10 Best Hard-Sided Cat Carriers – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Carting your beloved feline from place to place, such as from home to the vet, can be a struggle. Pets don’t always enjoy getting into cat carriers, for one. And sometimes, the cat carrier you have just doesn’t seem great at keeping your cat safe as they travel.

If you’re worried about keeping your cat safe (and comfortable) during travel, you might want to consider a hard-sided cat carrier. Typically made of plastic, these carriers are much sturdier than those made of fabric or mesh, and there are plenty of hard-sided carriers from which you can choose.

The only issue may be figuring out which one you and your cat prefer. We’re to help you reach your decision quickly with these reviews of the 10 best hard-sided cat carriers available. With the info below, you’ll be able to find a size and design you love, making worrying about cat-carrying safety a thing of the past.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 10 Best Hard-Sided Cat Carriers

1. Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel – Best Overall

If you’re looking for the best overall hard-sided cat carrier for your favorite feline, you’ll want to consider the Frisco Two Door Top Load Kennel, which is ideal for any trip. Made specifically for smaller pets, this kennel has both a front entrance and top entrance to make loading your cat a simpler process. Both doors stay locked and secured due to their spring-loading latches, while mesh wire allows kitty to see out. The wire mesh also provides plenty of airflow, as do the ventilation holes along the back and sides. And, if something liquid gets spilled inside the kennel, a moat keeps your pet’s feet safe and dry.

This kennel is made from eco-friendly recycled plastics and is simple to clean. It’s also a breeze to put together and take apart.

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2. Frisco Top Loading Cat Kennel – Best Value

When you’re on the hunt for a less expensive cat carrier, you’ll want the Frisco Top Loading Cat Kennel. As the best carrier for the money, it not only costs less than others but with its top entry, it makes loading your cat a breeze. Even better, there are small openings located on the top of the carrier, so you can pet your cat as you’re traveling. Multiple ventilation points ensure there’s always good airflow, so the kitty doesn’t become too stuffy. And the handle on top is designed to make carrying this carrier easier.

The Frisco Top Loading Cat Kennel is made from extra-durable plastic that promises to last a long time.

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3. INSTACHEW Petpod Small Dog and Cat Carrier – Premium Choice

When it’s a premium product you want, this carrier is the one for you! Not only does this cat carrier look super cool and futuristic, but because it’s a backpack, it makes carrying your cat simple. You don’t have to worry about the kitty being jolted around while you’re carrying them either, thanks to the shock absorption system built into it. The bottom of the backpack has also been widened to give your cat room to move around, so they can settle into the most comfortable position. The tinted window provides an opportunity for your pet to look out and see what’s going on while also keeping them safe from the sun.

And don’t be concerned about your cat’s ability to breathe in the backpack, as there is a built-in fan that provides constant fresh air flow! Though the power source for the fan is a separate purchase.

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4. Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel – Best for Kittens or Puppies

Keep your favorite feline nice and safe while traveling with the Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel! Featuring both a front and top door to load your cat, this kennel makes packing your pet up easy. A plethora of holes along the sides and back provide excellent air ventilation, while the sturdy plastic and stainless steel make for a durable carrier that will keep your pet safe. Plus, the carrying handle is heavy-duty and ergonomic, so travel is simpler for you as well! As a bonus, this carrier has a modern design, so your little one travels in style.

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5. SportPet Cat Carrier

This cool cat carrier has an extra-large door—that is also removable—that makes getting your cat in and out of it a cinch. There is an excess of ventilation holes, so you never need to fear your pet not being able to breathe well or getting overly warm. And the unique shape of the carrier gives your cat plenty of lounging room. Durable material makes this carrier sturdy and safe for travel, as well as easy to clean. Best of all, this cat carrier folds up for easier storage! The SportPet Cat Carrier can hold one or more cats, up to 35 pounds.

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6. Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel

This classic carrier and kennel is made from heavy-duty, high-impact plastic giving your favorite pet a safer ride. The steel wire door and side openings, along with the plastic wing nuts that lock the carrier together, provide even more durability (and are non-corrosive). Though this carrier is made for airplane travel, you can use it to move your cat via any kind of transportation. If you are using it for sky travel, though, it meets the requirements of most airlines. It also comes with the words “Live Animals” etched into it (and a “Live Animals” sticker) to make plane travel even safer. Plus, it has a detachable food and water bowl so your furry friend can make longer trips in comfort! This carrier is made from environmentally friendly recycled materials.

