Cats are notoriously difficult to wrangle into carriers. Large cats can be even tougher, especially if the carrier you have isn’t the right size for your feline friend.
When you buy a new cat carrier, you want to make sure your cat will be comfortable in it and that they will have enough room to move around. The opening also needs to be large enough to easily get your husky cat into the carrier.
Our reviews will help you learn more about the different carriers out there for large cats and, hopefully, point you in the right direction to find the carrier that best fits your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Sherpa Airline Approved Carrier
Locking zippers
Adjustable strap
Machine-washable liner
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Best Value
Frisco travel Pet Carrier Bag
Storage pockets
Airline compliant
Removable, machine-washable bed
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Premium Choice
Kopeks Backpack Pet Carrier
Multi-use
Comfortable straps
Approved by most airlines
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PetLuv Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Easy to carry
Comfy pillow insert
Mesh for viewing or flaps for privacy
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EliteField Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Removable bed
Mesh for ventilation
Padded strap for your comfort
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The 10 Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats
The Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Lattice Print Airline Approved Pet Carrier carrier is our best overall cat carrier for large felines. This great carrier is airline compliant and provides plenty of space for your big cat to travel in comfort. The zippers lock for your peace of mind and your cat’s safety. The bag has an adjustable strap and mesh panels for ventilation. If your cat is difficult to coax into a carrier, the top and side loading options will make it easier for you to get them in. Overall, this carrier is a great choice if you want to travel with your husky feline friend.
Dimensions: 19” L x 11.5” H x 11.74” W
Product Weight: 4.9 pounds
Max cat weight: 22 pounds
Features: Top and side ventilation, locking zippers, soft liner
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Pros
Can carry large cats (up to 22 pounds)
Adjustable strap
Machine-washable liner
Locking zippers
Airline Compliant
Cons
A little pricey
- You may also like: 10 Best Airline-Approved Cat Carriers – Reviews & Top Picks
The Frisco Premium Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, Black is the best cat carrier for large cats for the money. The description says premium, but the price is a bargain. This carrier is airline compliant and provides space for your large feline to move around. It has an adjustable strap for your comfort and locking zippers for your peace of mind. There are also pockets for storing treats and toys to keep your cat entertained. The plush pad is removable and machine washable.
Can carry large cats (up to 22 pounds)
Adjustable strap
Machine-washable liner
Locking zippers
Airline Compliant
- Can carry large cats (up to 22 pounds)
- Adjustable strap
- Machine-washable liner
- Locking zippers
- Airline Compliant
A little pricey
- A little pricey
Dimensions: 17” L x 10.5” H x 11” W
Product Weight: 2.3 pounds
Max cat weight: 16 pounds
Features: Mesh panels, removable bed, locking zippers, pockets
Pros
Locking zippers
Removable, machine-washable bed
Airline compliant
Storage pockets
Cons
16-pound maximum cat weight
The Kopeks Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier, Large does it all! It has three uses: you can hold it by the handle, roll it like a suitcase, or wear it as a backpack. It can hold cats up to 18 pounds. The large storage pocket gives you a place to keep essentials when you travel. It is also approved by most airlines. The Kopeks deluxe backpack is available in three different colors as well. You will pay a little more, but you are getting a great, multi-use product for your money. The one drawback is this carrier is a little heavy, weighing 7 pounds when empty.
Locking zippers
Removable, machine-washable bed
Airline compliant
Storage pockets
- Locking zippers
- Removable, machine-washable bed
- Airline compliant
- Storage pockets
16-pound maximum cat weight
- 16-pound maximum cat weight
Dimensions: 13” L x 20” H x 17.5” W
Product Weight: 7 pounds
Max cat weight: 18 pounds
Features: 3 uses, wheels, locking zippers
Pros
Multi-use
Approved by most airlines
Storage pockets
Comfortable straps
Cons
A little expensive
Empty carrier is a little heavy
The PetLuv happy Cat Soft-sided Cat Carrier is a great cat carrier for large kitties. It has plenty of space for your bigger cat to stand up and turn around. There are four openings for easy cat entry. You can view your cat through the mesh side panels or put down the privacy flaps to give them quiet time. The zippers lock so that you don’t have to worry about keeping your feline friend safely inside. Cats also love to curl up on the soft, fluffy pillow inside the carrier. It is removable for easy cleaning too! The only quibble we have with this great carrier is that it’s a little heavy, weighing just under 9 pounds when empty. It is also not meant for airline travel but is great for cars.
