Cat Carriers For a Quiet Ride

Vases, baskets, tissue boxes. Cats love contorting themselves into impossibly small spaces, but present them with a carrier and they run a mile. Clearly, the self-imposed claustrophobia is allowed on their terms only. And can you blame them? A trip to the vet, especially on the bus, is a bumpy one, rife with strangers’ shrill coos and up-close-and-personal inquisitive dog noses. Read on for tips on choosing the best cat carrier for your cat, plus eight of our top picks.

How to choose a cat carrier

“There are so many things coming at them and they can’t go anywhere,” explains Cristin Tamburo, a certified feline behaviour consultant. “The experience leaves them feeling vulnerable, like a human swimming with sharks.” While you’re probably never going to convince your cat that curling up in a carrier will lead to good things, the least you can do is make them feel comfortable in one that’s the right size, well-ventilated, sturdy and safe. “I see people use the same carrier that they bought for their kitten. Your cat shouldn’t be squished into the carrier and unable to move. They should have room to twist themselves around from one side of the carrier to the other.”

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Experienced vet Dr Tammy Hunter agrees. “The ideal carrier is strong, lightweight and waterproof, with a large opening to allow easy access to the cat, and an easy to remove top with ‘quick release’ fasteners,” she says. “If you have a carrier with a removable top, your cat may be able to remain nestled in the bottom of the carrier while your vet performs some parts of the routine physical examination. The most important criteria for a carrier: it should be easy to clean and you should be able to get your cat in and out of it without a struggle.”

Acclimatising your cat to a new carrier

Speaking of struggles... Whichever carrier best suits your cat, Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behaviourist and author of Naughty No More!, recommends leaving it out in your home for at least a week before a vet appointment or travel plans to desensitise your cat to it: “Leave the door open and put a bed or towel inside. Play with your cat near it. Throw treats and toys inside. This will help take away their fear of it.”

Vet Dr Cheryl Yuill adds: “Another way to prepare for your visit to the vet is to spritz the carrier with three to four squirts of  Feliway, a synthetic copy of the cat’s facial pheromone, which may help create a sense of familiarity or security in the cat’s environment. If your cat already has negative associations with the current carrier that you are using, consider purchasing a new carrier that does not resemble the old one.”

The 8 best expert-recommended cat carriers

If you’re searching for the perfect travel carrier for your kitty, here’s a round-up of the best cat carriers recommended by a cat behaviourist.

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier

£216.63

There’s a reason this Roverlund travel carrier is Wired Mag’s favourite from 2020. Its three-in-one design (airline compliant pet carrier, everyday travel bag and mobile dog or cat bed) makes it the perfect versatile addition to any pet parent’s travel arsenal. Plus, it’s constructed from marine and mountaineering grade materials so even the most determined pet won’t be able to escape.

£216.63 at Amazon

Doc & Phoebe Sleep and Go Cat Carrier

£35

This convertible cat carrier doubles as a cosy bed with its own washable pillow. Even if your cat doesn‘t want to nod off during a car or bus journey, letting them travel in comfort should make things easier for both of you.

£35 at Amazon

Archie & Oscar Nala Rectangular Pet Carrier

£61.79

This handmade wicker pet carrier is the perfect for the cat who likes to travel in impeccable retro style. It opens from the top and weighs in at just over 2kg, so it’s practical as well as pleasing on the eye.

£61.79 at Wayfair

Away Pet Carrier

£180

Made by the internet’s favourite suitcase brand, Away, this airline-compliant carrier (check restrictions) uses sherpa bedding, water-resistant lining and an excess of pockets to win over the hearts of travelling pet owners. It’s proportioned to securely fit over your Away luggage and even features a latch that can fasten to a car seat belt.

£180 at Away

Petmate Two-Door Top Load Pet Kennel

£41.95

Have you made the mistake of trying to put your cat into their carrier head first? This travel crate has a top-load option that those of us who learnt the hard way will appreciate. And since it isn’t collapsible like many soft carriers, it can double as a cave-like kennel at home.

£41.95 at Amazon

PetAmi Deluxe Cat Backpack Carrier

£57.89

Have cat, will travel? Join the #adventurecats movement and brave the great outdoors with your cat as your copilot in this escape-proof cat backpack.

£57.89 at Amazon

The Voyager Cat Backpack

£247.42

Your curious cat will appreciate the panoramic views they’ll enjoy from this transparent carrier backpack. It has a hard shell for added safety, as well as breathable mesh sides made from a claw-resistant material. Just strap it on and get ready to explore as a duo.

£247.42 at Amazon

Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Pet Carrier

£97.09

This soft-sided cat carrier is popular with frequent fliers because it’s comfortable for your cat, super-adjustable and can fit under the seat on a plane (check restrictions). It’s also available in several sizes so you can find a model that’s perfect fit for your pet.

£97.09 at Amazon