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
- 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 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.
- Hard Sided Dog Carrier | Spree is suitable as a "Toy" 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: 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H inches & doorway measures 7.16W x 7.63H 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
- Made in USA with global materials
- Weighing up to 18 pounds
- Two doors easy access
- The carry handle attached to the top door
- Front Doorway Dimensions: 10.25"W x 9.62"H, Top Access Doorway Dimensions: 7.85"L x 7.37"W
- 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.
- [PRODUCT DIMENSIONS] Pet travel carrier size : 17x11x11 inches, recommended up to 15 lb pets, it is suitable for large, medium cats and small dogs. Please don't choose your airline cat carrying case based on weight, please refer to your pet's length and height when choosing a pet carrier size.
- [AIRLINE APPROVED] This cat carrier is designed with airline approved, it can fit comfortably under most flight seats, we can take our pets wherever we want. Dog travel carrier offers two attachment loop handles that can be used as a dual harness or as a luggage strap for balanced carry and secure transport.
- [EXCELLENT MATERIAL] Collapsible cat carrier is made of polyester fabric, supported by a steel ring, washable, wear-resistant and durable. The three sides and the top of this pet carrier are nylon mesh, scratch-resistant and not easy to damage, it can not only check your pet in real time, but also ensure enough air circulation.
- [SAFE AND COMFORTABLE] Dog travel bag has metal zippers on the top and side entrances, durable and not easy to deform, it allows your pets to enter and exit easily. The cat carrying case is equipped with an anti-escape safety buckle, which can effectively prevent pets from accidentally falling. It is suitable for car rides and vet rides.
- [PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE] Pet travel carrier comes with a detachable and hand washable wool pet bed, it can provide a comfortable sleeping space for your traveling pet. The cat travel case comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and handle for easy portability. When not in use, you can fold it up for storage.
- 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 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
- NOT AIRLINE APPROVED - The large pet carrier is only suitable for daily travel, car seat journey and pet hospital etc. Do not place it under an airplane seat
- SAFETY DESIGN - The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it the most safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- DURABLE - This cat carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet
- PORTABLE & FOLDABLE - This dog carrier is easy to carry and store, which has a padded shoulder strap and handles
- BOTH SIZES & WEIGHTS - The large cat carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 18" x 12" x 12"(smaller than product) and 25 lbs. Please do not choose your carrier only based on weight. Reference your pets' length and height in selecting a carrier size.
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.