10 Best Cat Carriers 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 4-Doors Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate is a spacious option, measuring 36 x 24 x 24 inches, suitable for cats, small dogs, rabbits, and similar-sized pets. Its soft-sided design with a water-resistant base balances comfort and practicality, making it gentle for your pet while protecting floors. Ventilation is addressed well through multiple doors, including a top door that lets in sunlight and fresh air, which helps keep your pet comfortable. Security is enhanced with zipper lock clips on the front and side doors, reducing the chance of your pet escaping during travel or indoor use.

Portability is a strong point here: it folds down quickly without tools, weighs just under 11 pounds, and includes a carrying handle plus a padded shoulder strap for easier transport. The removable fleece pet bed adds a cozy touch, making it a good resting spot. When it comes to cleaning, the water-resistant base helps prevent messes from soaking through, but the soft fabric sides might require more careful wiping or spot cleaning compared to hard crates.

Soft-sided crates typically offer less protection against rough handling and are best suited for calm pets or indoor use rather than intense outdoor activities or car travel. This crate represents a solid choice for pet owners who want a lightweight, easy-to-carry, comfortable, and secure space for their cats or small animals during short trips or home use.

The Petmate Dog Crate, sized at 24 inches, is a solid option for small cats and dogs up to 15 pounds. Its plastic material makes it lightweight (just over 5 pounds) and easy to clean, which is a big plus for busy pet owners. Ventilation is well thought out, with plenty of holes around the crate that allow fresh air and visibility, helping to keep pets comfortable and less stressed during travel.

Security is addressed by steel doors with simple squeeze latches, offering reliable containment while allowing easy access through both the top and front doors. This two-door design also adds convenience, especially when placing or removing your pet. The crate is airline approved for cargo use, making it suitable for pet owners who travel by air, although it’s important to check specific airline requirements. Portability is improved with a foldable handle, making it easier to carry when you’re on the move.

Comfort for pets is considered with enough space to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, and there’s room to add a cushion for extra coziness. One downside is that assembly is required, which might be a little inconvenient if you prefer ready-to-use carriers. Also, while the plastic shell is easy to clean by hand washing, it might not be as durable or attractive as metal or fabric carriers. This carrier is well suited for pet owners needing a secure, well-ventilated, and travel-friendly crate for small cats or dogs, especially for those who prioritize ease of cleaning and portability.

The Henkelion Large Soft Sided Cat and Pet Carrier is a roomy option for cats or small dogs up to 25 pounds, measuring about 20 x 13 x 13 inches. Its soft-sided design uses durable polyester with mesh panels on four sides, which helps with ventilation and lets you easily keep an eye on your pet during travel. While it’s not approved for airline travel under the seat, it works well for car rides, visits to the vet, or daily outings. The carrier is lightweight and folds flat, making it easy to store and carry, especially with the adjustable shoulder strap and handles for hands-free convenience. Its material is machine washable, so cleaning is straightforward.

The interior space and breathable mesh make it reasonably comfortable for pets on short trips, but it lacks extra padding inside. Security-wise, the mesh sides provide some protection, but since it's soft-sided, it may not offer as much protection as hard carriers. This design also means pets could potentially push out if left unsupervised. This carrier suits pet owners looking for a portable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean option for everyday travel rather than airline use. It’s best for pets who don’t mind soft carriers and are comfortable being confined in a mesh-sided bag. Just be sure to measure your pet’s length and height carefully, as the size fits up to 25 pounds but is more about physical dimensions than weight alone.