Best Carrier for Bengal Cats

  • July 16, 2023

A lot of cats really don’t care too much for riding in cars, although many Bengals may enjoy it more, it’s still important that they are protected when you are traveling with them. This is why it’s really important that you have a good cat carrier which is safe, comfortable, and one your Bengal will like. In this article we’ll be covering the following:

  • Three Types of Carriers
  • What to Look for in a Cat Carrier
  • Our Top Picks for Cat Carriers
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Our Top Choice
PetLuv - Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow
Second Place
Cat Carrier and Small Dog Carrier by Pet Peppy- Expandable Sides Creates Twice The Space for Pets - Perfect Cat Travel Bag | Dog Travel Bag - Airline Approved Pet Carrier!
Third Place
Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA
Cat Soft-Sided Carriers
Amazon Basics Dogs and Cats Carrier, Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Black, Large, 50 cm L x 26 cm W x 28 cm H
Title
PetLuv - Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow
Cat Carrier and Small Dog Carrier by Pet Peppy- Expandable Sides Creates Twice The Space for Pets - Perfect Cat Travel Bag | Dog Travel Bag - Airline Approved Pet Carrier!
Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA
Cat Soft-Sided Carriers
Amazon Basics Dogs and Cats Carrier, Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Black, Large, 50 cm L x 26 cm W x 28 cm H
Number of Reviews
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Customer Rating
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Prime Eligible?
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Price
$74.99
Price not available
$49.95
Price not available
$56.99
Our Top Choice
Image Preview
PetLuv - Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow
Title
PetLuv - Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier Soft Sided Foldable Top & Side Loading Pet Crate & Carrier Locking Zippers Shoulder Straps Seat Belt Lock Plush Pillow
Number of Reviews
-
Customer Rating
-
Prime Eligible?
Price
$74.99
More Details
Second Place
Image Preview
Cat Carrier and Small Dog Carrier by Pet Peppy- Expandable Sides Creates Twice The Space for Pets - Perfect Cat Travel Bag | Dog Travel Bag - Airline Approved Pet Carrier!
Title
Cat Carrier and Small Dog Carrier by Pet Peppy- Expandable Sides Creates Twice The Space for Pets - Perfect Cat Travel Bag | Dog Travel Bag - Airline Approved Pet Carrier!
Number of Reviews
-
Customer Rating
-
Prime Eligible?
-
Price
Price not available
More Details
Third Place
Image Preview
Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA
Title
Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA
Number of Reviews
-
Customer Rating
-
Prime Eligible?
Price
$49.95
More Details
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Cat Soft-Sided Carriers
Title
Cat Soft-Sided Carriers
Number of Reviews
-
Customer Rating
-
Prime Eligible?
-
Price
Price not available
More Details
Image Preview
Amazon Basics Dogs and Cats Carrier, Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Black, Large, 50 cm L x 26 cm W x 28 cm H
Title
Amazon Basics Dogs and Cats Carrier, Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Black, Large, 50 cm L x 26 cm W x 28 cm H
Number of Reviews
-
Customer Rating
-
Prime Eligible?
Price
$56.99
More Details

Three Types of Carriers

When shopping for cat carriers there are three basic types of carriers:

  • Cardboard Carriers – These basically are a temporary solution for traveling needs. However, they only work best with kittens and smaller cats because there is a weight and size limit for these carriers. This type of carrier wouldn’t work very well for an adult Bengal.
  • Hard Plastic Carriers – These are the most common carriers and work great for long trips and are easy to keep clean. However, with this type of carrier you’ll want to make sure that you include some padding for your cat so it’s gentler to their bodies and more comfortable. These are the sturdiest of all carrier types and some of them even have two doors.
  • Soft Carriers – These carriers are great for single cats and also work quite well for cats that are overweight or elderly. These carriers are good for both long distance and short distance travel and are durable and have side walls that cats can see through. Soft carriers are collapsible so they can be stored quite easily.

What to Look for in a Cat Carrier

The most important thing to remember when you’re buying a cat carrier is try to keep what your Bengal likes in consideration. You also need to take into consideration the size of the carrier. Bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to carriers. If you put your Bengal in a carrier that is super big, it may not be comforting to them at all. Many times cats, even Bengals, prefer to factually feel their backs up against something because it gives them a feeling of security. It gives them a feeling of security to no that nothing can ambush them from behind. If a carrier is too big, it can be very uncomfortable when carrying it because your cat might end up sliding from one end of the carrier to the other. It also makes it more difficult for you to balance the carrier if it’s too large.

A carrier that is too small is not going to be a good fit for your Bengal either. For instance, the same carrier they may have used as a kitten is more than likely going to be far too confining for your adult Bengal. You don’t want to stuff your Bengal into a carrier because they are going to feel cramped and this can cause anxiety.

When looking at carriers, you really should know just how long and wide your cat is, so it’s advisable that you measure your cat before going ahead and buying a carrier. The general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the size of your carrier is that it should give your Bengal enough room to be able to stand up and then turn around. You also want to make sure that there is some room in the carrier for them to stretch if they desire to do so.

It’s never a good idea to get a large carrier that is big enough to transport two cats. Even though they may enjoy each others company at home, does not mean that they will feel the same trapped together in a confined space like a carrier. If one or both are frightened during travel they could end up in a fight with each other and you wouldn’t want that. So, it’s always recommended that each cat have their own personal carrier.

Our Top Picks for Cat Carriers

Like everything else when it comes to items for your Bengal, cat carriers seem to have endless varieties to choose from. We decided to take a look at some of the carriers that are out there and came up with the five that we felt were some of the best to choose from.

