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Home > Cats > 10 Best Cat Carriers in the UK in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Cat Carriers in the UK in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

cat with pee pads in carrier

As a cat owner, you know that traveling with a cat is not always easy. Getting your feline into a cat carrier can be very stressful for both you and your kitty. When you need to travel with your cat when taking trips like to the vet or someone else’s home, it’s important to use the right carrier.

Cat carriers come in many sizes, styles, and colours, and can be either soft or hard. If your cat is docile, a soft carrier should suffice but if he tends to scratch and bite when stressed, a hard carrier can stand up to the abuse. The bottom line is that you need an appropriate carrier that will keep your little passenger purring. We’ve put together some cat carrier reviews to make it easier to sort through the many choices you have.

divider-catA Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag
  • Airline-approved
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Comes with food bowl and adjustable shoulder strap
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Pecute Cat Carrier Pecute Cat Carrier
  • Versatile
  • Two wide openings for easy access
  • Many exterior pockets
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Petsfit Expandable Large Cat Carrier Petsfit Expandable Large Cat Carrier
  • Versatile
  • Lots of mesh for good air circulation
  • Airline-approved
  • Dotala Cat Travel Carrier Bag Dotala Cat Travel Carrier Bag
  • Airline-approved
  • Durable, practical, and washable
  • Collapsable
  • Amazon Basics 48-centimeter Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel Amazon Basics 48-centimeter Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
  • Sturdy
  • Great for short trips
  • Good ventilation
  • The 10 Best Cat Carriers in the UK

    1. Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag – Best Overall

    Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag (1)

    Size: 30L x 7.6W x 42H centimetres
    Material:  Polyester
    Weight:  1.58 kilograms

    The Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag is the overall best cat carrier in the UK because it’s packed with features. This is a soft, medium-sized carrier made of durable polyester that’s airline-approved. This carrier has a zipped top and side mesh opening for easy access and good air circulation. This carrier has an outside pocket you can use for treats and other small items you need for your cat like a collar and leash.

    We like that this carrier comes with a collapsible food bowl. We also like that it has a top handle and a padded adjustable strap so you can carry it like a tote bag or a shoulder bag. This handsome carrier comes with a removable soft cushion you can take out and machine wash if your cat makes a mess.

    This lightweight soft carrier is easy to carry, has a sturdy bottom, and is very well-made. One downside is that there is not much room inside for your cat to move about. Therefore, it may not be the right carrier for a larger cat that weighs more than 5 or 6 kilograms.

    Overrall, we think this is the best cat carrier you’ll find in the UK in 2024.

    Pros
    • Airline-approved
    • Lightweight and durable
    • Comes with food bowl and adjustable shoulder strap
    Cons
    • Not very roomy

    2. Pecute Cat Carrier – Best Value

    Pecute Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 44L x 34W x 27H centimetres
    Material:  PVC and oxford cloth
    Weight:  1.69 kilograms

    If you like to take your cat on walks and hikes, you can do so very easily using this expandable cat carrier by Pecute. We consider this the best cat carrier for the money because it’s super versatile, durable, and comes with plenty of extra features.

    This portable cat carrier can be expanded to give your cat more room and comfort for those important trips to the vet or when out exploring the world. There’s a safety lead attached to the inside of the carrier to prevent your cat from accidentally escaping or falling out. The carrier is designed to be worn on your back and features padded shoulder straps. There’s a top opening and a wide side door for easy access and both feature breathable mesh that allows your cat to see out.

    The PVC and oxford cloth build looks nice and it’s durable. However, the oxford cloth may be problematic to clean. We do like that this carrier has several exterior pockets for things like your phone, a collapsible dish, a leash, etc.

    This carrier is best for cats that weigh between 4 and 8 kilograms even though the manufacturer says it can be used for cats weighing up to 10 kilograms.  It’s a bit of a hassle to fold this expandable carrier up when putting it away in storage. It is a good choice for walks, trips, visiting the vet, trains, and buses.