Multi-use
Approved by most airlines
Storage pockets
Comfortable straps
- Multi-use
- Approved by most airlines
- Storage pockets
- Comfortable straps
A little expensive
Empty carrier is a little heavy
- A little expensive
- Empty carrier is a little heavy
Dimensions: 24” L x 16” H x 16” W
Product Weight: 8.8 pounds
Max cat weight: 20 pounds
Features: Multiple entry points, privacy flaps, handle, locking zippers
Pros
Can carry large cats
Mesh for viewing or flaps for privacy
Comfy pillow insert
Locking zippers
Easy to carry
Cons
A little heavy
Not airplane compliant
The EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is another good option for the money. It has a padded strap for your comfort and can be secured to your luggage with the luggage strap. The inner pad is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. The mesh panels allow for ventilation and pet viewing. This carrier can hold cats up to 18 pounds, making it a good choice for large kitties. The top does not open, meaning the only entry points are the sides. This shouldn’t be a problem if you have an easy-going cat, but if your pet is resistant to the carrier, it may be difficult to get them inside without a fight.
Can carry large cats
Mesh for viewing or flaps for privacy
Comfy pillow insert
Locking zippers
Easy to carry
- Can carry large cats
- Mesh for viewing or flaps for privacy
- Comfy pillow insert
- Locking zippers
- Easy to carry
A little heavy
Not airplane compliant
- A little heavy
- Not airplane compliant
Dimensions: 19” L x 13” H x 10” W
Product Weight: 2.2 pounds
Max cat weight: 18 pounds
Features: Mesh panels, storage pockets, padded strap
Pros
Padded strap for your comfort
Mesh for ventilation
Approved for most airlines
Removable bed
Cons
The top doesn’t open for easy loading
Soft sides not as sturdy as reinforced carriers
If you are looking to transport one or even two large cats at the same time, then the SportPet Cat Carrier, X-Large might be a good choice for you. It is not meant for use on airplanes but is fine for car travel. The roomy interior provides plenty of space to move around. It also has a removable door for easy in and out. When not in use, you can fold the carrier for storage. This carrier also offers plenty of ventilation to allow your cat to breathe easily and see what is going on around them.
Padded strap for your comfort
Mesh for ventilation
Approved for most airlines
Removable bed
- Padded strap for your comfort
- Mesh for ventilation
- Approved for most airlines
- Removable bed
The top doesn’t open for easy loading
Soft sides not as sturdy as reinforced carriers
- The top doesn’t open for easy loading
- Soft sides not as sturdy as reinforced carriers
Dimensions: 18.75” L x 17.25” H x 23.13” W
Product Weight: 6.41 pounds
Max cat weight: 35 pounds
Features: Extra sturdy, can hold 2 cats, removable door
Pros
Can hold up to 35 pounds, or 2 large cats
Easy to clean
Removable door
Folds for storage
Cons
Not airplane compliant
Plastic handle is a little uncomfortable
- Related Read: 10 Best Cat Beds for Large Cats — Reviews & Top Picks
If you are looking for a great option for car travel and a hotel stay, the Necoichi Portable Stress-Free Cat Cage will do the trick. The extra-large size makes it a comfortable place for your kitty to relax in the car and at your destination. It comes with a seat belt strap as well so you can secure your pet safely in the car. The side panels are mesh with flaps that can roll down for privacy. There is an additional travel litter box that fits nicely in the carrier, but it must be purchased separately. There are handles for carrying, but not a strap so it can be a little difficult to maneuver.
