The 6 Best Cat Car Carriers For A Comfortable, Stress-Free Journey

It’s quite unfathomable to bring your cat in the car without first placing them in a proper, sturdy cat carrier. Keeping your cat safe and secure in a cozy container works to calm them down during the drive, as well as ensuring you—the driver—don’t become distracted by your cat’s movements. In short, it’s downright unsafe to travel with a cat roaming freely in your vehicle—no matter what those Instagram reels suggest. And of course, the right cat car carrier for you depends on the size of your pet, the distance of travel, and your budget.
Moving house and taking a trip to the vet are just two of the reasons you may need a cat car carrier. Or, perhaps you’re taking your feline to a friend’s to be cared for while you’re on vacation. Either way, make sure your cat’s journey is safe, comfortable, and stress-free with the help of the best cat car carrier. We’ve handpicked our favorites here in our guide.
Jespet Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag
$26.99
Soft or Hard
There are 2 primary types of cat carriers on the market: soft-sided and hard-sided. Soft-side carriers are generally more comfortable, lighter to carry, and easier to store, while hard-side carriers offer more protection and shock absorption.
Size
Your chosen cat carrier should be roughly 1.5 times the size of your cat. You don’t want them to feel cooped up, but neither should the carrier be so large that your cat is sliding around everywhere when in transit. They should be able to sit, stand, and turn around inside.
Ventilation
Ensure your cat carrier has mesh windows to ensure ventilation is adequate. We hope it goes without saying, your kitty needs to be able to breathe normally inside their carrier.
Extras
If you’re going on a very long drive, consider picking up a litter tray and perhaps some food bowls that are suitable for cat car carriers. We also advise seeking options with shock-absorption qualities to minimize stress in the car.
Traveling with your furry friend just got easier with the Jespet Cat Car Carrier. This soft-sided carrier is designed to provide maximum comfort and safety for cats of all sizes, so you can take your pet on the go without any worries.
The large mesh windows provide excellent ventilation, and the seatbelt strap keeps it secure in the car Plus, it fits the under-seat dimensions of most airlines, so you can take your cat on the plane, too. We love the budget-friendly price tag, proving that comfort and quality needn’t cost the world.
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Travel in style and safety with Tucker Murphy Cat Car Carrier. This airline-approved pet carrier is designed to make traveling with your furry friend less of a headache and actually enjoyable. Crafted with durable and lightweight polyester fabric, it features shoulder straps for hands-free portability, as well as mesh on three sides for proper airflow and good visibility.
We like that it also includes two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying; after all, you don’t want them sliding about all over the place. Pick it up in two cool colors to suit your wanderlust style.
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If keeping your beloved kitties safe and secure without compromising comfort sounds good, check out this 2-in-1 cat car carrier, designed for a duo of darling cats. The Double Cat Car Carrier’s dual-compartment design offers the perfect solution if you need to hit the road with your cats in tow. The breathable mesh windows and ventilation holes ensure plenty of air and visibility, while zippers on the front allow for easy access.
It’s definitely geared more towards two smaller cats, but the removable divider allows you to transport a single medium-sized cat if necessary, giving that lone kitty lots of space to stretch out. We rate the roll-down window covers and handbag-style carrying option, so you can tote your cats around wherever you go.
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Treat your furry friend to the ultimate traveling experience with the Tucker Murphy Klemm Cat Car Carrier—and forget worrying about their bathroom needs along the way. Yep, this extra-large cat condo cage is designed to provide maximum comfort and space for litter boxes and cat bowls when you’re on the road with your feline.
Take your kitty companion with you wherever you go with this portable carrier, complete with everything they’ll need for a pleasant voyage. We particularly like the handle and wheels, meaning you can pull your feline along the ground if you prefer to tote them that way.
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Keep your pet safe and sound during a long, arduous journey with this Tucker Murphy Cat Car Carrier. This cat car carrier is designed to provide the perfect level of safety and convenience while you travel. And, as far as comfort goes, this one takes the top trumps.
