10 best cat carriers for transporting your furry friend, reviewed by pet owners

Whether we're taking them to the vet or on a journey to a new home, a cat carrier is essential when it comes to travelling with our feline friends in tow. Of course, as many pet owners know, some cats just won't enjoy travelling the journey no matter what carrier they're put into, but some designs might make the journey less stressful (for you, and your passenger).
'Ideally, cat carriers should be easy to open at the top, easy to take apart and reassemble, easy to clean, have good ventilation but provide privacy and be the correct size for your cat,' says Blue Cross vet Anna Ewers Clark. 'Carriers are often listed with weight ranges, which can give you a rough idea what size is right, but they won't be accurate for every cat'. According to Clark, novelty carriers (such as spaceman backpacks) are best avoided.
'Soft carriers look and feel a bit more like an enclosed bed, so can be more comforting for your cat,' Clark explains, adding that this 'might also make it easier to encourage your cat to enter, especially if they recognise and dislike hard carriers from previous experience'.
On the other hand, plastic carriers tend to be easier to clean and won't enable your cat to escape. 'But it's really important to have something non-slip and comfortable, to keep your cat feeling secure', Clark says, adding that carriers are often 'very easy to assemble and take apart, which can be helpful when trying to get your cat out at the vets, without causing stress'.
How we tested
For this guide, our reviewers teamed up with the felines in their lives, to test a series of cat carriers in a variety of styles and materials. Our reviews are based on factors such as convenience, ease of cleaning and comfort.
Why you can trust us
Lois Borny is a cat lover, who has lived with cats for most of her life. She is familiar with cats' needs and the considerations and challenges associated with travelling with them. Lois has also reviewed a cat toothbrush which featured on Dragons Den, and the best gifts to buy for cat lovers. Pete Wise is a product reviewer who has also written about cats. Both writers know what to look out for when it comes to carrying your feline passenger safely.
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The Herald Scotland

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• The Herald Scotland

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