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Pets Crates

Best Soft-Sided Carriers for Cats

Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Jennifer has a decade-plus of experience testing the best products on the market, leading her neighbors to ask if she ever stops vacuuming.

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Sherpa
Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Customer Favorite

An affordable and approved way to keep your pets safe on the flight for an affordable cost.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

An affordable and approved way to keep your pets safe on the flight for an affordable cost.

Pros

This TSA-approved pet carrier helps keep pets safe in the car and on airplane rides alike. Locking zippers keep it closed. The mesh window allows you to see each other so your pet feels safe. It's padded, with a no-slip strap and washable lambskin liner, for accidents.

Cons

There are sturdier options out there. Not much extra space for storage.

Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Amazon Basics
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Bargain Buy

Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.

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Bargain Buy
Bottom Line

Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.

Pros

This carrier was made to take a plane or car ride with ease. Zippered openings at the top and side offer versatility and convenience. The fleece pad is comfortable for them, and easy to clean for you. It conforms to most airline seat dimensions

Cons

Some find the 22-pound weight limit to be too heavy; be careful.

ZaneSun Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
ZaneSun
Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Best for Short Trips

We like this stylish, low-cost carrier for short trips or vet appointments.

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Best for Short Trips
Bottom Line

We like this stylish, low-cost carrier for short trips or vet appointments.

Pros

Very soft and portable, yet protective of feline occupants. Handles and adjustable shoulder strap have decent padding. Includes a storage pocket for stowing small items. Choice of several attractive colors.

Cons

Some longevity concerns noted. Mesh panels are smaller than those of some competitors. Not the best for extended airline travel.

X-ZONE PET Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
X-ZONE PET
Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
Feature-Packed

This sturdy carrier offers several nice features that make it a worthwhile investment.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This sturdy carrier offers several nice features that make it a worthwhile investment.

Pros

Wide mesh panels provide comfortable breathability. Fleece mat offers comfort and support, plus is easy to clean. Has a sturdy frame, top handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Choice of medium or large, as well as several colors.

Cons

Concerns about the fit under some airline seats. Several customers gripe about torn material and broken zippers.

NECOICHI Stress-Free Series Portable Cat Carrier
NECOICHI
Stress-Free Series Portable Cat Carrier
Most Portable

A unique, highly portable soft carrier that's best for calm cats that are used to traveling.

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Most Portable
Bottom Line

A unique, highly portable soft carrier that's best for calm cats that are used to traveling.

Pros

Boasts an ergonomic design with outstanding ventilation. Comfortable for most cats, while also lightweight enough for owners to carry. Folds easily into a compact size when not in use.

Cons

Nervous cats that don't like to be crated may be able to get out of this carrier. Strong chemical smell is likely to fade with use.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
July 10, 2021
33
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Our Top Picks
Sherpa
Best of the Best
Sherpa
Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Bottom Line
An affordable and approved way to keep your pets safe on the flight for an affordable cost.
Shop Now
Amazon Basics
Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Bottom Line
Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.
Shop Now
ZaneSun
Top Pick
ZaneSun
Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
Bottom Line
We like this stylish, low-cost carrier for short trips or vet appointments.
Shop Now
X-ZONE PET
Top Pick
X-ZONE PET
Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
Bottom Line
This sturdy carrier offers several nice features that make it a worthwhile investment.
Shop Now
NECOICHI
Top Pick
NECOICHI
Stress-Free Series Portable Cat Carrier
Bottom Line
A unique, highly portable soft carrier that's best for calm cats that are used to traveling.
Shop Now
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