Can hold up to 35 pounds, or 2 large cats
Easy to clean
Removable door
Folds for storage
- Can hold up to 35 pounds, or 2 large cats
- Easy to clean
- Removable door
- Folds for storage
Not airplane compliant
Plastic handle is a little uncomfortable
- Not airplane compliant
- Plastic handle is a little uncomfortable
Dimensions: 20” L x 20” H x 31.8” W
Product Weight: 2.91 pounds
Max cat weight: 30 pounds
Features: Extra-large, mesh panels with roll-down flaps, straps for car travel
Pros
Great for hotel and car travel
Can fit a travel litter box
Foldable for storage
Cons
Not for airplane travel
The litter box must be purchased separately
If you are looking for a carrier for airplane travel that does not have to be carried on, then the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier might be a good choice. This carrier is made from sturdy, recycled plastic. It has a strong wire mesh front for ventilation and protection. If your cat likes to scratch and you worry about the durability of a soft-sided carrier, you don’t have to worry about this carrier. It does not come with any pad or other soft lining material, so you would need to make sure your kitty has something to lay on before travel. This carrier also has a lower weight limit than most of our other top picks.
Great for hotel and car travel
Can fit a travel litter box
Foldable for storage
- Great for hotel and car travel
- Can fit a travel litter box
- Foldable for storage
Not for airplane travel
The litter box must be purchased separately
- Not for airplane travel
- The litter box must be purchased separately
Dimensions: 21” L x 15” H x 16” W
Product Weight: 6.02 pounds
Max cat weight: 15 pounds
Features: Hard plastic shell, travel food and water cups, live animal sticker
Pros
Approved for most airlines’ cargo travel
Protective shell made from recycled plastic
Durable wire front
Cons
Cannot be used as a carry-on for flights
15-pound maximum weight
No comfortable liner
This Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Airline-Approved pet Carrier Bag is a stylish choice for the feline traveler. It has locking zippers for pet security and a comfortable, padded shoulder strap and handles for you. There are also zippered storage pockets for holding treats and other essentials. The maximum cat weight is 15 pounds so this wouldn’t be a good choice if you have a heftier cat. Also, if your cat is a little skittish, there is only a privacy cover for the top. The sides are mesh only.
Approved for most airlines’ cargo travel
Protective shell made from recycled plastic
Durable wire front
- Approved for most airlines’ cargo travel
- Protective shell made from recycled plastic
- Durable wire front
Cannot be used as a carry-on for flights
15-pound maximum weight
No comfortable liner
- Cannot be used as a carry-on for flights
- 15-pound maximum weight
- No comfortable liner
Dimensions: 18” L x 11” H x 10.5” W
Product Weight: 2.8 pounds
Max cat weight: 15 pounds
Features: Locking zippers, padded shoulder strap, seat belt attachment
Pros
Locking zippers for security
Padded shoulder strap for your comfort
Zippered storage pockets
Cons
Lower maximum weight than others
Plywood base can be a little rough
Top cover only
- One for Pets Cat Show House
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Dimensions: 42” L x 24” H x 24” W
Product Weight: 8.8 pounds
Max cat weight: 40 pounds
Features: Multi-cat, handles, options for compartments
If your large cat is a show cat, or if you have two husky felines that you want to take on a road trip, then this is a great option for car travel. It can hold up to four small cats or two large ones comfortably and provides each cat with its own space. You can purchase additional mats or hammocks to dress up the One for Pets Cat Show House as well. It is difficult to maneuver due to its large size and is not air travel approved.
Locking zippers for security
Padded shoulder strap for your comfort
Zippered storage pockets
- Locking zippers for security
- Padded shoulder strap for your comfort
- Zippered storage pockets
Lower maximum weight than others
Plywood base can be a little rough
Top cover only
- Lower maximum weight than others
- Plywood base can be a little rough
- Top cover only
Check Latest Price
Dimensions: 42” L x 24” H x 24” W
Product Weight: 8.8 pounds
Max cat weight: 40 pounds
Features: Multi-cat, handles, options for compartments
Pros
Great for long-term car travel
Can hold multiple cats
Seat belt straps
Cons
Hammocks and mats sold separately
Large size difficult to maneuver
Not airplane compatible
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Carrier for Large Cats
Now that you have read about our top picks for carriers for large cats, there are a few more pieces of information you should know to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Great for long-term car travel
Can hold multiple cats
Seat belt straps
- Great for long-term car travel
- Can hold multiple cats
- Seat belt straps
Hammocks and mats sold separately
Large size difficult to maneuver
Not airplane compatible
Hammocks and mats sold separately
Large size difficult to maneuver
Not airplane compatible
See also: 10 Best Cat Carriers – Reviews & Top Picks
What to Consider When Searching for Carriers for Large Cats
The right cat carrier for your pet will depend on several important factors. These include the following:
What do you plan to use your carrier for? Not all cat carriers are appropriate for air travel. If you plan to take your feline friend on a plane, you need to ensure you buy a carrier that is approved by your specific airline.
