Cats love to go on adventures! But you need to introduce them to cat carriers for travel well ahead of your road trip so they’ll get accustomed to riding in the car or RV. Then, once they master traveling in a pet carrier, they’ll want to go on more! But, to keep them safe during your travels and outdoor adventures. Today, there’s all sorts of cat carriers, kennels, cat back packs, pet strollers that you can take your cat with you virtually anywhere!
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Some cats are super adventurous and not mind where they go, sleep, eat or play. However, others may be timid, scaredy cats and not want to go far from her familiar surroundings.
This is why cat carrier manufacturers have come up with unique and safe ways for you to not only transport your cat but also include your cat in your day-to-day life; including travel.
And while most cats utterly hate car rides or even riding in an RV, getting them used to their cat carrier several months prior to your road trip, they may actually grow into enjoying the adventure.
So, we’ve put together a cool selection of the best cat carriers to take on your road trip adventure, airplane or even camping!
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12 Best Cat Carriers Traveling Cats and Adventure Kitties
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Are the different types of cat carriers?
It’s important to recognize which portable kennel will suit your cat best. As we all know, all cats are different. And some can be quite finicky about being confined while other cats take to traveling in their carrier right from the beginning.
Cat carriers and pet taxis come in several different styles and are made of different materials. Some are made of a hard plastic with metal gate while others are made of a softer, collapsible vinyl with mesh screening.
For your adventurous cat that loves to be on the go but doesn’t really hates to walk on a leash, cat backpacks and cat strollers are the perfect adventure gear for cats!
But, if you’re just looking for a well-suited kennel to keep your cat safe in the car or RV travel, there’s quite an array of cat carriers for travel and transport that as their place to relax during their road trip or visit to the Veterinarian.
What pet carriers do cats prefer?
Some cats may prefer a carrier hard-sided walls for privacy and to feel more contained. On the other hand, some cats or kittens may not mind the softer vinyl collapsible carriers.
But, the most important thing to keep in mind is to make certain whichever cat containment provides plenty of air flow and ventilation, safety and comfort.
For the cat owner, you’ll want to find a carrier that assembles quickly or collapses easily without making loud clanking sounds that may cause stress or apprehensions of even getting into it.
How long can a cat stay in a confined cat carrier?
It’s important to know most cats can travel in their cat carriers for up to 7 or 8 hours. However, you need to allow them to stretch their legs, offer some vittles and a potty break every 2-3 hours.
That said, it’s totally understandable that may not be possible if you’re on a road trip or in places that pose danger to you and your traveling cat.
How to measure and weigh your cat? (and live through it!)
Most importantly, before buying any cat carrier, make certain you know your cat’s size and weight.
Using a sewing tape measure, carefully measure your cat’s length from her neck to base of her tail and her height from the floor to top of shoulder. You’ll also want to measure her girth; taping her around the widest part of her belly.
To weigh your cat at home, step on your own bathroom scale and check your weight without the cat. Then, pick up your cat and weigh both of you together. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
That will be her accurate weight. Or, if you’d rather, take her to your cat’s veterinarian to have her weighed on their pet scale.
Is every cat carrier Airline Approved?
Each airline sets their own specific requirements, so it is advised to check with your airline of choice.
Best hard-sided cat carriers
Hard-sided cat carriers are best known as being exceptionally sturdy.
Also known as a pet taxi, the box-like, hard-sided cat carriers will protect your cat better as they are contained in more sturdy and protective design. Should you get into an accident, your cat stands to have a better survival rate in a hard-sided kennel.
And of course, your cat will stay contained, so very minimal risk of your kitty getting loose and wandering off.
Hard-sided pet transporters are also easier to clean should your kitty get sick during a road trip. And most models allow you to attach a water reservoir for long travel days.
And, since cats are notorious for clawing, scratching and biting, the hard plastic cat carriers are a better option as they can’t be damaged as easily.
That said, even though you can disassemble them and nestle the top into the bottom, the plastic pet taxi style takes up a lot of room to store.
