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 medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- 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
- Hard Sided Dog Carrier | Spree is suitable as an XS breed dog carrier, cat carrier, small bird carrier & small animal carrier for quick trips to the Veterinarian, pet store, dog park, etc..
- Dog carrier interior dimensions: 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H inches & doorway measures 8.54W x 8.85H inches, green
- Pet carrier is available in 3 fun & fashionable colors & the design provides proper air circulation / visibility for your pet; Spree dog carrier is ideal for short trips
- Dog carrier made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic & includes built in carrying handle. Spree features a patented, quick & easy 5 step, no tools assembly. Our pet carrier assembles much easier than competitor carriers that use “nut & bolt” assembly
- Quality pet carrier; each Spree dog carrier includes our MidWest Homes for Pets 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 10-22 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.
- Slide-Out Tray - Provides an easy and efficient way to clean up any mess or spills, reducing odors and ensuring a comfortable environment for your pet. Moreover, its slide-out design allows for quick removal and replacement, minimizing disturbance to your pet. Easy to remove and clean.
- FOLDING CAT CARRIER Folds down neatly for storage in your closet or on a convenient shelf, yet set-up in a cinch whenever you need to travel with your feline sidekick. It's quick, cozy carrying for on the go! For pets up to 25 lbs.
- DURABLY BUILT The plastic and steel construction offer a long life of use, and the sturdy door has a single-motion door lock – it stays securely shut, but opens easily for you.
- CAT COMFORT IN MIND The unique, triangular shape makes for a cozy lounging area for your cat, yet it has plenty of built-in slats and vents so your pet always has a complete, calming view if his surroundings.
- 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 "Toy" Dog Breeds | 19-inch dog carrier is ideal for "Toy" dog breeds & XS small cats. Pet carrier dimensions: Outer 18.75L x 13W x 11.75H, Front Entry 8.5W x 9.25H & Interior 15.325L x 9.25W x 10.75H 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
- Pet Carrier: 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H, Recommended max load of 16 lbs cats small dogs. Please do not choose your carrier based on weight--please reference your pet's length and height in selecting a pet carrier size.
- Fits for under-seat dimensions of most airlines. Every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, please contact with airline before flying with your cats small dogs.
- Mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety. Carrying handles, adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used as seatbelt, and back strap can fasten the pet carrier to your luggage.
- Pet carrier comes with a removable base insert, which creates a solid surface for your pet to stand on, along with a removable & hand washable cozy fleece pet bed, which offers a cozy sleeping space for your traveling cats small dogs.
- "Toys for pets, of textile materials". Mostly used as a Toy of Fabric Pet Home for pets playing and relaxing.
- Stylish Hard-Sided Pet Carrier: Jet dog carrier is suitable for “Toy” dog breeds and XS cats. This carrier is ideal for pets with an adult weight up to 6 pounds & length under 15.4 inches, assembled pet carrier dimensions are 18.51 x 12.6W x 11.42H, doorway measures 8.5W x 9.5H inches
- Great Entry-Level Pet Carrier with Quick & Easy Assembly: Unlike other hard-sided dog carriers that require a tedious nut & bolt assembly which loosens over time, the new Jet features four buckle clips for easy, long lasting & secure assembly
- Convenient Light Weight Design: Jet pet carrier is durable & lightweight with a carrying handle & a clear plastic door that opens in either direction, top of the carrier has two built-in slots designed for a vehicle’s seat-belt for additional safety while traveling. Note, pet carrier is not airline approved
- 4 Fashionable Colors: Jet pet carrier is carbon gray in color & available in 4 different buckle latch color options allowing you to accessorize to your pet's personality; choose between orange, fuchsia, gray or green
- Ferplast Quality Guarantee: Jet hard-sided dog carrier includes a 1-year manufacturing warranty. Be sure to measure your dog’s adult weight & length to ensure this carrier is large enough for your pet
- 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.
- 【Dimensions】LARGE SIZE pet carrier for medium, large cats or small dogs, HIGHER AND WIDER than other carriers on market, Recommended max load of 20 lbs (9 kg). Measures: 18.1"L x 11.8"W x 11.8”H. Please don't choose the carrier only based on weight but also reference your pet's length and height.
- 【Breathable and Private】GAPZER large cat carrier designed mesh all around to ensure normal circulation of air inside the box and easy for you to check on your pet. These roller blinds can be put down if your pet feels nervous.
- 【Collapsible & Lightweight】The cat carrier can be folded into a pad to save your storage space and is easy to take out. Top and side entry.
- 【Washable Liner】The large cat carrier is made from durable fabric-oxford material, and the faux lambskin liner which offers a cozy space for your pet can be removed entirely and machine-washed.
- 【Multiple-Ways of Use】 Designed for two carrying ways-shoulder straps and handles will be adjusted as you need. Filled the soft cotton into the cat backpack shoulder strap, and increased the width on it, helping to reduce load and relieve fatigue.
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.