Glossary

Cat carrier

A secure, ventilated box or bag for moving a cat safely to the vet, on a trip or in an emergency.

Also called: pet carrier, cat travel crate, cat basket

A cat carrier is the container used to take a cat anywhere outside the home. Hard-sided plastic carriers with a top opening and a door at the front are popular with vets, because the lid can be removed so a nervous cat is examined in the base without being pulled out. Soft-sided bags are lighter and often meet airline cabin rules, but they give less protection in a crash.

Choose a size that lets the cat stand, turn around and lie down. Leave the carrier out in the home all year with a blanket inside, and place treats or meals in it, so it becomes a familiar den and not a sign of a vet visit. Spraying or wiping the inside with a calming product may help some cats. Cover the carrier with a light cloth in the car and secure it with a seatbelt or in a footwell.

Never carry a cat loose or in your arms on a journey, and do not rely on a collar or harness alone. Rules for cats on planes and trains differ by company and country, so check with the carrier you travel with.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Cat harness A set of straps or a vest that fits around a cat's chest and back so it can be clipped to a lead for supervised outdoor time. Breakaway collar A cat collar with a clasp designed to pop open under strain so the cat can free itself if the collar snags. Cat-proofing Checking a home for hazards a curious cat could chew, swallow, climb, squeeze into or fall from, and removing or blocking them. Pheromone diffuser A plug-in device that releases a synthetic copy of a cat's facial pheromone, sold to help reduce stress-related behaviours.

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Bringing home an adult shelter cat How to prepare for an adult shelter cat, the first days at home, the settling period, the vet visit and the signs that mean a problem. Choosing and using a cat carrier What to look for in a cat carrier, how to train a cat to accept it, how to use it in the car and at the vet, and why cardboard and bags fall short. Flying with a cat How airline rules, carriers, paperwork and security work for cats, and why to plan months ahead and ask your vet about sedation. How to pick up and carry a cat How to lift and hold a cat so it feels secure, when not to pick a cat up, why scruffing is discouraged, and how to carry a frightened or sick cat. How to introduce a new cat to your cat A step-by-step plan for introducing a new cat to a resident cat: separate rooms, scent swaps, first sight, short meetings, and when to slow down. Making a vet visit less stressful for your cat Carrier training, car and waiting-room tips, and what to ask your clinic so check-ups feel calmer for you and your cat.