Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Kathryn Copeland

By Kathryn Copeland

Gray cat inside a travel carrier

If you’re the proud owner of a large cat, finding a carrier large enough for your cat is essential. You want something that is comfortable for your kitty but isn’t too heavy for you to carry. Let’s face it, finding large enough carriers isn’t always the easiest task!

Whether you need one just for going to the vet or if you travel frequently and need an airline-approved carrier, we looked at the 10 best cat carriers for large cats. We hope these reviews will make your life just a bit easier and that you’ll find the perfect carrier for your kitty.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier
  • Large and airline approved
  • Great price and light
  • Top entry for easy access
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier
  • Soft-sided and airline approved
  • Handle and padded shoulder strap
  • Zippered pocket for storage
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier
  • Made with rubber mesh and reinforced seams
  • Lockable zippers and seatbelt loops
  • Four entryways, including the top
  • Petseek Large Cat Carrier Petseek Large Cat Carrier
  • Large enough for two cats
  • Locking zippers for extra security
  • Top and front entry
  • Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel
  • Sturdy and has two doors for easy access
  • Inside length is 21”, great for large cats
  • Approved for most airlines
  • The 10 Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats

    1. Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier — Best Overall

    Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier

    Size: 6 x 11.6 x 12 inches
    Weight: 2.1 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 lbs.
    Color: Black

    The best overall cat carrier for large cats is the Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier. It’s large, airline approved, and comfortable for your cat. It comes in medium size in brown and is 17 inches long. It is surrounded by a strong mesh that provides ventilation and has a top entry that will hopefully make getting your cat in and out a little easier. It also has a cushioned handle, padded shoulder strap, zippered pockets for extra storage, and a fleece mat that is cozy and washable. All for a great price!

    The biggest negative for this carrier is that the top entry is fastened with Velcro, and a strong and determined cat might be able to push their way out.

    Pros
    • Large and airline approved
    • Great price and light
    • Top entry for easy access
    • Cushioned handle and padded shoulder strap
    • Zippered pockets for extra storage
    • Fleece mat is washable
    Cons
    • Cat might escape

    2. Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier — Best Value

    Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier

    Size: 9 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches
    Weight: 2 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 22 lbs.
    Color: Blue and black, black

    The best cat carrier for large kitties for the money is the Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier. It’s a great price and comes in two colors: blue and black, as well as solid black. This carrier is airline approved and is soft-sided, making it quite comfortable, and it might even fit under an airplane seat. The inside has padding, and it has mesh for ventilation and a firm padded floor to prevent it from collapsing. It also has a handle, padded shoulder pad, and extra storage with a zippered pocket.

    The negatives include that some of these carriers don’t always hold their shape, and some might tend to collapse inward from the weight of your cat. It also does not have any kind of strap that can be attached to a seatbelt.

    Pros
    • Great price and in two colors
    • Soft-sided and airline approved
    • Mesh for ventilation and firm floor for stability
    • Handle and padded shoulder strap
    • Zippered pocket for storage
    Cons
    • Might collapse inward
    • Doesn’t include a seatbelt strap

    3. PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier — Premium Choice

    PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier

    Size: 24 x 16 x 16 inches (medium-large)
    Weight: 7 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 45 lbs.
    Color: Red

    The best premium choice cat carrier is the PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier. It comes in small and medium-large, and for extra money, you can get it with optional wheels or a stroller frame. The mesh is made with rubber, making it more durable, and the seams are reinforced, so it’s less likely that your cat will escape. The zippers can lock, and it has seatbelt loops for extra safety. It has a top entry and three entryways around the sides. It can be used at home as a comfy bed because it can be left wide open, or you can lower the mesh. Furthermore, it has panels that can close it up entirely if your cat needs that kind of enclosed security. It also comes with a plush cushion.

    The disadvantages include the price, which is quite high. Also, once you add in your large cat, this carrier is quite heavy and unwieldy to carry.

