Best Carriers for Long Distance Travel with Cats

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Holly Anne Dustin

Traveling with cats can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to long distances. That’s where a cat carrier comes in, providing a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend to travel in. However, not all cat carriers are created equal. Finding the best carriers for long distance travel with cats can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are traveling with multiple cats or over multiple days.

After traveling all over the Eastern half of the US last year during an intense cat show season, we have a system that works for us. It took some trial and error to get there though, especially as we added cats and retired cats throughout the year. This is what has worked for us. Hopefully these suggestions for the best carriers for long distance travel with cats will help you make your furry friend’s next adventure less stressful for all.

Related Post: Road-tripping with Your Cat

Carrier Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best carriers for long distance travel with cats, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features and considerations to keep in mind when making your purchase:

Size and Comfort

If you are just taking short jaunts of 2-3 hours or less, Kitty just needs to be able to stand, sit and turn around in their carrier. Generally a carrier should be one and a half times the size of your cat. 

Longer trips will require more room so you can fit in food and water and Kitty can stretch out a bit more. For a true long distance trip you’ll need to allow for access to a litter box. That’s the point that I start thinking crate or enclosure, not carrier.

Look for carriers with soft and comfortable bedding, as well as good ventilation to keep your cat cool and comfortable during the trip.

Durability and Safety

It’s important to choose a carrier that is sturdy and well-built, with secure latches, locking zippers, and a strong handle. Make sure the carrier is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Make sure there is a way to securely fasten the carrier into the seat of your car.

Ease of Use

Choose a carrier that is easy to clean and maintain, with removable bedding and easy-to-access compartments. Look for carriers that are lightweight and easy to carry, with comfortable handles or shoulder straps for you to carry Kitty in and out of the car to hotel rooms. 

Additionally, consider carriers that fold down easily for packing when not in use. This makes a difference if you are putting Kitty into a crate or enclosure in the car but need carriers for day use.

Is Kitty likely to barf or potty in the carrier? Consider how easy it will be to clean on the road or to line it with potty pads to protect it?

Airline Compatibility

If you plan to travel by plane, make sure the carrier meets airline regulations for size and weight. Look for carriers that are approved by major airlines and have features such as airline-compliant locks and water-resistant bottoms.

In summary, when choosing a carrier for long distance travel with cats, it’s important to consider size and comfort, durability and safety, ease of use, and airline compatibility. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a carrier that will keep your furry friends safe and comfortable on your next adventure.

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Best Cat Carriers for Long Distance Travel

Whether you’re moving across the country or just taking a long road trip, you want to make sure your cat is comfortable and safe during the journey. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best carriers for long distance travel with cats. These carriers are not only durable and secure, but also provide ample space for your cat to move around and relax. So, let’s take a look at our top picks!

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

We highly recommend the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed for long distance car travel with your feline friend. This carrier is not only a carrier, but also a pet bed and a car seat all in one. It has been certified by the Center for Pet Safety for pets 15 pounds and under, making it a safe option for most cats.

One of the best things about the Sleepypod is that it allows your cat to travel in the comfort of their own bed, which can help reduce travel-related stress. This is because the Sleepypod is already a familiar and trusted part of your cat’s everyday life. It’s also great for cats who are anxious or nervous during travel.

This is my favorite carrier unless I’m traveling with multiple cats and need to save space. I always get comments on what a great carrier it is when I take Treeno to the vet. It makes it so easy to zip the dome back and examine the cat right there in the bed.

Overall, the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a great investment for long distance or local travel with your feline friend. It’s not only safe and comfortable, but also versatile and easy to use. Yes, it is expensive but it is well worth the price.

Pro: 

• Crash tested for safety
• Sturdy and stable
• Luggage grade outer shell surface clean
• Bedding removable to wash
• Insides are water repellent. Easy to wipe down.
• Full suite of add-ons for additional comfort available through Sleepypod.
• Dome removable, or access Kitty through the zipper across the middle.
• Roomy, comfortable for Kitty
• Easy access to cat 

Con:

• Round shape is not easiest to carry or pack
• Zipping the dome on and off and the linings in can be difficult to line
• Not airline compatible
• Expensive

Buy at the official Sleepypod website or amazon.com. Because it is sold through a third party on Amazon there maybe limited colors or availability.

SturdiBag:

If I were going to fly with my cats, this would be my pick but it works just as well in the car. The SturdiBag comes in various sizes and colors. The XL and XXL are not airline friendly. The largest sizes have dividers so you can take multiple cats, or make one side a “bathroom” compartment if you put in a fold up litter box. The carrier has a fiberglass rod skeleton that has a flex-height feature to fit under airline seats. It is made from strong polyester that is completely washable. There is a comfortable pad that comes with the carrier. You can slide the carrier over a suitcase handle, carry with the padded handle or use the 4 point shoulder strap. Probably the most popular carrier among cat show exhibitors.

Pro:

• Very lightweight and easy to carry.
• Lots of ventilation. You can roll down flaps over all the mesh areas for privacy or leave up for visibility and ventilation.
• Top and side entry.
• Seat buckle straps
• Locking zippers for safety
• Good for multiple cats

Con:

• My fat cat sat on it and broke the rods. They are easy and cheap to replace and a Sturdi representative suggested that using two sets of rods together makes this more durable
• Doesn’t fold up for storage easily without removing the rods.

Purchase at the manufacturers site: Sturdiproducts.com

Sherpa Expandable Travel Carrier

We have purchased several of these for trips short enough that we don’t use an enclosure but still want more space for the kitties. My two youngest cats opted to share their carrier during our last trip. I wouldn’t carry them that way, but if they want to sleep together while we drive more power to them. The top weight capacity for the carrier is 16 pounds. The two of them were probably right at capacity.

There are lots of mesh panels providing a lot of ventilation and visibility. One of the sides unzips and pops out to double the floor size of the carrier. It doesn’t fit a litter box but it does give them a nice place to eat or lounge. The carrier has both top and side entries and folds flat for storage. It has a lambs wool style covered base plate to keep the carrier sturdy. You can remove the cover to wash it. The carrier has a storage pocket for a leash or some treats, a shoulder strap, and padded handles. It can fit over a luggage handle and buckles into our seat belts for safety.

Part of Sherpa’s Guaranteed On Board Program. Spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to easily fit under airplane seats.

Pro:

• Lots of ventilation
• Approved for use on most major airlines
• Storage pocket
• Top and side entries
• Fits over luggage
• Folds flat for easy packing or storing.

Con:

• Folding method is awkward. If you zip up the expanded part with the liner down, it folds up so the Sherpa padding is covered. The only way to get the comfy side up is to take the cat and the base out, zip it up, and replace the base and the cat.
• The base plate is cardboard based and will eventually need replacing
• A serious cat could chew through the mesh
• Hard to clean

Purchase on Amazon.com

Sherpa Original Carrier

If you just need a basic carrier, this could be the answer. This was the original carrier our cats rode to shows in. Just like the expandable version, this carrier is a part of their airline guarantee problem with the spring wire system that allows flexibility to fit under the seats. It has the same top and side entry panels and folds completely flat for packing or storage. It has plenty of ventilation and visibility with mesh panels and the same base panel with lamb wool style pad.

All of the features except the expansion piece applies to this carrier as well. If you have to fly with your kitty and don’t have the budget for the SturdiBag or one of Sleepypod’s airline compatible products, this might be the right carrier for you and your furbaby.

Pro:

• Lots of ventilation
• Approved for use on most major airlines
• Storage pocket
• Top and side entries
• Fits over luggage
• Folds flat for easy packing or storing.

Con:

• The base plate is cardboard based and will eventually need replacing
• A serious cat could chew through the mesh
• Hard to clean

Buy at Amazon.com

Prutapet Large Cat Carrier

The carrier is made of durable 600D oxford fabric and a metallic frame, ensuring that it can withstand wear and tear during travel. The bottom of the carrier is upholstered with a washable lamb fluff style pad and a solid base, providing a comfortable environment for your cat during travel. You can wash the covering but reassembling the crate is not easy.

If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable cat carrier for long distance travel, the Prutapet Large Cat Carrier is a great option. Works better as a car crate that stays in the car than an actual carrier. If you wanted to keep your furbaby enclosed in a hotel room, it is possible to use this as a carrier.

The carrier has three zipper access points to get to Kitty, and lots of mesh windows for ventilation. This keeps your cat cool and comfortable during the journey. The carrier is also easy to store, as it can be folded for storage and comes with extra storage space for pet supplies.

Overall, I would recommend the Prutapet Large Cat Carrier for anyone looking for a spacious and comfortable crate for their cat during long distance travel. It also worked very well as a nursery crate for Minnie and her kittens.

Pros

• The carrier is extra large, perfect for large cats or two average cats. It will hold up to 55 pounds.
• The carrier comes with complete accessories, including a travel litter box and a collapsible water bowl.
• The carrier is equipped with safety buckles that can be connected to the safety belt and fasten the carrier to the seat, providing a safety guarantee for your cat.

Cons

• The carrier is bulky and not easy to carry around. 
• The metallic frame adds extra weight to the carrier.
• Unfolding it and getting the frame set to get the carrier set up is difficult 

Purchase at Amazon.com

SturdiProducts Car-go Pop-Up Kennel

We regularly use the Sturdiproducts Car-go Small enclosure to transport our cats on long road trips, and we are impressed with how comfortable and secure it keeps them during the journey. The enclosure is incredibly spacious, with plenty of room for the cats to stretch out and relax especially if you purchase the hammock accessory. The fact that the enclosure has straps to belt it in with the car seat belts make us feel confident that our furbabies are safe and secure during our journeys. You can even put an open regular carrier inside if Kitty wants to use it as a bed.

We have traveled 15-18 hour trips in a Prius or Corolla with up to 3 cats in the Car-go, and 4 in a larger show shelter enclosure. The Car-go fits in a car better. The show shelter falls over the front of the seat and needs to be braced with luggage. 

There’s plenty of room to put in a litter box and food. I only put water in during stops. The add-on comfort pads absorb liquid and aren’t easily cleaned on the road.

One thing we appreciate about the Car-Go Kennel is how easy it is to use and store. There is no setup or installation required; you just simply remove it from the included storage bag and it pops up. Seatbelt it in, load in your cats and you’re set to hit the road. Twist it and it folds down when finished. The kennel is easy and convenient to use in the backseat of a car, fold and take it into a hotel room if you need to contain a cat, and into a show hall. 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to pop-up, use, and fold away
• Plenty of ventilation and visibility
• Lots of storage pockets on the enclosure and the storage bag.
• Customizable appearance with accessories

Cons

• Not easy to clean if it gets soiled
• Doesn’t come with cushions or comfort items,  you have to buy them separately

Buy at Manufacturer’s Website: Sturdiproducts.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What size carrier is best for long distance travel with cats?

When it comes to choosing a cat carrier for long distance travel, size matters. You want to make sure Kitty has enough room to move around comfortably, but not so much space that they could be thrown around during sudden stops or turns. A carrier that is 18-20 inches long, 12-14 inches wide, and 12-14 inches tall is usually a good size for most cats. If you are traveling with more than one cat, you will need to multiply the length and width times the number of cats. 

What are some features to look for in a cat carrier for long distance car travel?

There are several features to look for if you want one of the best carriers for long distance travel with cats. First, make sure it is sturdy and secure, with a strong latch or zipper,  and good ventilation. Look for a carrier with a soft, comfortable lining that is easy to clean, and consider one with a top-loading and side-loading options for easy access. A seat belt strap to attach the carrier safely to your car is also important. Finally, choose a carrier with a handle or strap for easy carrying.

Can I bring a litter box in my cat carrier for long distance car travel?

If you have a large enough carrier you certainly can put a litter box in your carrier. Make sure to secure the litter box so it doesn’t tip over during the trip. If I’m traveling solo with Kitty then I leave the box open so he can just go. If I have someone with me I prefer to keep it closed unless the cats need to use the box. 

If your cat doesn’t have space to get away from the dirty litter then your carrier is too small to put the box in the carrier. Put it on the floor of the car and take breaks every couple hours to offer him a chance to use his own personal facilities.

What is the maximum amount of time a cat should be in a carrier during a long distance car trip?

It is recommended that cats be allowed out of their carrier every 2-3 hours during a long distance car trip to stretch their legs, use the litter box, and get some water and food. However, if your cat is comfortable and calm in their carrier, they can stay in it for longer periods of time as long as they have access to food, water, and a litter box. 

If you equip your car for Kitty’s comfort using one of these carriers/car shelters, you may be able to go a long way before taking a break. We’ve been able to do a 12 hour day of driving with just 3 quick stops with a litter box in our Sturdi Products car-go shelter. It wasn’t really necessary to stop more often because the cats could roam around the back seat, sleep in the hammock, or sit up to watch the traffic.