Cat Carrier Guide: Hard vs. Soft, Backpacks, Airline Rules and Getting Your Cat In
Gear Guides 6 min read reviewed November 2026, 3 sources
The most practical cat carrier for most people is a sturdy hard-sided one with a door in the front, an opening on top and a top half that comes off, because it's secure, easy to clean and lets your vet examine a nervous cat without dragging it out. Soft carriers win for air travel and light weight, and backpacks suit only relaxed cats on short trips.
Why every cat needs a good carrier
Even an indoor cat will need to travel, at least to the vet. International Cat Care (iCatCare) warns that a cat loose in the car is dangerous: it could get tangled with the driver, startle them, or escape and get lost or injured if a door or window opens or there's an accident.
RSPCA Victoria adds that a carrier protects your cat if the vehicle stops suddenly and keeps a panicked cat from running into traffic when you arrive. A carrier is also a safe hiding place in an unfamiliar environment, which is why shelters use them as a refuge.
Most cats aren't happy travelers. iCatCare explains they're strongly bonded to their home territory and can feel vulnerable away from it. A well-chosen carrier your cat already knows makes every trip less stressful for both of you.
Hard vs. soft cat carriers
iCatCare's top pick for most trips is a solid plastic carrier. It's easy to clean if your cat urinates, defecates or vomits, has quick-release clips, a secure door to prevent escapes, slats for ventilation and a removable top half so the vet can examine your cat more easily.
Soft-sided carriers, often sold as a cat bag, are lighter, as RSPCA Victoria notes, and they're the usual choice for flying in the cabin because they squeeze under a seat. iCatCare's caution: fabric and wicker carriers can be difficult to clean if your cat soils them on the journey.
Avoid cardboard boxes and cheap, light plastic carriers for anything but very short, temporary use. iCatCare says they aren't strong enough for longer periods, especially once they get wet.
Think about the weather, too. iCatCare suggests a carrier with good airflow all around for hot conditions, and one that keeps out drafts while still letting air through when it's cold. Check the expected temperature at your destination as well as at home.
Cat carrier types compared
Store shelves use a lot of overlapping names: carrier, cat bag, cat crate, cat kennel, cat cage. Here's what each usually means and when it makes sense.
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hard plastic carrier with top and front door | Vet visits, car trips, most cats | Bulkier and heavier to carry |
| Soft-sided carrier (cat bag) | Air travel in the cabin, light carrying | Harder to clean; check that zippers are escape-proof |
| Cat carrier backpack | Relaxed, confident cats on short outings | Can be unpleasant if the cat can't hide, has poor airflow or is jostled a lot |
| Wire crate, cat kennel or cat cage | Long car trips and moves, with a carrier for the walk to and from the car | Bigger isn't automatically calmer; needs cover and secure placement |
| Cardboard carrier | Emergency or very short use only | Not strong enough once wet |
Cat carrier backpacks: cute, but not for every cat
Bubble-window backpacks look great on social media, and some cats ride in them calmly. iCatCare points out the downsides: backpack carriers can be unpleasant for cats if they can't hide, ventilation is poor and there's a lot of movement during travel.
If you want one, choose a model with good airflow, a solid base and a way to cover the window so your cat can hide. Start with very short trips around the home and watch your cat's body language. Wide eyes, flattened ears, panting or frantic scratching mean the backpack isn't working for that cat. For vet visits, a hard carrier is still the better choice.
Cat crates and kennels for long trips
For a long car journey or a move, some people use a larger cat crate or kennel in the back of the car. iCatCare notes that bigger isn't necessarily better: cats like to sit in a small space and feel safer when they're less likely to slide around. A large crate can hold a small litter box, although your cat probably won't use it during the drive.
You'll still need a small carrier to get your cat safely to and from the car at each end. iCatCare also recommends lining any carrier with absorbent pads and bringing familiar-smelling spare bedding in case of accidents.
What to look for when buying a cat carrier
Size matters, but not the way people think. The carrier should let your cat stand up and turn around with ease, which is also the standard airlines and the International Air Transport Association use, according to iCatCare. Beyond that, a snug space feels more secure than a palace.
- Top opening plus front door, so you can lower your cat in gently
- Removable top half, so your vet can examine a nervous cat in the bottom half
- Secure latches or quick-release clips that a determined paw can't open
- Good ventilation on more than one side
- Solid, leakproof base that's easy to wipe clean
- Light enough for you to carry steadily
- One carrier per cat: iCatCare says even best friends can get stressed and overheat together
Flying with a cat: airline carrier rules
Plan early. Every airline sets its own pet rules, so check before you book. One US airline, for example, requires a reservation for the pet, charges a pet fare each way, accepts only small pets in carriers that fit under the seat in front of you, publishes a limit of 17 by 13 by 9 inches for hard-sided carriers, and requires that the pet can stand up and turn around inside. Other airlines differ in fees, sizes and whether they take cats at all.
iCatCare's advice for air travel: choose a direct flight if possible so your cat isn't disturbed during a transfer, check what type of carrier the airline specifies, and don't fly with pregnant cats or kittens under three months old. Ask your vet well in advance whether your cat is fit to fly and what documents your destination requires.
How to get your cat into the carrier (without a wrestling match)
Start long before the trip. iCatCare recommends making the carrier a pleasant place: leave it open at home, feed treats inside and add cozy, familiar-smelling bedding so your cat goes in and out and even sleeps there. RSPCA Victoria suggests leaving it out for several days before an appointment and praising your cat with a cue word whenever it goes in.
On travel day, a synthetic feline pheromone spray on the bedding may help. iCatCare advises waiting at least 15 to 20 minutes after spraying, because the alcohol smell can be offensive to cats at first.
If your cat won't walk in, RSPCA Victoria suggests bringing it into a small room where it can't hide, then gently placing it in while you speak calmly. A top-loading carrier makes this much easier. With a front-loader, you can unscrew the top half, place your cat in the bottom wrapped in a towel and reattach the top. Never chase or yell, or your cat will link the carrier with fear.
- Weeks before: carrier out, door open, treats and bedding inside
- Travel day: close doors to hiding spots early
- Lower your cat in from the top, back feet first if needed
- In the car: secure the carrier in the footwell behind a front seat or with a seatbelt, never in the trunk
- Never leave your cat in a parked car in warm weather: iCatCare warns heatstroke can be fatal
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of cat carrier?
For most cats, a hard plastic carrier with both a top and front opening and a removable top half. It's secure, easy to clean and makes vet exams easier. Soft carriers are better for flying in the cabin.
What size cat carrier do I need?
Your cat should be able to stand up and turn around with ease, but not much more. A snug carrier feels more secure to most cats than a very large one.
Are cat carrier backpacks safe?
They can be for relaxed cats on short trips, if ventilation is good and the cat can hide. iCatCare notes backpacks can be unpleasant due to poor airflow, movement and the lack of a hiding spot.
Can I bring my cat on a plane in a carrier?
Some airlines allow a small cat in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat, often with a reservation and a pet fee. Rules and size limits differ a lot, so check with your airline before booking.
How do I get a scared cat into a carrier?
Leave the carrier out at home with treats and bedding so it becomes familiar. On the day, work in a small room, use a top-loading carrier or remove the top half, and lower your cat in gently without chasing.
Should two cats share one carrier?
It's better not to. iCatCare recommends separate carriers, which give better airflow, more room and less risk of overheating, because even bonded cats can get stressed during travel.
Sources
- Travelling with your cat, International Cat Care
- Getting Your Cat Into A Carrier, RSPCA Victoria
- Traveling with pets, Avelo Airlines
Last reviewed: November 2026