Designed with car and airplane travel in mind, this carrier will stay firmly in place with the help of a seatbelt. Plus, with the large mesh windows and a cozy fleece pad, your pet will be safe and snug during the journey. We also like the rear pouches, giving you space to stash treats and toys for the voyage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You should only keep your cat inside their cat carrier for the length of time necessary for your journey. Cats don’t take kindly to being cooped up, so letting them roam freely again as soon as possible is the best option.
Look for proper ventilation (usually coming in the form of mesh windows), secure straps for your car seat, a comfortable floor, and a generous size. It’s best to snap up a cat car carrier that’s roughly 1.5 times the size of your feline.
Do not allow your cat to roam freely around the car when you’re driving. If it’s necessary to bring them on a journey, always secure them safely in a cat carrier for the duration.
We generally recommend hard-sided carriers when it comes to cats. This is because they’re far less likely to become damaged by claws than their soft-sided counterparts. They also provided more protection and are easy to transport. Soft carriers are good, and typically more comfortable, but they can bow in the middle when being carried. They’re also susceptible to scratches and snags since they’re mostly made from fabric.
Never leave your cat roaming freely around your vehicle while you’re driving; make sure you’ve got a suitable cat carrier that can be secured to the seat, and offers plenty of space for your cat so they can remain calm and comfortable throughout their journey. Make sure they’ve had a good meal of healthy cat food before you set off, too.
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Trimming your cat’s nails is an important part of their health and grooming routine, along with giving them a good brush and nutritious cat food. With the best cat nail clippers, you can help prevent discomfort for your cat, as well as keep your furniture snag-free. Not only that, but trimming their nails also helps to minimize the chances of your pet scratching or hurting someone accidentally. With these amazing clippers on the market, you can safely trim your cat’s nails in no time. Quicker and cheaper than taking them to the vet every time they need a trim, our selection of nail clippers saves time and money.
If you’re a new cat owner, you may not yet know the importance of cleaning your feline’s ears. Yep, just like us humans, they need a quick scrub-up, too. Luckily, tidying up your cat’s ears is a simple task when you have a cat ear cleaner. But what are the benefits of using ear cleaners on your cat? Is it truly necessary? Well, the short answer is yes. The main benefits of cleaning your cat’s ears include helping to remove dirt, wax, and other debris, reducing the risk of infections caused by bacteria or fungi, preventing ear mites and parasites, improving circulation in the ear to reduce itching, and providing relief from uncomfortable sensations such as itching and head-shaking. So, yes, we’d say this small task carries quite a lot of weight when it comes to your cat’s health. We’ve found the best cat ear cleaners across the web, so you can get add them to your cat’s medicine and healthcare supplies. Read on for our picks below.
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Cat slings have taken the feline world by storm, providing a comfortable and stylish way to carry your furry friends around. Whether you’re going on a walk or running errands, these slings offer an ultra-convenient solution for keeping your beloved pet close at all times. Traditionally known as baby carriers, cat slings have now been custom-designed to cater exclusively to cats. They come in various styles and sizes, ranging from snug pouches for smaller kitties to spacious models that can accommodate larger breeds. The adjustable straps allow you to adjust the sling according to your height and preference so that it fits comfortably across your body. One of the best things about these sling-style cat carriers is how they promote bonding between owners and pets. Cats love nothing more than being cuddled up next to their humans, reassured by their presence while exploring the world outside together. With a pet sling carrier on, both owner and pet feel secure knowing they’re never too far away from each other. Plus, carrying your feline friend with you wherever you go means they’ll always be able to enjoy the fresh air (without the risks of leash-walking) while getting used to different surroundings. And let’s not forget how much attention our little furballs attract when we take them out. There’s no denying it: cats make people smile. They also provide ultimate convenience compared with traditional carriers, where hands-free movement may not always be possible — especially if traveling alone or juggling multiple tasks at once. Plus, because most designs are made out of lightweight fabrics like cotton or mesh material, even heavier-weighted breeds won’t weigh your shoulders down. We think cat slings are perfect companions for everything from trips to the vet or after-dinner walks. Whatever your reason, we’ve found quite the selection for you to consider.
