The 8 Best Kitten Carriers for New Cats To Travel Safely

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Whether you’re bringing a new kitten home for the first time or venturing to the vet for booster shots, a good cat carrier is a must. When choosing a cat carrier, factors such as your cat’s size and your preferred mode of travel come into play.

But what makes a kitten carrier unique? Do you even need to purchase a carrier designed specifically for kittens, or can you buy an adult carrier for your kitten to grow into?

To find the answers to these questions and more, we consulted veterinary experts Dr. Kristin Wuellner, DVM, a licensed veterinarian at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Dr. Grant Little, DVM and veterinary expert on JustAnswer. With their insight in mind, we’ve rounded up the best products to keep your kitten safe during travel.

Overall Best Kitten Carrier: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

Dr. Kristin Wuellner says, “As a veterinarian, there are two things that I consider the most important when shopping for a carrier: security and two points of entry.” No matter your cat’s age, the Sherpa Original pet carrier is a solid choice. It’s our top pick for under-the-seat airline transportation of your kitten. It also works well for car travel and vet visits.

This kitten carrier has excellent ventilation with both side and top zipper entrances (both lockable). It also has an outside pocket—which comes in handy for holding paperwork at the vet. We especially like that its included faux-fleece liner can be removed for machine washing.

Key Takeaways:

• Patented spring wire frame fits under-seat dimensions
• Mesh windows for visibility and ventilation
• Adjustable, padded carrying strap for comfort
• Removable, washable faux lambskin liner

Best Hard-Sided: Petmate Two-Door Top Loading Kennel

“Even more important than carrier size,” Dr. Wuellner says, “is acclimating your kitten to time in the carrier.” Because they’re inexpensive and easy to use, hard-sided carriers are a practical choice. Keep the carrier out in the open and make it cozy with blankets, a comfy cat bed, or a crate pad. Use treats to encourage your kitten to form a positive association with the carrier.

The rigid structure of a hard-sided carrier creates a sense of security for kittens who may be nervous in their new surroundings. Plus, as Dr. Grant Little notes, “If your cat vomits or urinates in a hard case carrier, you can open it up and wash the whole thing out.”

Durably constructed from rigid plastic with metal doors, this Petmate kennel is ideal for kittens and small cats weighing up to 10 pounds. With one door on the end and one on top, it’s easy to get your kitten in and out of the kennel. It’s ventilated all the way around and comes in several sizes and colors.

Key Takeaways:

• Good option for crate and carrier training
• Rigid materials are durable and easy to clean
• Two doors for easy entry and exit
• Ventilation all the way around

Best Soft-Sided: Sherpa Element Travel Pet Carrier

Hard-sided carriers like the previous model are great for carrier training and quick trips. For more extended car travel, however, a soft-sided carrier may be more practical. They’re less awkward to carry and can fit under a standard plane seat for air travel.

Dr. Wuellner says, “It’s most important for the carrier to be secure and as comfortable as possible for your kitten.” The Sherpa Element travel carrier is constructed from durable canvas with a machine-washable faux lambswool liner. It features waterproof zippers and a water-repellant coating inside and out. This makes it easy to wipe clean in case of accidents.

A luggage strap that doubles as a seatbelt pass-through provides added security during car trips. This kitten carrier also has escape-proof locking zippers and enables both top and side entry.

Key Takeaways:

• Water-repellent coating for easy cleaning
• Top and side zippered entries
• Luggage strap doubles as a seatbelt pass-through
• Locking zippers to prevent escape

Most Durable: EliteField Soft-Sided Kitten Carrier

Dr. Wuellner suggests that most fabric carriers are reasonably durable. “So long as you avoid materials like cardboard,” she says, “I wouldn’t worry too much about a cat clawing or chewing through.” That said, some materials are sturdier than others.

Made from thick nylon with a flexible frame, the EliteField soft-sided carrier is a practical pick. It offers front and side entry with plenty of mesh paneling for ventilation. With both a shoulder strap and reinforced handles, this carrier gives you several options for comfortable carry.

For car travel, a seatbelt loop on the back holds the carrier firmly in place. If you’re traveling by plane with your kitten, slide the loop over the telescoping handle on your luggage for hands-free carry. This kitten carrier is airline-approved (though always check with your specific carrier) with a collapsible frame that adjusts to under-seat storage.

Key Takeaways:

• Durable construction with water-resistant materials
• Padded shoulder strap and reinforced handles
• Seatbelt loop and luggage strap for secure travel
• Zippered entry on the front and side

Best Backpack Style: Fat Cat Backpack Carrier

It’s important to expose your kitten to new experiences while they’re young. What better way than to take them on outdoor adventures? Walking your cat with a leash and harness is great, but leash training takes time. In the meantime, load your kitten into a cat backpack for walks around the neighborhood.

