If you’ve never owned a cat carrier before, you might think they’re all the same, but there are actually tons of different options to choose from. From soft-sided cat carriers to more durable hard-sided ones, there’s definitely one made for you and your feline friend. But which one is best for you? We decided to find out, testing out a variety of cat carriers so you don’t have to.
Read on to learn more about the best cat hard sided carriers.
Our Editor’s Best Cat Hard Sided Carriers Reviews
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or extra-small dog breeds, such as chihuahuas and toy poodles (up to 11 pounds)
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire front door; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Top door can swing open to the left or right for easy access and convenience
- Plenty of ventilation on sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- Hard-Sided Travel Pet Carrier: Designed to meet airline requirements, this durable pet carrier features robust plastic construction for enhanced strength and security. Ideal for quick trips to the vet, pet store, or other errands, it's perfect for small dogs and pets weighing up to 10 lbs.
- Sturdy and Robust Cat Carrier: Featuring a tough PP shell and reinforced steel wire, this construction offers both lightweight durability and superior ventilation. It’s easy to carry, impact-resistant, and ensures your pet remains comfortable with ample airflow during the journey.
- Dual-Door Access: Features both front and top entry options to simplify loading and unloading, especially for pets that are uneasy about confined spaces. This dual-entry design also improves emergency access, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort during the trip.
- 360-Degree Ventilation: Improves airflow to keep your pet well-ventilated and comfortable throughout the journey. This thorough ventilation system of pet travel carrier also helps alleviate pet anxiety by offering a clear view of the surroundings, making travel less stressful.
- Slide-Out Tray: Offers a simple and efficient solution for cleaning up messes or spills, helping to reduce odors and maintain a comfortable environment for your pet. Its slide-out design enables quick removal and replacement, minimizing disruption to your pet. Easy to remove and clean.
- Ready for Every Little Adventure: Whether it’s a quick trip to the vet, the pet store, or the park, this hard-sided travel carrier keeps your furry friend safe and comfortable on the go
- Sized for Small Pets You Love: Designed for cats or tiny dog breeds up to 10 lbs; carrier interior measures 17.91 x 11.5 x 12 inches, just right for cozy rides
- Easy to Clean & Carry: Durable polypropylene shell wipes clean in seconds, and the built-in handle means you can grab it and go without a second thought
- Breathe Easy, Ride Happy: Ventilated sides and a wide-wire door give your pet plenty of fresh air and visibility so they can stay cool and curious while traveling
- Quick Setup, No Stress: Patented 5-step assembly snaps together in minutes—no tools, no fuss; door can open either direction to make loading your pet simple and stress-free
- SECURE AND COZY DEN: The Petmate Two-Door portable dog crate provides easy access with top or front-loading doors, offering a safe and comfortable space for your pet's natural denning instincts
- AIRLINE-APPROVED: This small dog carrier airline approved meets most airline cargo specs. Ventilation holes provide fresh air and 360-degree visibility for your pet
- IDEAL FOR SMALL PETS: Designed as a puppy carrier for small dogs 0-15 lbs, the 24-inch crate offers room for pets to stand, turn, and lie comfortably; with space for a cushion to enhance comfort
- EASY ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE: The plastic dog crate shell is simple to clean; a stay-dry moat directs fluids away from pets
- CONVENIENT: Featuring steel doors with easy-squeeze latches and a foldable handle, this USA-made pet carrier for dogs & cats provides a less stressful travel experience
- PERFECT SIZE FOR A TRIP TO VET: A pet carrier that gives you the best features of both hard and soft carriers! 17" long by 13" high by 14" wide, it's suitable for cats, small dogs, and other pets.
- HARD BASE & PROTECTION: A hard top and hard base give you sturdy protection for your pet, and gives your pet a firm surface to stand on.
- EASY FOR STORAGE & COMFORTABLE INSIDE: The soft sides can be folded down so the whole carrier fits into a neat little package -- just the top and bottom zippered together. Takes up very little storage space while it's not in use. A padded mat in the floor gives your pet a comfortable place to lie down and a non-slip surface to stand on. A see-through mesh door lets him or her keep an eye on the world outside.
- EXTRA-SAFE & BREATHABLE: The carrier is made from premium materials, YKK zippers, and panels of tough but breathable mesh.
