The 5 best airline-approved cat carriers, tested by cats and humans
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Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
Flying with a cat is stressful, but one of the best airline-approved cat carriers can make it easier. When you place a cat at your feet in the plane cabin, a durable soft-sided carrier with some key features will ensure their comfort and safety, and your peace of mind.
To select the best pet carriers for flying with a cat, we spoke with a veterinarian and pet travel experts and tested 26 different airline-friendly pet carriers. Our top pick, the Sleepypod Air, is as durable as it is comfortable for pets and humans alike. If you're looking for a more affordable airline cat carrier, the simple Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag will keep your kitty comfortable from the beginning to the end of your journey.
Keep in mind that airline pet carrier size requirements vary by airline. Delta, American Airlines, and United allow pet carriers up to 18 inches (L) by 11 inches (W) by 11 inches (H). Some airlines have smaller maximum sizes, so make sure to check the airline's website before embarking with your pet.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best airline-approved cat carriers
Best overall: Sleepypod Air - See at Chewy
Best expandable: Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier - See at Amazon
Best stylish: Away The Pet Carrier - See at Away (temporarily out of stock)
Best budget: Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag - See at Chewy
Best backpack: Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Backpack Airline Compliant Pet Carrier - See at Amazon
Best overall
Our cat testers weren't shy about expressing their clear preference for the Sleepypod Air. During a recent trip to the vet, they both piled into the carrier, opting for its cozy sanctuary over their other carrier. The Sleepypod Air's plush bedding, just-right ventilation, and spacious interior proved calming and comfortable. For skittish fliers, the carrier includes a privacy screen you can slide through the mesh top, though this significantly reduces your cat's access to fresh air.
Among the best airline-approved cat carriers, the Sleepypod Air stands out for its innovative design and commitment to pet safety — it's certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that researches and crash-tests pet carriers to ensure their safety. Rather than doors, it features one continuous zipper that runs end to end. With one pull of the zipper, the carrier transforms into an open bed, converts into a car seat, or rolls up for convenient storage. It's also designed to fold in approximately 2.5 inches at each end, meeting the size requirements of most major airlines. We recommend practicing compressing the bag before your trip.
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The padded cross-body shoulder strap felt supportive, and the carrier rested comfortably against the body without collapsing inward. With the luggage strap, the carrier easily stayed balanced on a suitcase when rolling over curbs and rough sidewalks.
The Sleepypod Air isn't cheap. However, given its versatility, comfort, and impressive safety features, we believe it's well worth the investment. You can return it, used or unused, within a year, and Sleepypod guarantees a replacement if it's damaged in an auto accident.
Best expandable
On long travel days with time spent in airports, Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier offers jet-setting cats extra space to stretch out. It includes a zippered panel on its right side that unfolds into a mesh atrium that nearly doubles the carrier's interior space. While the expandable section can't be used in flight, this feature makes it the best airline-approved cat carrier for cross-country flights with layovers and extended stays away from home.
The spacious carrier is front- and top-loading with a roll-up privacy flap over the top door, and it offers plenty of ventilation to keep a cat from overheating. Inside, there is a soft plush bolster bed and safety tether. Outside, it has an adjustable padded shoulder strap and a faux leather carry handle. There is one 10-inch by 4-inch mesh pocket on the backside.
Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
With sturdy mesh screens and smooth zippers, Mr. Peanut's carrier excelled in our testing. It was easy to spot clean, and although the bed is labeled hand-wash only, it came out of the washing machine looking nearly new after air-drying.
When we tested the luggage strap, the carrier remained mostly balanced on our suitcase, slipping only about an inch to one side. Carrying it on the shoulder was comfortable, and the strap was easy to adjust to the correct length.
Best stylish
Editor's note: The Pet Carrier is temporarily out of stock.
We're big fans of Away's luggage line for its sleek design and thoughtful features. Now your feline companion can travel with the same sophistication and safety thanks to the Away Pet Carrier. Like the Sleepypod Air, it is crash-test certified by the CPS and has an interior safety tether to keep your pet secure between destinations. It replaces our previous favorite stylish carrier, the Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier, because it fits most major airline carrier size restrictions without the need to squish or fold in the sides.
Our feline tester loved the soft sherpa interior mat, making this carrier a prime napping spot at home and on the go. Mesh windows on two sides and the top provide excellent ventilation while giving your cat a sense of security. However, if your cat is a nervous flyer, simply roll down the privacy window for extra calm.
Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
To navigate busy airports, you can slide the handy back sleeve over the handle of luggage from any brand. There's also an adjustable shoulder strap so you can wear it crossbody, and the carrier has just rigid enough construction so it won't collapse inward on your precious cargo. Or you can carry your cat using the leather hand strap.
This carrier's wipe-away nylon exterior and interior make cleaning up messes on the go easy. Even the pockets are nylon-lined, and the front pocket is waterproof with drainage holes, perfect for storing a collapsible water bowl. The machine-washable interior liner is secured by velcro and easy to remove, so you can toss it in the wash once you reach your destination.
Best budget
Although this carrier is a fraction of the price of our other picks for the best airline-approved cat carriers, it still performed well in durability testing. At home, it was also the carrier our tester cats consistently chose to lounge in time and time again. Simply put, the cozy Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag is an excellent budget airline cat carrier.
Susan Nilson, a cat and dog trainer and behavior specialist, recommends leaving a carrier with the doors open at home so your cat can get accustomed to it before travel. We did just that, and the carrier quickly became one of our cats' favorite spots to nap. Even after machine washing the interior fleece mat, it didn't lose its softness or cat appeal.
The carrier has two doors, top and side, and two storage pockets: a secure Velcro pocket to stash your keys and phone and a mesh pocket to keep your cat's treats and travel documents easily accessible. The included collapsible silicone bowl and ID tag ticks two essentials off your packing list.
Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
The adjustable shoulder strap and carry handle lack padding and may become uncomfortable on longer journeys. Similar to pricier options, the Frisco carrier includes a luggage strap designed to attach the carrier to the telescopic handle of your suitcase. However, the strap doesn't keep the carrier well-balanced on curbs and sidewalks, so you'll want to have a free hand for added support.
Best backpack
If you already have your hands full, Mr. Peanut's backpack carrier might be your best bet. It's a cat carrier you can wear on your back to keep your hands free and your cat safe.
The backpack prioritizes a cat's comfort with a wider profile similar to a traditional carrier. This design eliminates the need to turn the carrier — and your cat — on its side for stowing under the seat in front of you. It does sit a bit higher on my back than my favorite cat hiking backpack (reaching mid-back or higher depending on your height), but it's a small price to pay for a cozy feline friend. The adjustable, padded shoulder strap offers a carrying alternative but isn't long enough for a crossbody fit.
Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
According to the brand, an interior machine-washable thermal pad is designed to keep cats comfortable in any climate. While I can't confirm its effectiveness at regulating temperature, my cats certainly approved of it as a napping spot. To test its ease of cleaning, I smeared a mix of dry and wet cat food on the interior and exterior. A quick wipe-down with a damp paper towel removed most of the mess from the nylon exterior. The interior quilted design trapped some dried food bits in the crevices, but the washing machine took care of the mess. A pre-wash scrub may be necessary for some dried-on accidents.
The carrier didn't take a toll on my back during walks, thanks to its mesh padding that offers breathability and cushioning. However, it lacks a waist or chest clip for added stability on long airport treks, so I tightened the shoulder straps to hold the carrier flush against my back. The carrier comes in medium and large, but only the medium size meets most airline carry-on restrictions.
What to look for in an airline cat carrier
The best airline-approved cat carriers come in many different styles at varying price points. To ensure you get the best value for safety and comfort, our experts recommend considering the following factors when shopping.
Safety: Unlike child car seats, there are no universal safety standards or inspections for cat carriers. However, some brands go the extra mile by subjecting their carriers to rigorous testing by reputable third-party or nonprofit safety organizations. Among our recommended picks, the Sleepypod Air and Away Pet Carrier have been crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that studies the safety of pet products.
Currently, CPS studies do not extend to air travel and flight safety. Despite the absence of standardized air travel safety tests, crash-test certification remains the gold standard. As Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of CPS, points out, you'll want to consider your entire journey, including driving from your home to the airport and transportation at your destination.
Wolko says carriers are most susceptible to failure at seams where the mesh connects to the carrier body. She recommends inspecting carriers for any signs of loose threads, weak spots, or faulty zippers to ensure their overall safety and reliability throughout transit.
Size: A carrier should be roomy enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and lie down while still being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Carrier size requirements vary by airline, so double-check your airline's specific requirements.
Fortunately, size isn't usually a limiting factor for cats. More often than not, they prefer to curl up in a small ball and hide during the trip, says Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian with Vetster. She says extra room for playing, eating, drinking, or using the litter box during the flight is typically unnecessary. However, if you anticipate a long layover and want extra legroom for your cat, an expandable carrier like Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier is a good choice.
