What is the Safest Cat Carrier for Car Travel?

Should I Put My Cat in a Carrier in the Car?

Yes, you should use a cat car carrier during car travel.

Since cats are distressed during car rides, putting them in a spacious and strong carrier will make things easier and safer.

Your cat should be put in a comfortable carrier, preferably in the backseat, and the carrier should be secured using the seat belt in a side face position.

The Best Cat Car Carriers Reviewed

Thankfully, cat car carriers are readily available on Amazon and Chewy. Listed below are some of the best cat carriers for cars we have reviewed to help cat owners.

Mancro Airline Approved Collapsible Top Loading Cat Carrier

Summary: This medium-sized cat car carrier is part of the Mancro family, and it comes at a great price. It has a comfortable and roomy design, with soft, breathable mesh and sturdy locking zippers to prevent your cat from getting out. It also comes with shoulder straps, so it’s easier to carry. The thick bottom padding makes it comfortable, and the collapsible design allows easy storage.

Dimensions: 17×11.5×11.8 inch (L x W x H)

Material: Polyester

Weight Limit: 20 pounds

Pros

  • Water and scratch-resistant materials
  • Sturdy structure and spacious interior
  • Adjustable shoulder straps and carry handle
  • Fully breathable and with multiple openings
  • Washable and thick bottom pad

Cons

  • The plastic pieces are difficult to set up

Review: This cat car carrier is recognized as a great cat cage, although the plastic pieces should be less complicated to set up. The overall design, once installed perfectly, is a joy to use. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Henkelion TSA Airline Approved Travel Cat Carrier

Summary: This soft-sided pet carrier is an airline-approved model for large pets. It is convenient, safe, and portable featuring a breathable mesh design, side pockets, deluxe zippers, and other convenient features. It has an adjustable and well-padded shoulder strap that allows hands-free carrying. Plus, it can be safely secured on top of the luggage. When not in use, the carrier can be stored due to its collapsible design.

Dimensions: ‎5 x 5 x 0.7 inches (L x W x H)

Material: Polyester

Weight Limit: 15 pounds

Pros

  • Can be secured on top of the luggage
  • Sturdy leash latch and a cozy 3-layer mat
  • Adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying
  • Foldable, storage-friendly design
  • Available in several different and fun colors

Cons

  • Not machine washable

Review: This is a great cat car carrier that promises comfort and safety for your cat. It comes with a plush mat that’s guaranteed to distract your cat from the stress of traveling, and it’s big enough for large cats. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Moyeno Waterproof Travel Cat Carrier

Summary: This cozy cat carrier is great for small to medium pets and is just perfect for a car ride or a trip to the vet. It comes with a side pocket, three doors, and a handy design so you can drop it on your suitcase and drag it along with you easily. It is also airline-approved, meaning you can use it on airplane travels. The bottom of the pet carrier is padded to optimize the cat’s comfort, and the shoulder strap is padded for easy carrying.

Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches (L x W x H)

Material: Polyester

Weight Limit: 15 pounds

Pros

  • Durable and safe, airline-approved design
  • Waterproof, soft-sided, and collapsible carrier
  • Padded bottom and shoulder strap
  • Removable and washable cozy fleece pet bed
  • Available in several fun colors and two sizes

Cons

  • New carriers sometimes come with a smell

Review: This cat car carrier is an excellent choice for your small pets and is made to be more convenient for both you and your pet. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier for Pets

Summary: This pet carrier is great for pet owners who are all about safety. It is available in three different sizes for small, medium, and large pets, and all three can be strapped to the front or back seat of a car. The carrier is very easy to install and then uninstall for space-friendly storage. It has exits on both ends and is surrounded by breathable mesh for ventilation. Plus, the cat travel carrier comes from a reliable and experienced brand.

Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 25.5 inches (L x W x H)

Material: Polyester

Weight Limit: 10 pounds

Pros

  • Universal fit for front and back seats
  • Durable mesh sides for breathability
  • Can easily be secured with a seat belt
  • Removable and machine-washable pads
  • Available in three different sizes

Cons

  • The comfort mat can move out of place

Review: This cat carrier is safety-oriented and provides comfort to both the pet and the pet owner. From the adjustable leash during use to the collapse feature after use, it’s a joy to use. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

SPORT PET Large Pop Open Portable Kennel

Summary: This large kennel is perfect for cats of all sizes. It comes with two mesh-covered doors and a comfy waterproof bottom that’s easy to wash. The spacious cat kennel features durable gate entry on each side, roll-up mesh windows, and is collapsible for easy storage. Because of the large size, the kennel can fit two large cats. Plus, there is enough room to put a travel litter box.