- Hard Sided Pet Carrier for Travel | Spree is suitable as a "Toy" dog breed carrier, cat carrier & small animal carrier for quick trips to Veterinarian, pet store, dog park & etc.
- Fashionable, Fun & Functional Pet Carrier | Available in 3 fun colors & smart design provides easy assembly, proper air circulation & visibility for your pet
- Toy Breed Pet Carrier | Interior dimensions are 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H inches & doorway measures 7.16W x 7.63H inches
- Durable & Tough Pet Carrier | Spree is manufactured w/ durable, easy-to-clean plastic & includes strong built in carrying handle | The 19-inch Spree is ideal for "Toy" dog breeds & small house cats
- Easy Assembly & Quality Guarantee | 5 step assembly w/ no tools required & carrier includes MidWest Quality Guarantee 1-year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Hard Sided Travel Pet Carrier - This airline-adaptable pet carrier is built with heavy-duty plastic for strength & security, for quick trips to the vet, pet store, etc. Perfect for small dogs & pets up to 10 lbs.
- Durable and Heavy-Duty Construction - Durable PP shell, extra strong steel wire provides a combination of lightweight durability and excellent ventilation. It's easy to transport, impact resistant, and ensures your pet stays comfortable with plenty of fresh air throughout the trip.
- Two-Door Easy Access - Provides both front and top entry options, making it easier to get your pet in and out, especially for pets who are fearful of confinement. The dual-entry design also improves emergency access, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort during transport.
- 360 Degree Ventilation - Enhance airflow to ensure your pet gets plenty of fresh air and stays comfortable throughout the trip. In addition, this comprehensive ventilation helps reduce pet anxiety by providing a clear view of the surroundings, making the travel experience less stressful.
- Removable Panel - Equipped with a removable urine diversion panel for easy cleaning, maintaining hygiene and providing a comfortable, dry space for your pet.
- 1: Thick and Flexible Plastic: This hard-sided pet carrier is made of thick, flexible plastic, 360-degree ventilation, and a squeeze door latch. Suitable for pets 0-23 lbs. No deformation in 120kg compression test! ! Can withstand bumps along the way.
- 2: The design details ensure the safety of pets in all aspects: the upper and lower parts are made of a piece of plastic curved processing and are integrally formed. The box body refuses to be sharp at any point; the box itself does not have any metal parts (except the door); the installation mode of the easily damaged buckle is rejected. , including the screws and nuts at the connections, are all hidden in screw slots of exactly the same size, so that the screws will not fall off after long-term use and Avoid scratching people and pets; the size of the ventilation window has been carefully designed to ensure Does not get stuck on pet's paws or body.
- 3: Compared with hard-sided carrier boxes with more metal, this product can reduce weight while ensuring long-term durability: the box will not deform, the screws will not fall off, and there will be no protruding sharp objects or holes to cause harm to pets. Safeguard your travels with your pets.
- 4: Imaginative and bright colors: This series of air boxes adopt bright colors, which are reminiscent of cream ice cream, tropical fruits, blue sky and sea. The beautiful imagination of this journey begins with putting pets in this air box. Compared with traditional products with conservative colors, this product can become a lovely scenery during transportation, allowing shipping and handling personnel to treat your pets kindly.
- 5: Product weight: 4 pounds, size: 22.83 inches x 14.17 inches x 14 inches.Suitable for: small dogs, cats, small birds, reptiles, and other small animals, quick access to veterinarians, pet shops, dog parks, etc.
- TRAVEL PET CRATE: Perfect for on-the-go pet parents, this hard-sided kennel is ideal for home, car travel, and outdoor adventures. Not approved for airline travel, but great for road trips, vet visits, or temporary containment of small, kennel-trained pets.
- COLLAPSIBLE & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Folds flat in seconds for effortless storage and portability. A built-in carrying handle makes transport a breeze, while the lightweight construction offers ease without sacrificing durability.
- DOG CARRIER FEATURES: Durable twist-lock metal gate keeps your pet secure. Side ventilation slots provide airflow and visibility for comfort and peace of mind during travel. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
- SIZING: Designed for small dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and other small animals up to 20 lbs. Measures 19.62"L x 13.5"W x 12"H — ideal for kennel-trained pets that need a cozy, secure space.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Easy to clean and maintain — simply wipe down or rinse with mild soap and water. Built to withstand everyday use and outdoor conditions.
- Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Any Occasion | Atlas two door top load carriers are made of durable plastic and are great for traveling with your pet dog or cat, convenient front & top doors provide easy access to your pets & the included handle makes carrying a breeze
- Easy to Assemble Dog Carrier | No tedious nut & bolt assembly like other plastic carriers, the Atlas pet carrier uses buckles for a quick & secure assembly
- Dog Carrier Ideal for XS Dog Breeds | 22-inch dog carrier is ideal for XS dog breeds & cats. Pet carrier dimensions-22.8 L x 14.5 W x 12.6 H inches, Door Entry 8.5W x 10.25H, Interior 19.25L x 10.75W x 12.25H inches
- Low Maintenance Pet Carrier | Hard plastic shell & powder coated front / top doors are easy to clean, the included carrying handle folds down when not in use
- Quality Guaranteed Pet Carrier | Durable plastic shell & powder coated metal doors are built to last & are guaranteed by our 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Best Cat Hard Sided Carriers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best cat hard sided carrier you should consider following options:
1. Your pet’s size: The first thing you should consider when choosing a hard-sided carrier is your pet’s size.
Most hard-sided carriers are designed for pets weighing 15 to 20 pounds, but you can find some for larger pets.
If you have a very small breed, look for a carrier that is specifically designed for smaller breeds, such as a dog or cat carrier from Airpan.
2. Your pet’s needs: There are a number of different types of carriers available to choose from and each serves a different function. For example, airline approved carriers are specifically designed to be easily stowed away in the overhead compartment of an airplane.
If you plan to travel by plane with your pet often, then this type of carrier is a must have.
If you have a cat that likes to look out the window while you drive, then a carrier with a top and side opening is a must have.
3. Your budget: You can find hard-sided carriers in a variety of price points.
If you want a premium carrier made from the highest quality materials, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $150 for a new carrier.
If you prefer to save money, then you can always look for a used carrier for sale. Just make sure the carrier is in good condition before you make the purchase.
4. The number of pets you want to carry: If you want to be able to carry more than one pet at a time, then you should look for a carrier that has two doors.
Not only does this make the carrier easier for your pet to enter and exit the carrier, but it also allows you to easily carry two pets at the same time.
5. Your travel plans: There are some carriers that are specifically designed for flying, while others are made for driving.
If you plan on traveling with your pet by plane, then it is a good idea to purchase a carrier that is specifically designed to be stowed away in the overhead compartment of an airplane.
6. The experience of your pet: Some carriers are easier for pets to enter and exit than others. If you have a pet that is afraid of the carrier, then you may want to purchase a carrier with an opening on the top.
This allows your pet to feel safe while looking around without having to enter the carrier.
What else you should know about cat hard sided carriers
1. What are the benefits of using a hard sided carrier for my cat?
The benefits of using a hard sided carrier for your cat include the following:
1. It provides a safe and secure space for your cat to travel in.
2. It protects your cat from the elements, including wind, rain, and snow.
3. It keeps your cat contained, which can be important if you have a rambunctious or curious cat.
4. It is easy to clean and maintain.
2. What are some of the best hard sided carriers on the market?
Some of the best hard sided carriers on the market include the Petmate Sky Kennel, the Aspen Pet Porter, and the Petmate Vari Kennel.
3. How do I choose the right size carrier for my cat?
There is no definitive answer, as the ideal carrier size for your cat may depend on a number of factors, such as your cat’s size, weight, and activity level. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is typically best to choose a carrier that is large enough to allow your cat to stand up and turn around comfortably.
4. What are some tips for using a hard sided carrier with my cat?
Some tips for using a hard sided carrier with a cat are to get the carrier big enough so the cat can move around a little bit, to put a towel or blanket in the carrier for the cat to lie on, and to put the carrier in a calm and quiet place.
5. What are some things to consider when travelling with my cat in a hard sided carrier?
Some things to consider when travelling with your cat in a hard sided carrier include:
-Ensuring that the carrier is big enough for your cat to move around comfortably in, but not so big that they can escape
-Packing some of your cat’s favorite toys or blankets to help them feel more at home in the carrier
-Making sure the carrier is well-ventilated so that your cat doesn’t overheat
-Labeling the carrier with your contact information in case it gets lost during travel
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best cat hard sided carriers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best cat hard sided carriers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.