When you’ve got a large cat in your life, finding the right carrier to fit their needs can be a challenging ordeal. As cat parents ourselves, we totally understand this difficulty and we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll go over the top 6 carriers for large cats that provide the ideal blend of spaciousness, security, and comfort, making every journey a delight for both you and your jumbo feline.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the carrier features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat carriers offer the best overall performance.
Tip: If you frequently transport your cat by car, see our list of the best cat carriers for car travel. If your large cat is in need of a jungle gym, see our list of the best cat tower for large cats.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Large Cat Carriers
1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier
| Main Pros | top & front entry, converts into bed, quality materials, limits stimulation for anxious cats, hidden structural panels, water resistant, seatbelt & luggage compatible, folds flat for storage, ID tag, interior safety tether, stylish design |
| Cons | pricey, some cats may prefer more mesh |
| Size | 18.75"L x 10.5"W x 11.25"H |
| Weight Limit | 30 lbs |
| Price | $99 |
2) Sturdibag Pro 2.0 Large Pet Carrier
| Main Pros | durable materials, flexible size, limits stimulation for anxious cats, fully machine washable, front and top entry w/ privacy flaps, luggage compatible, interior safety tether, locking safety zippers, removable platform base, replacement parts available |
| Cons | limited ventilation, pricey |
| Size | 18"L x 12"W x 12"H |
| Weight Limit | 30 lbs |
| Price | $106 |
3) Sherpa Original Deluxe Large Pet Carrier
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Main Pros
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top + front entry, solid base panel, locking safety zippers, flexible spring-wire frame, machine washable bedding, seat belt compatible |
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Cons
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insecure luggage strap, uncomfortable shoulder strap, no interior safety tether, some quality concerns |
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Size
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19"L x 11.75"W x 11.5"H |
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Weight Limit
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22 lbs |
| Price | $39 ($78 full price) |
4) PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier
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Main Pros
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very large, internal steel supports, top + 3 side entries, safety locking zippers, interior safety tether, machine washable bed, seat belt compatible, well-ventilated w/ privacy flaps, can be equipped w/ wheels |
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Cons
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too large for air travel, heavy |
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Size
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24"L x 16"W x 16"H |
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Weight Limit
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45 lbs |
| Price | $80 |
5) Elitefield Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
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Main Pros
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affordable, luggage compatible, interior safety tether, machine washable bed, well-ventilated, multiple color options |
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Cons
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mediocre materials & build quality, front load only |
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Size
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19"L x 10"W x 13"H |
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Weight Limit
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18 lbs |
| Price | $35 on sale ($50 full price) |
6) Sport Pet Collapsible Carrier
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Main Pros
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affordable, folds flat for storage, well-ventilated, easily accessible entryway, easy to clean, interior moat in case of accidents, lightweight + easy to carry |
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Cons
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some quality inconsistencies, too large for air travel, no interior safety tether, no cushioning, no shoulder strap, not seatbelt compatible |
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Size
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18.5”L x 15.25”W x 14.25”H |
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Weight Limit
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25 lbs |
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Price
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$33 |
What Qualifies as a Large Cat Carrier?
A large cat carrier is specially designed to accommodate bigger cats. Look for the same features you would in any carrier, but pay extra close attention to sturdy build quality, secure closures, dimensions, weight limit, and ease of carrying.
For this list, our minimum requirements for a large cat carrier are:
- Dimensions of at least 18”L x 10”W x 10”H
- Weight limit of at least 18 lbs
How Should I Measure My Cat for a Carrier?
For this list, we consider large cats to be over 12 lbs, over 10” tall, and over 18” long.
- Weight – Step on a scale by yourself, then step on holding your cat. Note the weight for each. The difference is your cat’s weight.
- Length – Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
- Height – Measure from the floor to the base of their neck when standing on all fours.
Porto Cat Carrier in Sand by tuft + paw - Shop Here
What to Look for in a Large Cat Carrier
Size
A carrier for a large cat should be—you guessed it—large. It should be spacious enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and adjust their position during the journey. Opt for carriers with generous dimensions to accommodate your cat comfortably, and measure and weigh your cat before committing to a carrier.
Note: Unfortunately, large cat carriers are usually too big for in-cabin travel on airplanes. If you plan to fly with your cat, we recommend consulting our list of the best airline-approved cat carriers.
