In this guide we’ll look at the best cat carriers for nervous cats on the US market.
We’ve compared design, materials, size and cost
to give you our top recommendations.

What is the Best Cat Carrier for a Nervous Cat?

IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
  • Best cat carrier for nervous cats
  • Works as a carrier, stroller, or booster seat
  • Round top design
  • Best convertible cat carrier
  • Made with reinforced stitching and zippers
  • Two padded straps
  • Best rolling cat carrier
  • Converts to backpack or shoulder back
  • Mesh panels for ventilation
  • Best soft-sided travel carrier
  • Two expandable mesh panels
  • Comes with washable mat
  • Best carrier for planes
  • Three mesh panels
  • Has two handles and detachable shoulder strap

More Detailed Cat Carrier For Nervous Cats Reviews

Pet Gear 3-in-1 Cat Carrier Stroller

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Best cat carrier for nervous cats
  • Works as a carrier, stroller, or booster seat
  • Round top design
OUR RATING
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Pet Gear 3-in-1 Cat Carrier Stroller Review

The Pet Gear 3-in-1 Cat Carrier Stroller is our pick for the best cat carrier for nervous cats. This incredible travel carrier has three different configurations – it can be used as a traditional carrier, but also works as a stroller or a booster seat for the car. It has a round top, so it gives your kitty plenty of room to stand up and move around, and won’t make them feel too constricted.

This cat carrier is very lightweight but stable, so it’s super easy to carry around. Instead of a zipper, it has two buttons on either side that you can use to open the top of the carrier. Your cat will love the mesh on the side so they can see their surroundings. It also comes with a washable furry pad for extra comfort. With all of these great features, the Pet Gear 3-in-1 Cat Carrier Stroller is our top choice for a carrier for a nervous cat.

Pros

  • This stroller converts to a carrier and comes with a car-safe attachment as well.
  • It is well ventilated and provides excellent visibility for your cats as well.
  • The stroller is easy to push and turn while on the go.

Cons

  • Although this stroller collapses, it is still very large and could be difficult to store.
  • The tether on the inside of the carrier is lightweight and can be flimsy.
  • Some users found the latches to be difficult to use.

Natuvalle 6-in-1 Cat Carrier Backpack

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Best convertible cat carrier
  • Made with reinforced stitching and zippers
  • Two padded straps
OUR RATING
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Natuvalle 6-in-1 Cat Carrier Backpack Review

The Natuvalle 6-in-1 Cat Carrier Backpack gives your cat a comfy and spacious way to travel. This high-quality carrier comes in three different sizes and can be carried six different ways. Depending on what’s most comfortable for you, you can wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, front pack, or something else.

This carrier has two padded straps to give you extra support and control. It is made with a thick, durable fabric that has reinforced zippers, and there are strong mesh panels to give your cat ventilation. The Natuvalle 6-in-1 Cat Carrier Backpack is great for on-the-go pet parents, and it’s our top choice for best convertible cat carrier.

Pros

  • This backpack is very roomy for your cat.
  • It comes with multiple straps and can be carried in a variety of different ways, making it more comfortable for you and your cat.
  • The backpack comes with multiple access points, which makes it easy to get your cat in and out.

Cons

  • Some people found that they needed to turn the carrier in order to fit it under an airplane seat.
  • The bedding inside the carrier is difficult to remove and clean.
  • The shoulder straps are very wide, which could be uncomfortable for smaller cat owners.

Kundu KDU-013 Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Best rolling cat carrier
  • Converts to backpack or shoulder back
  • Mesh panels for ventilation
OUR RATING
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Kundu KDU-013 Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier Review

The Kundu KDU-013 Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier gives nervous kitties a cozy and secure way to travel. Our favorite feature is this carrier’s wheels and handle, which allow you to pull it like a suitcase for a smoother ride. It has three additional straps that will allow you to carry it like a backpack or a shoulder bag.

This carrier is extremely durable – it is made with 600 dernier fabric and has three mesh panels that will allow your cat to see out as they’re traveling. The Kundu KDU-13 is the best rolling cat carrier – your pet will love it for their travels.

Pros

  • The mesh panel on this backpack provides excellent visibility and access to your cat.
  • It converts from a backpack to a roller bag, making travel easier.
  • The wheels on this carrier are very durable and roll smoothly.

Cons

  • The carrier is relatively small, so it might not provide enough room for larger cats.
  • The backpack straps don’t detach when you convert it to a roller bag, and they can get in the way.
  • Some owners found that the bottom of this carrier wore out over time.