So, if space is premium in your smaller RV, van or car, this type of cat carrier may not be conducive for your travel means.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Cat Kennel
Petmate’s Two Door Top Load Cat Kennel features a unique top-loading door that allows cat owners an easier way to place and remove feisty cats using both hands.
This hard-sided cat carrier is sturdy enough for RV travel and road trips. Both front and top-load doors are constructed with steel, and feature easy-squeeze latches for convenient access. Your cats will enjoy visibility on all sides of the kennel and the flow of fresh air.
Ferplast Atlas 20 Cat Carrier
The Ferplast Atlas 20 EL Cat Carrier is made of sturdy plastic and complete with plastic coated safe door. Its handle on the top allows very easy moving.
This one is a fantastic cat transporter that has firmly fixed side locks and ventilation grills to allow air circulation. This plastic hard-sided cat carrier comes in blue or pink.
Van Ness Calm Carrier for Cats
Designed specifically to keep your cat clam, relaxed and friendly, the Van Ness Calm Carrier for Cats with easy load drawer is a true cat owner’s life hack.
They invented this carrier so you and your cat can say goodbye to the fear, anxiety and stress associated with getting your fur baby in and out of the carrier.
This cat kennel comes in two sizes: Calm Carrier for cats up to 20 pounds and Calm Carrier Max for cats up to 35 pounds.
Best soft-sided cat carriers for travel
If you’re road tripping with your kitty in a small RV, van or motor vehicle, a collapsible soft-sided cat carrier may be a better option.
All, if not most, soft vinyl pet transporters unzip and collapse down about the size of a large dinner plate and thickness of only a couple inches.
BurgeonNest Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
The BurgeonNest Soft-Sided Cat Carrier is actually a better carrier that redefines in-cabin pet travel. With non-collapsing strong structure, excellent ventilation, perfect for traveling and outdoors.
It being one of the best cat carriers, it also secures with anti-slip zippers so your Great Houdini cats can’t escape easily by pushing against the zipper from the inside. This cat carrier has 4 mesh windows and 3 doors which can bring more fresh air and easy access for your furry felines.
Estarer Soft Sided Cat Carrier
The Estarer Soft-Sided Cat Carrier will contain your cat during travel. And when he wants to stretch out, you can unzip and expand all four sides!
The wider top and the entrances on both sides are equipped with zips that allow cute cats, dogs or rabbits to be easily put on and taken off.
The ultra-fine fibre frame design prevents the top from sagging when fully extended. This, being one of the best cat carriers for longer term travel, comes in either black or pink colors.
Yafeco Space Capsule Transparent Cat Carrying Bag
The Yafeco Space Capsule Transparent Cat Carrying Bag is for those cats who need to see what’s going on all of the time!
Its’ space capsule-like transparent design allows our pet to enjoy sightseeing, sunshine and scenery!
Also, its’ ventilation system is ingenious. Added mesh panels allow maximum accessibility and ventilation for your pet. It’s lightweight, waterproof, easy to clean and portable. Also, its’ portable design make you can take it apart very easily to store.
Best Cat Backpack Carriers
Cat owners are raving about cat backpacks because kitty can travel most anywhere with them. We’ve seen cats enjoying hikes, walks through the park or woods or even while sightseeing in busy cities.
The most important features you want to look for in this type of cat carrier is roominess for your size cat, ventilation and a sturdy floor.
Also, make certain zippers won’t split or come apart so your cat doesn’t escape the cat backpack while being worn on your back.
Texsens Pet Backpack Carrier
The 
Texans Pet Backpack is perfect for kittens and smaller cats up to 18 pounds. It has a removable floor mat for easier cleaning and let your pet enjoy it inside.
And this cat carrier backpack is scratch-resistant and sturdy making it strong enough to stand up to the clawing or gnawing. lastly, this well-ventilated cat carrier backpack comes with chest buckles which helps transporting your cat with ease.
