Soft-sided carriers are lighter than hard shells, and they bend and squeeze where hard carriers cannot. They fit in cars, under many airline seats, and in tight waiting rooms, and most have a shoulder strap that makes them easier to carry than a plastic crate.
The trade-off is structure. A soft carrier can sag, offers less protection if it is dropped or crushed, and takes more effort to clean after an accident. 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. Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier: Best Overall
Price Range: $40 to $80
Sherpa is one of the best-known names in soft carriers, and this one has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 8,500 ratings. The Medium measures 17 by 11 by 10.5 inches and fits pets up to 16 lbs. The listing describes it as airline approved and part of Sherpa’s Guaranteed On Board program, and a spring wire frame lets the rear end be pushed down several inches to fit under a seat. It has mesh panels, escape-proof locking zippers, top and side entries, a waterproof base, and a removable washable liner. A padded handle, a detachable shoulder strap with metal D-rings, a storage pocket, and a luggage strap that works as a seatbelt pass-through are included. A smaller and a larger size are also offered.
What we like
- Well-known brand with a large number of reviews
- Top and side entries and escape-proof locking zippers
- Waterproof base and a washable liner
- Three sizes, and the seatbelt pass-through for car rides
Watch out for
- The Medium is rated for pets up to 16 lbs, so larger cats need the Large size
- Airlines differ, so check your airline’s rules before you rely on the under-seat claim
- The spring frame makes it flexible, so it is less structured than a hard carrier
Best for: Most cats, and owners who want a trusted carrier for flights, cars, and vet visits.
2. 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 16.5-inch 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
- Two sizes
Watch out for
- About 12 inches high, so a large cat may feel cramped
- Basic materials at this price
- Under-seat rules vary by airline, so check yours
Best for: Budget-minded owners with a medium-sized cat.
3. Petmate Soft-Sided Kennel Cab: Best Simple Everyday Pick
Price Range: Under $50
The Kennel Cab is a plain, practical carrier from a long-established pet brand, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from more than 2,600 ratings. It is made for cats and small dogs up to 15 lbs, with a top-loading door, zippered openings, mesh walls for visibility and airflow, a soft plush pad, a carrying handle, and an adjustable shoulder strap. It has an exterior pocket and sleeve for treats, a leash, and other essentials.
What we like
- Simple design at a low price
- Top-loading door and mesh walls
- Exterior pocket for treats and supplies
- Soft plush pad
Watch out for
- Rated for pets up to 15 lbs, so it is not for large cats
- The listing shows odd size options, so check the real dimensions
- The listing does not mention airline approval
Best for: Small to medium cats and everyday vet trips.
4. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Big Apple XL Expandable Carrier: Best Expandable Pick
Price Range: $100 to $150
This frameless carrier is built for pets that need more room. The listing says it is about an 18-inch interior and 20 inches long on the outside, and that it is about 2 inches longer than most airlines allow, so it is meant for pets that cannot fit anything smaller. It has mesh on all five sides, self-locking zippers that cannot be pushed open from inside, a roll-away privacy cover, and a shoulder strap that converts into a leash. The listing recommends it for pets up to 40 lbs and says it weighs about 4 lbs. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from more than 320 ratings, and the listing says to always verify with your airline.
What we like
- Expandable design for more room
- Self-locking zippers and mesh on all sides
- A high listed weight limit, 40 lbs
- A privacy cover, and a strap that doubles as a leash
Watch out for
- The most expensive pick after the Sleepypod
- It is longer than most airlines allow, so an under-seat fit is not guaranteed
- Fewer ratings than the others
Best for: Larger cats and pets that need extra room, especially for car travel.
5. Sleepypod Air: Best Premium Pick
Price Range: $150 to $250
The Sleepypod Air is a premium carrier that doubles as a pet bed and a car seat. The listing calls it airline approved and crash tested, and says it fits pets up to 17.5 lbs. It compresses from 22 by 10.5 by 10.5 inches down to 16 by 10.5 by 8 inches. It has luggage-grade nylon outside, an Ultra Plush interior with machine-washable bedding, top and end openings, large zipper pockets on both sides, and a padded shoulder strap. It comes in many colors and has a 4.4 out of 5 rating from nearly 1,000 ratings.
What we like
- Works as a carrier, a bed, and a car seat
- Compresses to a smaller size for under-seat use
- Machine-washable bedding and a premium build
- Many color choices
Watch out for
- The most expensive pick, at about $200
- Rated for pets up to 17.5 lbs
- Check the crash-test details on the listing before you rely on them
Best for: Owners who want a premium carrier that works in the car and on a plane.
How to Choose a Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
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. Our guide on how to choose the right cat carrier size covers it in more detail, and for big cats, see our guide to cat carriers for large cats.
Check the weight limit. Choose a carrier rated well above your cat’s weight. Sizes within one brand can have very different limits.
Look for structure. A carrier with a frame or a firm base holds its shape and keeps the roof off your cat. Frameless carriers can sag.
Check the zippers and openings. Locking zippers keep cats from pushing their way out. Top and side openings make loading easier.
Check cleaning and airflow. A washable pad and a waterproof base help after accidents. Mesh on several sides keeps your cat cool and lets it see out.
Think about travel. Soft carriers can fit under many airline seats, but rules vary by airline and route, so check your airline’s current size and weight limits. See our guide to airline-friendly cat carriers. For more protection, see our guide to hard-sided cat carriers, and for hands-free carrying, 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
Are soft-sided carriers safe for cats? They can be, if the size fits, the zippers lock, and the carrier holds its shape. Soft carriers offer less protection against crushing than hard ones, so keep yours secured in a car and never stack things on top.
Are soft-sided or hard-sided carriers better? Neither is better for everyone. Soft carriers are lighter and fit under seats, and hard carriers are sturdier and easier to clean. Choose by how you travel.
Can I take a soft carrier on a plane? Many are made to fit under airline seats, but rules vary by airline and route. Check your airline’s current carrier rules before you buy or fly.
How do I secure a soft carrier in a car? Use the seatbelt pass-through or loops if the carrier has them, place it on the floor or seat, and keep it level. Never leave your cat in a parked car.
How do I clean a soft-sided carrier? Wash the pad or liner as the care label says, and wipe the shell with a damp cloth. Let everything dry fully before the next trip.
Final Thoughts
For most cats, the Sherpa is the best all-around pick, thanks to its trusted name and secure zippers. If you want the lowest price, the Amazon Basics carrier has the most reviews, and the Petmate is a simple everyday option. For a larger pet, the Mr. Peanut’s expandable carrier offers more room, and for a premium carrier that doubles as a car seat, choose the Sleepypod.
Looking for more? Browse our complete guide to the best cat carriers, or see our reviews of hard-sided cat carriers, cat backpack carriers, and cat carriers for large cats.
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