Material & Durability
Durability is essential for a large cat carrier, because hefty cats put more stress on the carrier and are more capable of damaging it if they choose to. Look for carriers made from high-quality materials with reinforced stitching and sturdy construction (e.g. luggage-grade nylon for soft-sided cat carriers). Check reviews to see if there are any complaints about certain components breaking or failing.
Weight Capacity
Large cat carriers are designed to handle heavier weights. Ensure that the carrier you choose has a weight capacity suitable for your cat's size to provide a stable and secure environment during travel. All carriers on this list have a weight limit of 18 pounds or greater.
Cat Comfort
Cats of all shapes and sizes need to be comfortable when traveling. Look for carriers with soft and cozy interiors, ideally featuring padded bedding or plush materials. Of course, you can also add cushioning to the carrier yourself, such as a pillow or soft blanket. A cozy environment will help reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety during travel.
Porto Cat Carrier in Charcoal by tuft + paw - Shop Here
Ventilation + Visibility
Proper ventilation is vital to keep your hefty cat cool and comfortable during the ride. Opt for carriers with mesh panels or windows that allow adequate airflow, which will also allow your cat to see their surroundings during the trip.
Note: Not every cat likes maximum visibility from their carrier. If you know your cat gets anxious in the carrier, less visibility may be preferable. Paying attention to details like these will teach you how to travel with your cat.
Accessibility
Easy accessibility is crucial when dealing with a large cat. Carriers with multiple entry points, such as top- and side-loading, make it much easier to get your cat into the carrier. Easy access allows you to interact with your cat and offer treats and reassurance without the risk of them escaping.
Closure Security
Safety is always a top priority with cat carriers. Look for secure closures, such as locking zippers or latches, to prevent any chance of your cat opening the carrier during travel. We also like interior safety tethers as a second line of defense in case the carrier accidentally opens.
Carrying Comfort
A large cat carrier should be comfortable for you to carry, especially considering your cat may be somewhat of a unit. Look for carriers with padded handles or adjustable straps to ease the burden on your shoulders or hands during transportation.
Easy to Store
Carriers are not typically an item you use everyday, so it’s nice to have one that stores easily. Carriers with collapsible features or ones that can be folded flat provide convenience and save space in your home.
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Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Large Cat Carriers
- Large size — All carriers on this list are at least 18”L x 10”W x 10”H
- Weight limit – All carriers on this list have a weight limit of at least 18 lbs.
- Build quality — A good carrier should be sturdy, made from durable materials, and able to comfortably hold a large cat.
- Cat comfort — A comfortable carrier should have soft interior surfaces, a stable structure, and enough room for a cat to stand and turn around in.
- Ease of use — This includes the carrier’s strap design, entryways (top and/or front entry), carrying comfort, and method of carrying (e.g. backpack vs shoulder bag)
- Ease of cleaning — Easily cleaned carriers are made from water resistant materials and have removable bedding/liners.
- Ease of storage — Is the carrier collapsible to save storage space?
- Ventilation + visibility — Includes how much mesh/grates are incorporated into the carrier and whether there is a privacy flap.
- Airplane compatibility — Includes the carrier’s dimensions and whether it can be attached to luggage.
- Car compatibility — Includes the carrier’s seat belt compatibility and whether it has been crash tested.
- Safety features — Includes internal safety tethers, zipper buckles, etc.
- Other features — Anything else that improves the carrier’s functionality, like pockets or an ID card.
- Style — Cats don’t care much, but a stylish carrier is nice for humans.
- Price point
Deep Dive: The 6 Best Large Cat Carriers
1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier
Price: $99
Rating: N/A
Size: 18.75"L x 10.5"W x 11.25"H
Weight Limit: 30 lbs
Materials: Water-resistant canvas and liner, spacer mesh, foam, metal, faux shearling
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat carrier here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat carriers on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for the best carrier for large cats is the tuft + paw Porto. It offers everything we want as cat parents for under $100. Getting cats into and out of the carrier is always a hassle, and the Porto fixes this problem with its innovative zipper structure. This allows each panel to be unzipped independently, so cat parents can open or close it as needed, whether that’s just opening the front door, completely opening the top, or converting it into a “home away from home”. Leaving it out in its unzipped bed form lets your cat get comfortable with it and associate it with relaxing rather than scary traveling (a big problem with most carriers).