What size is your cat? Veterinarians recommend that your cat be able to comfortably be able to stand and turn around in their carrier. Measure your cat before you buy to ensure that your carrier will have enough room for them.
What material should your carrier be made from? Cat carriers come in hard and soft-sided shells. If your cat is aggressive or a scratcher, you may want to choose a carrier with a hard plastic shell. If you want your cat to be able to fly on a plane as a carry-on, you will need a soft-sided carrier.
How long will your cat be in the carrier? If they will be in the carrier for a longer time, you will need to have a carrier with enough room for a travel litter box as well as food and water bowls. Comfort is also important. If they will be sleeping in the carrier, they need a soft spot to lay.
What Makes a Good Cat Carrier for a Large Cat?
The most important factor when choosing a carrier for a large cat is size. Your bigger kitty needs to be able to stand, turn around, and not exceed the weight limit. This is very important as a cat that is too heavy can break the straps or the bottom of the carrier, creating the potential for injuries and an escaped cat.
What do you plan to use your carrier for? Not all cat carriers are appropriate for air travel. If you plan to take your feline friend on a plane, you need to ensure you buy a carrier that is approved by your specific airline.
What size is your cat? Veterinarians recommend that your cat be able to comfortably be able to stand and turn around in their carrier. Measure your cat before you buy to ensure that your carrier will have enough room for them.
What material should your carrier be made from? Cat carriers come in hard and soft-sided shells. If your cat is aggressive or a scratcher, you may want to choose a carrier with a hard plastic shell. If you want your cat to be able to fly on a plane as a carry-on, you will need a soft-sided carrier.
How long will your cat be in the carrier? If they will be in the carrier for a longer time, you will need to have a carrier with enough room for a travel litter box as well as food and water bowls. Comfort is also important. If they will be sleeping in the carrier, they need a soft spot to lay.
- What do you plan to use your carrier for? Not all cat carriers are appropriate for air travel. If you plan to take your feline friend on a plane, you need to ensure you buy a carrier that is approved by your specific airline.
- What size is your cat? Veterinarians recommend that your cat be able to comfortably be able to stand and turn around in their carrier. Measure your cat before you buy to ensure that your carrier will have enough room for them.
- What material should your carrier be made from? Cat carriers come in hard and soft-sided shells. If your cat is aggressive or a scratcher, you may want to choose a carrier with a hard plastic shell. If you want your cat to be able to fly on a plane as a carry-on, you will need a soft-sided carrier.
- How long will your cat be in the carrier? If they will be in the carrier for a longer time, you will need to have a carrier with enough room for a travel litter box as well as food and water bowls. Comfort is also important. If they will be sleeping in the carrier, they need a soft spot to lay.
Larger cats also need a comfortable place to lay. Many of our top picks come with removable, machine-washable cushions which are great for comfort and convenience for you.
For your comfort and ease of use, a good carrier for a large cat should have openings that make it easy for you to get the cat into the carrier. Top-loading carriers may be easier for resistant cat loading. Padded straps and handles will make it more comfortable for you to carry your furry friend around. Some of our top picks even have wheels for extra ease in transportation.
Conclusion
When it comes to transporting a large kitty, our top pick, the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Lattice Print Airline Approved Pet Carrier has it all. It can contain your husky friend, has a washable liner, locking zippers, and is airline friendly. For the shopper on a budget, the Frisco Premium Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is a great value with many deluxe features. Now that you have read our reviews, you should feel comfortable choosing the best cat carrier for your needs!
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
