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Cats might be territorial, but we humans often have to be more flexible with where we work and where we live.
Sometimes, that means flying with our pets. We wanted to take a look at some suitable cat carriers for traveling.
A Good Airline Carrier Should:
✈️ Be airline-approved. Always check the requirements of the airline you’re flying with before buying a carrier, because the rules and dimensions can vary considerably.
And always check directly with the airline, too, rather than relying on third-party websites or blogs, as information can quickly become outdated.
✈️ Fit underneath the seat
✈️ Be secure
✈️ Have plenty of ventilation
✈️ Be leak-proof or easy to clean
✈️ Allow your cat to comfortably lie down and turn around inside
✈️ Be comfortable for you to carry through the airport
✈️ If your cat is going inside the hold, then that’s a whole other set of restrictions and regulations.
If you want a quick reference to the products we’re recommending in more depth below, here you go.
UK links are included in the main section below, but products are available in numerous countries.
| Morpilot Soft-Sided Top-Opening Carrier | Best for short flights with calm cats | Amazon US |
| Petsfit Expandable Carrier | Best for longer flights, extended layovers, cats that like to stretch out | Amazon US |
| Top Load Carrier | Best for nervous cats and owners who struggle with front-loading carriers | Amazon US |
| Petmate Sky Kennel Hard-Sided | Best for cats and dogs traveling in the hold | Amazon US |
| Super Absorbent Puppy Training Pads | In case of any accidents when you’re traveling. | Amazon US |
| Travel Litter Tray | If you’re staying in a hotel or have a layover | Amazon US |
| Cat Calming Spray | Spray inside the carrier to help cats stay calm during travel | Amazon US |
| Cat Harness and Leash | For added security | Amazon US |
| Collapsible Feeding and Water Bowls | Space saving when traveling | Amazon US |
| Cat Blanket | Makes the carrier more comfortable | Amazon US |
| IOS Tracker for Apple phones | Peace of mind for keeping track of carrier | Amazon US |
How to Choose the Best Cat Carriers for Planes
🛬 Look for carriers made with durable fabric and strong zippers. The last thing you want is your cat chewing through thin material or clawing open the teeth in the zip, especially if they’re feeling stressed.
🛬 Usually, for long journeys, we’d suggest a hard-sided carrier for nervous cats, but many airlines will stipulate a soft-sided carrier for in-cabin travel. This makes researching the right carrier even more important.
🛬 Think about whether you’d prefer a top-opening carrier or one that opens at the sides. This can make taking the cat in or out easier depending on your preference and the cat’s personality.
🛬 Carriers that will be going into the aircraft’s hold will have different latch systems, so be sure to check how the grate is secured.
🛬 There are expandable soft-carriers. These conform to in-cabin dimensions for take-off and landing but can then be unzipped and opened out to create more space once you’re in the air. They don’t add much more room, but they will allow your cat greater space to stretch out.
🛬 Some owners add puppy training pads to the bottom of the carrier in case there’s an accident. This will help absorb any mess. You’re unlikely to fit a litter tray inside a cat carrier for airline travel, but most cats wouldn’t use it anyway. You could pack disposable litter trays for use in a completely contained bathroom stall when you’re at the airport and when you arrive.
🛬 Think about whether your cat would prefer the carrier to be covered over or if they’d rather be able to see what’s going on. This is down to individual preference and is best tested before flying. Sometimes simply draping a towel, blanket, or sweater over the top can stop a cat becoming too over-stimulated.
🛬 Carriers with pockets are useful for storing paperwork and keeping treats and toys closer to hand.
🛬 We’d recommend adding a harness or leash for extra security. Some carriers come with these. Others you’ll have to buy separately.
🛬 Before buying, it’s always a good idea to read through the reviews of verified buyers. Many on Amazon include photographs and videos, giving a better idea of suitability than just product features alone. It can also highlight any issues that owners commonly find with the product.
🛬 There are sometimes additional requirements for pets traveling, especially if they’re going in the hold of an aircraft. You’ll need to ensure you have ‘live animal’ stickers as well as drinking bowls. Some carriers include these with the carrier but not all do. In-cabin carriers will also benefit from food bowls and treats.
🛬 We wouldn’t recommend buying sedatives for traveling by plane. Some airlines will insist that you don’t do it, as the reduced oxygen at altitude can cause distress in pets. If you’re worried about your cat getting anxious, then you could use a cat calming spray on the inside.
| 🌟 Pro Tip 🌟 If you’re buying a new carrier, one of the best things you can do is introduce your cat to it BEFORE your trip. Leave it out in the house ahead of your flight with a favourite blanket, toys, and treats inside so your cat begins to see it as a safe place. It also gives your cat a chance to mark the carrier with their own pheromones, creating a space that feels comforting and secure. |
Before You Fly Remember to:
🛩️ Double-check the airline’s carrier requirements
🛩️ Measure your cat from nose to tail, including height and weight, so you buy the most suitable carrier.
🛩️ Let your cat explore the carrier before traveling
🛩️ Make a list of what you may need to take with you: vaccination records, health certificates, pet passports
Morpilot Soft-Sided Top-Opening Carrier – Best for Smaller, Calm Cats
🐈⬛ Best for: Domestic flights, car journeys, and calm cats that need a lightweight carrier.