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Two wide openings for easy access
    • Many exterior pockets
    • Great for trips to vet, walks, trains, buses
    Cons
    • Not ideal for big heavy cats
    • Oxford cloth may be difficult to clean
    • Tricky to fold up

    3. Petsfit Expandable Large Cat Carrier– Premium Choice

    Petsfit Expandable Large Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 48.3L x 30.5W x 30.5H centimetres
    Material:  PVC
    Weight:  1.5 kilograms

    This carrier by Petsfits is an expandable, airline-approved, washable pet carrier with two extensions, making it suitable for long trips as it allows your cat to move about. This is a soft carrier with a mesh design for good ventilation. It’s suitable for cats weighing up to 6 kilograms and it’s an easy carrier to wash using soap and warm water.

    One feature we really like about this carrier is that it has two pop-outs on either side. You can either use the carrier as it is or pop out one side or both, making it very versatile. We also like that this carrier has two wide zippered openings and comes in three colour choices. We do think this carrier is overpriced considering it’s not suitable for large cats and all the mesh used is prone to ripping.

    This Petsfits carrier comes with a few extras like a shoulder strap, a soft fleece mat, and side pockets for storing items. Despite its price, this cat carrier is a premium choice that offers many features.

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Lots of mesh for good air circulation
    • Airline-approved
    • Not ideal for heavy cats over 7 kilos
    Cons
    • Overpriced
    • Mesh is prone to ripping

    4. Dotala Cat Travel Carrier Bag –   Best for Kittens

    Dotala Cat Travel Carrier Bag

    Size: 39.9 x 19.8 x 30 centimetres
    Material:  Waterproof PVC
    Weight:  4 kilograms

    If you have a kitten, you can safely transport your young cat in this Dotala Cat Travel Carrier Bag that offers enough room for your kitty to feel comfortable and safe. This carrier is made from a lightweight, waterproof, soft PVC material that’s easy to keep clean.

    This collapsible carrier is a bit heavy for its relatively small size as it weighs 4 kilograms which is more than many of the other soft-sided carriers in our reviews. However, this is a good basic cat carrier without a lot of bells and whistles. This is also one of the most affordable carriers in our reviews, making it a great choice for budget-conscious cat owners. This carrier comes in black, blue, and pink and it has carrying handles and an adjustable padded shoulder strap. There’s a padded travel bed inside that’s removable for easy washing.

    A downside to this carrier is that it has a half-zip opening on one end, which we think is a bit odd, and just one full zippered opening on the other. However, both ends have mesh panels for good breathability, which is a plus! There’s a mesh side pocket on this carrier for a leash or cat treats which could rip with regular use. It would have been better to make the pocket more durable, considering it’s the only one. Overall, we consider this a great carrier that’s well-suited for a kitten or a small cat.

    Pros
    • Airline-approved
    • Durable, practical, and washable
    • Collapsable
    • Affordable
    • Choice of colours
    Cons
    • Only one side pocket made of mesh
    • Carrier is on the heavy side
    • Just one full opening

    5. Amazon Basics 48-centimeter Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

    Amazon Basics 48-centimeter Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel (1)

    Size: 48L x 30W x 25H centimetres
    Material:  Plastic
    Weight:  1.38 kilograms

    You can safely and conveniently get your cat from point A to point B using this Amazon Basics carrier. It has two steel doors with one on top and one on the front for easy access. This is one of the most durable carriers in our reviews that’s made of thick plastic. It’s strong, has plenty of ventilation for your cat, and will work great for quick trips when visiting family or the vet but not ideal for long journeys due to its simple and basic design.

    The size of this carrier makes it best suited for cats weighing between 4 and 5 kilograms. If your cat is larger than that, he may feel cramped inside this hard-sided carrier. If you need a durable, long-lasting cat carrier with a single top handle, this affordable product from Amazon Basics won’t disappoint.

    This carrier must be assembled by screwing together the parts. Assembling the cage is a bit awkward as getting the parts to fit together like they should isn’t the easiest task to accomplish. We were surprised that this carrier only weighs 1.58 kilograms because it looks much heavier. This is a good affordable option if you only take your cat for quick trips around town. This hard-sided carrier may not be best if you’re pinched for room at home or in your car because it’s not collapsible.

