We take reviews seriously. This article has product links we may be compensated for as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you.
For nervous cats, I recommend the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier as the best cat carrier due to its comfort, safety, and airline compliance. This is based on experience helping my cat overcome travel anxiety after early negative experiences.
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Strong steel wire mesh door for security
- 360 ventilation for fresh air and visibility
- Headroom for comfort
- Airline-friendly and perfectly set up for flying
My cat did not have positive early associations with travel, having flown in her carrier as a kitten. For a while after, she would bolt and hide whenever we got ready to go to the vet or groomer.
After helping her through this anxiety, I can now advise on the ideal carriers for nervous cats. First, we’ll cover why each recommended carrier is the best pick for various situations, followed by a complete buyer’s guide!
These are the products we will be reviewing:
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Wirenut Fasteners
- 14", 19", 24" (Length)
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Wirenut Fasteners
- 21", 28", 32", 36", 40", 48" (Length)
AmazonBasics Hard-Sided Pet Carrier
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Screw Fasteners
- 23", 40" (Length)
- Plastic, Metal Hardware Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell
- 18.5", 23.12” (Length)
Overall Best Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Strong steel wire mesh door
- Headroom
- Airline-friendly and perfectly set up for flying
The Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier comes in as our overall best cat carrier for nervous cats choice thanks to its many security features and the comfort it provide traveling cats.
And if traveling to a place where animals cannot be carry-on, this Sky Kennel has airline cargo compliance as well.
Using a heavy-duty plastic shell, this pet carrier features an interlocking door with strong steel wire, and wing-nuts that won’t corrode to give you long-lasting protection.
With ventilation openings around the carrier, your cat will stay cool and comfortable in the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier with tons of fresh air, while making themselves at home with privacy.
A raised interior also lets your cat have plenty of headroom as he travels.
Available in six sizes, the 21 or 28 inch models are a great choice for adolescent cats all the way to Maine Coon sized giants. These two sizes also sport a top handle for easy holding and transport.
And if you own a dog too, know that the Sky Kennel is great with dogs, as well. Check out other dog crates here!
Meeting most airline cargo specifications (note the tie-down holes for securing in the cargo hold), the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier comes with ID stickers, clip-on bowls, and two stickers that say “Live Animal” – all of this makes a stressful experience much smoother.
Rating Breakdown:
- Safety 10/10
- Comfort 9/10
- Accessibility 8/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.5
What We Liked:
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Strong steel wire mesh door
- Headroom
- Airline-friendly and perfectly set up for flying
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be too large and tall for many cars
- Not top loading
Runner Up Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Wirenut Fasteners
- 14", 19", 24" (Length)
The Petmate Two Door Top Load carrier is a great example of a good all-around cat carrier with its top entry design, durability, and handy everyday features.
This carrier lets you easily lift in and carry out your cat through the door on the top, without needing to push them in from the front. The top door also lets in more natural light, which makes it seem less confining.
And for times when your cat is cooperative, there is a front-loading door too!
Perfect for smaller cats, the sturdy plastic walls keep your pet protected with lot of airflow. I also like that this model’s doors are made with steel wire to withstand biting and scratching.
And for convenient one-handed opening, there are easy to squeeze latches.
Measuring 24″ x 17″ x 14.5″, this cat carrier comes in four different color combinations and has an ergonomic top handle for easy transporting.
Our runner up best cat carrier for nervous cats does not meet requirements for some airlines, so check with them before purchasing.
Rating Breakdown:
- Safety 8/10
- Comfort 8/10
- Accessibility 9/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 8.5
What We Liked:
- Top-loading
- Steel wire doors
- One handed opening
- Ergonomic handle
- Headroom
What We Didn’t Like:
- For small to medium size cats only
Best Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats – Premium Pick
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Wirenut Fasteners
- 21", 28", 32", 36", 40", 48" (Length)
For a premium cat carrier experience, look no further than the Petmate Ultra Vari Pet Kennel. With this model, you’ll notice an upgraded experience apparent in the details.
First off, this carrier looks pretty sweet in that two tone taupe durable hard plastic. The sides features ventilation so it always feels light and airy inside.
The side vents are actually metallic wire, like with the Petmate Sky Kennel, for extra security.
Upon lifting the carrier, you’ll be impressed with its solid-feeling foldable handle. Then, when you opening the steel wire front entry door, you notice the latch is super easy to operate one-handed.
To meet airline regulations, the top and bottom sections are held together with metallic (not plastic) bolts. Plus, there are slots on the top and bottom of door frame, used to secure the carrier even further with rope while transit.
Petmate Ultra Vari Pet Kennel is available in 5 sizes, with the “up to 15 lb” and 28″ ones being perfect for all any sized cats. This super sturdy cat carrier is also easy to assemble or disassemble when you need to store it.
