Cats are notoriously difficult to wrangle into carriers. Large cats can be even tougher, especially if the carrier you have isn’t the right size for your feline friend.
When you buy a new cat carrier, you want to make sure your cat will be comfortable in it and that they will have enough room to move around. The opening also needs to be large enough to easily get your husky cat into the carrier.
Our reviews will help you learn more about the different carriers out there for large cats and, hopefully, point you in the right direction to find the carrier that best fits your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
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Best Overall
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Sherpa Airline Approved Carrier |
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Best Value
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Frisco travel Pet Carrier Bag |
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Premium Choice
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Kopeks Backpack Pet Carrier |
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PetLuv Soft-Sided Cat Carrier |
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EliteField Airline-Approved Pet Carrier |
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The 10 Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats
1. Sherpa Travel Lattice Airline Approved Pet Carrier – Best Overall
| Dimensions: | 19” L x 11.5” H x 11.74” W |
| Product Weight: | 4.9 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 22 pounds |
| Features: | Top and side ventilation, locking zippers, soft liner |
The Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Lattice Print Airline Approved Pet Carrier carrier is our best overall cat carrier for large felines. This great carrier is airline compliant and provides plenty of space for your big cat to travel in comfort. The zippers lock for your peace of mind and your cat’s safety. The bag has an adjustable strap and mesh panels for ventilation. If your cat is difficult to coax into a carrier, the top and side loading options will make it easier for you to get them in. Overall, this carrier is a great choice if you want to travel with your husky feline friend.
- You may also like: 10 Best Airline-Approved Cat Carriers – Reviews & Top Picks
2. Frisco Premium Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag – Best Value
| Dimensions: | 17” L x 10.5” H x 11” W |
| Product Weight: | 2.3 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 16 pounds |
| Features: | Mesh panels, removable bed, locking zippers, pockets |
The Frisco Premium Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, Black is the best cat carrier for large cats for the money. The description says premium, but the price is a bargain. This carrier is airline compliant and provides space for your large feline to move around. It has an adjustable strap for your comfort and locking zippers for your peace of mind. There are also pockets for storing treats and toys to keep your cat entertained. The plush pad is removable and machine washable.
3. Kopeks Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier – Premium Choice
| Dimensions: | 13” L x 20” H x 17.5” W |
| Product Weight: | 7 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 18 pounds |
| Features: | 3 uses, wheels, locking zippers |
The Kopeks Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier, Large does it all! It has three uses: you can hold it by the handle, roll it like a suitcase, or wear it as a backpack. It can hold cats up to 18 pounds. The large storage pocket gives you a place to keep essentials when you travel. It is also approved by most airlines. The Kopeks deluxe backpack is available in three different colors as well. You will pay a little more, but you are getting a great, multi-use product for your money. The one drawback is this carrier is a little heavy, weighing 7 pounds when empty.
4. PetLuv Happy Cat Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
| Dimensions: | 24” L x 16” H x 16” W |
| Product Weight: | 8.8 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 20 pounds |
| Features: | Multiple entry points, privacy flaps, handle, locking zippers |
The PetLuv happy Cat Soft-sided Cat Carrier is a great cat carrier for large kitties. It has plenty of space for your bigger cat to stand up and turn around. There are four openings for easy cat entry. You can view your cat through the mesh side panels or put down the privacy flaps to give them quiet time. The zippers lock so that you don’t have to worry about keeping your feline friend safely inside. Cats also love to curl up on the soft, fluffy pillow inside the carrier. It is removable for easy cleaning too! The only quibble we have with this great carrier is that it’s a little heavy, weighing just under 9 pounds when empty. It is also not meant for airline travel but is great for cars.
5. EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag
| Dimensions: | 19” L x 13” H x 10” W |
| Product Weight: | 2.2 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 18 pounds |
| Features: | Mesh panels, storage pockets, padded strap |
The EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is another good option for the money. It has a padded strap for your comfort and can be secured to your luggage with the luggage strap. The inner pad is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. The mesh panels allow for ventilation and pet viewing. This carrier can hold cats up to 18 pounds, making it a good choice for large kitties. The top does not open, meaning the only entry points are the sides. This shouldn’t be a problem if you have an easy-going cat, but if your pet is resistant to the carrier, it may be difficult to get them inside without a fight.