Dimensions: 31.8 x 20 x 20 inches (L x W x H)

Material: Polypropylene

Weight Limit: 50 pounds

Pros

  • Ideal kennel for large cats and small dogs
  • Machine washable and waterproof pads
  • Enough room for a cat litter & food/water bowl
  • Can be used as a carrying bag
  • Seat belt straps for maximum safety

Cons

  • The removable liner can shift around during use

Review: This roomy cat car carrier is a great fit for pets of all sizes. With a litter box and plenty of room, it’s perfect for cross-country car travel. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

LOLLIMEOW Pet Carrier Backpack for Cats

Summary: This backpack cat carrier from Lollimeow features high-quality materials and innovative design that have catapulted it to become one of the best products on the market. The pet carrier is fully breathable and allows the cat to observe while being safely secured inside. The carrier is very lightweight and easy to carry around. Plus, it comes in three fun colors and can be used for small cats, large cats, or even puppies.

Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.6 x 16.1 inches (L x W x H)

Material: High-quality canvas

Weight Limit: 13 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight, waterproof, and well-ventilated
  • Designed for long car rides and outdoor activities
  • With a safe latch hook inside the carrier
  • Fits under airline seats and on car seats
  • Folds flat for easy storage when not in use

Cons

  • Can be stuffy in hot weather

Review: This great backpack carrier is great for fans of lots of attention. It’s a great fit for pets of all sizes. The clear bubble gives cats the opportunity to observe without the hassle of actual contact. Cat owners give the carrier an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

What Should I Look for in a Cat Car Carrier?

There are a few things to watch out for when you are looking to purchase a cat car carrier. The following are some of the most important details to keep in mind:

  • Size. Picking a pet carrier that’s just the right size for your cat should be one of the most important things pet owners should look out for. Cats feel more comfortable in a snug yet spacious carriers. It is important to measure your cat before purchasing a carrier.
  • Safety. The safety of your cat is unarguably the most important thing to consider when you want to get a carrier. There are carriers with features like inbuilt seat straps, reinforcement plastic sticks, and others. You should make sure that the straps (shoulder, chest, seat belt, or otherwise) are firm.
  • Maintenance. The cat carrier shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to maintain, especially if the carrier is going to get constant use. A lot of cat carriers are machine washable, while others aren’t but can be washed with mild soap and warm water.
  • Cost. The cost is an important part of every purchase, and cat carriers are no different. You need to find a cat car carrier that suits your budget. Keep in mind that cat car carriers are a long-term investment.
Mancro Airline Approved Collapsible Top Loading Cat Carrier
  • [Sturdy and Safe] This soft sided cat carrier comes with dual metal zippers and an inner safety leash to prevent your pet from escaping, The cat carrier with 3-side-mesh is more resistant to scratches and bites. The pet carrier is made of high-grade polyester and a solid metal frame, which will not cause the top to collapse. Pet carriers give your pet a spacious space, ensuring the safety of your pet.
  • [Comfortable and Roomy] Mancro cat travel carrier comes with a removable furry washable pad bed made of cozy fleece and durable oxford fabric. When you go out to travel with the pet carrier, your pet sleeps inside the soft pet carrier, the bottom will not move at all because of 2 non-slip sticky belt fixed bottom. The cat carrier with soft fleece pad offers a cozy sleeping space for your pet.
  • [Breathable Design] Pet carrier mesh windows on top and sides provide optimal airflow and can help your pet breathe fresh air. This pet travel carrier 3 side meshes can observe the external environment to reduce your pet's anxiety and make it feel safer. Pet carriers can check your pet's condition through the mesh at any time. You can enjoy travel time with your pets.

Where is the Safest Place to Put a Cat Carrier in the Car?

The safest place to put a cat carrier in a car is in the backseat. Your pet will be safe because, in the event of an accident, the front and rear end receive the brunt of the impact.

The cat carrier must be secured to the backseat with seat belts or the inbuilt straps. You should also surround the carrier with a lot of stuff to prevent it from bumping around on the seat.

If you have to keep the cat carrier in the front seat, make sure to wrap the carrier through the top and sides with the seat belt and shoulder straps.