Best cat carriers, tried and tested for travelling with your pet

Carry them safe and sound

ats aren't known to travel well.

Though roaming from place to place is a perfectly sound pastime in the eyes of a cat, it must be entirely on their own terms. Unless you’ve won the kitten lottery, or you’re Taylor Swift with a bubble backpack, felines are often considered extremely independent creatures, which means that getting them comfortable in a suitable means of transportation is no easy task.

The likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and even Orlando Bloom have been seen over the years sporting designer bags with miniature pooches resting their tiny heads on the brim. Yet, when it comes to cats, this isn't often a realistic endeavour, no matter how much catnip you hide at the bottom. Kittens need space, a sense of safety and – perhaps most importantly – a feeling of control.

Modern cat carriers come with an array of fantastic features that help to calm anxious cats and keep the more ferocious ones secure on the way to that yearly vet appointment. Sometimes, travelling becomes an entirely non-negotiable situation and you’ve somehow got to find an airline appropriate, comfortable and safe means to transport your pet.

Now, if you’re one of those cat lottery winners or, somehow, Taylor Swift is reading this piece, there are some slightly funkier ways to carry your incredibly tame and cuddly furry friend. It's fine, we’re not jealous. From spaceship backpacks with adorable peepholes, to literal baby slings for your fur child, there are a myriad of innovative ways you can keep your anthropomorphic bestie as close to you as humanly possible.

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best cat carriers from the practical to the ridiculous. Keep scrolling for more.

Shop meow.

Best practical cat carriers

Best novelty cat carriers, slings and backpacks for adventuring

Best for: overall winner

This extra-large cat carrier is bound to keep your cat as comfortable as possible no matter the journey you’re taking. With three access points for your pet to choose from depending on their ever-changing mood, you’ll have no trouble luring them into this spacious micro habitat. If you have concerns about your cat's ability to perform as an escape artist, this carrier also has the option to lock the outer zippers.

Car journeys and big moves will be made easy as pie and extremely safe thanks to the seatbelt loops, which secure the carrier to your car seats. If you’ve got a particularly jumpy kitten, there's also a clip inside the carrier for additional safety during all types of travel.

Best for: expandable carrier

This cosy backpack carrier will keep your cat feeling safe, secure, and protected from outside stimulation if needs be thanks to the roll-up blackout curtain. If, however, your kitten gets restless, this backpack has an incredibly handy expandable large space with a mesh covering for the utmost breathability. Airline-approved and equipped with a sturdy, non-slip bottom, carry your cat on your back with ease, or use the top handle to move your cat between locations.

What's more, the removable inner pad which sits at the bottom of the carrier is double sided. Use the plush, fuzzy side during the winter for some extra warmth, or flip it over to the Oxford-cloth side to keep your fur baby cool. Lightweight and easy to store when not in use, you can't go wrong with this versatile piece of kit.

Best for: airline-approved

Chic, sleek and safe for air travel, this high-quality carrier has rave reviews. Though not an ideal choice for larger cats – unless they enjoy particularly snug travel in true cardboard box-cat fashion – this durable but breathable option is a top pick in our books. Made from Oxford cloth and a waterproof, abrasion and scratch-resistant mesh, this carrier also has three easy access points for your cat to choose from. The inner metal frame keeps the carrier upright and secure, while the removable and foldable inner cushion provides extra comfort.

Best for: anxious cats

If your anxious kitty requires the cosiest of beds no matter where they are, this is the cat carrier for you. Equipped with the fuzziest, removable cat bed and a private, darkened yet entirely breathable anti-scratch mesh screen, your cat is guaranteed to feel secure and in control. It also comes with a collapsible water bowl so that your pal can stay hydrated and fed throughout your travels.

This carrier is also wonderfully inexpensive given the variety of extra accoutrements that it comes equipped with. Plus, with over 25,000 positive reviews via Amazon, it's fair to say that the Motorpilot carrier is a sure-fire win for your pet.

Best for: a two-for-one deal

This convertible carrier also functions as a cosy, daily-use cat bed. This is particularly useful for training kittens and new cats into being more comfortable with the notion of travel, even when it comes to short journeys. If your cat can associate the concept of travelling with an item that they already take great comfort in, you’re in for a winner.

The egg-shaped design and small crawl-hole appeals to cats which prefer cosy environments – the kind of cats that can be found squeezed into empty containers by taking on a seemingly impossibly liquid form. If that sounds like your furry friend, go ahead and add this carrier to your basket.

Best for: top loading

Some cats, no matter how hard you try, simply refuse to hop into carriers. With particularly difficult kittens, getting them to the vet feels like a losing battle before the yearly appointment has even been scheduled. Fear not, owners of said cuddly yet ferocious beasts, for not only are you not alone – but we’ve found a solution. This highly protected, durable, and swing-free carrier features a nifty top-loading feature with zero zips and strap attachments for your cat to mess with. Rather, the top of this carrier is fitted with a handy clasp that’ll be totally inaccessible to your pal during travel time.

With ventilation holes large enough to see out of and a sloped front for a more spacious feel, this is as practical and fuss-free as it gets in the world of cat carriers.

Best for: daily adventuring

If you’re one of the rare, lucky ones who has a cat that simply adores going on adventures with you – whether said travels entail bike rides, daily walks or even hikes – this is set to be your favourite pet accessory yet. With a cool, breathable mesh material, multiple pouches to store snacks and an adjustable peephole to keep your kitten's little head secure, pick up your very own adventure pouch and choose from a variety of bright and beautiful colourways.

Similar style available at Amazon

Best for: the cuddliest of cats

Is your cat pretty much just a little baby? This padded, hands-free sling carrier is sturdier than your classic fabric sling and will keep your nervous kitten comforted and close to your chest while you’re on the go. Featuring a collar hook, adjustable neck strap and a phone pocket, keep all your essentials – cat included – at hand.

Best for: astronaut kitties

Airy, spacious and oh-so cute to look at, this astronaut-esque backpack is certainly a statement style. Available in a range of colours which feature different, cartoon designs, you and your pet are bound to garner some attention with this carrier in tow.

Best for: rawr-some fun

Let your cat channel their inner apex predator with this hilarious, yet practical cartoon lion tote bag. Though not the biggest of cat carriers, it's sure to provide a whale of a time, as well as a bundle of laughs for all those involved.