    Pros
    • Sturdy
    • Great for short trips
    • Good ventilation
    Cons
    • Must be assembled
    • Doesn’t fold up
    • Not suitable for large cats

    6. Kaka Mall Soft-Sided Portable Pet Carrier

    Kaka Mall Soft-Sided Portable Pet Carrier (1)

    Size: 43L x 23W x 29H centimetres
    Material:  PVC
    Weight:  1 kilogram

    This lightweight pet carrier by Kaka Mall made it on our list of reviews for a couple of reasons. First, the carrier comes in a wide assortment of great colours so you can pick one that matches your lifestyle. This is a relatively small carrier made of robust PVC that’s very budget-friendly. This carrier is rather basic, but it is made of lightweight, waterproof materials. The bag has a half-zip opening on one end and a full zip opening on the other that both have mesh panels so your cat can see out and breathe freely.

    Another reason we like this bag is that it has both carrying handles and adjustable padded shoulder straps. It comes with a fleece pad for your cat that can be removed for easy cleaning. This is another airline-approved collapsible bag that’s ideal for long-distance travel and short trips around town.

    This bag is on the flimsy side and doesn’t feel like top-shelf quality. However, since it’s available in several colors and it won’t bust your budget, we consider it a good choice if you’re looking for simplicity.

    Pros
    • Several color choices
    • Carrying handles and shoulder straps
    • Budget-friendly
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • The bag is a bit flimsy

    7. PetsHome Premium Leather Cat Carrier

    PetsHome Premium Leather Cat Carrier

    Size: 38.5L x 21W x 25H centimetres
    Material:  Premium PU Leather
    Weight:  6 kilograms

    If style is important to you, you may love this cat carrier made of faux leather that’s studded with gold hardware. The PU leather material is waterproof, so your cat won’t get wet if it rains. This cat carrier or purse carrier as it’s also called has two long handles for easy carrying and a full zippered top opening with mesh windows on the sides so your cat can look out.

    This carrier comes in a wide assortment of colors so finding one you like should be easy. This is a cute carrier that will turn many heads when you’re on the move with your cat, but we question its longevity. As you may know, faux leather isn’t known to be super durable or long-lasting. Plus, this carrier has lots of gold-colored hardware that we suspect will loosen and fall off as you use the bag. The carrier comes with two memory foam pads for the bottom and features roll-up flaps on the top and sides you can adjust to your liking.

    This carrier is best suited for the style-conscious cat owner with a small to medium-sized cat. This isn’t a carrier we’d recommend for long-distance traveling but rather for short quick trips because the interior is cramped.

    Pros
    • Stylish and compact
    • Waterproof
    • Many colour choices
    Cons
    • May not last long
    • Gold-coloured hardware may loosen and fall off

    8. Siivton Pet Carrier

    Siivton Pet Carrier (1)

    Size: 45.7L x 27.9W x 27.9H centimetres
    Material:  Fabric
    Weight:  1.74 kilograms

    This handsome and versatile cat carrier can be expanded on all four of its sides by unzipping the zipper pulls. While this is great for giving your cat more room, the mesh windows on the expansions are not very durable and are prone to ripping. If you have a medium or large-sized cat, he will fit in this carrier with no problems and may love all the room so much (and the included soft pad) that he’ll fall asleep as soon as you put him inside!

    There are a couple of ways to carry this carrier. You can use the two padded hand straps and carry it like a duffle bag, use the shoulder strap to sling it over your shoulder. The carrier is made of a mesh fabric cloth material that’s breathable. It has a non-slip bottom on the exterior, a side pocket, and a clip inside for added security if you need it.

    A negative thing about this carrier by Siivton is that it must be dry-cleaned when it gets dirty. This makes the bag impractical and not very wallet-friendly as we all know dry cleaning can be costly. We included this carrier in our reviews of the best because it’s one of the most versatile choices with a great design. It’s also surprisingly affordable considering all you get!