Below you will find our list of five cat carriers we believe could help shorten your own list when looking for a cat carrier your Bengal may like.

PetLuv Soothing “Happy Cat” Med. - Lg Premium Soft Sided Cat Carrier

ABOUT: This is a cat carrier that is meant for all types of travel whether it’s to the vet, short distance traveling or long distance traveling. It is specially designed for medium to large cats weighing up to 45 pounds.

OUR RATING: 

PRICE: 

$$$

FEATURES: This is a cat carrier that holds up to 45 pounds in weight and has a frame that is made from durable steel and covered in a soft and supple material. It includes convenient straps that have padded handles for easy carrying. Each side has mesh windows that have flaps that roll up and down so that your cat can get fresh air and see what’s going on. Comes complete with a soft sleep pillow for your cat, which means that it can also be used for their sleeping spot at home if desired. It also folds flat so it can be easily stored when not using it.

PROS:  Folds up easily for storage. Is quite sturdy and holds up to 45 pounds in weight. Has ventilated doors and windows so cats will have a nice airflow and be able to see what’s going on. Can also be used as their sleeping area at home. The top, front and side panels all zip open so you can easily get to your cat when removing them from the carrier.

CONS:  The only major thing about this is that it seems the pillow shrinks when it’s washed.

Premium Airline Approved Expandable Carrier by Pet Peppy

ABOUT: This carrier was designed to be able to fit under the seats on major airlines and has been approved by airlines such as Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and others. Has been designed with the safety and comfort of cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.

OUR RATING: 

PRICE: 

$$

FEATURES: This carrier has a thick wire frame at the top of it adding extra stability to it and it eliminates any sagging corners that similar carriers tend to have. This particular carrier will hold up to 14 pounds. It includes two expandable sides which helps to create a comfortable area for cats to move around in and gives them increased air circulation. The top and the sides are all ventilated so there’s no fear of feeling like they are trapped.

PROS:  This style of carrier is airline approved by many different airlines and this is a good thing if you are planning on flying with your Bengal. It is ventilated on the top and on both sides so there’s plenty of fresh air and it gives them the ability to see their surroundings.

CONS:  There have been concerns that the mesh on this carrier is weak and not durable. May not be sturdy enough for heavier cats.

Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel

ABOUT: This is a pet carrier that is meant to last and is constructed of durable plastic along with steel. It is also designed with safety in mind for all small animals including cats. It has two doors for easy access.

OUR RATING: 

PRICE: 

$$

FEATURES: This carrier has two doors to make it easier to access your cat. Is meant to hold any animal that’s no more than 15 inches in length and measures 24.05” x 16.75” x 14.5”. It is constructed of sturdy plastic and steel for extra strength. It has plenty of ventilation holes on each side of the carrier so that your cat gets ample air flow.

PROS:  Has plenty of air flow. There are two doors for easy access. Is constructed of very sturdy and durable plastic and steel so it will withstand abuse. It also meets most airline requirements for traveling.

CONS:  There have been some issues with putting together.

Bencmate Soft Sided Pet Carrier

ABOUT: This cat carrier was designed with air travel in mind and is TSA approved for all under the seat requirements on planes. It is designed for maximum air circulation and comfort with its mesh panels and allows cats to be able to have full visibility.

OUR RATING: 

PRICE: 

$$

FEATURES: Is TSA approved. It has mesh panels that allow for good air flow and great visibility for cats. The polyester shell is durable and puncture resistant. The bottom panel is rigid and gives a stable surface for cats. The flexible plastic supports gives the carrier its shape and helps maintain it.

PROS:  Is approved by TSA for use under airline seats. Has a window that has a zipper for easy feeding and the ability to pet your cat during travel. Has a variety of different straps and handles to choose from to make transporting easier. Plenty of air flow through the mesh panels.

CONS:  Some concerns about the stability of the carrier and the bottom doesn't always stay in place.

AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

ABOUT: This is designed to conform to under the seat dimensions on most airlines and offers three sizes; extra small, medium, and large with the large size able to care a maximum weight of 22 pounds. It’s design also ensures that cats and other small pets will get maximum air flow for comfort.

OUR RATING: 

PRICE: 

$

FEATURES: All four panels are a mesh material which gives cats and other small pets plenty of air flow and 360 degree visibility. Especially good for those cats who definitely want to see what’s going on. It has easy to grip carrying handles and also an adjustable shoulder strap. It also includes a removable fleece pet bed to make traveling more comfortable for your cat. This fleece bedding is machine washable.

PROS:  Has mesh ventilation on all four sides of the carrier which gives plenty of air flow. Also is ideal for those cats and pet parents who want to see each other easily while traveling. The base insert that gives a solid surface for your cat can be removed along with the fleece pet bed for cleaning.

CONS:  Concerns that this is not good for cats who get easily excited. Other concerns have been that even the large size might not be good for a very big cat.

After taking time to look at these five carriers, we have come to the conclusion that the one we believe fits nearly all, if not all the criteria for a great cat carrier is PetLuv Soothing “Happy Cat” Med. - Lg Premium Soft Sided Cat Carrier. This carrier is high-quality, holds even the heaviest of cats, has plenty of room, air flow, and it can serve as a cat bed. These things and more have helped us pick this one as our top choice.

All five of these carriers have their good points and are worth taking a look at because in the end it’s up to both you and your Bengal and what their preferences and needs are.

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