Not only do backpack-style carriers give you the ultimate degree of flexibility in transporting your cat, but Dr. Little recommends them as a convenient alternative for older individuals and those who simply prefer to keep their hands free.

Our Rover test kitties thoroughly enjoy the Fat Cat backpack. Its roomy interior keeps your kitten comfy while the futuristic bubble front gives them an unobstructed view. Snag-resistant materials hold up against sharp kitten claws, and an internal bungee clips to your kitten’s collar or harness for added security.

Key Takeaways:

• Great alternative for hands-free carry
• Distributes your kitten’s weight across your back and shoulders
• Roomy interior with snag-resistant lining
• Bubble front gives your cat a full view of the outside world

Best Sling Carrier: SlowTon Adjustable Hard Bottom Cat Sling

As you work to build a bond with your new kitten, it’s important to spend as much time together as possible. Carrying your cat in a sling as you work around the house is a simple way to do it. Some kittens also find it comforting to be held close. Keep in mind that sling carriers are not recommended for travel.

Similar to a standard kitten carrier, this SlowTon sling is worn over one shoulder. It features a wide, adjustable shoulder strap and ergonomic bearing board for your comfort. The rigid base also gives your kitten better support.

To keep your kitten secure inside the sling, this model features a mesh mouth. Simply place your kitten inside, attach the safety belt to your kitten’s harness or collar, and close the drawstring around their neck. It should be tight enough to prevent escape but loose enough for comfort.

Key Takeaways:

• Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort
• Ergonomic bearing board for support
• Drawstring mouth to prevent escape
• Safety belt attached to harness or collar

Most Versatile: KOPEKS Deluxe Backpack Kitten Carrier

According to Dr. Wuellner, “The ideal carrier should be easily carried, well-structured, have two points of entry, and be ventilated with a clear view of your kitten.” There’s no need to purchase different carriers as your kitten grows. Rather, Dr. Wuellner recommends purchasing an adult carrier and using soft blankets or towels of varying sizes to fill in any excess space as your kitten grows.

This backpack-style carrier offers versatility throughout your cat’s growth and development. When they’re small, you can wear the backpack or use the carry handle. If your cat gets hefty as they age, you’ll appreciate being able to roll this carrier around.

The KOPEKS backpack carrier is constructed from heavy-duty Oxford fabric with a solid, reinforced bottom. Three mesh panels offer visibility and ventilation. It’s suitable for cats up to 18 pounds and meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Versatile 3-in-1 design
• Made from heavy-duty Oxford fabric
• Mesh panels provide visibility and ventilation
• Solid base for supporting cats up to 18 pounds

Best for Anxious Kittens: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

Between assimilating in a new home and frequent trips to the vet, life can be anxiety-inducing for a young kitten. Security is of the utmost importance when you and your kitten leave home. It’s imperative that you choose a carrier that keeps your kitten safe and prevents them from escaping. “If chewing is a concern,” Dr. Wuellner comments, “perhaps opt for a hard plastic carrier over a fabric one.”

Hard-sided carriers come with their own risks, however. Dr. Little warns that anxious kittens intent on escape could get their claws stuck in the metal doors. A soft-sided carrier made from snag-resistant material may be a better choice.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed combines sturdy materials with a comforting design. The base is a round, padded bed with plush lining. The mesh top is made from luggage-grade nylon. If your kitten is feeling nervous, they can tuck into the bed. When they’re feeling more comfortable, the rounded top gives them room to sit up and survey their surroundings.

The Sleepypod is also unique in that it’s one of few pet carriers to undergo extensive crash testing in the car and pass with flying colors.

Key Takeaways:

• Comforting yet secure for nervous kittens
• Doubles as a travel bed
• Outside made from luggage-grade nylon
• Washable lining and water-resistant foam liner

How We Chose

We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.

We prioritized kitten carriers with sturdy materials and features to ensure safety and comfort for cats as well as convenience and usability for cat owners. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated kittens, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• The Best Cat Carriers for Taking Your Cat Anywhere
• From Cat Backpacks to Totes: What To Know About Picking a Safe Carrier for Your Kitty
• How I Moved Across the Country with My Cat
• Review: The “Fat Cat” Backpack Is Our New Favorite Way to Travel with a Cat
• Meet the World’s Most Functional Cat Stroller for Going Outside with Your Cat