10 Best Cat Carriers for Car Travel in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you want to take your cat on road trips, or just want to get them to the vet in one piece, you need a great cat carrier for the car. There are many choices out there that vary in terms of quality, safety, and comfort.

You want to find the best carrier for your cat, but it’s tough to navigate the many options. Don’t worry, though! Our reviews will make it easy for you to find the best cat carrier for your needs.

A Quick Glance at our Favorites in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		SP Pet Car Seat Crate	Can hold a litter box Secures to seat belts and headrests Large size for comfort and movement	Check Price
Best Value		Necoichi Collapsible Cat Carrier	Water-resistant Ventilation windows Collapsible for easy storage	Check Price
Premium Choice		ibiyaya 5-in-1 Airline Pet Carrier & Stroller	Great for car trips Can be used as a backpack Comes with a stroller attachment	Check Price
		petisfam Pet Medium Cat Carrier	Adjustable shoulder strap Plush, comfortable interior Easy to load cat in and out	Check Price
		Pet Gear Traveler Pet Backpack	Multi-use product Secure, breathable mesh Removable, washable padding	Check Price

The 10 Best Cat Carriers for Car Travel

Our best overall cat carrier for car travel is the SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate Carrier. This carrier is made specifically for long car trips. It securely attaches to the back seat of your car with seat belt loops and headrest straps. There is enough room in the carrier for a small travel litter box as well as food and water bowls. The sides are made of soft mesh and each end has a hard plastic shell with a wire door to make it easier for you to load your cat into the carrier. The only drawback is the size—this is a large carrier meant to fill most of your back seat.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use carrier for short trips to the vet, then the Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Cat Carrier for Travel is a great choice. This is our best cat carrier for car travel for the money. It is lightweight, made of a sturdy fabric, folds easily for storage, is water-resistant, and has large ventilation windows. It has a small footprint that will easily fit on the floor of the backseat of your cat. This carrier is not meant for long road trips, however, but it is a fine, affordable option for short ones.

If you are the adventurous type with an equally curious kitty who wants to go on adventures with you, then the EVA Airline-Approved Cat Carrier & StrollerIbiyaya 5-in-1 Combo Carrier is perfect for your needs! This deluxe option has it all. You can use it as a car seat by securing it with a seat belt. The back has straps that allow you to carry it as a backpack. Then there is a stroller attachment that you can use when you have extra stuff to carry. The carrier itself also has wheels so you can pull it like a suitcase too! All of these options make for a flexible carrier that also doesn’t shy away from comfort. The inside is softly padded so your cat will be comfortable on all of your adventures.

This petisfam Cat Carrier for Car Travel is a great option for cat comfort and value. It has a plush interior pad with a machine-washable cover. The sides are made of a durable mesh for good ventilation and visibility for your cat. The three different openings make it easier to get your cat in and out of the carrier. There are also seat belt straps for safety in the car. The biggest drawback is the lack of padding in the shoulder straps. If you plan on carrying the carrier for a longer distance, it may be uncomfortable on your shoulders.

If you are looking for a multi-use carrier at a lower price than our deluxe option, then this is the carrier for you! The Pet Gear I-GO Plus Traveler Rolling Cat Carrier & Backpack is a backpack, roller bag, car seat, and carrier all in one. It does not require any tedious assembly and is easy to use. For safety in the car, you can securely fasten this carrier with a seat belt. Your cat will appreciate the comfortable, fleece-lined pad that you can remove and wash when needed. One thing to be aware of is storage. If you are short on space, this carrier does not collapse and fold up like some of the others on our list.

The OMORC Airline Approved Cat Carrier is a good choice if you are traveling and then staying somewhere for the night. The expandable sides give your cat more space to stretch out after a long car ride. It can attach securely to your car seat when not expanded for your cat’s safety. The interior is only 9.4 inches in height when the bottom pad is inserted, making this a better choice for smaller cats rather than large ones. The maximum weight it can carry is 15 pounds.

The morpilot Cat Travel Carrier Bag is a nice value for car rides with your cat. It has a super-soft removable bed inside for ultimate cat comfort. The carrier easily buckles in with your car seat belts for safety and security. It even comes with a collapsible dish for food or water on the road. The detachable shoulder strap is padded for your comfort. This is a good choice for smaller cats as the top opening is a bit of a tight fit for huskier kitties. The weight limit is 15 pounds.

If you have a heavy or feisty cat, then you may want to consider the Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel. The top-loading door feature makes it easier to get a resistant cat into the carrier while the weight maximum is 20 pounds. This basic kennel does not have some of the frills of the other choices here, but it will get your cat where they need to go safely. Even though it lacks seat belt loops, you can rest this carrier securely on the floor of your backseat.

If you are looking for the ultimate carrier for cat safety and security, then you may want to check out the Sherpa Forma Frame Cat Carrier Bag. This heavy-duty carrier has both seat belt straps and a built-in tether system for great security. It has a comfortable liner for your cat and three ventilation windows. It can also be used for cats of all sizes as the maximum weight is 35 pounds. The biggest drawback is the price. This is one of the most expensive options on our list.

The Sleepypod Atom Pet Carrier is not made for large cats. However, if you have a petite kitty and want a safe, secure way to transport them in the car, this might be a good choice for you. The Sleepypod is made with your cat’s safety in mind. It can attach securely with your seat belt and has thick padding on the sides for protection. It is a little on the pricey side but does a great job of keeping your small cat safe in the car.

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

Now that you have read about our top picks for cat carriers for car travel, let’s take a look at some things you should consider when selecting the best carrier for your needs.

• See also: 11 Best Cat Carriers – Reviews & Top Picks

Things to Consider

• Related Read: 11 Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers: Reviews & Top Picks

Final Thoughts

Car travel with your cat doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are plenty of great carrier options in our reviews to meet your needs. For space and security in the car, our best overall pick, the SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate, is a great choice. When you are looking for an affordable option for short car trips, the Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Cat Carrier Bag will do the job. For the adventurous family and cat, investing in the ibiyaya 5-in-1 Combo will give you everything you need.

• You may also be interested in: How to Get a Cat into a Carrier: 9 Proven Methods That Actually Work