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Getting a cat in and out of its carrier can be tough.
It’s even more difficult if your pet is aggressive, anxious or suspicious of crates, cages and carriers.
Anything that makes it easier to scoop a cat up, secure them inside and get
them from A to B is worth researching.
Fortunately, top loading cat carriers are popular, affordable and easy to buy.
Top loading cat carriers are regarded as one of the best cat carriers for vet visits but the two-door option is useful in a wide range of situations.
We wanted to take a look and see what some of the best options are, so we hope you find the information helpful in your research.
If you’re in a hurry, we’ll list the 2-best sellers below so you can jump right into the link and start shopping.
Otherwise, keep reading and we’ll give a short buyer’s guide on what to look for in open top cat carriers as well as a list of some of the best on the market with features, pros, cons and of course links to buy the products.
We use affiliate links so if you follow them and make a qualifying purchase then we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you 😊
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How to choose the best top loading cat carrier
- Top load cat carriers make it easier to get your cat in and out of its carrier. There are often two doors: one on the carrier’s roof and the other at the front or on the side.
- It means you can walk the cat in or lower them in. The same goes for whenever you’re ready to take them out.
- Vets can sometimes treat ill or injured pets inside the carrier if the top can be lifted off. This makes it easier on the poorly cat who’ll probably be more comfortable not being moved.
- If you’re taking a mom cat and her babies to the vet, then it’s easier to pick up individual kittens than having to reach a hand inside.
- Top loading cat carriers generally have better ventilation, too, and a great panorama for the pet to look out of.
What to look for in open top cat carriers
- You should always measure your cat before buying a cat carrier as it’s important to have the correct size. It may be tempting to pick a much bigger carrier but cats prefer smaller spaces so a carrier that’s right for their height and weight is much better.
- Picking between a hard or soft-sided cat carrier will depend on the cat’s personality as well as your preference. Generally, if you have an anxious or difficult cat then a plastic carrier is better but a calm and chilled pet may prefer the comforts of a fabric carrier.
- You should also consider your own needs, too. Top-opening carriers can be heavier especially if you’re using a plastic one. Will you be able to lift it comfortably with your pet inside? Don’t forget that there is a range of different products designed to make it easier to move cats around. You can buy a cat backpack to distribute the weight more evenly across the shoulders or you could try a pet stroller with a detachable cat carrier which makes it far easier to walk longer distances.
- It’s always important to read the reviews of genuine customers and to pay particular attention (once you’ve read the specifications of the product yourself) to what’s been said about build quality. Top opening cat carriers mean a second potential escape route for your pet so it’s important to know that the carrying handle and opening are secure and sturdy.
- Some cat carriers have a gate that opens on the top but others will have clips that secure the top and bottom sections together. The latter gives you more space to get your cats in and out and makes it easier to store but it’s not as convenient to open out as one with a door and a latch.
Fortunately, top loading cat carriers are popular, affordable and easy to buy.
Top loading cat carriers are regarded as one of the best cat carriers for vet visits but the two-door option is useful in a wide range of situations.
We wanted to take a look and see what some of the best options are, so we hope you find the information helpful in your research.
If you’re in a hurry, we’ll list the 2-best sellers below so you can jump right into the link and start shopping.
Otherwise, keep reading and we’ll give a short buyer’s guide on what to look for in open top cat carriers as well as a list of some of the best on the market with features, pros, cons and of course links to buy the products.
Petmate Two Door Top Loading cat carrier
24 x 16.8 x 14.5 inches
This is a durable plastic carrier which will be ideal for anxious or difficult cats. It has a grated steel door and vented sides for ventilation and visibility.
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Got your hands full when carrying your cat? No problem, you can open the front door latch one-handed.
- Easy to get your cat in and out of the carrier through the front and top-doors.
- Carrying handle that’s comfortable in your hand
- Easy-squeeze door latches for one-handed access to the front mesh gate.
- Grated steel doors so the cat can see out (easy to cover over if you’re pet is motion sick). It gives a good airflow, too.
- Good range of colors to choose from
- Top and bottom can be separated and then reattached using a wing-and-bolt design.
- Durable steel door for security
Pros:
Easy to get the cat in and out
One-handed door opening
Enough space to add a cushion in the bottom
Good airflow throughout the carrier
Cons:
Not suitable for large cats
We like this carrier as it’s affordable and it’s pretty basic. You’d probably want to add a cushion or some blankets in the bottom because plastic carriers aren’t very comfortable without some padding.
Click Here to Check Price on Amazon
Petisfam Pet Carrier for Medium Cats
17 x 11 x 11 inches
We love how it uses anti-escape zippers and it has a leash hook inside for added security.
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It’s collapsible so easy to store when not in use.
- Very easy to put your cat in and out as it has 2-side openings and one top opening.
- Ideal for traveling in the car with the included seat belt attachment
- Approved for a number of airlines including Jet Blue, United, Alaska and Virgin (but always double check before buying).
