Cat Carriers
Stress-free vet trips start with the right carrier. We look at airline approval, escape-proofing, comfort, and ease of getting a reluctant cat inside.
What to look for
- Airline approved (if you fly)
- Escape-proof zippers and closures
- Top vs front loading (for difficult cats)
- Comfort for the cat during travel
- Storage when not in use
Head-to-head: the carriers compared
Four cat carriers worth your money, ranked. Start with the quick list, compare airline fit and car safety (they are not the same thing), then read the full breakdown.
Short answer
The Sleepypod Air ($214.99) is the best overall cat carrier here: it compresses to fit under an airline seat, expands in flight, fits cats to 18 lb and is CPS crash-tested for the car. The value pick is the Sherpa Original Deluxe, from $59.99, with its Guaranteed On Board program. Decide on your airline's under-seat dimensions — and whether your cat flies cabin or cargo.
Our picks at a glance
Sleepypod AirBest OverallExpands in flight, compresses for takeoff — and crash-tested for the car.$214.99See review ↓2
Sherpa Original DeluxeBest ValueThe original airline carrier, with a Guaranteed On Board program.From $59.99See review ↓3
Sleepypod AtomBest for Small CatsCPS-certified safety in a sleeker shell for cats up to 12 lb.$139.99See review ↓4
Petmate Sky KennelBest for CargoThe hard-shell standard for the cargo hold and big road trips.From $69.99See review ↓Compare the specs
| Carrier | Price | Type | Max pet | Airline in-cabin | Car safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleepypod Air | $214.99 | Soft, expandable | 18 lb | Yes | CPS crash-tested |
| Sherpa Original Deluxe | From $59.99 | Soft | 22 lb (L) | Yes, Guaranteed On Board | Seatbelt strap only |
| Sleepypod Atom | $139.99 | Soft, compact | 12 lb | Yes | CPS crash-tested |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | From $69.99 | Hard crate | By size | No, cargo hold | Tie-downs recommended |
The carriers in detail
Sleepypod Air
$214.99
✓ What we like
- Expands in flight, compresses for takeoff
- CPS-certified crash tested, up to 18 lb
- Trolley sleeve slides over rolling luggage
- Washable plush bedding and privacy panel
✕ What could be better
- The priciest soft carrier here
- Expanded length can exceed some airlines' limits, check first
- Heavier than basic carriers
Key specs
| Max pet | 18 lb |
| Size | 22 × 10.5 × 10.5 in (16 in compressed) |
| Rating | CPS certified |
| Bedding | Machine-washable Ultra Plush |
| Extras | Luggage trolley sleeve |
Sherpa Original Deluxe
From $59.99
✓ What we like
- Guaranteed On Board on major airlines
- Spring-wire frame adapts to under-seat space
- Top and side entry with locking zippers
- Washable faux-lambswool liner
✕ What could be better
- No crash-test certification
- Soft top can cave in if luggage stacks on it
- Large size exceeds some airlines' cabin limits
Key specs
| Max pet | 8 / 16 / 22 lb (S/M/L) |
| Sizes | S / M / L |
| Frame | Patented spring wire |
| Program | Guaranteed On Board |
| Entry | Top + side |
Sleepypod Atom
$139.99
✓ What we like
- CPS-certified, crash-tested to 12 lb
- Light and sleek for everyday use
- Doubles as a cozy bed at home
- Trolley pocket for rolling luggage
✕ What could be better
- No expanding ends, less in-flight room
- 12 lb cap excludes bigger cats
- Still premium-priced versus basic carriers
Key specs
| Max pet | 12 lb |
| Rating | CPS certified 5-star |
| Use | Cabin, car, vet trips |
| Bedding | Ultra Plush |
| Extras | Trolley pocket |
Also consider
Petmate Sky Kennel
Flying cargo instead of cabin? A hard shell is mandatory: steel door, ventilation on all sides and sizes that run from kitten to the biggest cats. Heavy, and nobody's idea of living-room furniture — but for cargo holds it is the standard for a reason.
From $69.99Prices and specs checked October 2026 from manufacturer and retailer listings — check the brand site for current offers before buying.
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Frequently asked questions
Which cat carrier is best for flying in the cabin?
The Sleepypod Air ($214.99). It compresses to 16 in long to fit under the seat for takeoff, then expands in flight to give your cat more room than any other in-cabin carrier here, and it fits pets up to 18 lb. Check the expanded length against your airline first, as it can exceed some airlines' limits.
What is Sherpa's Guaranteed On Board program?
It is Sherpa's program that guarantees the Original Deluxe carrier (from $59.99) will be accepted on board major airlines, taking away the will-it-fit anxiety. The carrier's spring-wire frame squashes down to fit tight under-seat spaces, and the Large size fits pets up to 22 lb — though it can exceed some airlines' cabin limits.
Are any of these carriers crash-tested for car rides?
Yes, the two Sleepypods: both the Air and the Atom are CPS crash-tested (the Atom is rated CPS certified 5-star, for cats up to 12 lb). The Sherpa has a seatbelt strap only and no crash-test certification, and the hard-shell Petmate Sky Kennel should be secured with tie-downs.
My cat weighs 15 lb. Which of these carriers fit her?
The Sleepypod Air (up to 18 lb) or the Large Sherpa Original Deluxe (up to 22 lb). The Sleepypod Atom is capped at 12 lb, so it is too small; the Petmate Sky Kennel is sized by dimension rather than weight, but it is a cargo-hold crate, not an in-cabin carrier.
When do I need a hard-shell carrier like the Petmate Sky Kennel?
When your cat flies in the cargo hold instead of the cabin — a hard shell is mandatory there. The Sky Kennel (from $69.99) has a steel door and ventilation on all sides, in sizes from kitten to the biggest cats. It is heavy, and it is not an in-cabin option.