Petsfit 2 Sides Expandable Carrier

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Best soft-sided travel carrier
  • Two expandable mesh panels
  • Comes with washable mat
OUR RATING
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Petsfit 2 Sides Expandable Carrier Review

The Petsfit 2 Sides Expandable Carrier gives your pet a little bit of extra room to spread out while you’re on the go. This amazing carrier looks like a normal soft-sided carrier at first, but when you give it a closer look, you’ll find that the two mesh windows on the side unzip to give your cat extra space.

The base has an ultra-soft washable mat to give your kitty some extra comfort. The Petsfit 2 Sides Carrier gives nervous kitties a comfy place to curl up, even when travel gets stressful. It’s our pick for the best soft-sided travel carrier.

Pros

  • This carrier has a cozy plush lining that can help your cat relax if they’re feeling nervous.
  • It is expandable, which you can use to give your cat a bit more room to relax in the car.
  • The carrier is well ventilated to keep your cat comfortable.

Cons

  • The bedding on the base of the carrier does not come out, so it can be tricky to clean.
  • This carrier has lots of zippers, which can make it a bit confusing to set up at first.
  • Some users found that the expandable section of the carrier collapses instead of standing up on its own.

Petisfam Soft Cat Carrier

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Best carrier for planes
  • Three mesh panels
  • Has two handles and detachable shoulder strap
OUR RATING
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Petisfam Soft Cat Carrier Review

The Petisfam Soft Cat Carrier is a top-notch soft-sided cat carrier that’s sure to keep your cat feeling nice and cozy while you’re on the go. It’s airline approved and can fit under the seat on a plan without making your cat feel trapped or uncomfortable. This carrier has highly durable mesh panels on three sides, but it’s completely secure and has escape-proof zippers.

It’s also extremely light and comes with both handles and a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry around the airport. It comes in a number of cute color combinations, including pink, green, gray, and black. We love the Petisfam Soft Cat Carrier – it’s our top cat carrier for air travel.

Pros

  • This cat carrier has both top and side entrances, making it easy to get your cat inside.
  • It is easy to secure the cat carrier with a car seatbelt for secure travel.
  • This cat carrier is very well-made and sturdy.

Cons

  • This carrier may not be comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
  • The mesh is quite thick, which makes it difficult to see into the carrier.
  • This carrier is on the smaller side and may be tight for larger breeds.

Things to Know Before Buying a Cat Carrier for Nervous Cat

Finding the right cat carrier can be difficult – you’ll want to make sure that you’re investing in something your cat can really get comfortable in. Here’s what to look for when selecting a cat carrier for nervous cats.

The Size Your Cat Needs

If your cat is already nervous about traveling, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of room to move around in the carrier so they won’t feel suffocated. Measure your cat before you shop to see how much space they need. You may also want to look for a carrier with extra room on the top or sides so they can move around.

The Best Design for Easy Use

The design of the cat carrier should make traveling more convenient and comfortable for you both. Mesh panels are very important, as they help your cat breathe and give you easy visibility. You’ll also want to look at the straps – many models come with both handles and shoulder straps for more control on the go. Some even have wheels so you can use it as a stroller!

Materials for Maximum Comfort

You’ll want to make sure that your cat carrier is durable enough to handle the wear and tear you’ll likely experience on the road. Soft sided carriers should be made of a thick fabric – 600 dernier is a good benchmark. The stitching should be reinforced as well. Plastic and metal carriers are very durable as well, but they may not be as comfortable for a nervous kitty.

Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats FAQ

How can I get my nervous cat into a cat carrier? 

Getting a nervous cat into a carrier can be very tricky. It helps to expose your cat to their new carrier before they actually have to travel anywhere in it. Put the carrier in a place where your cat likes to spend time, and place a few treats inside. You may be able to get your cat to go in on their own. However, you’ll likely have to be a little more crafty. Try putting the carrier with the opening facing the ceiling, and put your cat in feet first, so they’re still facing you. This method is more comfortable for them and gives you more control as well.

How can I help my nervous cat feel comfortable in a cat carrier?

There are a number of things you can do to help your nervous pet feel a little better in their carrier. Try using a pheromone spray on the inside of their carrier – this affects the smell and helps them calm down. You’ll also want to make sure your cat has a comfy towel or blanket to curl up on inside the carrier. Some cats get motion sick in their carriers, so putting a blanket around the outside of the carrier may help as well.

Conclusion

Getting a nervous cat into a carrier can be tricky, but having a comfy and well-designed version can really help. Our top pick is the Pet Gear 3-in-1 Cat Carrier Stroller. Its convertible design means you can easily adjust it to suit your cat’s travel preferences. We also love how lightweight and easy to use it is.