Rating Breakdown:
- Safety 8/10
- Comfort 8/10
- Accessibility 9/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.5
What We Liked:
- Sturdy, good build quality
- Steel wire opening door
- Easy to operate latch
- Solid, foldable handle
- Great and ready for air travel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Budget Best Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats
- Plastic, Steel Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell, Steel Wire Door, Screw Fasteners
- 23", 40" (Length)
Measuring 19 or 23-inches, the AmazonBasics Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is a great budget choice that checks all the basic boxes and is uniquely easy access (if you have a small or medium sized cat).
This carrier is simple to load due to its smart two-door layout, via the front or on top. This makes the process of getting your cat into the carrier an easy thing because you simply lift them in or out.
On top of that, the top door has the ability to open either on the right or the left, furthering the convenience.
The AmazonBasics Carrier is constructed of durable plastic and the top and bottom come together via four latches. It includes screws that offer an added level of security.
The doors are steel-wire on the front door and able to take bites and scratches. There’s ventilation on each side as well as the back of the carrier for your cat’s comfort. As one of our best cat carriers for nervous cats, it basically all you need, at a good price.
Rating Breakdown:
- Safety 7/10
- Comfort 7/10
- Accessibility 9/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 8.25
What We Liked:
- Price
- Top and front entry
- Top entry opens both ways
- Steel mesh front door
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only for small to medium size cats
- Some reports of top door not securing well
Easy Entry Best Cat Carrier for Nervous Cats
- Plastic, Metal Hardware Construction
- Why It Works: Hard Shell
- 18.5", 23.12” (Length)
The patented Sport Pet Travel Cat Carrier is a unique, effective product that is the easiest to get your nervous cat into compared to everything on this list.
You thought the Amazon two-door model was easy to load? You barely have to load this one!
This carrier is triangular shaped, and one side opens up wide, practically inviting your cat to settle inside it. Definitely one of the best cat carriers for difficult cats.
Once she does (and she will if you do it right) close the flap on the Sport Pet Travel Cat Carrier and lock in one motion. Now your cat is suddenly ready to be transported to the vet, groomers, or anywhere.
I like how the body and door-latch system are constructed with an impact-resistant polypropylene, polycarbonate – both strong and lightweight plastics.
Those durable materials ensure this carrier is tough enough to withstand any scratching and thrashing.
Because this carrier opens up so wide, you can really see the bottom. It’s completely flat so cleaning is simple.
The ventilation slats are generous, allowing plenty of light and air to get through, making the experience more pleasant for your cat. And if your cat needs to see you to stay calm, they certainly can!
The Sport Pet Travel Cat Carrier is available in a regular (with an included bed) and X-L size (no bed). Some people have said that the regular was a tad too small for their cat, so if your cat is over 10 pounds, go for the X-L.
Rating Breakdown:
- Safety 6/10
- Comfort 8/10
- Accessibility 10/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 8
What We Liked:
- Patented side-opening door
- Durable ABS and polycarbonate construction
- Cute and inviting design
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not airline approved
- Small gaps between panels on bottom
- Included bed not machine washable
Essential Features of Carriers for Nervous Cats
When your cat is being difficult or scared while being transported, they’re likely to bite and scratch and destroy whatever is in their way.
Which is why your carrier must be able to take the wrath of Mr. Fluffy, who I should remind you, is related to tigers and lions.
Since soft carriers aren’t as durable and doesn’t offer the security and protection of a hard carrier, we did not include any here.
At the same time, the carrier must be calming to your nervous cat, and be comfortable to you to use at a practical level. Here are the things to look for in choosing the best carrier for difficult cats.
Hard Sided
To handle a scared or difficult cat, a hard carrier is the best choice since it will be durable enough to prevent your cat from extracting itself from it and booking it!
Look for one made of hard ABS plastic or polypropylene, that feels rigid and has a sturdy floor that does give when your cat is inside.
Ultimately, they will make you feel secure and when you’re in a positive mood, your cat picks that up, which leads them to reacting in a more calming way.
Metallic Entry Door (Makes It Escape Proof)
Always choose a hard carrier that has a metallic grate door. You want it to both durable and strong to take the constantly clawing and biting that will occur.
My Maine Coon cat has giant paws, and while docile most of the time, can really wreck stuff if she wanted to.
With a metal grill, you will have a more secure door that often comes with added locking mechanisms as well!
Well Ventilated
It’s very important to make sure that your cat has plenty of air as she travels. Look for cat carriers with vents that will not only provide fresh air, but give a nervous cat a way to look outside a bit.