- Folds down when not in use
- Easy to carry thanks to an adjustable shoulder strap
- Good airflow throughout the carrier with 3-mesh sides
- Comfortable fleece for the cat to sit on
Pros:
Escape proof zippers
Attractive design
Easy to store when not in use
Use for in-cabin airline travel or traveling by car
Cons:
Maximum weight limit is 16 pounds but some reviewers have said the carrier is a little smaller than they expected. You can buy a bigger version of this carrier though. You can follow this link through to Amazon to check it out.
We really like how versatile this in and should suit many of your cat carrier needs: traveling in the car, in-cabin, and out for veterinarian visits. It’s a really good looking top-loading cat carrier, too.
Click Here to Check Price on Amazon
Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
This popular Sherpa carrier comes in three-sizes which makes it a great option for larger cats as well as cats who are still growing.
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You can push this carrier down to fit underneath a plane seat so it’s a great option for anyone traveling in-cabin with their cat.
- You can push this carrier down to fit underneath a plane seat so it’s a great option for anyone traveling in-cabin with their cat.
- It has fiberglass support rods which is so important in retaining the carrier’s shape after it’s been collapsed down.
- No sagging in the bottom thanks to a wooden stability board
- Good air flow throughout the carrier
- You can see your cat through the mesh when you’re traveling
- Locking zippers for added security
- Use in the car with the seatbelt/luggage strap
- If you’re flying, you can keep paperwork in the rear pocket
- Comfortable faux-lambskin liner
- The small or medium Sherpa carrier is included in the ‘guaranteed on board program’ which means you can be assured it’ll be accepted in-cabin on most major airlines (always, always double-check with your airline though).
- Pick from different colors
Pros:
Accepted on most major airlines
Retains shape after being collapsed flat in storage
Attractive looking carrier
Wipe opening for easy access
Secure zippers
Cons:
Not suitable for nervous or aggressive cats
Sherpa carriers are great for keeping an eye on your pet when you’re traveling as it has mesh paneling on the sides. We really like the simple design of the black Sherpa, too.
Click Here to Check Price on Amazon
AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
This is another basic and affordable carrier that’s suited to cats who prefer plastic carriers to fabric. We really like how the top-door can open to the left or to the right making it even easier to get your pet in and out.
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You can screw the top and bottom sections together so it’s good for heavier cats.
- Easy to get your cat in and out as it’s one door on the top and one on the side.
- Good for escape artists as the front door is a spring-loaded latch
- Good airflow throughout
- Comes in medium (19-inch) and large (21-inch) sizes
Pros:
Made from durable plastic
Top and bottom sections can be screwed together
Good ventilation
Cons:
Unsuitable for use on airplanes
Reviewers suggesting it comes up small
This isn’t one of the stronger carriers on our list but we own this carrier (purchased from another retailer in the UK), and we’re very happy with our product.
Click Here to Check Price on Amazon
Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier for Small and Medium Cats
This is a very affordable soft-sided top loading carrier that looks more expensive. It comes in medium and large as well as a range of different colors.
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This is a lightweight
carrier that will make multitasking whilst carrying your cat much easier.
- Easy to attach to a seat belt or luggage strap thanks to two connecting loop handles
- Hands-free carrying with the adjustable strap
- Waterproof
- Good visibility of the pet at all times
- Machine-washable fleece included
- Small size will fit under airline seats (not the medium)
- Cat is secured with a safety leash
Pros:
Easy to carry and to put into the car
Good ventilation
Stylish design
Cat is attached to the carrier
Cons:
Larger size will not fit
on aircraft
Won’t be accepted on Southwest Airlines
This is one of the bestsellers on Amazon so we’d really recommend reading the reviews for an in-depth understanding of how the carrier has worked for other owners.
Click Here to Check Price on Amazon
FAQs
Are soft carriers safe?
Soft cat carriers can be just as safe as plastic ones but you do need to think about the personality of your cat. Cats are great escape artists with sharp teeth and claws that can make light work of a zip or mesh material. Heavier cats may also be a strain on smaller soft carriers so always check the maximum weight as well as the height and width before buying. If you have a calm cat who’s unlikely to fight against its carrier, then a soft carrier is safe and more comfortable for them to sit in and it’ll be lighter for you to carry, too.
Why does my cat hate the carrier?
Think about when you put your cat in its carrier: veterinary and boarding visits. If a cat doesn’t have a pleasant experience with its carrier (taken out of its territory, poked and prodded, or left in a strange pen for two-weeks), then its always going to react poorly.
Most of us don’t carrier train or cats so when the box comes out, it’s panic stations for our felines. You can train your cat to like (or at least tolerate) its carrier by making it a familiar and safe space that smells like them and (if you leave toys and treats inside) more positive associations attached to it.
Can 2 cats travel in one carrier?
You can put 2 cats in one carrier so long as the combined height, length and weight are within the product’s dimensions. For long distances in a car, it may not be comfortable for cats to share a traditional style carrier.
You might prefer to buy something like a 2-in-1 double shelter than can be separated into two or unzipped into one carrier or a long enclosed tunnel than can be spread across the back seat of the vehicle.
Two cats sharing a carrier often isn’t allowed on airlines (unless it’s a mom cat with kittens) so always double-check the requirements. Cats that don’t get on in confined spaces should be separated into their own carriers.