Cat carriers

Cat carrier: finding the one that matches your journeys

A cat carrier is not chosen on its looks, but on how you will use it. Two vet visits a year do not call for the same object as regular trips on public transport. That is the first question to settle: how many trips a year, and which ones? Half the models rule themselves out once you have the answer.

All our models share the same basics: breathable mesh on several sides, a secure closure, and a base that holds. The rest – format, carrying, opening – depends on you.

The five formats, and who they are for

The soft hand or shoulder bag. The classic: light, foldable, washable and more than enough for the vet or a short trip. Its limit comes quickly when you walk – the weight pulls on a single shoulder. Models carried over the shoulder are gathered in our shoulder bags & pouches.

The backpack. It frees your hands and spreads the load over both shoulders: the best format as soon as you walk or take the underground. Look for padded shoulder straps and, above 6 kg, a chest strap that keeps the weight against your back. The full range is in our cat backpacks.

The rigid or semi-rigid crate. The most protective in the car, the simplest to clean, and reassuring for cats that like to feel sheltered – because it is opaque on most of its sides. On the other hand it is heavy and cannot be stored away. See our transport crates.

The wheeled model. Essential above 7 to 8 kg or over long distances: you pull instead of carrying. Awkward on stairs, perfect in stations and airports. Our wheeled bags bring together trolleys and convertible cases.

The front carrier. The cat against you, surrounded by your scent. Very reassuring for anxious cats and kittens, but only for small cats and short trips. See our front carriers & slings.

Size: the only measurement that really counts

Forget the stated load in kilos. It tells you what the seams can take, not whether your cat fits inside. Measure it standing: the length, from the nose to the base of the tail, and the height, from the floor to the top of the head. Then compare with the carrier's interior dimensions, never the exterior ones, keeping about ten centimetres of margin in length.

The universal rule comes down to three movements: your cat must be able to stand up, turn around completely and lie down stretched out. If it cannot turn around, the model is too small, whatever weight is stated. And between two sizes, take the larger one: a cat in a slightly roomy carrier settles into a corner, a cramped cat has no way out.

What to check before ordering

• Ventilation on several sides. A single opening is not enough, especially in summer. Cats regulate heat poorly.
• A firm base. It decides the real comfort: a soft base sags and the cat slides with every step.
• A closure that does not gape, ideally a zip that goes all the way round with two pullers.
• An internal leash clip to attach the harness: it prevents escapes when you open the carrier, the only truly risky moment.
• A removable mat, because an accident always happens sooner or later.
• Carrying suited to the weight: shoulder bag up to about 5 kg, backpack with chest strap beyond that, wheels from 7-8 kg.

Special cases

For flying, a single rule decides everything: the bag must fit under the seat. Airlines set their dimensions and a soft model is a must. See our air travel formats.

In the car, a bag that is not secured becomes a projectile when you brake. Soft or rigid, it must be strapped in with the seat belt or wedged on the floor. Our models designed for the road are in car carriers.

For a large cat – Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest cat, Ragdoll – standard models get tight above 6 kg, and wheels stop being a gimmick.

Our guides

• How to choose a cat carrier
• Cat carrier: soft or rigid?
• Carrier for a large cat: length before kilos
• Flying with your cat: which carrier?
• Kitten carrier: choosing one and getting it used to it
• How to get your cat used to its carrier

Frequently asked questions

Which carrier for my cat?

The one that matches the journeys you really make. For the vet and everyday use, a well-ventilated soft bag is enough. For town and walking, a backpack. Above 7 kg or over long distances, a wheeled model.

What size for a 5 kg cat?

Measure it rather than relying on weight. As a guide, a 5 kg cat often measures 40 to 45 cm without the tail: aim for at least 50 cm of interior length.

Soft bag or rigid crate for a cat?

Soft is lighter, more breathable and stores away; rigid protects better in the car and does not sag. In both cases, the base must be firm.

How do I get my cat used to the carrier?

Leave it open at home for several days, with a blanket that smells of home and a treat inside. Never force your cat in: the first memory decides all the ones that follow.