Hard or Soft Cat Carrier?

There’s no single best type of cat carrier. The right choice will depend on how you plan to travel, your cat’s temperament, and your own needs as an owner.

Anxious or cats that panic during travel often do better with a hard-sided carrier because they’re tougher and more secure. They’re less likely to tear or rip under intense clawing and biting. Calmer cats may feel more comfortable in a soft-sided carrier.

If you’re taking your cat on a flight, airline rules will determine which type of carrier you need. In many cases, cats traveling in the cabin need a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat, while cats traveling in the hold usually need a hard-sided carrier approved for air travel.

We have just updated our guide to choosing a cat carrier for flying.

If you’re not travelling long-distance or flying, your choice will often come down to what works best for both you and your cat. Some owners prefer the lightweight convenience of a soft carrier, while others prefer the security and sturdiness of a hard-sided one. There are also other options available, including cat backpacks, cat strollers, and specialist car travel products.

Whichever type you choose, it’s important to use a proper cat carrier rather than a temporary option such as a cardboard box or a pillowcase. These may work in an emergency, but they don’t provide the security your cat needs during transport.

Quick Glance Table

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Hard-Sided Carrier	Best for: Anxious or nervous cats, and often required for traveling in the hold of an aircraft.	Basic two-door hard carrier on Amazon US Basic two-door hard carrier on Amazon UK
Soft-Sided Carrier	Best for: Calmer cats	Soft-sided carrier on Amazon US Soft-sided carrier on Amazon UK
Soft-Sided Cat Backpack	Best for: Cats who like adventures	Cat backpack on Amazon US Cat backpack on Amazon UK
Cat Stroller with Soft-Sided Carriers	Best for: Injured, infirm, or elderly cats who enjoy the outdoors. Also for owners who may struggle to carry traditional carriers.	Cat stroller on Amazon US Cat pushchair on Amazon UK

Hard Vs Soft Carriers: Which is Better?
Things to consider

Soft Carriers

Pros	Cons
Fabric carriers are easier to carry. They often have a shoulder strap and luggage handles for easy movement.	Most fabric carriers are only front-loading, which can make getting nervous cats in and out more difficult.
Soft-sided carriers are generally more comfortable for cats.	Less suitable for nervous cats prone to biting or clawing, as soft-sided carriers are made from fabric and mesh.
Generally used for in-cabin air travel	Generally not accepted for in-hold travel on an aircraft.
Soft carriers are easier to fold down and store when not in use, which is better if you don’t have much storage space.	Secured with zippers rather than a secure wire grill.
Soft-sided carriers often have storage pockets for treats and toys, which can make it easier if you’re traveling with your pet.	They don’t offer as much protection if the carrier is dropped or if you are in an accident.
	Heavier cats may cause the base of the carrier to dip, which may make the carrier harder to carry.

It’s also worth mentioning that soft-sided carriers offer greater visibility for the cat. For some cats, this will be reassuring. For other cats, however, this could be too overstimulating and can cause motion sickness. In this case, you can add a blanket or towel to the carrier.

Hard Carriers

Pros	Cons
Hard-carriers are often top and front-loading, which makes it easier to get your cat in and out.	Hard-sided carriers are harder to carry, and they often only have a top handle
Nervous cats may have an accident, and plastic is easier to clean than fabric.	Hard carriers are usually required for in-hold airline travel
Hard-sided carriers are harder to claw, scratchy and bite through. They’re better for cats who get nervous.	These carriers take up more storage space when not being used. This isn’t ideal if you only use them periodically.
Hard carriers will have a plastic or metal grate and often with a more secure locking mechanism.	Without blankets and bedding, the base is slippery and uncomfortable.
Hard carriers don’t sag under a cat’s weight, making them more suitable for heavier or larger cats.	These carriers are generally too rigid to be used in-cabin on an aircraft.

While hard carriers aren’t as comfortable as fabric carriers, you can add blankets and bedding inside the base to make it cozier.

Which Cat Carrier Is Best?

Here are some ideas to kick-start your research. Remember, too, we’ve also written guides for cat carriers, airline travel, and cat car seats.

Hard-Sided Carrier	Best for: Anxious or nervous cats, and often required for traveling in the hold of an aircraft.	Basic two-door hard carrier on Amazon US Basic two-door hard carrier on Amazon UK
Soft-Sided Carrier	Best for: Calmer cats	Soft-sided carrier on Amazon US Soft-sided carrier on Amazon UK
Soft-Sided Cat Backpack	Best for: Cats who like adventures	Cat backpack on Amazon US Cat backpack on Amazon UK
Cat Stroller with Soft-Sided Carriers	Best for: Injured, infirm, or elderly cats who enjoy the outdoors. Also for owners who may struggle to carry traditional carriers.	Cat stroller on Amazon US Cat pushchair on Amazon UK

FAQs

• Are hard or soft carriers better for cats?
  
  Neither is universally better. Hard-sided carriers are generally better for nervous cats, long car journeys and air travel in the aircraft hold, while soft-sided carriers are lighter, easier to store and are often the preferred choice for airline cabin travel.
  
  
• Can a cat escape from a soft carrier?
  
  A well-made soft-sided carrier should keep most cats secure. However, cats that panic or scratch aggressively may be able to damage mesh panels or zips, so hard-sided carriers are usually the safer choice for escape artists.
  
  
• Are hard carriers safer in a car?
  
  Generally, yes. Hard-sided carriers offer better protection in the event of sudden braking or an accident and are less likely to collapse or be damaged during transport. Whichever type you choose, the carrier should always be secured in the vehicle.
  
• What size carrier should I buy for my cat?
  
  Your cat should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. Avoid choosing one that’s much larger than necessary, as too much extra space can cause your cat to slide around during travel.
  
• Can you use a soft carrier for airline travel?
  
  Yes, many airlines allow soft-sided carriers in the aircraft cabin because they can fit under the seat in front of you. If your cat is travelling in the aircraft hold, however, you’ll usually need a hard-sided carrier that meets the airline’s requirements. Always check your airline’s pet travel policy before traveling.

If you’re still unsure, we’d recommend a hard-sided carrier for most cat owners. They offer better protection, are easier to clean and are generally the safest option for car travel and nervous cats. However, if your cat is calm, you travel by air in the cabin or need something lightweight that’s easy to store, a soft-sided carrier may be the better choice.