Cat Carriers Recommended By TCS Members

If you have a cat, a cat carrier is one item you absolutely must-have. With the exception of walking a trained cat with a harness and leash, you should never take your cat outside unless she's secured inside a cat carrier. Emergencies, medical or otherwise, are always a possibility, so you should have enough carriers for all of your cats.

Carriers come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. The cat carrier should be -

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• Large enough to comfortably accommodate your cat.
• Sturdy and strong.
• Easy to open and shut.
• Easy to clean (accidents can and will happen!)
• Easy to carry, with comfortable handles.
• With no cracks or dents. These can weaken the carrier and make it unsafe for your cat.
• Pink.

Ok, just kidding about pink. It can be any color you'd like it to be. Your cat couldn't care less about the color of the carrier, so please make sure the other parameters are met, and only then choose the color.

Keeping in mind these considerations, here are five cat carriers that our members like and recommend:

Petmate Pet Taxi Fashion Kennel

This popular model is sturdy and durable, easy to take apart and clean, and offers a convenient solution for transporting your cat. Available in three sizes, small, medium, and large, it has everything you need in a cat carrier and comes with a reasonable price tag.

We have two of these carriers and they've stood up amazingly well to years of use and abuse. If I remember correctly, they cost about $15 in our local store and are well worth it. They're solid, but easy to take apart if you have a cat who doesn't [like] to come out. They're also very easy to wash if anyone has an accident. - Ms. Freya

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

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Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel

So, you managed to get your cat inside the carrier and got her safely into the vet's clinic. Getting her out can be a challenge in its own right! Many cats prefer to stay within the safety of the carrier and reaching in through the carrier's front opening isn't always easy. That's why many owners like this model by Petmate, with its convenient top opening.

I find this carrier to be an excellent value. I did not find it that expensive compared to others I have looked at and the top-loading capability makes it so much easier to get my cats into. The cat seemed less stressed than in the other crates I use. I think it may be due to the open feel of the crate. A great buy. - Just Mike

Click here to see this carrier on Amazon.

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Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

The mesh panels give it an airy look, but this carrier is strong enough to be airline-approved. The smaller versions also meet the "Guaranteed on Board" standard, as they fit under the passenger's seat.

You don't have to fly, though. This is a great carrier for car travel, with its seatbelt/luggage strap. Equipped with both top and side entries, it's a practical solution for vet visits, and if you have paperwork to carry with you, it also has a convenient back pocket.

This carrier is by far the best carrier I've ever had. It's meant for planes, but I use it for vet visits. The bottom is fuzzy and soft, which keeps my 18 lb cat comfortable. And it's removable and machine washable! - molldee

Click here to see this cat carrier on Amazon.

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Compass Pet Carrier by Petmate

This carrier may be pink (there are other colors too), but it offers a no-frills way to get your cat around. It is simple, yet effectively, designed with a single front opening, sturdy plastic latches, ventilation holes on every side, and an ergonomic handle. The carrier's door opens to one side only, but you can easily take the carrier apart at the vet's office, removing the top to get Kitty out.

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

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Marchioro Clipper Aran 2 Pet Carrier

This high-quality carrier offers a way to safely transport your cat with ease, especially if you use the optional wheels or shoulder strap. It's roomy, robust, and built to last, offering both front and top loading options. The spring-latch door offers extra security but it's also easy to handle and open when necessary.

Being able to put a cat in it from either the top or front is what makes this carrier so convenient. Putting cats in the carrier from the top is much easier than having to stand a carrier on end to "deposit" them through the front opening. Top access was vital for Jamie's frequent vet visits, as he was almost impossible to get out of the carrier from the front at the vets' office. Front access means that the carrier can double as a familiar bed, something Mogli appreciates when he's boarded. - jcat

Click here to see this pet carrier on Amazon.

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How about you? Have you tried any of these cat carriers? Let us know which carrier you're using and why. Please leave a comment below.