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A cat crate is a great way—and arguably, the only appropriate way— to safely and securely transport your furry friend. While cats aren’t known for their love of travel, sometimes a trip to the vet or a new home is necessary. A cat carrier will help to reduce their stress on the voyage; cats naturally feel more secure when they’re kept in a smaller, enclosed area (short-term, of course). Another clever use of the cat crate is less obvious, but no less useful: it can serve to help you potty-train your cat by providing a designated area for them to go to the bathroom. It’s safe, dark, and solitary—everything your kitty is looking for in a bathroom. So, if you’re on the market for a brand-new crate, we’re on hand to help you shop. Check out our guide for the top picks below.
Stop fleas and ticks (and all the issues that come with them) in their tracks by popping one of the best cat flea and tick collars on your feline, keeping them safe and protected. That said, you’ll still want to pick up some great dewormers and tapeworm treatments for these common kitty ailments; that way you’ll be set for anything. A proper flea collar will kill existing fleas that’ve taken up settlement in your kitty’s fur while also repelling any future infestations. Since they feel like a regular collar, your cat should become accustomed to wearing theirs quickly and easily. The best options will last 6 to 8 months, have no smell or greasy feel, and effectively guard against those pesky insects, so your cat can stay scratch-free and enjoy healthy skin. While they may seem a bit pricey at first glance, remember that you’ll save money over the year—vet appointments, emergency flea treatment, and tick removal equipment should be a thing of the past. So, it’s time to get your cat protected; pick up one of the best cat flea and tick collars from our ultimate guide here. We’ve got options for all budgets, so you’re sure to be covered.
Trimming your cat’s nails is an important part of their health and grooming routine, along with giving them a good brush and nutritious cat food. With the best cat nail clippers, you can help prevent discomfort for your cat, as well as keep your furniture snag-free. Not only that, but trimming their nails also helps to minimize the chances of your pet scratching or hurting someone accidentally. With these amazing clippers on the market, you can safely trim your cat’s nails in no time. Quicker and cheaper than taking them to the vet every time they need a trim, our selection of nail clippers saves time and money.
If you’re a new cat owner, you may not yet know the importance of cleaning your feline’s ears. Yep, just like us humans, they need a quick scrub-up, too. Luckily, tidying up your cat’s ears is a simple task when you have a cat ear cleaner. But what are the benefits of using ear cleaners on your cat? Is it truly necessary? Well, the short answer is yes. The main benefits of cleaning your cat’s ears include helping to remove dirt, wax, and other debris, reducing the risk of infections caused by bacteria or fungi, preventing ear mites and parasites, improving circulation in the ear to reduce itching, and providing relief from uncomfortable sensations such as itching and head-shaking. So, yes, we’d say this small task carries quite a lot of weight when it comes to your cat’s health. We’ve found the best cat ear cleaners across the web, so you can get add them to your cat’s medicine and healthcare supplies. Read on for our picks below.
Looking for a new cat litter for your beloved feline? Crystal cat litter is the way to go. But why? Well, these litters are an excellent choice because they are more absorbent than regular clumping litter, trap odors more effectively, and are one of the rare litter types that are actually dust-free. Additionally, they are lightweight, highly biodegradable, and longer lasting than traditional natural litter. They also won’t track like clay litter, and a little bit goes a long way. Of course, you may be concerned about safety, too, which we totally understand. However, the cat litter is non-toxic, and completely safe for both humans and cats. So, go ahead and snap up some of the best crystal cat litter from our ultimate selection below.
Why should you invest in a cat flea collar? Well, the primary benefit of one is that it provides a long-lasting way to protect your cat from flea infestations, while keeping them safe from ticks at the same time. The collars are usually odorless, easy to put on, and typically provide around 8 months of protection. Not to mention, many of these cat flea collars are also effective against other pests like mosquitoes, though this depends on the active ingredients in the collar. A flea collar can also help to protect your other cats or even your house from secondary infestations that can occur if fleas hop off a treated pet. These collars truly are one of the most effective deterrents, and they don’t cost a pretty penny, either. So, pick up yours today from our guide; we’ve handpicked the most effective cat flea collars right here in our guide.
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