Getting a cat into a cat carrier is rarely smooth sailing. It can quickly become a stressful experience for your pet and for you, but having one of the best cat carriers that’s sturdy and cleverly designed can make it a little less of a struggle.
From choosing the right cat food that fits our pets needs, to finding the most comfortable pet bed they’ll actually favour over the cardboard they inexplicably love, we want the best for our four legged feline friend. With this in mind, we consulted with a vet on what to look for, and what to avoid when it comes to choosing a cat carrier.
According to Blue Cross vet Anna Ewers Clark, you should avoid the novelty “spaceman” backpacks and focus on practicality. Ideally, you want a carrier that offers privacy, good ventilation, and is easy to take apart. As Clark notes, carriers with removable lids are “incredibly helpful when trying to get your cat out at the vets without causing stress,” saving you from the indignity of having to shake them out like ketchup from a bottle.
It usually comes down to hard plastic versus soft fabric. Soft carriers can feel more like a cosy, enclosed bed, which Clark says may help soothe anxious cats that associate hard-sided carriers with stressful trips. Hard carriers, meanwhile, are easier to clean and much better at stopping any Houdini-style escape attempts.
To help you choose, our IndyBest cat owners have been testing some of the best cat carriers to keep your very furry friend safe and secure.
Read more: 11 best cat foods, reviewed by pet owners
The best cat carriers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Catit cabrio top-opening cat carrier: £88.71 Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Pets at Home roadrunner wire door carrier for cats and dogs, medium: £24, Petsathome.com
- Best for top access – Ferplast atlas 20 deluxe: £37, Petsathome.com
- Best expandable design – Petsfit expandable pet carrier: £36.09, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: We test Furbo, the treat-tossing dog cam