Pecute Cat Backpack Carrier
The Pecute Cat Backpack is made of high-quality waterproof, anti-scratch, non-toxic Oxford cloth. This type of cat backpack has lock-type zippers design to prevent the zipper from being opened by determined felines.
It’s got pockets to store kitty treats, keys, ID and cards or phone. The best part about this cat carrier backpack is it has a mesh extension that allows your cat more room to stretch out when not being used as a backpack.
It makes a great cat transporter for long flight layovers, to keep your cat contained in your tent or RV or simply anywhere.
Henkelion Cat Backpack Carrier with Bubble Window
The Henkelion Cat Backpack Bubble Bag unique and popular space capsule design makes your pet feel safe and comfortable.
This cat backpack with the rear viewing bubble makes it easier to take care of your pet while hiking, travel, cycling and walking etc.
So go ahead and take your kitty on an outdoor adventure! Your kitty will love to go in her bubble backpack! And, it’s available in white, black and pink!
Best Pet Strollers for Cats
You see those little yapper dogs riding in strollers, why can’t cats get the same safe enjoyment?
It certainly doesn’t mean your cat is lazy (okay, maybe so?). Cat strollers are a great option if you still want to take kitty on a walk or sightseeing adventure without worrying about dogs attacking her.
Also noting, if your cat doesn’t take to leash training but you want to take them with you on long walks, a cat stroller is just the answer!
But these type of pet strollers are also perfect for cats with physical disabilities. They can still enjoy seeing the sights and getting fresh air just like cats on leashes all in 4-wheel luxury!
Paws & Pals Four Wheeler Elite Jogger Cat Stroller
The Paws & Pals Four Wheeler Elite Jogger Cat Stroller allows you to take your cat outdoors when the pavement is either too hot or cold for their little paws.
The zippered entryway, mesh window shades, and retractable canopy allow for airflow to keep your adventure kitty comfortable. With the press of a button on the handle, this pet stroller folds compactly.
Making this a great option for road trips, RVs and air travel as it takes minimal space to store when folded completely. This cat stroller comes in 5 fun, identifying colors; black, pink, light pink, purple, and red.
ibiyaya’s Double Decker Pet Stroller
ibiyaya’s Double Decker Pet Stroller is perfect for cat owners with two cats or even one small dog and cat.They can ride separately in their own riding compartment.
And with a separate upper and lower cabin compartment, your two cats won’t have to fight their way as you go along your sightseeing stroll. Being this pet stroller is foldable, makes it super easy to fit into the trunk of your car or basement in your RV or camper.
Multi-Function Cat Carrier Ideas
ibiyaya 5-in-1 Cat Carrier
Get ready for any adventure with your pet with the highly versatile ibiyaya 5-in-1 Cat Carrier!
In my opinion, this is one of the best cat carriers because of it’s versatility!
It can be converted into a shoulder carrier, a cat backpack, a car seat for your cat, cat stroller, and cat carrier with wheels.
With it’s large opening for getting in and out, a sturdy mesh window, and perforated holes, the cat carrier backpack ensures ventilation while your kitty enjoys the view. This multi-function pet carrier comes in five colors; blue, green, pink, orange and brown.
So, your kitty will always enjoy traveling in style whether to go sightseeing, hiking, or going to see Grandma!
Final thoughts on best cat carriers for travel, sightseeing and outdoor adventures
Now if those awesomely best cat carriers don’t make you want to get your cat excited to travel, I don’t know what will.
Look, we all know a lot of cats don’t take to leashes. But that shouldn’t bar you from including taking your cat sightseeing, hiking or on super fun adventures. These different cat carriers fit the bill safely!
More info on traveling with cats
- Going on a Road Trip with Cats? Road Travel Tips for Cat Owners!
- How to Survive RVing with Cats
- How RV Travel with Cats is Easier (Than with Dogs!)
- Why You Should Leash Your Cat While Camping
- Where to Put the Cat Litter Box in an RV *Creative Locations*
- How to Make a Cat Scratch Post for RVs and Small Spaces
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Check out our video below on how we RV with cats!
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