🐈⬛ Pros:
It’s a soft-sided carrier that comes with a removable mat, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a bowl.
Multiple openings to help get your cat in and out easily: two at the side and one on the top.
Mesh panels on multiple sides for good ventilation and visibility.
Multiple sizes, with the smallest suitable for fitting under most airline seats
Two pockets for paperwork and snacks
Inner safety leash for added security, plus durable auto-lock zippers and anti-scratch solid spandex mesh. Worth purchasing a harness to attach this to rather than relying on just a collar.
Storage pocket for documents, treats, waste bags, toys or the collapsible bowl.
Water-resistant base for easier cleaning.
Comfortable removable fleece mat.
It comes in several colours including, pink, grey, and black.
Lightweight for easy carrying
🐈⬛ Cons:
Several reviews have said that this isn’t suitable for larger cats and that the carrier isn’t super sturdy, or at least not for anxious cats.
This says airline-approved, but this carrier comes in multiple sizes, so make sure you order the most suitable one for the airline you’re flying with.
Best for small and medium cats. Larger cats may find it difficult to stand up and turn around, especially on longer journeys.
Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier
🐈⬛ Best for: Longer flights, extended layovers, and cats that benefit from having a little extra room in the airport or hotel.
🐈⬛ Pros:
Expandable design
Small and medium sizes are compatible with many airline bag dimensions
Self-locking zippers
Anti-scratch mesh windows for ventilation and visibility
Removable fleece pad
Sturdy base
Interior safety tether
Shoulder strap, carry handles and luggage strap. The luggage sleeve allows you to slide the carrier over a suitcase handle, which makes it easier to carry through airport terminals.
Storage pocket for travel essentials
Folds flat when not in use
🐈⬛ Cons:
Not universally airline-approved
The expandable section will generally only be useful in airports or during the flight before and after takeoff.
Check the price on Amazon UK (similar product)
Top Load Cat Carrier for Small and Medium Cats
🐈⬛ Best for: nervous cats, vet visits, airline cabin travel and owners who struggle to get their cat into a traditional front-loading carrier.
Pros:
The top-loading opening makes getting cats in and out of the carrier easier.
Two additional side entrances
Soft-sided collapsible design
Secure zippers
Interior safety tether
Removable, washable fleece bed
Mesh panels for ventilation
Adjustable shoulder strap and carry handles
Folds flat for storage
🐈⬛ Cons:
May not be suitable for all airlines
Not as suitable for larger cats
Petmate Sky Kennel – Hard-Sided Hold Carrier
If you’re putting your cat into the hold of an aircraft, then it’s even more important that you double-check the airline’s requirements and that you have a hard carrier.
The Petmate Sky Kennel comes in 6 different sizes and is made from durable plastic and extra strong steel wire. Its 4-way vault door gives additional security by helping to reduce the chance of a cat sliding or shifting the mechanism. The ventilation is very good and it offers good visibility and fresh air on all sides. Clip-on bowls are included as are 2 Live Animal stickers. There’s a strong carry handle and its touted to meet most airline cargo specifications.
There’s no padding so you’d have to add your own blanket, towels or comforter to make this more comfortable for your animal.
In Amazon’s Q&A section are a ton of people who’ve flown domestically and internationally using the Petmate Sky Kennel without any problems but a few users have said that some airlines won’t accept latches or bolts that aren’t metal. Check before you fly. The latches can be replaced. One reviewer swapped them over for these.
🐈⬛ Best for: Airline cargo travel, international relocations, larger cats and owners wanting a heavy-duty hard plastic carrier.
🐈⬛ Pros:
Designed to comply with IATA live animal transport regulations (but always double-check).
Made from heavy-duty plastic, which is important for use in the aircraft hold.
Steel wire front door with secure lock
Good ventilation on four sides
Multiple size options
Includes food and water bowls
Includes Live Animal sticker and ID labels
Easy to clean
🐈⬛ Cons:
Only suitable for travel in the hold. This won’t be suitable for in-cabin travel.
It’s a hard-sided plastic carrier that won’t fold down, so it will take up space in your home when not in use.
Great for added protection, but it will be heavier to carry.
Airlines may need you to make modifications.
Recap of Products
| Morpilot Soft-Sided Top-Opening Carrier | Best for short flights with calm cats | Amazon US |
| Petsfit Expandable Carrier | Best for longer flights, extended layovers, cats that like to stretch out | Amazon US |
| Top Load Carrier | Best for nervous cats and owners who struggle with front-loading carriers | Amazon US |
| Petmate Sky Kennel Hard-Sided | Best for cats and dogs traveling in the hold | Amazon US |
| Super Absorbent Puppy Training Pads | In case of any accidents when you’re traveling. | Amazon US |
| Travel Litter Tray | If you’re staying in a hotel or have a layover | Amazon US |
| Cat Calming Spray | Spray inside the carrier to help cats stay calm during travel | Amazon US |
| Cat Harness and Leash | For added security | Amazon US |
| Collapsible Feeding and Water Bowls | Space saving when traveling | Amazon US |
| Cat Blanket | Makes the carrier more comfortable | Amazon US |
| IOS Tracker for Apple phones | Peace of mind for keeping track of carrier | Amazon US |