    Pros
    • Two sizes and optional stroller or wheels
    • Made with rubber mesh and reinforced seams
    • Lockable zippers and seatbelt loops
    • Four entryways, including the top
    • Has panels that can create a calm environment
    • Comes with a soft and plush cushion
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Heavy

    4. Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier

    Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier

    Size: 24 x 16.5 x 16 inches
    Weight: 3 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 30 lbs.
    Color: Gray

    The Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier is quite large and can easily hold two cats (although that’s not always recommended). It is a soft-sided carrier with a steel support structure for stability, and it’s foldable for easy storage. It is made with Oxford fabric and nylon mesh for easy cleaning and ventilation. It also has locking zippers, which should help keep cats inside, and a top and front entry.

    However, it is expensive, and some people might find it challenging to assemble. Also, the mesh and/or zipper might not withstand strong and feisty cats!

    Pros
    • Large enough for two cats
    • Soft-sided but with a steel support structure that’s foldable
    • Oxford fabric and mesh for easy cleaning and ventilation
    • Locking zippers for extra security
    • Top and front entry
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Some might have difficulty assembling it
    • Strong and feisty cats might escape

    5. Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel

    Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel

    Size: 24 x 15 inches
    Weight: 6.42 lbs.
    Type: Hard plastic
    Recommended pet weight: 20 lbs.
    Color: Blue and black, brown

    Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel is sturdy and has two doors, with one on top, so you can get your cat in easier. It is 24 inches long, which translates to 21 inches long inside the actual carrier, so it’s quite large for most cats. It’s also approved for most airlines, giving you another option beyond the usual trips to the vet.

    The disadvantages include that it is expensive and the ventilation holes on the side are rough. Some cats have scratched up their noses on these holes, so if you opt for this carrier, you might want to sandpaper them down.

    Pros
    • Sturdy and has two doors for easy access
    • Inside length is 21”, great for large cats
    • Approved for most airlines
    Cons
    • Somewhat expensive
    • Might hurt cats

    6. Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Carrier

    Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Carrier

    Size: 83 x 5.89 x 13 inches
    Weight: 4.55 lbs.
    Type: Hard plastic
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 lbs.
    Color: Gray and blue

    The Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Carrier is available with two doors in blue and gray. It’s also available with metal ventilation vents and in beige but without the top door. If you opt for the top-door carrier, you’ll have easier access to place your cat inside or take them out. Also, the top entry can be opened from the left or the right.

    However, the biggest problem with this carrier is that it can have structural problems. The handle is attached to the top entry and is prone to lifting it up enough to unlatch it. This might cause the door to come off entirely.

    Pros
    • Choose between two door or metal vent models
    • Top door gives easy access
    • Top entry can be opened from the left or right
    Cons
    • Top entry might open when being lifted by the handle

    7. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Cat Carrier

    MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Cat Carrier

    Size: 19, 22, 24 inches
    Weight: 3 lbs.
    Type: Hard plastic
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 25 lbs.
    Color: Blue, green, red

    The MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Cat Carrier is a hard plastic kennel that comes in three sizes (19, 22, and 24 inches) and three colors (blue, red, and green). It also has good ventilation and is quite large. It’s easy to clean, and the handle is actually built into the carrier, so it will never come off. The door is secured by four tabs, and you can choose what side the door opens on every time.

    The negatives include that you get what you pay for, and this carrier might feel a bit flimsy and cheaply made. Also, the way that the door is fastened means it doesn’t always stay in place.

    Pros
    • Three colors and three sizes
    • Easy to clean
    • Handle built into the carrier, so it won’t fall off
    • Tabs enable the door to be opened on either side
    Cons
    • Door doesn’t always stay in place
    • Seems flimsy

    8. Siivton 4 Sides Expandable Pet Carrier

    Siivton 4 Sides Expandable Pet Carrier

    Size: 20 x 11.4 x 12.4 inches
    Weight: 4 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 lbs.
    Color: Gray

    The Siivton Expandable Pet Carrier is unique because it can be expanded, which can come in handy for long car drives. The four sides are expandable, so the carrier can measure 41 x 32.4 x 12.4 inches when fully expanded. It has mesh windows, is made with durable Oxford fabric, and comes with soft fur padding. It is airline-approved and has handles and a shoulder strap.