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7. Petmate Ruff Maxx Dog & Cat Kennel

Another in the genre of classic cat carriers, the Petmate Ruff Maxx offers your pet plenty of room to relax as they travel and 360-degrees of ventilation, so they never get hot or stuffy. The plastic and steel materials are extra durable, providing plenty of safety for your pet; plus, there is a squeeze latch to offer even more security. This carrier also comes in multiple sizes, so no matter the size of your pet, you can ensure they have a safe, comfortable trip. This cat carrier meets both USDA and IATA air travel requirements.

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8. MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel

This cat carrier is suitable for cats on the smaller side rather than larger ones. You’ll find the Midwest Spree more than adequate if you do have a smaller kitty, though! Assembly is easy and quick, with no tools required. The door on this cat carrier swings both ways, so you have an easier time reaching your pet, and the placement of several ventilation holes means your pet will stay comfy and be able to see more. Plus, the carrying handle is built-in, so transporting your furry friend is less hassle.

This carrier is made from extra-durable plastic that offers tons of safety while being a breeze to clean!

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9. Pet Magasin Collapsible Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

Another cat carrier for the smaller felines in your life, the Pet Magasin bag is comfortable for your pet, stylish, and secure. Hard tops and sides offer a safe journey for your cat, while the mesh door and plethora of ventilation holes give them a way to see what’s happening around them. There’s even a padded mat inside, so your pet has a cozy place to nap while traveling!

This cat carrier is lightweight enough to use for everyday travel if needed and can be folded down for easy storage.

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10. Aspen Pet Dog & Cat Kennel

Finally, we have another classic cat carrier design with the Aspen Pet carrier. This simple to assemble carrier comes with ten screws to hold it all together, preventing the top and bottom from breaking apart. The plastic and steel materials are made for longevity and durability, providing the height of safety for your pet’s travels. And the squeeze latch on the door enables you to open the carrier quickly. This carrier also provides plenty of airflow and ventilation with the number of side vents it has.

This cat carrier should meet most airline travel requirements.

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Buyer’s Guide

You shouldn’t have trouble finding a suitable hard-sided cat carrier for your cat, but there are several things you should look at when choosing one.

Size

The most important thing to look at when considering a hard-sided cat carrier is, of course, the size of it. Some carriers will be made for smaller cats, while some will fit large cats or even multiple cats at once. Check out the dimensions of the product (and measure your cat if you can wrangle it into a still position long enough) to ensure that the carrier won’t be overly large or small for your pet. The inside of the carrier should give your kitty enough room to turn or move about a bit to get into a comfortable position without them feeling scrunched.

Ease of Getting Cat In and Out

How simple getting your cat in and out of a carrier is, is right up there with getting the correct size. Some cats just aren’t fond of carriers, which makes loading them into one a considerable struggle. If your pet doesn’t love carriers, one with a top entry may be a better option. That way, you can pick them up and slide them in instead of trying to push them through a front entry from behind. Lots of carriers will come with more than one way to get your cat in and out, which could be great if you have multiple cats who have different preferences on how they get into a carrier. Pick a carrier that will cause less struggle for both you and kitty!

Durability

A hard-sided carrier offers more safety than those made of fabric and mesh because of the materials used. However, you still want to ensure materials are made to be durable before purchasing a carrier. Checking reviews from other pet parents can give you a good idea of how strong or flimsy a carrier is in the long run.

Ease of Cleaning

You’ll need to clean out your cat carrier every once in a while (or often if it’s used a lot), so you want a carrier that’s simple to clean. Most hard-sided ones will be relatively simple when it comes to cleaning, as you can either wipe them down or take them apart to wash them out.

Cost

Cat carriers can be costly, but you’ll find some less expensive ones if you look. Just keep in mind that because something costs more, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better made. Check reviews to see if a carrier is worth the price. You might also want to see if a carrier has a cheaper alternative out there.

Reviews

Reviews should be a part of your decision-making process because how better to find out just how good a product may be? Reading the experiences of other cat owners will help you be better informed when making a choice. Just be wary as some companies pay for good reviews.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the Frisco Two Door Top Load cat carrier is the best overall as it has a front and top entrance, as well as a moat to keep kitty’s feet dry in case of accidents. For the best carrier for the money, we recommend the Frisco Top Loading carrier due to its inexpensiveness and durability. Finally, if you want a premium carrier, hands down, you will enjoy the Instachew Pet Pod for its coolness factor—literally and figuratively!