But be sure it’s not too open. Cats like warm, dark, cozy spaces, which is why you find them curled up in closets, cupboards, cardboard boxes, and other impossible places.
And there might be occurrences where it’s better to throw a towel over the carrier and block view of your cat for privacy or to limit excessive input.
Easy to Clean
As you use the cat carrier, you’re going to need to clean it. A few reasons for this:
- Your cat has an accident
- General hygiene
- Keeping it sanitary after being in public areas
- Removing certain smells your cat associates with negative experiences. It gets the smell of the vet out, basically!
Categorically, hard carrier are simple to keep clean with its smooth and hard interior and it should not be a problem to wipe down.
Cleaning is just something you need to keep in mind as your cat’s sense of smell is 9 – 16 stronger than a humans.
Top Loading is Great for Vet Visits
Having a carrier that is easy to get your cat in and out of is also a great quality. This is why a top loading door is a great feature – it is way easier to simply lift them into the carrier or carry them out.
This prevents the need to ever forcefully push your cat in, which can happen with a front-loading carrier.
And I know that for my Maine Coon, she is unwilling to get out of the carrier at the vet. With top load access, a vet can work with your cat right inside the carrier. So the best cat carriers for vet visits are top loading.
Some top loading carriers feature like zip-off walls and also feature a front door too. As the carrier becomes more dynamic, they should also offer added mechanisms and screws that secure to the base better.
Appropriate Size
You want a cat carrier that is the correct size for your cat. While it should roomy enough for them to maneuver and reposition, you don’t want your cat sliding around as you carry it.
Plus, your cat will feel safer in a cozier space.
A good rule of thumb is to get a carrier that is 1 ½ times your cat’s size, which will also give you enough room to put a blanket or other items they find comforting.
Of course, if it’s a longer than an errand or trip in town, find a carrier that will accommodate a litter box. (Though with the stress, your cat probably won’t use it)
What is the Best Maine Coon Cat Carrier?
As a Maine Coon site, I can’t skip this topic! What if your nervous cat is a Maine Coon?
I recommend the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier or IRIS Extra Pet Travel Carrier based on their size, durability, and safety features.
Maine Coons, as the largest domestic cat, can grow to be 12-25+ pounds. They are also a strong and athletic breed from their past jobs as mousers. Hence, the most important aspects in a cat carrier for Maine Coons are size and durability.
They have to fit your jumbo cat and be able to withstand a good thrashing. Maine Coon cats take around 5 years to grow into their full size too, so be sure to size up a carrier if your cat is a still a kitten.
If your Maine Coon is not difficult in a carrier, check out my full post on the top Maine Coon carriers!
Looking for the Best Cat Carrier for Two Cats?
I completely recommend the One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel/Shelter as the best cat carrier for two cats.
It’s almost not even a carrier, per se. It’s large enough to be a kennel at home, just that it secure perfectly to car seats. Read my full post on the best double cat carriers.
What is the Best Cat Carrier for Cars?
My pick is the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Pet Carrier for one of the best cat carriers for cars because of its comfort to cat and human, easy in and out for cats, and the ability to be secured to seat belts.
In fact, it is the top pick in my cat carriers for long distance travel post. I review several other top models there too, so check it out.
How About Cat Carrier Backpacks?
In my experience, the Pet Ami Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack or Petsfit Carriers Backpack for Cat make awesome choices. A cat carrier backpack is, at the end of the day, a carrier, so we need to look at them from that lens.
It’s not just about looking cute, your cat or Maine Coon needs to be secured, comfortable, and well ventilated. The 2 models above meet those requirements and is comfortable to wear, too. See my full post about this very topic.
FAQ
How do I calm my cat down in a carrier?
To keep your cat calm, you should be calm as well. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the destination, because if you’re stressed, that will influence your cat.
As you transport the carrier, you can hold it against your chest and support the carrier from the bottom. This will prevent your cat from sliding around.
If necessary, you can always use treats and food to calm her down and also look at a natural cat-calming solution that does not include chemicals or drugs.
Why does my cat hate the cat carrier?
Since most people mainly use a cat carrier for trips to the vet, cats don’t have a lot of opportunities to get used to them.
And, because it isn’t a fun trip, they will associate the cat carrier with going somewhere they don’t like. The cat carrier then becomes a visual reminder of a source of anxiety for many cats.
How do I make my cat comfortable with a carrier?
When you buy a new carrier, you can try leaving it out in the open so she gets acclimated to it. Just let her freely walk in and out of the carrier. Your cat may even crawl inside and think it’s a nice place to nap!
You can also tempt her with a few treats so she associates the carrier with something pleasant. And after each visit to the vet, clean and wipe down the carrier to remove any unpleasant veterinarian scents!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