Weight restrictions: Many in-cabin cat carriers are suitable for cats weighing up to 15 or 18 pounds. If your cat is on the heavier side, double-check the weight limit for the carrier you're considering purchasing and make sure your cat has room to comfortably move around in the carrier.
Ventilation: Most carriers are designed with enough ventilation (at least 16%) to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) minimum requirement. Some carriers may have less or more, so the amount of ventilation you choose depends on you and your cat's preferences.
Since Myers says most cats prefer to hide in stressful environments, carriers with privacy walls and flaps may be beneficial. Alternatively, she recommends bringing a towel or blanket that you can place over the carrier if your cat becomes stressed. "Even if you cover the carrier with a towel, it's far from airtight," she says. "Simply check on your cat occasionally, without disturbing them any more than necessary."
How we tested the best airline-approved cat carriers
Janelle Leeson/Business Insider
We developed our selection and testing criteria for this guide to the best airline-approved cat carriers with advice from our experts. The 26 carriers we evaluated underwent the tests described here.
Feature comparison: After conducting interviews with our experts, we created a point rubric for scoring each carrier based on the following features:
- Shape and design
- Interior mat
- Loading doors
- Carrying straps and handles
- Pockets
- Ventilation
- Privacy flaps
- Interior safety tether
- ID tag
- Luggage strap
- Dimensions and in-cabin airline capability
- Safety certifications
- Ease of storage
Scrape test: We scraped a mesh section of each carrier 50 times with a fork to test its durability, noting any damage or discoloration.
Zip test: To test the durability of each carrier's zippers, we completely zipped and unzipped one of its loading entrances 50 times. In the process, we observed changes in the zipper's ability to smoothly run its course.
Luggage test: If a carrier included a luggage strap, we evaluated how well it remained balanced on top of a suitcase. We placed a 10-pound weight inside and attached the carrier to a suitcase handle so it rested on top of our luggage. Then we rolled it over a curb, up a ramp, and along the sidewalk and street of a city block.
Ventilation test: According to Wolko, ventilation is important to prevent a cat from overheating during travel. We measured the dimensions of each carrier's mesh panels and calculated the percentage of the total surface area they comprised. We favored bags with more ventilation. According to IATA live animal regulations, pet carrier bags must have a minimum of 16% ventilation.
Walk test: We took each soft-sided carrier containing a 10-pound weight on a 15-minute walk around a neighborhood. Each was carried using the shoulder strap and held at the front of the body the way a person would if they had a real cat inside. For the last block of the walk, we switched to using the hand-carry straps. The backpack carriers were taken on the same walk but were not carried by hand. With each one, we paid attention to how comfortable it was to carry, how much it bounced, and whether it collapsed inwards.
Goop test: We devised this test to determine how easy it would be to clean the carriers if a cat vomited or defecated in transit. We mashed together cat kibble, canned food, and water with a mortar and pestle to make the goop, then spread a tablespoon on an exterior wall and interior mat of each carrier. After 48 hours, we wiped the goop from the exterior using dish soap and water and cleaned the mats in the washing machine.
Drop and stomp tests: We brought the carriers to a local park, loaded each one with a 10-pound weight, and threw them off of a 10-foot play structure, looking for any damage that occurred upon landing. We then rolled the bags several times on the ground with the weight still inside, looking for damage to the stitching, mesh, or zippers. Later, at home, we placed each carrier on a rug and stomped on it a dozen times with bare feet, noting whether its frame changed shape or the bag suffered any other damage.
Airline cat carrier FAQs
How do you know if a pet carrier is airline-approved?
To fly with a cat in the cabin of a plane, you'll need a soft-sided carrier that fits within the allowable dimensions of the airline, which vary a little from airline to airline. Regardless of the carrier you use, Wolko says to make sure your cat has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Additionally, there should be at least 2 to 3 inches of clearance from the top of their ears to the interior roof of the carrier.
How much does it cost to fly with a cat?
Fees for flying with a pet in the cabin of a plane vary between carriers. At United Airlines, a one-way flight for your cat adds $125 to your ticket price. At Delta, there is a $95 fee for domestic flights. Flying a cat in the cargo hold on a domestic flight is typically about $300 per trip. Sending a cat on an international flight can cost up to triple that amount.
How much ventilation should a carrier have?
