In this guide
A vet visit often starts with a chase under the bed. A good cat carrier — and a little preparation — can make that much easier, for you and your cat.
Quick answer: choose a hard-sided plastic carrier with a top door and a top half that comes off. The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load (22.8 in) fits cats around 12–20 lb, and the Petmate Two Door (19 in) is a smaller, lighter option for small cats. Leave the carrier out at home so it isn’t only linked to the vet.
What makes a good carrier#
International Cat Care’s advice:
- Sturdy, secure and easy to clean — a solid plastic carrier is a good choice.
- Top opening and a removable top half, so a nervous cat can be lifted out gently or examined in the bottom half.
- Quick-release clips rather than fiddly fastenings.
- Cardboard or flimsy plastic carriers are only suitable for very short trips; fabric and wicker can be hard to clean.
- Backpack-style carriers with a window can be unpleasant for some cats.
- One carrier per cat, even if they get along.
Getting your cat used to it#
- Leave it out at home, with familiar bedding, so it becomes a normal place to rest.
- Use treats and toys inside to build positive associations.
- A synthetic pheromone spray in the carrier about 15–20 minutes before use may help (International Cat Care).
- Withhold food for about 4–5 hours before travel to reduce motion sickness.
- In the car, wedge the carrier in the footwell behind a front seat or secure it with a seatbelt on the back seat. Avoid the trunk of a hatchback, where ventilation can be poor.
- Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket that smells familiar during the trip, as the same guide suggests.
The carriers we picked#
Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):
| Carrier | Size (L x W x H) | Doors | Pet weight (listing) | Rating at check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load | 22.8 x 15 x 13 in | Front + top | 12–20 lb | 4.6 (65,825) |
| Petmate Two Door | 19.4 x 10 x 12.8 in | Front + top | 0–15 lb in bullets; 10 lb max in specs | 4.6 (21,324) |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Best for most cats
Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Carrier, 22.8 in
Who it’s for: average to large adult cats, and owners who want an easy top entry.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 22.8 x 15 x 13 in; for a cat or medium dog weighing 12–20 lb (the listing says weight is for reference and to choose by your pet’s height and length).
- Front and top doors; the top door opens to the left or right; spring-loaded latches.
- Plastic body with steel wire doors; the top and bottom halves are held together with screws.
- Ventilation on the sides, top and back. 4.6 out of 5 from 65,825 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: screws are slower to undo than clips, so removing the top half at the vet takes a moment. A 19 in version (ASIN B00OP6SMCI) also exists, but it showed low stock when we checked.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
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Smaller, lighter
Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel, 19 in
Who it’s for: small cats, and owners who want a compact carrier.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 19.4 x 10 x 12.8 in; front and top loading; steel doors with squeeze latches; foldable handle.
- Ventilation holes on the sides; “stay-dry moat” to direct fluids away from the pet.
- Made in the USA from recycled plastic. Petmate says it meets most airline cargo specs (manufacturer claim).
- 4.6 out of 5 from 21,324 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: the listing gives conflicting weight limits — 0–15 lb in the bullets and a 10 lb maximum in the specs. For a cat near 10 lb or more, choose the larger Amazon Basics carrier. Check your airline’s own rules before flying.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Bottom line#
For most cats, a hard-sided, top-loading carrier is the safest and least stressful choice. The Amazon Basics 22.8 in suits most adult cats; the Petmate Two Door is a compact pick for small cats. The real difference comes from preparation: leave the carrier out, make it a nice place, and travel calmly.
Frequently asked questions
Hard-sided or soft cat carrier?
International Cat Care recommends a sturdy, easy-to-clean plastic carrier, ideally one that opens at the top and whose top half can be removed so the cat can be examined at the vet without being pulled out. It says cardboard or flimsy plastic carriers are only suitable for very short trips.
How do I get my cat into the carrier?
Start well before the trip: leave the carrier out at home with familiar bedding and treats so it becomes a normal resting spot. International Cat Care suggests a synthetic pheromone spray inside the carrier about 15–20 minutes before putting the cat in.
Should I feed my cat before a car trip?
International Cat Care suggests not feeding your cat for about 4–5 hours before travel to reduce the chance of motion sickness. Ask your vet if your cat has a medical condition.
Can two cats share one carrier?
International Cat Care recommends a separate carrier for each cat, even if they get along at home.
Is a carrier airline approved?
Airline rules vary. The Petmate listing says it meets most airline cargo specs, which is a manufacturer claim. Always check your airline's current requirements before booking.
Sources
- International Cat Care — Travelling with your cat
- Amazon.com — Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Pet Carrier, 22.8 in (ASIN B00OP6SVJW)
- Amazon.com — Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel, 19 in (ASIN B006060VCU)
Links open in a new tab. Specs, availability and prices can change after publication — always check the product page before you buy.