    However, it is expensive, and the expandable bits take up room inside the actual carrier when closed. Also, the mesh used for the expansions rips fairly easily.

    Pros
    • Four sides expandable to 41 x 32.4 x 12.4 inches
    • Mesh windows and fur padding
    • Made with Oxford fabric
    • Airline-approved
    • Has handles and shoulder strap
    Cons
    • A little pricey
    • Expandable sections take up space inside the carrier
    • Mesh rips easily

    9. FRiEQ Large Hard Cover Pet Carrier

    FRiEQ Large Hard Cover Pet Carrier

    Size: 23 x 16 x 15 inches
    Weight: 4.45 pounds
    Type: Soft and hard plastic
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 26 lbs.
    Color: Black

    The FRiEQ Large Pet Carrier is roomy and fits cats up to 26 pounds! The top and bottom are made of hard plastic for durability and protection, but the mid-section is flexible and can be folded and zipped up flat for storage. It also comes with a soft cushion bed, the zippers have locks, and there’s plenty of ventilation.

    However, it is expensive, and the zippers are prone to breaking (although not with every carrier). The mid-section is soft plastic, and if your cat is a chewer, they might be able to chew through the material.

    Pros
    • Good for cats up to 25 lbs.
    • Hard plastic top and bottom and flexible mid-section for storage
    • Comes with a soft cushion bed
    • Zippers have locks and ventilation
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Zipper might break
    • Cats might chew through mid-section

    10. Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Carrier

    Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Carrier

    Size: 2 x 17.8 x 18.1 inches
    Weight: 53 lbs.
    Type: Soft-sided
    Recommended pet weight: Up to 25 lbs.
    Color: Red, gray

    The Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Carrier comes in extra-small, small, and extra-large and comes in gray and red in small. This soft-sided carrier can fold down for storage and has screens for ventilation. It comes with a fleece mat and has extra pockets for storage. It also has handles and a padded shoulder strap.

    Unfortunately, this carrier can be rather difficult to assemble, and the zippers might break. Additionally, if you have a cat that likes to chew, the mesh might get chewed through.

    Pros
    • Comes in three sizes and two colors (in small)
    • Folds for storage and has screens for ventilation
    • Comes with a fleece mat and storage pockets
    • Handles and shoulder strap
    Cons
    • Difficult to assemble
    • Zippers might break
    • Mesh can be chewed through

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Carrier for Large Cats

    cat in carrier
    Image Credit: Zossia, Shutterstock

    Now that you’ve looked at the options, check out our buyer’s guide. We go over a few factors that you might want to consider before you make your purchase.

    Size

    If you have a large cat, you’ll need to look at large carriers. If your cat seems to be too big for the largest cat carriers out there, you should have a look at smaller dog carriers. Keep in mind that while you want one big enough for your cat, it shouldn’t be overly big. You don’t want your poor kitty sliding all over the place while you carry it.

    Measuring Your Cat

    To understand what size of carrier you should get, you should measure your cat. To determine how long your cat is, take measurements from their chest to their rear. Then for their height, measure from the top of their shoulders to the floor. Your cat should be able to turn around and stand up inside the carrier.

    Kind of Carrier

    There are several different types of carriers to choose from. Hard and soft-sided ones are the most common, but there are others, such as strollers and backpacks.

    Your choice should be based on what you’re using it for. If you go for walks with your cat, you can look at the stroller or backpack style. If you go short distances (like the vet or groomer), a soft carrier can work fine. These also work well for taking your cat inside the cabin of an airplane.

    hepper single cat paw divider

    Final Thoughts

    We hope that these reviews have helped you find the right kind (and size) of carrier for your cat. The Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier is our overall favorite because it’s large, airline-approved, and comfortable for your cat. The Ppogoo Large Pet Carrier is comfortable, airline-approved, and an affordable price. Finally, the PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier is pricey, but you can use it as a cozy bed for your cat and can even purchase optional wheels or a stroller frame.


    Featured Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database