For soft-sided carriers, Wolko says mesh ventilation should be on at least three sides of the bag. In cargo, airlines require that a kennel is ventilated on all four sides. According to the IATA live animal regulations, both soft- and hard-sided pet carriers must have a minimum of 16% ventilation.
Do cats need to go to the bathroom on a flight?
Unless a cat has a medical condition, they will be fine without access to a litter box for the duration of a flight. "Just based on the physiology of cats, they could probably go from Boston to Hawaii without needing to void," says Dr. Bob Murtaugh, a veterinarian and chair of veterinary medicine for the National Academies of Practice.
In the cargo hold, kennels cannot be outfitted with a litter box or anything other than an absorbent liner and a soft bed or blanket. "If the travel day will be more than eight hours, during a layover pet owners can arrange a comfort stop for cats to be let out of their carrier," says Elaine Mathis, pet travel specialist and project manager at Happy Tails Travel. When you let your cat out of their carrier, you'll want to make sure your cat is safely secured with one of the best cat harnesses attached to a leash.
Do cats need food and water on a flight?
On shorter in-cabin flights, it's unlikely your cat will require food or water. However, if you're flying your cat in cargo, Mathis says a food bowl and water bowl should be in the carrier regardless of the flight length. She recommends using dishes that fasten to the crate's door and can be refilled easily from the outside, such as Lixit's Quick Lock Crock 10-ounce bowls.
What are the signs that my cat may be in distress in flight?
According to Murtaugh, a few obvious signs may indicate your cat is in distress during a flight, either due to fear or excessive heat. A cat that is panting, restless, and vocalizing could be experiencing significant anxiety or overheating. If the membranes in their gums turn bright red, the latter is most likely, and it's important to cool them off quickly. If a flight attendant approves, placing the carrier on your lap so they can feel the air blowing from the vent above your seat or wiping them down with a wet cloth may help lower their body temperature. Before your travel, Nilson recommends lightly spraying the carrier with calming pheromones.
How to prepare a cat for flying
In the weeks before their trip, introduce your cat to their carrier or kennel in a positive way. "Make the carrier feel like a cave or a home or something that's comfortable, something that they're not just jammed into the first time they're on their way to the airport," Murtaugh says.
Place the carrier in an area of the home where your cat spends a lot of time and encourage them to explore it by placing catnip and treats inside or by playing with them in and around the space.
Murtaugh says that taking your cat on a car ride or other forms of transportation while in their carrier may also be helpful in the weeks before the flight. He recommends placing a bed or blanket that smells like home inside the carrier and using a pheromone spray or collar to help take the edge off.
If your cat has a history of experiencing debilitating stress during travel and will be flying in the cabin, you can speak to your vet about prescribing an anxiety-relieving medication. However, it's important to test medication out before your flight. "Make sure there won't be any untoward side effects," Murtaugh says. "Your vet can help you tailor that to your cat's needs."
The IATA recommends against sedating a cat before flying in the cargo hold. It can be fatal for older, chronically sick, or highly stressed animals. Nilson says calming pheromones such as Feliway or Pet Remedy are safe alternatives.
Shoshi Parks/Insider
Pros: Three ways to load, unzips into a bed, machine-washable mat, secure luggage strap, padded detachable shoulder strap converts into a leash, folds flat for storage, comes in three colors, limited one-year warranty
Cons: No padded carry handle
The innovatively designed Wild One Travel Carrier converts from an easy-to-transport bag to a comfortable, open pet bed in just a few zips. With a detachable padded shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a cushioned machine-washable interior mat, this carrier is an ideal home-away-from-home at the airport and your destination.
The Wild One Travel Carrier has two important safety features: an interior tether and snaps on the zippers that prevent them from opening in transit. On the outside, there are two wide zipper pockets on one side and two small pockets on the other. The front and back doors both have zip-out privacy screens. A pet can also be loaded through the zippered top.
Wild One's carrier shined in testing among the best airline-approved cat carriers. It earned the highest scores in our scrape, zip, and goop tests, and its wide luggage strap kept the bag completely balanced on a rolling suitcase. It also has the most ventilation of any bag we tested.
It is comfortable enough to carry this bag by hand, but it lacks a padded carry strap. While it's among the pricier carriers we tested, for the wide range of features included in its modular design, it's well worth the extra cost.
Get $25 off each carrier you purchase from Wild One with code INSIDER20 at checkout.
