Learn what size carrier you need for your cat based on weight and length measurements.
Checkout this video:
kitten (under 4 months old)
A kitten carrier should be small, but not too small. It should have more than one door, and plenty of ventilation. The carrier should also be comfortable for the kitten, with a soft bed or pad inside. Kittens under four months old should not be left in a carrier for more than a few hours at a time.
under 4 pounds
If your kitten is under 4 months old and less than 4 pounds, you will need a carrier that is appropriate for both his current size and weight, as well as his future size. A good rule of thumb is to choose a carrier that will accommodate him when he reaches adulthood. For example, if your kitten will be an adult cat weighing 10 pounds, you will need a carrier that is at least 21″ long x 10.5″ wide x 12″ high.
up to 8 inches long
At this age, your kitten is still growing rapidly and will continue to do so for another few months. He will double his birth weight in the first month and then gain about 5 ounces a week for the next two months. Consequently, you will probably have to buy a larger carrier every few months until he reaches adulthood at around one year of age. The best type of carrier for a kitten is one that is made of sturdy plastic with a wire door. The carrier should be large enough for your kitten to stand up and turn around in, but not so large that he can use one corner as a litter box.
small (4 to 11 months old)
If you have a small cat, you will need a carrier that is at least 18″ long, 12″ wide, and 11″ tall. The best carrier for a small cat is one that has a door on the front and sides so that your cat can see out and you can easily reach in to pet them. You will also want to make sure that the carrier has a removable bottom for easy cleaning.
4 to 8 pounds
Developmentally, a kitten is still a baby for up to 12 months of age. Even at 4 months old, your kitten’s bones are not yet fully developed, and her Activity Level is playful and energetic. Kittens this age love to move and are experts at scaling vertical surfaces.
The best carrier size for your kitten is one that offers her plenty of room to move around, with soft bedding and room for a litter box. A good rule of thumb is to choose a carrier that’s big enough for your kitten to stand up in and turn around comfortably.
Here are some general guidelines for carrier sizes based on your kitten’s weight:
4 to 8 pounds: 18″ L x 11″ W x 11″ H or 19.5″ L x 11.5″ W x 11″ H
9 to 11 pounds: 20.5″ L x 12.5″ W x 12″ H
up to 12 inches long
If you have a small cat, you’ll need a carrier that’s big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to choose a carrier that’s at least 12 inches long and 10 inches high.
medium (1 to 6 years old)
Choosing the right size carrier for your cat is important for their safety and comfort. A carrier that is too small will be uncomfortable for your cat and a carrier that is too large may be unsafe. The medium size carrier is the best size for most cats.
8 to 10 pounds
Cats in this weight range will need a carrier that is large enough for them to move around comfortably, but not so large that they feel lost or insecure. A carrier that is 24” long and 16” wide should be sufficient for most cats in this weight range. If your cat is on the upper end of the weight range, you may want to consider a carrier that is a bit larger.
up to 16 inches long
For a cat that is medium (1 to 6 years old), you will need a carrier that is up to 16 inches long.
large (over 6 years old)
Large cats need a carrier that is at least 24” long, 18” high, and 12” wide. If your cat is over 6 years old, it is considered a large cat. You will need a carrier that can hold your cat comfortably without being too cramped. A carrier that is too small will cause your cat stress and make it more difficult to travel.
over 10 pounds
If your cat is over 10 pounds, you will need a large carrier. There are a few different types of large carriers, so you will need to decide which one is best for you and your cat.
Hard-sided carriers are great for cats who like to scratch or bite. They are also good for travel, as they are less likely to be damaged in transit. However, hard-sided carriers can be heavy, so keep that in mind if you plan on carrying your cat very far.
Soft-sided carriers are lighter and often have more features than hard-sided carriers, such as pockets and detachable straps. They can be more comfortable for your cat, but some cats may be able to escape from them more easily.
over 16 inches long
If your cat is over 16 inches long, you will need a large carrier. Large carriers are also suitable for multiple cats.