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Expands on all four sides
    • Lots of room inside
    Cons
    • Must be dry-cleaned when dirty
    • Mesh windows are not durable

    9. Catit Cabrio Cat Carrier

    Catit Cabrio Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 51L x 33H x 35W centimetres
    Material:  Plastic
    Weight:  3 kilograms

    If you want to take your cat in your car, you can place your furry pet inside the Catit Cabrio carrier and secure it with a regular seatbelt. This carrier is very sturdy, and it comes in three color choices. It’s a roomy carrier with a top handle, an included shoulder strap, and a skid-resistant textured floor so your cat doesn’t slide around during transport.

    This cat carrier must be assembled which can be a daunting task since the included directions are confusing. Once you manage to get it together, keep an eye on the door because it can dislodge itself which isn’t a good thing when you need to keep your cat safe and secure!

    This carrier is nice and roomy inside and suitable for most cats. It’s not made of a very forgiving material as the plastic is stiff and hard. However, this is a good choice if you need a carrier you can strap into your car to take short trips across town with your cat.

    Pros
    • Straps into car seat belts
    • Sturdy
    • Skid-resistant textured floor
    • Roomy
    Cons
    • Difficult to assemble
    • Door can come loose

    10. AJY Cat Carrier

    AJY Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 58.4L x 33.8W x 13.8H centimetres
    Material:  Faux leather and plastic
    Weight:  2.09 kilograms

    Finally on our list of the best cat carriers in the UK is this one by a company called AJY. This is a unique cat carrier with a space capsule look. This carrier allows your cat to look around while you’re out and about via the big clear plastic bubble dome. The carrier has an expandable back panel to give your cat more room to move around.

    This carrier is made to be worn on your back via the two adjustable shoulder straps. The straps are padded for extra comfort. The carrier features anti-rust vent holes and a zippered front opening for easy access.

    While we love the futuristic design of this cat carrier, it is bulkier than most, due to the large clear viewing bubble on the front. The plastic viewing bubble is also prone to scratching and breaking. Even though the carrier has air vents, the inside can get warm on a hot and sunny day which can cause your cat some discomfort.

    If you want to be seen when you’re out with your cat, this carrier will definitely do the trick! It’s a good choice if you want to carry your cat hands-free and it’s a comfortable carrier to wear.

    Pros
    • Big viewing bubble
    • Expandable back panel
    • Hand-free design
    Cons
    • Clear plastic bubble can scratch or break
    • Bulky

    divider-cat

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Carrier

    When you’re in the market for a cat carrier, you have lots of choices. There are hard plastic cat carriers, soft carriers made of fabric or PVC, backpack-style carriers, and some that look like space capsules! All these choices may make the whole process of choosing the right one seems overwhelming to say the least. But don’t worry because we’re here to help!

    There are a few important things to consider when finding the right cat carrier for you and your feline. Some factors to consider include:

    • Your budget
    • The size of your cat and his temperament
    • The style of carrier you’d like
    • What features you need

    When you determine how much you want to spend, the size of your cat and his temperament, the style you’d like, and what features you need, it will be easy to find the perfect cat carrier! We recommend soft-sided carriers to pet owners who have docile cats. On the other hand, hard carriers like those made of plastic are better for cats that tend to scratch and bite.

    A good rule of thumb to follow is to measure and weigh your cat before buying a cat carrier. As you read through the reviews above, you’ll notice that the carrier dimensions are included as well as the max weight the carriers can hold.  If you know how big your cat is and how much he weighs, you’ll know what carriers are right for you and which aren’t.

    cat-in-carrier
    Image credit: Zossia, Shutterstock

    divider-catConclusion

    We hope our reviews of the best cat carriers in the UK have helped you find the perfect model. We highly recommend the Morpilot and Pecute cat carriers that are our top two choices. Both carriers are versatile, roomy, and have all the right features to keep you and your cat happy and comfortable during travel. Please take the time needed to carefully read through all our reviews so you can see what is out there before pulling the trigger and buying a cat carrier.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: shamek, Shutterstock

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