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Pros: Front and top-loading carrier, expandable compartment increases carrier's size by more than 50%, secure luggage strap, padded detachable shoulder strap, washable interior plush bolster bed, comes in five colors, folds flat for storage
Cons: Limited pocket space, expandable section can't be used in flight, no warranty
On long travel days with endless time spent in airports, Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier offers jet-setting cats extra space to stretch out. When unzipped, a panel on its right side unfolds into a mesh atrium that more than doubles the interior space.
The spacious Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier is front- and top-loading with a roll-up privacy flap over the top door. It has plenty of ventilation to keep a cat from overheating. Inside, there is a soft plush bolster bed and safety tether. Outside is an adjustable padded shoulder strap and a faux leather carry handle. There is just one 10-by-4-inch mesh zip pocket at the back. When not in use, this bag folds flat for storage.
Mr. Peanut's carrier excelled in testing. The mesh remained intact in the scrape test, the zipper moved smoothly in the zip test, and the bag's interior and exterior came completely clean in the goop test. Although the bed is labeled hand-wash only, it looked nearly new after machine washing and air drying.
On one side, this carrier has a luggage strap for slipping over the handle of a carry-on suitcase. It remained mostly balanced on luggage as we walked, slipping only about an inch to one side. Carrying on the shoulder was comfortable, and the strap was easily adjusted to the correct length.
While the expandable section of Mr. Peanut's carrier can't be used in flight, this feature makes it the best airline-approved cat carrier for cross-country flights with layovers and extended stays away from home.
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Pros: Padded detachable shoulder strap, padded carry handle, secure luggage strap, multiple pockets, washable interior mat, collapses flat for storage, comes in six colors and two sizes
Cons: Not top-loading, seam of interior mat ripped in washing, no warranty
The cozy Elite Field Soft-Sided Airline Approved Carrier is an excellent budget airline cat carrier. The bag not only has many of the features of our pricier picks for the best airline-approved cat carriers, but it also scored well in testing.
The Elite Field carrier has a soft fleece mat and safety tether inside and five different pockets outside, one of which unzips to convert into a luggage strap. The strap kept the carrier well-balanced on curbs and sidewalks. An adjustable padded shoulder strap and carry handle are comfortable to use. When carried on the shoulder, the bag flexes inward somewhat.
A whopping 27.5% of the Elite Field is covered in mesh ventilation, which earned the highest scores in our scrape and zip tests. While the bag's exterior and interior mat came completely clean in our goop test, a seam along the length of the mat split open in the washing machine. It still fits over its interior panel, and because that panel is covered in polyester, the tear doesn't compromise the mat's utility. It collapses inward to store flat.
The only significant features the Elite Field lacks are a top-loading door and a warranty. The carrier comes in two sizes and is flexible enough that even the longer version fits in a box measuring 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.
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Pros: Comfortable padded back and straps, plush wrap-around interior mat, fits under seat in most airlines, several exterior pockets, locking zippers, folds flat for storage, available in four colors
Cons: Backpack straps are not removable, no warranty
If you aren't traveling with a rolling carry-on suitcase, a backpack carrier may be a more comfortable way for you and your cat to navigate the airport. Convenient, durable, and comfortable for both you and your cat, Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier is ideal for use before, during, and after a flight.
The carrier has adjustable padded straps, padded back panels, and an adjustable chest strap for you. For your cat, it has a luxurious plush mat that wraps around the interior for a soft ride on the back and when laid flat beneath an airline seat.
This backpack has two important safety features: an interior tether and buckling safety zippers. A roll-up privacy flap over the top panel serves as the front-loading door when the carrier is laid flat. There is a 7-by-7-inch zipper pocket on one side, and on the other, a mesh water bottle holder and two smaller pockets. At the end of the journey, the carrier folds flat for storage.
Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier did well in testing, earning the highest scores in our scrape, zip, and goop tests. It also has more ventilation than the other backpacks we tested, with 17.5% of its surface area covered in mesh. The interior mat is labeled hand-wash only, but it held up well in the washing machine with air-drying.
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Pros: Five-star crash-test rating, extremely tough, escape-proof, lifetime warranty
Cons: Expensive, heavy, does not fold for storage, limited ventilation
If you want to be sure that your cat will reach their destination safely when flying in cargo, Gunner's G1 Kennel is our top recommendation among the best airline-approved cat carriers. With double walls, a reinforced aluminum door frame, and a welded nylon and aluminum door, Gunner's G1 Kennel is the toughest crate we've ever seen. In crash tests conducted by the Center for Pet Safety in 2018, the Gunner G1 Medium Dog Kennel earned a five-star safety rating for pets up to 45 pounds, and it was the only kennel to withstand our drop testing.
