A large cat in a carrier that is too small has a miserable trip. It cannot stand, turn, or stretch, and a cramped, stressed cat is harder to carry, harder to load, and more likely to panic at the vet.
The right carrier for a big cat comes down to size, weight rating, and how easy it is to get your cat in and out. Below are 5 options worth considering, with honest notes on each. If you are comparing types, start with our complete guide to the best cat carriers.
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1. SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Cat Carrier: Best Overall for Large Cats
Price Range: Under $50
This hard-sided carrier is the number one best seller in its category on Amazon, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 1,500 ratings. The Large size measures 18.5 by 15.25 by 14.25 inches and is listed for pets up to 25 lbs. It has a wide side-opening door that the maker says lets cats walk in naturally, which can help with anxious cats, and it folds flat for storage. An XL size and versions with a bed are also offered.
What we like
- Wide side-opening door that makes loading easier
- Hard-sided shell and a smooth-closing door
- Folds flat for storage
- A good price for a best seller
Watch out for
- The 25 lb limit may not be enough for the heaviest cats, and the XL size costs more
- Plastic shells are less flexible than soft carriers for tight spaces
- Check that you are viewing the Large size, since the listing title says Medium
Best for: Large cats that need a roomy, easy-loading carrier for vet visits and car trips.
2. Petseek Extra Large Soft-Sided Cat Carrier: Best Extra-Large Pick
Price Range: $70 to $130
This is the roomiest carrier on the list. It measures 24 by 16.5 by 16 inches, and the listing says it holds pets up to 55 lbs, so it suits very big cats and small dogs. It has an iron support frame that folds, Oxford fabric, mesh ventilation, zipper locks on every opening, and seatbelt loops to secure it in a car. The side windows can be lowered or rolled up. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from more than 3,800 ratings. The two-carrier set with a litter box and bowls costs more, and a single carrier costs less.
What we like
- Very roomy, with a high listed weight limit
- Zipper locks and seatbelt loops
- Folds flat when not in use
- A strong rating from many reviews
Watch out for
- Large and bulky, so it does not fit under airline seats
- The highest price listed is for the two-carrier set, so check which version you are buying
- Soft sides are less protective than a hard shell
Best for: Very large cats, car travel, and homes with more than one cat.
3. Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier, Large: Best Trusted Soft-Sided Pick
Price Range: Under $50
Sherpa is one of the best-known names in pet carriers, and this Large size has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 8,500 ratings. It measures 19 by 11.8 by 11.5 inches and fits pets up to 22 lbs. A spring wire frame lets the rear end be pushed down several inches so it can fit under a seat, and it has mesh panels, locking zippers, top and side entries, a waterproof base, and a washable liner. A padded handle, a shoulder strap, and a luggage strap that works as a seatbelt pass-through are included.
What we like
- Well-known brand with a large number of reviews
- Top and side entries and locking zippers
- Washable liner and a waterproof base
- Spring frame for fitting under seats
Watch out for
- At about 11.5 inches high, it can feel tight for large cats
- The 22 lb limit is lower than the hard-sided and XL options
- Airlines differ, so check your airline’s rules before you rely on the under-seat claim
Best for: Medium to large cats that need a trusted soft carrier for vet visits and short trips.
4. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier: Best Budget Pick
Price Range: Under $50
The Amazon Basics carrier is the most reviewed on the list, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from nearly 29,000 ratings. The 20 by 12 by 12 inch size is rated for pets up to 22 lbs, and a smaller size is also offered. It has mesh ventilation panels, front and top zippered openings, a removable washable fleece pad, connecting top handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The listing says it conforms to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines.
What we like
- The most reviews of any pick, and a low price
- Front and top openings
- Washable fleece pad
- Mesh panels for airflow and visibility
Watch out for
- About 12 inches high, so very large cats may feel cramped
- A 22 lb limit
- Under-seat rules vary by airline, so check yours
Best for: Budget-minded owners with a medium to large cat.
5. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Big Apple XL Expandable Carrier: Best Expandable Pick
Price Range: $100 to $150
This frameless soft carrier is designed to give a pet more space when it is not squeezed under a seat. It has mesh on all five sides, self-locking zippers that cannot be pushed open from inside, faux fleece padding with a base insert, a roll-away privacy cover, and a shoulder strap that converts into a leash. The listing recommends it for pets up to 30 lbs and says it weighs about 4 lbs. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 320 ratings. The listing says to check with your airline before you buy.
What we like
- Expandable design for more room
- Self-locking zippers and ventilation on all sides
- Padded base insert and a privacy cover
- Higher weight rating, up to 30 lbs
Watch out for
- The most expensive carrier here
- The listing’s size details are unclear, so check the real dimensions before you buy
- Fewer ratings than the others
Best for: Large cats that need extra room, and owners who want an expandable soft carrier.
How to Choose a Carrier for a Large Cat
Measure your cat first. Measure from the neck to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of the shoulder. Your cat should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down, so choose a carrier with room beyond those numbers. Our guide on how to choose the right cat carrier size covers it in more detail.
Check the weight rating. Choose a carrier rated well above your cat’s weight. Heavy cats can strain handles, straps, and zippers.
Pick hard-sided or soft-sided. Hard-sided carriers are sturdy and easy to clean, as our guide to hard-sided cat carriers explains. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and flexible, as our guide to soft-sided cat carriers shows.
Look for easy loading. A top or wide side opening is easier than a small front door. Large cats are hard to lower into a carrier, so a top entry helps.
Think about travel. For car trips, use seatbelt loops or a secure strap. For flights, airline rules vary, and a large cat may not fit an under-seat carrier, so check your airline first. See our guide to airline-friendly cat carriers. If you want hands-free carrying, see our guide to cat backpack carriers.
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
What size carrier does a large cat need? One where your cat can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your cat and compare it to the interior size, not the outside size, since padding takes up space.
Is a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier better for a large cat? It depends on how you travel. Hard carriers are sturdy and easier to clean, and soft carriers are lighter and flex into tight spaces. For the heaviest cats, check the weight rating of either.
Can a large cat fly in an under-seat carrier? Sometimes, but airlines have size and weight rules, and many large cats will not fit comfortably. Check your airline’s current rules before you buy.
What is the best way to carry a heavy cat carrier? Use a padded shoulder strap, or a carrier with wheels or a backpack design. Avoid carrying one by a single thin handle.
How do I make a carrier less stressful for my cat? Leave it out at home, add a familiar blanket, and use treats. Cover it with a light cloth during travel, and keep it level.
Final Thoughts
For most large cats, the SportPet hard-sided carrier is the best all-around pick, thanks to its easy-loading door and low price. If your cat is very big, the Petseek extra-large carrier has the most room, and the Sherpa is a trusted soft carrier for medium to large cats. For a tight budget, the Amazon Basics carrier has the most reviews, and the Mr. Peanut’s is the expandable option.
Looking for more? Browse our complete guide to the best cat carriers, or see our reviews of soft-sided cat carriers, hard-sided cat carriers, and cat backpack carriers.