The 30-lbs weight limit can accommodate almost any cat, and that’s thanks to the Porto’s excellent build quality. Inside, the faux shearling padding serves as a small bed or a larger lounging surface when unfurled, and it’s also removable and machine washable. The body of the Porto is made of a durable water-resistant canvas and features hidden structural panels to keep its shape. The mesh windows allow for visibility and airflow, but they’re strategically placed to limit stimulation for anxious cats. It’s also seatbelt- and luggage-compatible, and its dimensions meet carry-on regulations for most major airlines (a rarity for carriers with a large weight capacity). This makes the Porto an incredible travel companion, and its ability to convert into a cozy bed will help your big cat feel at home in any destination.
In terms of weaknesses, cats prone to overheating may prefer a carrier with more mesh for ventilation. At $99, the Porto offers great value compared to other carriers on the market, but it may be slightly out of budget for some.
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@tuftandpaw Join us for an exclusive hangout with Zoe, our Director of Product at tuft + paw, as she takes us on a tour of the Porto Cat Carrier. Zoe dives into the details our product design team poured their hearts into perfecting. She highlights the carrier's remarkable features, including its water-resistant canvas, a coated bottom panel for base protection, breathable mesh windows for ventilation and visibility, the convenience of slipping it over luggage handles for effortless airport travel, its compatibility with securing onto a car seat, an outer pocket for storage, a shoulder strap for easy carrying, and internal wires and structural panels that ensure the carrier's shape remains intact, avoiding any sagging or flattening. Moreover, it boasts a built-in name tag for travel and vet visits, the ability to partially unzip for a home away from home experience, and a removable, foldable faux shearling bed for ultimate comfort. For added convenience, it can be fully unzipped and collapsed for easy storage. Loading your cat into the carrier is a breeze, whether from the top or the side entry. The Porto Cat Carrier is available in two sophisticated colors, Sand and Charcoal, to suit your style preferences. 🐾✈️ #catcarriereview #cattravelessentials #bestcatcarrier2023 #travelingwithcat #comfycatcarrier #neutralcatcarrier #portocatcarrier #largecatcarrier #cleaningcatcarrierr ♬ Cooking, bossa nova, adults, light(950693) - Kids Sound
2) Sturdibag Pro 2.0 Large Pet Carrier
Credit: Sturdi Products
Price: $106
Rating: 4.4/5 with 220 Amazon reviews
Size: 18"L x 12"W x 12"H
Weight Limit: 30 lbs
Materials: 600D polyester, foam bedding, faux leather
For sizable cats who get anxious in the carrier, the Sturdibag Pro 2.0 could be a perfect fit. This durable bag is made from tough 600D polyester and has few windows, which reduces visual stimuli and helps muffle loud noises. The 30-pound weight limit can accommodate almost all cats, and the entire bag is machine washable! A signature feature of the Sturdibag is its flexible frame which allows the height and length to be compressed if needed. The large size we included here is too big for in-cabin travel on some airlines, but this flexibility certainly helps if you do end up on a plane. Finally, we love that replacement parts are available on Sturdibag’s website.
The main drawback of this carrier is its lack of ventilation. It’s still passable in that department, but the lack of windows means that airflow is somewhat limited. It’s up to cat parents to decide whether that’s the right tradeoff for their cat’s comfort. It’s also fairly expensive at $106.
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3) Sherpa Original Deluxe Large Pet Carrier
Credit: Chewy
Price: $39 ($78 full price)
Rating: 4.6/5 with 11,200 Amazon reviews
Size: 19"L x 11.75"W x 11.5"H
Weight Limit: 22 lbs
Materials: Polyester, plastic, metal
Sherpa’s Original Deluxe Carrier is a veteran of the game, and it’s a great all-around option for big-boned cats with its 22-pound weight limit. The body is reasonably structured for a soft sided carrier, and the solid base panel gives your feline a flat surface to relax on. The fabric is water-resistant for easy cleaning, and the cozy bedding is machine washable. While this carrier is too large for in-cabin travel on some airlines, the back end of the carrier has a spring wire frame to help it squeeze into tight spaces (e.g. under an airplane seat). We also love the roomy top entry option and its ability to fold flat for storage. Finally, the price point is fairly reasonable (especially if you can get it on sale).
In terms of weaknesses, some recent reviews have mentioned the build quality has fallen off compared to older versions of this carrier. Others found the shoulder strap uncomfortable and the luggage strap insecure. It’s also missing an interior leash, which is a safety feature we like to see in all carriers.