The Gunner G1 Kennel's door is escape-proof with a built-in key lock and a door that can be hung to open from the left or the right. At the bottom of the crate are elevated nonslip feet, and there are two extra-sturdy handles and built-in stainless steel tie-down pins on the top. The interior floor is recessed, so if your cat goes to the bathroom or spills their water in flight, the liquid will be funneled away from their bedding.
At 38 pounds, the Gunner G1 Medium Kennel is the heaviest of those we tested, but that weight lends itself to the kennel's durability. It did not suffer any damage after being dropped 10 feet with a 10-pound weight inside, and when a bag of 30-pound weights was dropped on it from 10 feet above, it left behind only a small exterior divot.
The Gunner G1 Kennel does not have much ventilation or fold down for easy storage. Starting at $550, it's also the most expensive carrier we tested by far. Despite these downsides, there's no stronger, safer crate on the market. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Shoshi Parks/Insider
We developed our selection and testing criteria for this guide to the best airline-approved cat carriers with advice from our experts. The 20 carriers we evaluated underwent the tests described below.
Feature comparison: After conducting interviews with our experts, I created a point rubric for scoring each of the 17 soft-sided carriers based on the following features:
- Shape and design
- Interior mat
- Loading doors
- Carrying straps and handles
- Pockets
- Ventilation
- Interior safety tether
- No-escape petting hole
- ID tag
- Luggage strap
- Dimensions and in-cabin airline capability
- Safety certifications
- Storage
Scrape test: I scraped a mesh section of each soft-sided carrier 50 times with a fork to test its durability. When complete, I noted any damage or discoloration.
Zip test: To test the durability of each carrier's zipper, I completely zipped and unzipped one of its loading entrances 50 times. In the process, I noted any changes in the zipper's ability to smoothly run its course.
Luggage test: Each soft-sided carrier with a luggage strap was attached to a suitcase handle, then rolled over a curb, up a ramp, and along the sidewalk and street of a city block. Inside the carriers, I placed a 10-pound weight and watched to see how well they remained balanced as we traveled.
Ventilation test: According to Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety, ventilation is important to prevent a cat from overheating during travel. I measured the dimensions of each carrier's mesh panels and calculated the percentage of the total surface area they comprised. I favored bags with more ventilation.
Walk test: I took each soft-sided carrier containing a 10-pound weight on a 15-minute walk around my neighborhood. Each was carried using the shoulder strap and held at the front of my body the way I would if I had a real cat inside. For the last block, I switched to using the carrier's hand-carry straps. The backpack carriers were taken on the same walk but were not carried by hand. With each, I paid attention to how comfortable it was to carry, how much it bounced, and whether it collapsed inwards as I walked.
Goop test: I devised the goop test to determine how easy the carriers would be to clean if a cat vomited or defecated in transit. I mashed together cat kibble, canned food, and water with a mortar and pestle to make the goop, then spread a tablespoon on the exterior wall and interior mat of the contenders. After 48 hours, I wiped the goop from their exteriors using dish soap and water and washed the mats in the washing machine.
Drop test: This test was designed for hard-shelled cargo kennels. I brought the candidates to a local park and, with the help of my partner, loaded each kennel with a 10-pound weight and threw it off of a 10-foot play structure, looking for any damage that occurred upon landing. In the second test, we dropped a bag of 30-pound weights on top of the kennel from the 10-foot play structure to test for structural integrity.
Shoshi Parks/Insider
In the weeks before their trip, introduce your cat to their carrier or kennel in a positive way. "Make the carrier feel like a cave or a home or something that's comfortable, something that they're not just jammed into the first time they're on their way to the airport," says Murtaugh.
Place the carrier in an area of the home where your cat spends a lot of time and encourage them to explore it by placing catnip and treats inside or by playing with them in and around the space.
Murtaugh says that taking your cat on a car ride or other forms of transportation while in their carrier may also be helpful in the weeks before the flight. He recommends placing a bed or blanket that smells like home inside the carrier and using a pheromone spray or collar to help take the edge off.
If your cat has a history of experiencing debilitating stress during travel and will be flying in the cabin, you can speak to your vet about prescribing an anxiety-relieving medication. However, it's important to test medication out before your flight. "Make sure there won't be any untoward side effects," says Murtaugh. "Your vet can help you tailor that to your cat's needs."
Sedating a cat before flying in the cargo hold is not recommended by the International Air Transport Association. It can be fatal for old, chronically sick, or highly stressed animals.
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