A cat travel bag is a great accessory for times when you must keep your feline contained, such as on public transportation or trips to the vet. The best cat travel bags are lightweight and have multiple entryways for breathability.
This backpack carrier from Halinfer has a sturdy frame and features tough plastic mesh windows and zip-up privacy covers that pass airline fit tests. It also has a harness tether and interior clips for a collar and leash.
Airline-Approved
Whether you’re traveling to the vet or on vacation, your feline companion needs safe and cozy transport. From hard-sided crates to cat backpacks, these cat travel bags are airline-approved and will make your trip easier for everyone involved. They’re tried, tested and loved by Chewy pet parents and designed to make your kitty’s ride more comfortable and stress-free, no matter how far you’re going.
Before you purchase a cat carrier, you’ll want to check with your airline about specific rules and regulations for flying with pets. The most important thing is to choose a carrier that is sized so it will fit under your seat during the flight. Some airlines only allow carriers to be 17 inches long, 12 inches wide and 11 inches tall, while others have different requirements. The carrier you select should have a top opening and two side doors to reduce stress during loading. It also should have locking zippers to prevent your pet from escaping.
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is one of the best airline approved cat carrier bags and is suitable for most airlines. It features a spring wire frame that allows the back end to be pushed down several inches, which makes it easier to fit under your seat. It has two points of entry, a leash tether inside, and mesh panels that provide ventilation to reduce anxiety during travel. It is made from premium materials and is machine washable.
It is easy to carry and can be worn in multiple formations, including as a duffle, backpack, or on top of a suitcase. It is easy to clean, and the mesh panel in the front lets you peek in on your kitty. It has a hook to hold a collar or harness and an interior pocket for accessories, such as food and water. It can be used for all kinds of travel, but is especially good for air travel and car trips.
The Cat in the Bag is a one-of-a-kind carrier that’s designed to make travel easier for cats. It can also double as a way to keep your cat still for nail-trimming, medication, or teeth-brushing. Its zippers snap closed, so your pet can’t paw them open, and it also has a leash tether to prevent escape attempts.
Easy to Carry
If you’re planning to take your cat on road trips or a stroll around town, a backpack carrier makes it easy to transport your pet. The padded back straps and carry handles make it comfortable for you to wear, and your cat will be cozy in the furry sherpa lined interior. The pack is large enough to fit two cats, and it folds down flat when not in use.
The three sides are mesh, but the top and one end are solid to keep your pet cool. A roll-up privacy flap covers the front door for airline travel, and there is a padded zippered pocket at the back to hold vet records and other documents. This bag passed our in-cabin fit tests, and it provides plenty of ventilation to prevent overheating.
It’s important to find a carrier that fits your cat, and the size of your pet will determine what type is best. Smaller pets up to about 12 pounds can typically fit into any type of carrier, but if you have a larger cat, you’ll want a tote-style carrier with wheels or a shoulder strap. A hard-sided carrier is also a good choice if you’re traveling by car, since it protects your cat from luggage knocking into them.
Some carriers feature two entry points, a perk for owners that can help keep their cat from feeling trapped. Some carriers are even designed to hold two cats, and this option can save you money if you’re traveling with your kitty and a friend’s pet as well. The downside of the double-entry model is that it can be a bit more difficult to lift your cat out of the second door than the first.
The other type of carrier that’s great for road trips is an expandable cat bag. These can give your kitty extra room to stretch out or play, making them ideal for long journeys. They look like duffel bags and come with a sleeve that slips over your suitcase handle. They’re also great for taking your cat to a vacation rental or a new home when you move.
Budget-Friendly
When you have a cat, it’s important to keep them safe when traveling in your car. A cat carrier will prevent your pet from getting into tight spaces like the dashboard or steering wheel, which can be dangerous for them. These bags are also designed to be secure, so your pet can’t escape in a panic. You can get them in various styles and sizes, from backpacks to duffle bags.
Some models are airline-approved, so you can use them before and during your flight. They’re usually small enough to fit under your seat, and they feature multiple entryways and a comfortable mat for your pet to lie on. They also have adjustable padded straps and pockets for you to store your travel essentials. Some even have temperature and humidity readings to give you peace of mind.
If you want to take your cat out on hiking trips or camping adventures, a backpack style bag is ideal. It’s easy to carry around and gives your cat more freedom of movement than a traditional carrier. Plus, it’s more likely to have pockets for you to store your things, and it can be zipped up so that your cat can’t escape.
The Texsens backpack is a good option for both short and long-distance travel. It’s designed to be comfortable for you and your pet, with a padded chest strap and back panels for you, and three breathable mesh windows for your cat. You can also purchase a soft, washable sleeping pad for your cat to lie on.
Another great feature of the Pecute backpack is that it has locks on every zipper. This is especially important if your cat is an escape artist, as it will ensure that they can’t open any of the zippers to jump out.
While it might be more expensive than some other options, this is still a budget-friendly way to keep your cat with you on road trips and airplane flights. It’s made of durable materials and can be washed with a damp cloth or towel. It has plenty of ventilation to keep your pet cool, and it comes with a safety tether for extra security.
Comfortable
If you plan to carry your cat around town, this carrier is a great option. The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable for you to transport your pet and help relieve strain on your neck and shoulders. It has a convenient zipper pocket for treats and a water bottle, too. It’s also airline-approved for flights of up to four hours. This carrier isn’t designed for long journeys and should only be used for short trips to the vet or other destinations. It’s best to let your cat out to stretch their legs every couple of hours during the flight. This model is also compatible with a number of add-ons, including a warming pad for added comfort.
This backpack-style carrier has a window that allows your pet to peek out and see their surroundings. It’s easy to use, as you simply put your pet in and zip the bag shut. The padded straps are comfortable for you to carry and have a sternum buckle for support. The carrier is machine-washable for easy cleaning. It is not recommended for long trips, however, as the backpack design may be more uncomfortable for your pet. The zippers are protected from claws, which prevents them from being opened accidentally during the trip. This carrier can also be used to administer shots and medications, making it a valuable tool for taking your cat to the vet.
The front and top doors on this hard-sided carrier lock for safety and security. This spacious carrier has plenty of room to accommodate a large cat and is equipped with a soft plush bed and tether for safety. This carrier is one of the pricier models in our roundup, but it was designed to be safe and comfortable for even the most fidgety felines.
The breathable mesh sides on this soft-sided carrier ensure your cat will stay cool and comfy during your travels. It has a tether to keep your cat securely attached, a removable bedding and a convenient pocket for treats. This carrier is ideal for air travel and is sized to fit under the seat in front of you. It has a roll-up privacy flap on the top door and passed our in-cabin fit tests. It is also a good choice for shorter trips and can be folded flat when not in use.