
How long is the car trip? A small carrier is perfectly fine for quick trips to the vet or the groomer. However, if you are going to be in the car for hours, you need to give your cat more space. They are going to need a litter box and access to food and water, so you’ll need a carrier that gives you the room your cat needs.
How big is your cat? It is recommended that your cat be able to stand up fully and turn around in its carrier. You also need to pay attention to the weight limit for the carrier you choose. A heavier cat will need a sturdier carrier for its safety and comfort.
How much space do you have for the carrier? Some of our picks require a lot of space in the car. If your car doesn’t have enough room for a full backseat-sized carrier, you’ll need to consider a smaller option. It is always best to securely fasten the carrier with a seat belt or tether whenever possible.
What’s your cat’s personality? If your cat likes adventures, you may not have too much trouble coaxing them into the carrier. However, if you have a feistier feline, one of the top-loading options might be an easier choice for you to get the cat in.
What’s happening when you get to your destination? Are you bringing your cat for a quick vet visit? Or are you going on a hike with your outdoor-loving kitty in tow? Will you be staying in a hotel or other rental in which your cat will need a secure place to sleep, eat, and use their litter box? If you are going to stay somewhere for a few nights, it might be worth it to invest in one of the larger carriers that can fit a litter box and food and water bowls.
- How long is the car trip? A small carrier is perfectly fine for quick trips to the vet or the groomer. However, if you are going to be in the car for hours, you need to give your cat more space. They are going to need a litter box and access to food and water, so you’ll need a carrier that gives you the room your cat needs.
- How big is your cat? It is recommended that your cat be able to stand up fully and turn around in its carrier. You also need to pay attention to the weight limit for the carrier you choose. A heavier cat will need a sturdier carrier for its safety and comfort.
- How much space do you have for the carrier? Some of our picks require a lot of space in the car. If your car doesn’t have enough room for a full backseat-sized carrier, you’ll need to consider a smaller option. It is always best to securely fasten the carrier with a seat belt or tether whenever possible.
- What’s your cat’s personality? If your cat likes adventures, you may not have too much trouble coaxing them into the carrier. However, if you have a feistier feline, one of the top-loading options might be an easier choice for you to get the cat in.
- What’s happening when you get to your destination? Are you bringing your cat for a quick vet visit? Or are you going on a hike with your outdoor-loving kitty in tow? Will you be staying in a hotel or other rental in which your cat will need a secure place to sleep, eat, and use their litter box? If you are going to stay somewhere for a few nights, it might be worth it to invest in one of the larger carriers that can fit a litter box and food and water bowls.
Conclusion
Car travel with your cat doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are plenty of great carrier options in our reviews to meet your needs. For space and security in the car, our best overall pick, the SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate is a great choice. When you are looking for an affordable option for short car trips, the Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag will do the job. For the adventurous family and cat, investing in the ibiyaya 5-in-1 Combo will give you everything you need.
- You may also be interested in: How to Get a Cat into a Carrier: 9 Proven Methods That Actually Work
