What is the Best Soft Cat Carrier?
- Best Overall Soft Cat Carrier: Henkelion TSA Airline Approved Collapsible Cat Carrier
This is our top pick when it comes to cat carriers as it has top-rated reviews on various platforms such as Amazon and Chewy. - Most Durable Soft Cat Carrier: Prodigen Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Made with a special fabric, this cat carrier allows you to travel on various airlines without causing discomfort to your cat. - Best Easy-Wash Soft Cat Carrier: petisfam Top Load Cat Carrier Bag
This cat carrier is made with an easy-to-clean material so that you can be sure that your cat is resting in a hygienic environment. - Best Ventilated Soft Cat Carrier: Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
If your cat does not like to be enclosed in a tight space, this soft carrier has an extremely great ventilation system. - Most Affordable Soft Cat Carrier: petisfam Top Load Soft-Sided Carrier for Cats
If you are looking for a carrier that is easy on your pocket, this affordable option can be great for your feline friend. - Most Diverse Soft Cat Carrier: Vceoa Carriers Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Carrier
Laden with various features, this soft cat carrier is among the most diverse gift you can give to your cat. - Best Heavy-Duty Soft Cat Carrier: Siivton Airline Approved Pet Travel Carrier
If you are the owner of a feisty cat who is usually aggressive, this heavy-duty cat carrier will not get damaged by your cat’s sharp claws.
Can You Put a Cat in a Soft Carrier?
Yes, the soft cat carrier is an excellent pet gear.
Cats can be put in a soft carrier very easily. These carriers are usually expandable, foldable, machine washable, heavy-duty, and often come with a padded shoulder strap for practical portability.
They can be used as a travel bag, cat travel carrier, tote, cat kennel, dog kennel, or even a cat carrier backpack.
You can find some of the best cat carriers for your feline friend on platforms such as Amazon and Chewy. Some popular brands include Petmate, Sherpa, Petami, Necoichi, Sportpet, and Petluv.
Some of the benefits of using a soft carrier include:
- Stylish. Most of the soft cat carriers available in the market are not only utilitarian. They are quite attractive in most cases. You can get them in various colors – from camo print to multi-colors. There are loads of options to choose from. They can have black mesh sides and mesh windows but have a colorful print overall.
- Space-Saving. Most soft carriers can be compressed and stored down when not being used for travel or vet visits. While they do offer easy storage, they can additionally be used as a pet kennel also. Perfect for small pets, including kittens, cats, and small dogs, these bags require very less space when being stored.
- Lightweight. Since most soft cat carriers are made with some other kinds of durable fabric, they are usually lightweight. Even soft carriers meant for large cats are extremely lightweight in comparison to hard carriers.
- Easy To Wash. Most soft-sided cat carriers are not only breathable but also easy to wash. They have mesh panels and hard zippers that will not detach while being washed. This helps maintain hygiene overall.
- Airline Travel. One of the key features of a soft carrier is that it can be easily taken into a plane for air travel. However, it is still best to double-check with the airline about the policies for traveling with your pet. Many cat carrier and pet gear brands claim that their products are airline approved. It is still best to verify to prevent any extra fees.
- Car Travel. In addition to being great for flights, most soft-sided pet carriers can be fixed to your car’s seat belt. This makes it easier to take your cat to the vet overall.
Do Cats Prefer Hard or Soft Carriers?
Cats generally prefer soft carriers over hard ones.
This is because soft materials allow them to have a better grip on the surface. As a result, they feel more in control and more stable overall, especially during flight turbulence.
Plus, soft cat carriers are more comfortable and make travel easier.
The Best Soft Cat Carriers Reviewed
Soft cat carriers come in different designs and sizes. To help pet owners find the right carrier for their cats, we have reviewed the best soft carriers on the market.

Summary: This soft cat carrier is made with an airline-approved design so that you can take your pet everywhere. The pet carrier features two connecting loop handles that help with two modes of travel. It can either be used as a dual seat belt or luggage strap that can be attached to other bags. The adjustable shoulder strap helps you with hands-free carrying and makes it safer and more convenient overall.
Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 9 inches
Material: Polyester
Weight Limit: 15 lbs
Pros
- Easy to carry and store making it ultra-portable
- Features a side pocket to store treats, toys, and food
- Has three-side entrances on the sides, front, and top
- Can be used for cats and small dogs
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Cannot be washed in a machine
Review: A brand new pet carrier may have a distinct smell. It is best to wipe it or place it in an outdoor ventilated place for a few hours before first use.

Summary: This soft carrier is perfect for making your pet feel more comfortable and safer during their journey. Thanks to a padded adjustable shoulder strap and carrying handles, the carrier is easy to move around with and can fit under the seat of most airlines. Silver reflective strips on the three sides of these cat carriers not only add more personality to the product but also offer safety for your trips at night. It also helps with vet visits by making your pets less stressed.
Dimensions: 17.2 x 10 x 11 inches
Material: Nylon
Weight Limit: 14 lbs
Pros
- Features a durable 60D Oxford cloth with a water-resistant coating
- Made with a high-quality EPE FOAM layer
- Has upgraded self-lock zippers that keep your pet secured
- The product can’t be opened from the inside
- Anti-scratch mesh has a rubber coating making it much sturdier
Cons
- Has a distinct smell some cats might not like
Review: This soft cat carrier helps your pet feel more comfortable and safer during their journey. It is easy to carry around, thanks to a sturdy padded strap.

