A hard-sided carrier is the classic choice for a reason. The shell is sturdy, it wipes clean after an accident, and it is easy to secure in a car with a seatbelt. Many have a top door, which makes it much easier to lower a reluctant cat inside than to push one through a small front door.
The trade-offs are bulk and weight. Hard carriers do not squeeze under seats the way soft ones do, and a plastic shell can be awkward to store. Below are 5 options worth considering, with honest notes on each. If you want to compare other types, start with our complete guide to the best cat carriers.
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1. Amazon Basics Hard-Sided 2-Door Pet Travel Carrier: Best Overall
Price Range: $40 to $70
The Amazon Basics carrier is the most reviewed on the list by a wide margin, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating from nearly 66,000 ratings and more than 10,000 bought in the past month. It measures 22.8 by 15 by 13 inches and is listed for a cat or a medium dog weighing 12 to 20 pounds. It has a top door that swings open to the left or right, a front door, spring-loaded latches that open and close with one hand, steel wire doors, and ventilation on the sides, top, and back. Screws hold the top and bottom sections together, and it has a carry handle. A smaller size and a slightly bigger size are also offered.
What we like
- By far the most reviews, with a strong rating
- Top and front entry, with one-handed latches
- Steel wire doors and screws that hold the shell together
- Three sizes available
Watch out for
- The listing says the weight is for reference only, so choose by your cat’s length and height
- Bulky, so it does not fit under most airline seats
- A plain, basic design
Best for: Most cats, and owners who want a reliable, well-reviewed carrier for vet visits and car trips.
2. Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel, 24in: Best Made-in-USA Pick
Price Range: $40 to $70
The Petmate Two Door is made in the USA from recycled plastic, and it has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from more than 21,000 ratings. The 24-inch size measures 24.1 by 16.8 by 14.5 inches and is roomy enough for most cats to stand, turn, and lie down. It has top and front doors, steel doors with easy-squeeze latches, a foldable handle, ventilation holes with 360-degree visibility, and a stay-dry moat that directs liquids away from your pet. The listing says it meets most airline cargo specs, though that is not the same as cabin rules, so check your airline.
What we like
- Made in the USA from recycled plastic
- Top and front doors with easy-squeeze latches
- Stay-dry moat for accidents
- Strong rating from a large number of reviews
Watch out for
- Sold as a dog kennel for small dogs, so check that the size suits your cat
- Large and bulky, and too big for under-seat travel
- The airline claim refers to cargo, so check your airline’s rules
Best for: Owners who want a roomy, American-made carrier for vet visits and car trips.
3. SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier: Best Foldable Pick
Price Range: Under $50
The SportPet is the number one best seller in cat hard-sided carriers on Amazon, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 1,500 ratings. Its patented side-opening door is wide, which the maker says lets cats walk in naturally, and the whole carrier folds flat for storage. The Large size measures 18.5 by 15.25 by 14.25 inches and is listed for pets up to 25 lbs. An XL size and versions with a bed are also offered.
What we like
- Folds flat, which is rare for a hard carrier
- Wide side-opening door that makes loading easier
- Up to 25 lbs in the Large size, at a low price
- Number one best seller in its category
Watch out for
- Collapsible shells may feel less rigid than a one-piece carrier
- Fewer reviews than the Amazon Basics or Petmate
- Check that you are viewing the Large size, since the listing title says Medium
Best for: Anxious cats, and homes where storage space is tight.
4. Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Kennel, 24in: Best Classic Front-Loading Kennel
Price Range: $40 to $70
This is the classic single-door kennel, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from nearly 9,000 ratings. The 24-inch size has an interior of about 21.5 by 15 by 13.5 inches and is listed for pets of 15 to 20 lbs. It has a wire door with an easy-open latch, ventilation on four sides, built-in storage for ID or treats, a fold-down handle, and a stay-dry moat. It goes together without tools. The listing says to add 3 to 4 inches to your pet’s length and height measurements when picking a size.
What we like
- Classic design with ventilation on four sides
- Built-in storage for ID or treats
- Stay-dry moat and a plastic shell that wipes clean
- No tools needed
Watch out for
- Front loading only, so it is harder to load a reluctant cat
- Sold as a dog kennel, so check that the size suits your cat
- Priced a little higher than the Amazon Basics
Best for: Cats that walk in on their own, and owners who like a traditional kennel.
5. Medical King 2-Door Top-Load Hard Shell Cat Carrier: Best Budget Alternative
Price Range: Under $50
This is the lowest-priced hard carrier with both a top and a front door. It measures 22.8 by 15 by 13 inches, the same as the Amazon Basics, and has a hard plastic shell, secure locking latches, a carrying handle, and ventilation on all sides. The shell wipes clean after each trip. It carries a 4.4 out of 5 rating, but from only 20 ratings, so there is little feedback to go on.
What we like
- Top and front entry at a low price
- Wipe-clean shell and ventilation on all sides
- The same roomy size as the Amazon Basics
Watch out for
- Only 20 ratings, so durability is not proven
- A lesser-known brand
- No weight limit in the listing details, so check it
Best for: Owners who want a low price and are willing to take a chance on a newer listing.
How to Choose a Hard-Sided Cat Carrier
Measure your cat first. Measure from the nose to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of the head. Your cat should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and many makers suggest adding a few inches to each measurement. Our guide on how to choose the right cat carrier size covers it in more detail.
Look for a top door. A top-loading door makes it much easier to lower a cat in, and to take one out. A front door helps cats that walk in on their own.
Check the latches and doors. Steel doors and secure latches matter more than looks. One-handed latches are easier when you are holding a cat.
Think about two-piece shells. Carriers with a top and bottom held by screws can come apart, so a vet can examine your cat in the bottom half without pulling it out.
Check cleaning and airflow. A shell that wipes clean and a stay-dry base help after accidents. Ventilation on several sides keeps your cat comfortable.
Plan for travel. Hard carriers can be secured in a car with a seatbelt. They are usually too big for under-seat travel, so for flights, check your airline’s rules and see our guide to airline-friendly cat carriers. If you need something lighter, see our guide to soft-sided cat carriers, or for hands-free carrying, our guide to cat backpack carriers. For big cats, see our guide to cat carriers for large cats.
Make it a familiar place. Leave the carrier out at home with a blanket and treats. If your cat resists, see our guide on how to get your cat into a carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hard-sided carriers better than soft-sided ones? Neither is better for everyone. Hard carriers are sturdier and easier to clean, and soft carriers are lighter and flex into tight spaces. Choose by how you travel.
Can I use a dog kennel as a cat carrier? Often yes, as long as the size fits your cat and the doors and latches are secure. Check the interior size and the weight guidance.
Are hard-sided carriers allowed on planes? Usually not under the seat, because most are too large. Airline rules vary, so check your airline’s current carrier size rules before you fly.
How should I secure a carrier in a car? Place it on the floor behind a seat or on the seat, and use the seatbelt to hold it in place. Keep it level, and never leave your cat in a parked car.
How do I clean a hard-sided carrier? Wipe the shell with a mild, pet-safe cleaner, and wash any pad or liner. Let it dry fully before the next trip.
Final Thoughts
For most cats, the Amazon Basics carrier is the best all-around pick, thanks to its enormous number of reviews and its top and front doors. If you want a roomy, American-made carrier, the Petmate Two Door is worth a look, and the SportPet is the foldable choice for anxious cats and tight storage. For a classic single-door kennel, choose the Petmate Pet Porter, and for the lowest price, the Medical King.
Looking for more? Browse our complete guide to the best cat carriers, or see our reviews of cat carriers for large cats, soft-sided cat carriers, and cat backpack carriers.
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