Note: The Large size of the Original Deluxe Carrier does not qualify for Sherpa’s famous Guaranteed-On-Board program. This program, which will reimburse the cost of a cat parent’s flight if they are denied entry because of the carrier’s size, applies only to the small and medium sizes of this carrier.
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4) PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier
Credit: PetLuv
Price: $80
Rating: 4.8/5 with 1,500 PetLuv reviews
Size: 24"L x 16"W x 16"H
Weight Limit: 45 lbs
Materials: nylon fabric, rubber mesh, steel frame
If your cat is a truly gigantic specimen, the PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier should be able to accommodate them. It has a whopping 45-pound weight limit and by far the largest dimensions on this list. The structure is supported by an interior steel frame and it has four large entryways/windows, all of which have mesh covers and privacy flaps. The included bed is comfy and machine washable, and the safety features include locking zippers and an interior tether. We also like that it folds flat for storage.
Unfortunately, a carrier this large is not the easiest to transport. The carrier itself weighs 9 pounds, making it quite heavy if you’ve got to tote around a hefty cat. However, if you decide it’s too difficult to carry, PetLuv sells wheel add-ons so you can roll this carrier around. Being this large, it’s also unsuitable for airplane travel.
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5) EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Large Pet Carrier
Credit: Chewy
Price: $35 ($50 full price)
Rating: 4.4/5 with 6,400 Amazon reviews
Size: 19"L x 10"W x 13"H
Weight Limit: 18 lbs
Materials: Polyester canvas, mesh, and fleece bed
The EliteField Soft-Sided Pet Carrier is our favorite large cat carrier for those on a budget. It’s certainly not fancy, but it provides everything you need at an attainable price point. It’s well ventilated and has a machine washable bed for cat comfort and human convenience. The shoulder strap and tote handles are both padded which makes it comfortable to carry, and the compatibility with seat belts and luggage handles mean you can bring it on most journeys. We also like that it folds flat for storage and comes in several different colorways.
Of course, the tradeoff with a cheaper carrier is that the materials and build quality are not of the highest standard. Some reviews mention the carrier has a tendency to collapse slightly instead of staying upright, which reflects a lack of structure in the walls. We also wish it had locking safety zippers and a top entryway, which would make loading a large cat much easier. Finally, it’s slightly too large for in-cabin travel on some airlines.
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6) Sport Pet Collapsible Cat Carrier
Credit: Sport Pet
Price: $33
Rating: 4.5/5 with 5,300 Amazon reviews
Size: 18.5”L x 15.25”W x 14.25”H
Weight Limit: 25 lbs
Materials: Plastic
If you want a roomy hard sided carrier that won’t break the bank, this Sport Pet Collapsible Carrier is a solid option. It has a clever design which allows it to fold up much smaller than most hard sided carriers, and one large front entryway with a quick latch mechanism. Like all hard sided carriers, it’s made from a rigid plastic that’s relatively sturdy and easy to wipe clean. In the case of urination inside the carrier, the interior moat allows the liquid to collect without leaking out or soaking your poor cat’s bed. We also like that it’s quite light and easy to carry with the molded handle.
Unfortunately, this carrier suffers from some quality issues, which makes sense considering its low price point. The main issue reviewers mention is the integrity of the door latch, which in some cases has broken or been pushed open by feisty cats. If your cat is a fighter, this may not be the most secure option for them, especially considering it has no interior safety tether. Comfort-wise, it doesn’t come with any cushioning or a shoulder strap. It’s also not very seat belt compatible and it’s too large for in-cabin airline travel. Given these limitations, we think this carrier is best suited for short trips. If you plan on taking longer trips with your large cat, one of the other options on this list will serve you better.
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Conclusion
Finding the right carrier for your big (and maybe chonky) cat can be a real hassle, but we hope this list has provided some promising recommendations and made the decision a little easier. Our top choice is the tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier for its versatility, high quality materials, and design. Our runners-up for their overall convenience are the Sturdibag Pro 2.0 and Sherpa Original Deluxe carriers. If you have a truly massive cat, then the PetLuv Happy Cat Carrier should be able to accommodate them. If you’re on a budget, then the Elitefield Carrier is a great soft-sided choice and the SportPet Collapsible Cat Carrier is a good hard-sided option for short, day-to-day excursions. Whichever large cat carrier you choose, we wish you good luck and safe travels!
