Best Cat Carriers

Ever tried taking your cat to the vet without a carrier? It’s not easy. A good cat carrier is a must-have for any cat owner, whether you’re just popping to the vet or going on a longer trip. They keep your cat safe and comfy. Plus, in the UK, it’s the law to have your pet secure in the car. A carrier is one of the best ways to do that.

So, how do you pick the right one. This guide will show you the best cat carriers available in the UK. We’ll also cover what features to look for and give you some top tips for using one, especially if your cat is a bit nervous.

What you should look for when buying a cat carrier

Choosing a cat carrier means thinking about a few things. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

• Size: Get a carrier that fits your cat well. It should be big enough for them to stand and turn around comfortably. If you use it often in the car, an expandable one might be good for more space.
• Soft or Hard: Hard carriers are tough and last long. Soft ones are lighter, easier to move, and can feel cozier for your cat. Think about what your cat prefers.
• Flying: If you plan to fly, check airline rules first. You’ll need a carrier that’s approved for air travel.
• Nervous Cats: For anxious cats, look for carriers that are easy to load. Top-loading models or those with multiple entry points can make it less stressful.
• Extra Features: Some carriers have handy extras. Things like built-in food bowls or bases that catch spills can make longer trips better for everyone.

Best Cat Carrier Reviews

So many cat carriers are out there. We’ve done the research for you and picked out the best ones in the UK. Here’s what we found.

1. Catit Design Cat Cabrio Carrier

Searching for a sturdy, hard carrier? The Catit Cabrio Carrier is probably what you need. We’ve used this one for ages with our own cats, and it’s truly a standout. It’s even airline approved, making it our top pick for a hard-shell carrier.

What makes it so good. Well, it opens from both the top and the front. This makes getting your cat in or out super easy. You know how tricky that can be sometimes. The front door also has two bowls built right in. You can slide them out to offer food or water without opening the main door, which is very clever.

The base has a non-slip surface and a small gutter, which is handy for any little messes during travel. It’s simple to secure in your car using a regular seatbelt through its top handle. The integrated handle makes carrying steady, and you can attach a strap to wear it over your shoulder. A clear window on the door lets your cat see out, calming them during trips.

We haven’t found a carrier this simple to use, spacious, and cosy for cats. And the cost. It’s a really great buy. You can get it in a few different colours too, like orange, pink, or grey. It’s good for cats up to 11.3 kg and 35 cm tall.

Features:

• Bowls you can swap out without opening the door.
• Grille door and vents provide good air flow always.
• Top opening hatch makes putting your pet in and taking them out much simpler.
• Shoulder strap for easy carrying.
• Bottom has a non-slip, textured surface.
• You can secure it in your car with a regular seatbelt.
• Measures 51cm long by 33cm wide by 35cm high.

2. Siivton Pet Carrier for Cat

If you need a soft carrier with lots of room, the Siivton pet carrier is an excellent pick. It comes with two ways to get your cat inside, from the front or top. Plus, there are plenty of mesh panels. These are great for air flow and let your cat see outside.

When zipped up, it’s compact and easy to carry. But here’s the cool part: unzipping the sides makes it huge. This expansion makes it one of the largest carriers out there. If you travel by car, you can expand it and attach it with a seat belt. Your cat gets a much more relaxed space on the drive.

This carrier works for cats weighing up to 14 pounds, or those up to 18 inches long and 10 inches tall. You can carry it on your shoulder or by the regular handle. It also includes a soft fleece pad that you can take out and wash. This keeps your cat snug.

Good news for flyers: it’s airline approved. You can even slide it onto a rolling suitcase handle, which is super handy for airport trips.

• Great for big cats.
• Airline approved.
• Holds cats up to 14 pounds.
• Measures 18 x 11 x 11 inches. When expanded, it’s 38 x 30 x 11 inches.
• Has tough structure.
• Folds up for storage.

3. Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag

The Morpilot soft carrier is a simple, yet effective choice. It feels soft, but a strong board in the base keeps its shape. The bag uses tough polyester and fine mesh, with a soft, washable cushion inside. This keeps your cat cozy and warm.

You can get this carrier in medium or large, good for cats weighing up to 20 pounds. It’s 34 cm high, 31 cm wide, and 44 cm long. It also comes with a folding food bowl you can attach for travel.

A big plus for this carrier is how well it breathes. Plenty of mesh ensures good air flow. Plus, it has two ways to get your cat in. You can use the front door or the top flap. It’s a quality item, with lots of good reviews, and it’s a solid deal if you need a basic carrier for quick trips to the vet.

• Measures 34cm high x 31cm wide x 44cm long.
• Entry from front and top.
• Comes with a soft, fluffy cushion.
• Strap can attach in two spots for side carrying.

4. Curver Cat Carrier

The Curver cat carrier has a fresh look, with a top opening door. It kinda looks like a basket, but it’s made of hard plastic. This makes it a good pick if you have a cat that likes to chew or scratch. It has plenty of vents for air and a solid bottom. That solid base is really helpful for keeping any spills or accidents contained.

This carrier feels well-built and is comfy to carry. It also has a small flap that lets you give your cat treats without letting them out. We really like the simple top access. It’s a good choice if you want something different from typical hard carriers, and it’s made to last.

• Unique look with a large main opening and smaller access flaps.
• Great air circulation.
• Good for cats who scratch or for containing accidents.
• Solid base, no holes.
• Measures 53cm long x 37cm wide x 33cm high.