Summary: This carrier is collapsible, so you just need to unzip it and fold it down into a flat package when not in use. Additionally, it is airline approved and conforms to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines. This carrier features zippers that are anti-escape. It also has a leash hook inside, which can be attached to your cat’s harness to prevent them from escaping if they get out. It’s easier to load your pets into this carrier than most other competitors because it has 1 top opening and two side doors.
Dimensions: 17 X 11 X 11 inches
Material: Nylon
Weight Limit: 16 lbs
Pros
- The frame on the carrier is very sturdy
- It is a large cat carrier, but not oversized
- The removable pad has a zipper on the end
- Has a great aesthetic design
- It collapses easy and is pretty flat
Cons
- A bit more expensive than similar products
Review: Great soft cat carrier, but the animal can only see from one side, the front, and the top. The cover of the pad is removable and machine washable. It is easy to clean.

Summary: The soft-sided carrier keeps your dog or cat comfortably contained when traveling. It features sizes that conform to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines. The carrier has front and top load openings, sturdy zipper closures, mesh ventilation panels, two connecting top handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The soft-sided pet carrier includes a removable base insert for easy cleaning, a leash clip for security, and a machine-washable fleece pad for comfort.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 10.2 x 11.2 inches
Material: Fleece
Weight Limit: 22 lbs
Pros
- Has carrying handles and adjustable shoulder strap
- Conforms to under-seat dimensions of most airlines
- The removable fleece pad is machine washable
- Has a lightweight and aesthetic design
- Made with sturdy materials that last a long time
Cons
- Except for the fleece pad, the bag is not machine washable
Review: The soft cat carrier is for accompanied travel only; never leave pets unattended in the carrier. When traveling by car, secure the carrier in the backseat.

Summary: This pet carrier has zippers that are made with an anti-escape construction. It also has a leash hook inside so that your cat cannot run away if it manages to escape from the bag. Additionally, it is easier to load your pets into this carrier as compared to most other carriers, thanks to one top opening and two side doors. Finally, it also features a luggage attachment and car seat belt straps that are included with this product.
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 11 inches
Material: Nylon
Weight Limit: 16 lbs
Pros
- The frame on the carrier is very sturdy
- The removable pad has a zipper on the end
- It collapses easy and is pretty flat
- Made with an aesthetic design
- No installation needed
Cons
- Might be difficult to carry in some cases
Review: The soft cat carrier is easy to store away as it can be easily collapsed and folded into a flat package. It is lightweight and highly durable.

Summary: This carrier fits the under-seat dimensions of most airlines. However, every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations. It is best to contact the airline before flying with your pet using a carrier. The pet carrier comes with a removable base insert that creates a solid surface for your pet to stand on. It also has a removable and hand-washable cozy fleece pet bed which offers a cozy sleeping space for your traveling pet.
Dimensions: 17.51 x 11.04 x 11.04 inches
Material: Fleece
Weight Limit: 16 lbs
Pros
- Perfect for small and medium-sized cats
- The product is extremely durable
- It is easy to clean and disassemble
- It is portable and keeps most pets calm
- Has a solid base so your pet can stand easily
Cons
- Has a distinct smell when new which needs to be cleaned out
Review: The soft cat carrier has handles and an adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used as a seatbelt. It also has a back strap that can fasten the carrier to your luggage.

Summary: This airline-approved pet carrier is designed with a 4-way expansion to make it easy for your pet cat to travel around. It also provides pets with a large moving space, better vision, more airflow, comfort, and safety, and even reduces confinement anxiety for a comfortable journey. This carrier is designed to comply with TSA and IATA requirements and will easily fit under the front cabin seat of most airline carriers.
Dimensions: 17.99 x 11.02 x 11.02 inches
Material: Polyester
Weight Limit: 14 lbs
Pros
- Designed with 4-way expansion for added comfort
- Provides large moving space, better vision, and more airflow
- Equipped with durable oxford and a hard PP board
- Features an anti-claw net for ventilation
- Made of durable materials
Cons
- Might be difficult to travel in cars with this
Review: This large and soft cat carrier is the perfect gift for pet lovers on birthdays, anniversaries, New Year, Christmas, and other holidays. It is durable and made with premium materials.
What Should I Look for in a Soft Cat Carrier?
There are a few features that you need to keep in mind before you choose the perfect soft carrier for your feline friend. Here are the most important considerations.
- Size. Ideally, you should get a carrier that is 1.5 times the size of your cat. This gives them room to move around and stretch out during travel. A small carrier can make your cat feel anxious and make them more aggressive. Therefore, it is best to consider the perfectly sized carrier for your feline friend.
- Durability. While most soft carriers are made with a fabric-like material, they need to be durable. They should also be able to withstand your cat’s sharp claws and teeth without being damaged much.
- Closures. Cats are unpredictable creatures and, therefore, can try and escape from a carrier if they are threatened. Therefore, your carrier should have strong closures that they cannot open or damage.
- Ease of Cleaning. Carriers need a good cleaning periodically in order to maintain good hygiene. This prevents the outbreak of various diseases that could harm your cat.
- Cost. Before you decide on a soft carrier, you need to decide a budget in mind. It might not be a good idea to buy an expensive one when a cheaper one can offer better features. Research the market before buying a carrier to understand your cat’s requirements and better fulfill them.
- AIRLINE APPROVED CARRIER - With airline-approved design, you can take your pet to go to everywhere. This pet carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying as a dual seat belt or luggage strap to secure transport
- SAFETY DESIGN - The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it more safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- DURABLE - This cat carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet