When traveling is inevitable, and leaving your cat behind unthinkable, the best cat carriers for long distance car travel can save the day. When you have to travel with your cat in the car on a long trip, you need to put the purring friend in a good carrier. Traveling with your pet is fun and there are different types of cat carriers on the market, which provides you with more than enough options to choose from.
Because every trip has slightly different requirements that may be unique to itself, you should ensure that your cat carrier choosing process conforms to such requirements. You need to consider all the necessary factors, giving the most important ones the priority that they deserve. This guide can help you out where you are stuck or even help to reinforce the knowledge you already have. From here and by this guide you can find the best cat carriers for long distance car travel.
Best Cat Carrier for Long Distance Car Travel Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Petluv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier | A soft and comfortable bed | Check Price |
 |
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier |
The shoulder sling can be made long or short to accommodate the user |
Check Price |
 |
Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat CarrierPet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier |
Features a padded matt on the floor |
Check Price |
 |
Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier |
Soft sides keep your pet comfortable and safe |
Check Price |
 |
PETS GO2 Premium Small Pet CarrierPETS GO2 Premium Small Pet Carrier |
4 breathable mesh windows provide excellent ventilation |
Check Price |
 |
Pet Fit for Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Cage |
Made from high-quality nylon fabric |
Check Price |
 |
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier Kennel |
Fleece pet bed is machine washable |
Check Price |
 |
Sherpa Delta Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier |
The shoulder strap is adjustable and has a no-slip feature |
Check Price |
 |
LEMONDA Portable Pet Travel Carrier |
Space capsule design is cute |
Check Price |
 |
ibiyaya 5 in 1 Pet Carrier |
Comes with a stroller frame and folding cart |
Check Price |
Top 15 Best Cat Carriers for Long Distance Car Travel Buying Guide
The benefits of owning a cat transcend the responsibilities that come with it. Now you can carry your cat along on a long-distance trip, whether you are flying or traveling by road. All you need is the best cat carrier for long distance travel. Apart from the carrier, you can also consider a portable cat litter box suitable for travel. We have prepared a guide for you in case you are having trouble choosing the best cat carrier.
Here are some of the factors you can consider to analyze the carrier’s suitability. With these factors, you can determine whether the carrier is the best you can get with the resources you have and if it is the one that would serve the intended purpose more appropriately for you and your cat.
Right Size
The right size means not too small or too big. A carrier that is too big can be dangerous for your cat especially since the may stumble about so much when the car is on the move. Rough terrain may cause a lot of discomfort to it. Also, when it is too big, it is a bit too difficult to balance with the cat inside.
On the other hand, a small carrier may leave your purring friend feeling confined. The idea is to minimize the amount of stress it feels when in the carrier. Therefore, a small space will just make the situation worse for the pet. A carrier that is 1.5 times larger than the cat is the best.
Safety
Do not just throw your cat into a cage-like carrier without thinking about what will happen to the pet when driving on a bumpy road. Minding your cat’s safety is the least you can do in a traveling situation. Instead, you can purchase one of those carriers with safety features. The more and better the safety features in a carrier the better a choice it will be for your purring friend.
Just ensure that the safety features that are included in a carrier help provide optimal safety for the pet in all the situations that it is more likely to be exposed to when traveling. For instance, you can go for a carrier with seat belt loops.
Weight Capacity
You need to check the maximum weight that the carrier can accommodate. Cats have different sizes and weights, making it a necessity for you to choose a carrier that is right for them in terms of size just like in terms of other factors too. Based on your cat’s weight, you should be more accurate with your pick.
Most of these carriers indicate the weight capacity and therefore you should look out for them. For cats weighing up to 5 pounds, you should use cat purse carriers. On the other hand, cats weighing more than 10 pounds should be carried in a regular cat carrier.
Quality of materials
Different cat carriers can be made from a variety of different materials. This gives you the chance to choose what is best for your cat and what most interests you. Ensure that you only purchase a carrier that is made from quality materials. Also, you should check to see if the materials used to make the carrier are good for the pet.
One of the reasons why quality materials are necessary is because you need something that will not fall apart after a short time use. Cats are lighter than dogs, and their carriers do not have to equal those that are used to carry dogs. But even so, quality should still dominate your factors to consider when choosing a carrier for your cat.
Comfort
One of the reasons why you decide to purchase a cat carrier is because you care about your cat. Therefore, you should extend that care by considering how comfortable the pet is going to be in that carrier all along the trip. Most of these products are thoughtfully designed to keep the pet less stressed while inside.
You should be keen to look for comfort features when shopping for a cat carrier. Some even have cushioned floors. Even the materials used in the interior and the finishing would determine how comfortable the cat is going to be. Do not make the trip seem longer for the cat than it is.
The Best Cat Carrier for Long Distance Travel Reviews
Travelling with your cat can be hard at the beginning. However, if you have the best cat carriers for long distance Travel, carrying your cat becomes easy. The following are amazing carries that are suitable for long distance travelling. Check their features, pros and cons to determine which one is the best.
Petluv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier
This large carrier is spacious enough to ensure that a playful cat does not get bored during the journey. It has enough space to sleep and even play.
The air circulation is magnificent, with rubber mesh all-round for continuous clean air flow. The carrier is made of long-lasting materials. Four openings with windows ensure that the cat catches a view of nature along the way. Light comes in and reduces fear in the cat. A cushioned pillow is also included to add comfort to the cat.
There is a soft, comfy bed in the carrier where the cat sleeps. It can be removed when it is dirty, cleaned then returned into the carrier. There is a seat belt that you can use to put the carrier at a compact position so that the cat does not have a bumpy trip that could make it anxious.
With four openings you can access the cat easily even from the top. This way you can feed and change bedding for the cat with much ease. This is a carrier that is most suitable to use while traveling on roads via car.
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
This best cat carrier for long car trips is available in three different sizes which makes it suitable for small, medium and large cats.
With this carrier, you are guaranteed a safe journey whether on-road via car or on-air because most airlines only accept boarding with small or medium-sized cats.
The carrier is excellently ventilated with meshed windows to ensure the cat does not suffocate in the bag.
The doorway of this carrier is zipped so that you can close it after the cat enters. There are two sides through which the cat can enter the carrier; the sideway or the upper part. The hand sling is padded to make it comfy while carrying.
The shoulder sling is made such that it does not slide off the shoulder. The frame is made of spring wire so you can push it to the extent that it fits underneath the seat. Also, there is a big pocket on the side of the bag that would allow you to put everything needed for the cat during the trip.
Pros
- It has a liner that can be cleaned
- Allows ventilation inside the carrier
- It is safe for your cat
- The hands are padded thus prevents blisters
- The shoulder sling can be made long or short to accommodate the user
- Many airlines certified its use
Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat CarrierPet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Cat Carrier
Do not leave your cat behind out of desperation or due to lack of a proper way to carry it. Get cat carriers for long distance car travel like the pet Magasin and enjoy traveling with your cat.
This pet carrier gives you more than enough reasons to bring your cat along on the trip. Everything about this carrier is so right, from size to ventilation to materials used in making it.
It offers a breathable space for your pet during a long journey. There is nothing injurious to cats about this carrier. It has a hard base on the exterior to protect the cat from below. The base also gives the pet firm and sturdy place to stand on just in case it needs to maintain a balance.
This carrier is made from some of the best materials for something like this. Made of premium material parts that would keep your pet perfectly cushioned from outside impact. It is easy to store as well. It has soft sides that can be folded down so that the whole of it fits perfectly into a little package.
You can zipper the top and bottom together so that it takes very little storage space. Another of its many strengths is the breathable mesh and YKK zippers that together make the environment warmer and more accommodating.
Pros
- Well-ventilated
- The size is perfect for a long travel
- Hard base provides protection
- Collapsible so that it can be stored easily
- Features a padded matt on the floor
- Made from premium materials
Cons
- Features just one mesh panel
Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier
Getting one of these for your cat just speaks loud your love for the pet. This carrier is advanced and would keep your cat safe and collected no matter how long or rough the trip is.
It shows interior sizing and pet measuring guidelines to help you determine if it is the right bag for your cat before you purchase it.
Not very many pet carriers help you like that. Its bag-like design makes it easy to carry and to move around with it when traveling. Also, it has a variety of compartments that you can use to store other accessories for the cat on a trip. Even from outside, you can just tell that it is a high-quality carrier.
The interior space is less than the exterior dues to the thick fabric dimension and the extra padding. However, this space provides a safer and more comfortable environment for your cat to spend the entire trip without getting exhausted along the way.
Besides, it is a strong and waterproof carrier that would protect your cat from anything that may hit from outside. Water will not find its way in if any spillage occurs. Also, it provides a lot of ventilation, which is very necessary.
PETS GO2 Premium Small Pet CarrierPETS GO2 Premium Small Pet Carrier
Travel in style and carry your cat in a more comfortable environment with this carrier. Designed for travel, this carrier has all the right features than any contemporary cat owner would love.
Besides helping you carry your fur friend along on a long trip, it will make the process a stylish one.
Also, it not only keeps your cat comfortable but also safe all through the trip. This amazing piece of innovation can withstand tough use for a longer period than a standard carrier. Such durability is contributed to by its heavy-duty polyester construction.
The for the sake of your cat’s wellbeing, this carrier is perfectly ventilated, allowing your cat to breathe in clean air throughout the trip. In that case, it features 4 breathable mesh windows, all of which can be unzipped to serve as points of exit or entrance for the pet. Such creativity adds value to this carrier, which is one of the reasons why many cat owners love it.
The carrier is also roomy, with a space wide enough for a normal-sized cat. Therefore, it can accommodate your pet very well on a trip. It has an H frame and can be expanded to create more room.
Pros
- Provides enough room for a cat
- Can be expanded in case more room is needed
- Suitable for traveling in a car
- 4 breathable mesh windows provide excellent ventilation
- Soft and washable bedding maximizes comfort
Cons
- Lacks a proper shape
Pet Fit for Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Cage
Your cat would love such a beautiful carrier no doubt. Do your cat a favor and get one of this for it for traveling purposes.
Made from highly durable nylon fabric, this carrier is comfy in every sense of the word. Carrying your cat in such a comfortable carrier can help ease the stress that may come with driving through rough terrain with your cat in the car.
Even though you do not have to put two cats in it, this carrier is large enough to comfortably keep two full-grown cats in it. Similarly, since it is fully collapsible, it is pretty easy to store or to use in general.
More space means more comfort. It also has two windows as well as a zippered front door, which together serve as reliable sources of ventilation. It is held steadfastly together by a flexible steel frame that also contributes to its durability.
Judging by the thoughtful design of this pet condo, it provides a safe space for your kitties. It has a paper-soft velvet-covered floor that would make them feel at home while in the carrier. A portable litter is included for a more comprehensive performance during a trip.
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier Kennel
This is one of the best carriers for larger cats. It is engineered to accommodate the pet’s larger body and still give it enough space to move around and feel free. This bag not only helps you take good care of your pet but also gives you an easy time doing it.
With its adjustable shoulder strap and carrying handles that are well put in place, carrying it is a breeze. It is easy to keep clean too. With a machine-washable fleece pet but bed, this carrier is generally easy to keep spotlessly clean at all times.
It will not collapse on your cat under any circumstance, thanks to the high-quality materials that it is made from. This is also the quality that makes it safe for your pet. Whether the animal is too heavy, this carrier will carry it without losing balance.
All the four sides have mesh ventilation to let in lots of fresh air and to make sure that your furry friend does not suffocate in there. It comes with a comfy base insert that increases the pet’s comfort. It does not take up much space and can, therefore, be placed comfortably under the seats.
Sherpa Delta Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
If traveling in style is your thing, you probably will not let your pet interfere with that. So, this pet carrier has that sorted out for you. But how?
It is as stylish as you can expect. It boasts an elegant design that would complement your stylish look. This carrier also has a patented spring wire frame that makes it possible for you to press the rear side to conform to the under-seat requirements. The good thing is that even if you have to squeeze it to fit under the car seat, the cat will not be affected.
Any pet would be lucky to travel in this. This product comes in various sizes so that you can always pick the right size for your cat whenever you need to. Make sure you measure the size of the cat before you pick the carrier to increase your chances of choosing the right. It has mesh windows with roll down flaps.
That way, it enhances the cat’s comfort, safety, and privacy. And for easier carrying, it has a no-slip carrying strap. There is a side pocket where you can put all the other things that your purring friend may need on the trip.
Pros
- The shoulder strap is adjustable and has a no-slip feature
- Fiberglass support provides flexibility
- Roll down flap for privacy
- Provide enough entry points
- Pockets for carrying extra accessories
Cons
- The bed can be very stiff
LEMONDA Portable Pet Travel Carrier
Leaving your cat behind on its own when going on a long trip might not be a good idea. And if you decide to bring it along, you better get a suitable carrier for it.
This one from Lemonanda would do more than just serve the purpose. For one, it looks cool and stylish hence making cat carrying easier and a little bit more attractive.
You can keep your purring friend comfortable and protected throughout the travel even when the going gets rough. Its weight is bearable if you have to carry it for a long time.
If you need a carrier that will complement not only your style but also your love for perfection, this one will be great. Made of canvas and high-quality acrylic material. What you get is a carrier that will survive the test of time even with constant use. Besides, it makes your cat feel less confined or caged.
The pet cannot run away, thanks to the built-in lock and other security-enhancing features such as tough exterior that is resistant to scratch.
The pet will also be able guidance able to have a view of the sun and the outside environment hence helping it feel less caged and anxious. The space capsule-style provides a transparent window that helps the cat to interact with the outside world.
ibiyaya 5 in 1 Pet Carrier
this is one of the most versatile pet carriers you can ever come across anywhere. Built to solve all sorts of pet traveling problems, this carrier provides an all-inclusive solution to all types of traveling.
Whether you are traveling by plane, car, bus, or train, you will have something to put your pet in to keep it safe and comfortable throughout the long journey.
It is a 5 in 1 multi-functional pet carrier that can be carried on a person’s back as a backpack, put on a seat and held steadfastly by a seatbelt, pushed on a stroller, or pulled on a rolling carrier. All these give you options and ease your job throughout the trip.
These qualities make it suitable for a stressful trip. It is easy to assemble, and all you have to do is follow the steps as explained in the assembly manual. Also, you can easily switch between functions even in the middle of the journey. But how does it do in providing comfort?
Well, it is as comfortable as any loving pet owner would want it to be. It provides a spacious opening that serves as both sources of entrance and exit. For faster and easier storage, this carrier is fully collapsible.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to maintain
- 5 in 1
- Comes with a stroller frame and folding cart
- Wear-resistant wheels
Cons
- The pet may have to be in a sleeping position
X-ZONE PET Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier for Dogs and Cats
Make your cat feel loved and even adored by putting it in this carrier when traveling. Built to offer a more welcoming environment for your pet, this pet carrier will provide much more than just a means to travel with your furry friend.
I mean, if you love your pet even if it is just a little bit, getting it a quality product like this is the least you can do. This carrier can hold a maximum weight of 7kg, which is more than what most cats weigh. Therefore, make sure you know the weight of your cat before you can put it into this carrier. Also, it can be placed under the car seat and fits just fine.
This bag-like carrier comes with a removable base insert, which makes things simpler for you when cleaning it up. You simply remove the base insert, clean it thoroughly if you need to, then place it back in the carrier.
The base insert is also one of the features that help maximize the comfort of your pet. It also has ample meshed windows for ventilation purposes. Your cat will not suffocate along the trip whatsoever. This product also has some convenient carrying handles and adjustable shoulder strap for more stress-free handling.
Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carriers
A beautiful pet carrier. It might look simple but very superior to most of its competitions. It sports an assortment of thoughtfully coordinated colors that matches its structure well.
You can tell when a cat carrier is ingeniously designed, and this is a good example of a job well done on the side of the designers.
It will make your pet feel safe and less anxious even when the journey is not that smooth. In other words, it would make a rough journey bearable for the cat. Besides, it is super easy to set up or fold down for storage.
This will work best for a medium-sized pet. Therefore, all you need to do is ensure that the cat’s size is right for this carrier, put it in and you are good to go. It has an original metal frame that holds it together so that it does not lose its shape when carrying it and when placed under the seat.
That way, it extends safety and comfort to the pet. You will not have to worry once you have placed your cat in this carrier, having the surety that it will reach the destination safely. The handles not only make carrying a breeze but also stylish for a contemporary traveler.
Petisfam Top Load Cat Carrier for Medium Cats
this is an anti-escape pet carrier. You do not want to risk losing your cat in the middle of nowhere. It would be a sad moment if that happens.
Its design does not allow the pet to escape. Once it is placed in the carrier, it will stay there until you decide to remove it, probably after the destination is reached.
With this pet carrier, no wastage of space will be experienced. If you have limited space in your car, you should get one for your cat. It will not affect the comfort of the cat in any way. It can carry weight up to 7.3 kilograms. That is more than what most cats weigh.
It even has a leash hook in the interior, helping you to reduce the pet’s chances of escape. Also, it makes it easy for the animal to get in and out. This is made possible by the many doors that it has. One door is at the top while the other two are on the sides.
You will not be troubled when there is a need to store it since it is collapsible, which makes storage pretty easy too. You simply unzip it, fold it down gently to make a flap package and voila, it is ready for storage when not in use.
Vceoa Airline Approved Pet Carriers
Let your pet experience nature with this carrier when traveling. It provides your cat with the view as things transpire throughout the trip.
That way, it will feel less anxiety compared to what it would feel if it was fully enclosed and transported on a rough road. It would be so stressed. This bag is designed to solve such problems.
Your cat will feel even better seeing you through the mesh and reading how less stressed you are in the midst of the bumpy road trip. It is made up of soft sides that optimize the comfy and cozy design that it typically has.
This bag can be secured in a car seat, making it positioned steadfastly even when the going gets rough. That way, it enhances safety for the furry friend, increasing its chances of getting to the destination in one piece. The zips are of great quality, allowing you to unzip or zip as many times as you would yet it will not malfunction any time.
And for better carrying experience, there is a well-positioned carry handles together with adjustable shoulder straps. It also provides two entrances so that you can put and remove the cat in it more stress-freely.
ZaneSun Cat Carrier, Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
Who said a pet carrier cannot be beautiful? This one is more appealing to the eye than many other carriers within its price range.
It comes in small and large sizes so that you can choose the one that best fits your cat. Depending on the size of your cat, remember to keep it in a carrier that is neither too small nor too big.
This bag is also light in weight, allowing you to carry it for a longer period if the traveling requires you to. It also comes in both blue and pink options so that you can choose the one that best complements your style.
The overall design of this carrier is just so convenient it makes work easier for you. For instance, it has side pockets that are multifunctional. These pockets provide extra space to keep other accessories that the can may need on the trip.
You should do your part by ensuring that everything needed by or for the cat is carried along. The soft sides are so cozy that your cat will love every moment it spends in the carrier. The fact that this product is made of 600D oxford materials should just give you a hint of its excellent quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Do You Travel Long Distances With A Cat?
A: You simply buy the safest cat carrier for car, place it in and voila! Just make sure it fits in the carrier and that the carrier is comfortable enough for it. Also, make sure the carrier is well places in the car for more safety of the pet.
Q: What Is The Best Cat Carrier For Car Travel?
A: ibiyaya 5 in 1 Pet Carrier still stands out for a variety of reasons. It is built of the best materials and comes with far more accessories that make it more suitable for travel. So if you value the safety and comfort of your cat in a durable cat carrier, then this will help. Petluv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier is also one of the best cat carrier for long car trips.
Q: What Can I Give My Cat For Travel Anxiety?
You can sedate your cat using sleeping pills, diphenhydramine, and benzodiazepines during a car travel. However, use these as a last resort since altering the cat’s mentation or mental state can cause harm.
Q: Do Cats Prefer Hard Or Soft Carriers?
A: Cats love a soft surface. Soft carriers would provide a cozy environment that would make traveling less stressful for them.
Final Verdict
Cats can get nervous when traveling with them and you need to sedate them for travel. Therefore, you should get the best cat carrier for cats who hate carriers for enjoyable trips. When doing your selection for the best cat carriers for long distance car travel, make sure you consider how easy it is to clean.
Take your time to weigh the options here very well before you can settle on any specific model. Every cat carrier in this list has its fair share of unique strengths and weaknesses which can also help make a sounder choice. Once you find best cat carrier for long distance car travel, take your time to learn how to use it and how to take good care of it. Also, be careful not to mishandle the cat when it is in the new carrier.