5. PET MAGASIN Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier

Need a cat carrier that doesn’t take up much space. This one is perfect. It folds flat into a small pack. You can easily tuck it into most drawers or cupboards. The top and bottom parts can come off too, for simple cleaning and storing.

This carrier has a hard top and base, with sides that fold. The door is mesh. All the sides have good ventilation for your cat. It’s pretty light, weighing about 1 kg, so it’s easy to carry around. For medium-sized cats, it’s a good fit. Just add a soft blanket, and your cat will be snug for any trip.

• Measures 17 inches long x 13 inches high x 14 inches wide.
• Hard base helps catch any spills.
• It collapses easily, sides fold down for a tiny package.
• Comes with a padded mat inside for comfort.

6. Kerbl Transport Box Expedion

For a budget-friendly option, the Kerbl Transport Box is our top pick. It’s the least expensive one here, and it does a good job without any fancy bells or whistles. It’s great for just getting your cat to and from the vet. You can pick from three colors and two sizes, so it should fit most cats.

This carrier is built from tough plastic. It’s strong and made to last. It has plenty of holes for air flow, and the grated door lets you sneak treats to your cat while you’re traveling. The solid base is super practical. Any little accidents are kept inside. The door fastens with plastic clips. Just be gentle with those, they can snap if you pull too hard.

It also comes with a thing to help you secure it with car seat belts. All in all, this carrier gives you a lot for the money.

• Works for medium-sized cats.
• Solid plastic base for messes.
• Measures 45cm long x 30cm wide x 30cm long.

Is a hard or soft cat carrier better

It really depends on your cat. If your feline friend gets stressed or acts jumpy when traveling, a hard carrier is often the way to go. They hold up better against scratching or clawing. For a calmer cat, a soft carrier, even an expandable one, might be better. They’re usually comfier and give more space.

For cats that are nervous or a bit tricky, we usually suggest a hard carrier. Think like the Catit one we talked about earlier. It just gives that extra layer of security.

Can I put two cats in one carrier

Honestly, we don’t suggest putting two cats in the same carrier. When you’re moving, the carrier can wobble. Cats might bump into each other, and that can stress them out or even cause a fight. It’s much better to get two separate carriers. Each cat deserves their own safe and steady space when traveling.

How long can my cat stay in a carrier

Cats can handle being in a carrier for several hours. If your trip is going to be longer than a couple of hours, make sure you plan for breaks. They’ll need to stretch, use the litter box, and get some food and water.

For really long journeys, we often keep our cats in a cat harness. This way, we can just clip on a lead. Then, we can take them out of the carrier for a little exercise and some food. It feels much nicer than keeping them cooped up while we try to feed them in there.

Should you cover a cat carrier

Yes, it’s totally okay to cover your cat carrier. Some cats, especially those who are a bit anxious or shy, actually prefer it. They might feel more safe and hidden. If you’re not sure how your cat will react, just give it a try. See if they seem calmer with a cover over it.

What are the cat carrier guidelines for airline travel

Airline rules for pet carriers can change a lot, so always check with your specific airline before you book your flight. It’s super important to know their exact requirements.

Generally, airlines want the combined weight of your cat and carrier to be under a certain limit, usually between 6 to 9 kg. It’s smart to weigh your cat first. That way, you know how much carrier weight you have to play with. Most carriers are quite light, some even less than 1 kg, so finding one that fits should be easy enough.

If your cat is flying with you in the cabin, most airlines say the carrier needs:

• A base that won’t leak water.
• Good vents for air to move through.
• To be fully closed, zips are often best.
• To keep your cat completely inside. No parts of your cat can stick out.

For your own ease, aim for a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines don’t usually have very strict size limits, but this makes your trip much smoother.

Tips for using a carrier with a nervous cat

Dealing with a nervous or tricky cat and a carrier can be a real headache. We’ve had plenty of shy cats ourselves over the years, so we know the struggle. Here are some of our best suggestions to make it easier for both of you:

• For nervous cats, we like hard carriers. They make it harder for your cat to escape and keep them more secure.
• When you get a new carrier, put it near your cat’s favorite sleeping spot or where they eat. Let them check it out for a few days before you need to use it.
• Toss some old blankets or bedding inside. The familiar smells can really help them feel better.
• If your cat likes catnip, sprinkle a little in the carrier. It might help them calm down while they’re inside.
• If your cat just won’t go in by itself, pick them up smoothly and put them in quickly. Then close the door right away.
• Once they’re in, don’t open the carrier until it’s time for them to come out. They might cry or act upset, but if you open it, they’ll probably try to bolt.
• Try carriers with different entry points. Sometimes it’s easier to lower your cat into a top opening than push them into a regular front door.

Our top travel tips for cleaning up spills and accidents

Look, if you travel with your cat, little accidents or sick spells are probably going to happen. It’s just part of it. To help you out when they do, here’s what you should have ready:

• Grab some wet wipes. They’re super handy for quick clean-ups.
• Pack lots of bags or even nappy sacks for any trash.
• Line the bottom of your carrier with puppy pads. They’ll soak up liquids and make cleaning much easier.
• Bring a small bag of cat litter. It’s great for absorbing spills.
• Have extra blankets. Just in case their main bed gets wet.
• And don’t forget plenty of treats. We usually keep some in the carrier’s side pockets, very convenient.