6. SportPet Cat Carrier, X-Large
| Dimensions: | 18.75” L x 17.25” H x 23.13” W |
| Product Weight: | 6.41 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 35 pounds |
| Features: | Extra sturdy, can hold 2 cats, removable door |
If you are looking to transport one or even two large cats at the same time, then the SportPet Cat Carrier, X-Large might be a good choice for you. It is not meant for use on airplanes but is fine for car travel. The roomy interior provides plenty of space to move around. It also has a removable door for easy in and out. When not in use, you can fold the carrier for storage. This carrier also offers plenty of ventilation to allow your cat to breathe easily and see what is going on around them.
- Related Read: 10 Best Cat Beds for Large Cats — Reviews & Top Picks
7. Necoichi Portable Stress-Free Cat Cage
| Dimensions: | 20” L x 20” H x 31.8” W |
| Product Weight: | 2.91 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 30 pounds |
| Features: | Extra-large, mesh panels with roll-down flaps, straps for car travel |
If you are looking for a great option for car travel and a hotel stay, the Necoichi Portable Stress-Free Cat Cage will do the trick. The extra-large size makes it a comfortable place for your kitty to relax in the car and at your destination. It comes with a seat belt strap as well so you can secure your pet safely in the car. The side panels are mesh with flaps that can roll down for privacy. There is an additional travel litter box that fits nicely in the carrier, but it must be purchased separately. There are handles for carrying, but not a strap so it can be a little difficult to maneuver.
8. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
| Dimensions: | 21” L x 15” H x 16” W |
| Product Weight: | 6.02 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 15 pounds |
| Features: | Hard plastic shell, travel food and water cups, live animal sticker |
If you are looking for a carrier for airplane travel that does not have to be carried on, then the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier might be a good choice. This carrier is made from sturdy, recycled plastic. It has a strong wire mesh front for ventilation and protection. If your cat likes to scratch and you worry about the durability of a soft-sided carrier, you don’t have to worry about this carrier. It does not come with any pad or other soft lining material, so you would need to make sure your kitty has something to lay on before travel. This carrier also has a lower weight limit than most of our other top picks.
9. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Airline-Approved Pet Carrier Bag
| Dimensions: | 18” L x 11” H x 10.5” W |
| Product Weight: | 2.8 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 15 pounds |
| Features: | Locking zippers, padded shoulder strap, seat belt attachment |
This Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Airline-Approved pet Carrier Bag is a stylish choice for the feline traveler. It has locking zippers for pet security and a comfortable, padded shoulder strap and handles for you. There are also zippered storage pockets for holding treats and other essentials. The maximum cat weight is 15 pounds so this wouldn’t be a good choice if you have a heftier cat. Also, if your cat is a little skittish, there is only a privacy cover for the top. The sides are mesh only.
10. One for Pets Cat Show House
| Dimensions: | 42” L x 24” H x 24” W |
| Product Weight: | 8.8 pounds |
| Max cat weight: | 40 pounds |
| Features: | Multi-cat, handles, options for compartments |
If your large cat is a show cat, or if you have two husky felines that you want to take on a road trip, then this is a great option for car travel. It can hold up to four small cats or two large ones comfortably and provides each cat with its own space. You can purchase additional mats or hammocks to dress up the One for Pets Cat Show House as well. It is difficult to maneuver due to its large size and is not air travel approved.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Carrier for Large Cats
Now that you have read about our top picks for carriers for large cats, there are a few more pieces of information you should know to help you make the best choice for your needs.
What to Consider When Searching for Carriers for Large Cats
What Makes a Good Cat Carrier for a Large Cat?
The most important factor when choosing a carrier for a large cat is size. Your bigger kitty needs to be able to stand, turn around, and not exceed the weight limit. This is very important as a cat that is too heavy can break the straps or the bottom of the carrier, creating the potential for injuries and an escaped cat.
Larger cats also need a comfortable place to lay. Many of our top picks come with removable, machine-washable cushions which are great for comfort and convenience for you.
For your comfort and ease of use, a good carrier for a large cat should have openings that make it easy for you to get the cat into the carrier. Top-loading carriers may be easier for resistant cat loading. Padded straps and handles will make it more comfortable for you to carry your furry friend around. Some of our top picks even have wheels for extra ease in transportation.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to transporting a large kitty, our top pick, the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Lattice Print Airline Approved Pet Carrier has it all. It can contain your husky friend, has a washable liner, locking zippers, and is airline friendly. For the shopper on a budget, the Frisco Premium Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is a great value with many deluxe features. Now that you have read our reviews, you should feel comfortable choosing the best cat carrier for your needs!
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
