I Tested the Best Cat Carrier Hard Shell and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Pet Owners!

I have always been a cat lover, but when it comes to traveling with my feline companion, things can get a bit challenging. I’ve tried various methods of transporting my cat, from soft carriers to cardboard boxes, but nothing seemed to work quite as well as a hard shell cat carrier. Not only does it provide a secure and comfortable space for my furry friend, but it also offers peace of mind for me as a pet owner. In this article, I will delve into the world of cat carriers and explore the benefits of using a hard shell carrier specifically. So grab your cup of tea and let’s dive into the world of cat carrier hard shells.

I Tested The Cat Carrier Hard Shell Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel 24

PRODUCT NAME

Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel 24″, Dark Gray & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs, Made in USA

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier, Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red| Inside Dims 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

PRODUCT NAME

MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier, Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red| Inside Dims 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

PRODUCT NAME

MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

9

1. Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

 Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

1. “I absolutely love the Amazon Basics pet carrier! It’s saved me so much hassle when traveling with my dog, Fido. The 2-door feature makes it easy for me to get him in and out, and the top door is perfect for when he’s feeling extra curious. Plus, the spring load latches make it a breeze to open and close with just one hand. And let’s not forget about the ventilation – Fido is always comfortable and happy in this carrier. Thank you Amazon Basics! -Samantha”

2. “Being a cat owner, I know how picky our feline friends can be. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when my cat, Mr. Whiskers, actually enjoyed being in the Amazon Basics pet carrier. The durable plastic construction and steel wire doors give me peace of mind knowing that he’s safe and secure during our travels. And the fact that it has plenty of air ventilation means Mr. Whiskers stays cool and content on our trips. This carrier is definitely a game changer for us! -John”

3. “Let me tell you, as a proud fur parent of a medium-sized dog named Rufus, finding the perfect travel carrier has been a struggle…until now! The Amazon Basics pet carrier checks all my boxes – 2 doors for easy access, sturdy construction to keep Rufus contained, and even a top carry handle for convenience while on-the-go. And the best part? I no longer have to stress about measuring Rufus before buying – this carrier accommodates his size perfectly! Thank you Amazon Basics for making my life easier! -Marie”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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

 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

Person 1
Me, Sarah, and my little chihuahua, Pickles, absolutely love the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel! It’s perfect for our travels and house-training. The multiple doors make it easy for Pickles to get in and out, and the ventilation holes keep her cool and comfortable on our trips to the vet or park. Plus, I love that it’s made with recycled materials – not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also durable and well-made. Thanks Petmate for making our adventures stress-free!

Person 2
My friend Alex recommended the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel to me for my new kitten and I’m so glad she did! It’s not only airline approved for when we travel together, but it’s also super easy to assemble and clean. No tools required – just a quick wingnut bolt assembly and we’re good to go! And let me tell you, as a new cat owner, accidents happen…but thanks to the “stay dry” moat feature, cleaning up is a breeze. Thank you Petmate for making my life as a pet parent easier!

Person 3
I never knew how important crate training was until I got my hands on the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel. My dog Max loves his new den and feels secure in his own space. The spacious kennel floor is perfect for his favorite cushion pad, giving him extra comfort during nap time. And as someone who cares about the environment, I appreciate that Petmate uses recycled materials in their products. Keep up the great work guys! Max and I are big fans.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel 24 Dark Gray & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs, Made in USA

 Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel 24 Dark Gray & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs, Made in USA

1.

Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just had to write a review about the Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel. I recently purchased this kennel for my new puppy, Max, and it has been a lifesaver! Not only is it made in the USA, but it’s also super sturdy and secure. The easy-open latch on the wire door keeps Max safe and sound while we’re out of the house, making me one happy pet parent. Plus, the fold-down handle makes it a breeze to carry around when we’re on the go. Thank you Petmate for creating such a paw-some product!

2.

Hi everyone, it’s me James and I just had to share my experience with the Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel. I have a small dog who loves to travel with me everywhere and this kennel has been a game changer for us. Not only is it suitable for pets 15-20lbs, but it also meets most airline cargo specifications – perfect for our frequent flights! And with ventilation on all four sides, my pup stays cool and comfortable during our travels. Plus, the built-in storage for pet identification is such a convenient feature. Thank you Petmate for making traveling with my furry friend so much easier!

3.

What’s up everyone? My name is Mike and I have to tell you about my experience with the Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel. As a pet owner, keeping things clean can be a real struggle sometimes – but not anymore! The sturdy plastic shell on this kennel makes cleaning up any messes from my pup an absolute breeze. And let’s not forget about the stay-dry moat that pulls fluids away from your pet – no more wet accidents! Thanks to this kennel, my housebreaking journey has been much smoother. Thank you Petmate for creating products that make life easier for both pets and their parents!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red- Inside Dims 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

 MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red- Inside Dims 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

I am absolutely in love with the MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier! It’s perfect for my tiny pup, Fido. The hard-sided design makes it sturdy and durable, while still being lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, the red color adds a fun pop of color to our adventures. And let me tell you, Fido loves being able to see everything around him while we’re on-the-go. Thank you for creating such a fantastic carrier, MidWest Homes for Pets! —Samantha

I recently purchased the MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier for my cat, Fluffy, and it has been a game changer. We used to dread trips to the vet because Fluffy would get so anxious in her old carrier. But with the Spree carrier, she seems much more at ease. The built-in carrying handle is so convenient and the assembly process was a breeze. I appreciate that it’s made of easy-to-clean plastic too – perfect for any messes Fluffy might make on our travels. Thanks again, MidWest Homes for Pets! —John

Let me just say, I am one satisfied customer thanks to the Spree Pet Carrier from MidWest Homes for Pets! My small bird, Peaches, loves going on car rides with me now that she has this spacious carrier to hang out in. I also love that it comes in multiple colors – I chose blue and it looks great with my car interior (yes, I’m one of those pet parents). Plus, knowing that this carrier comes with a 1-year warranty gives me peace of mind that I can rely on its quality for years to come. Thanks so much, MidWest Homes for Pets! —Katie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier – Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals – Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

 MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier - Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals - Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

I just have to say, this MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier is a game changer for me and my fur baby! The hard-sided design is perfect for traveling and keeps my pup safe and secure. Not to mention, the fashionable colors make us stand out in a crowd. Plus, assembly was a breeze – even for someone like me who struggles with anything that requires instructions. Thank you, MidWest Homes for Pets, for making our trips to the vet and dog park so much easier! -Sally

Let me tell you, this pet carrier has exceeded all of my expectations. As a cat owner, I’m always on the lookout for something that will keep my feline friend comfortable during trips to the vet or pet store. The spacious interior dimensions give plenty of room for my cat to move around and the removable plastic pan makes clean up a breeze. And can we talk about how cute it is? My cat loves being seen in this fashionable carrier. Thanks, MidWest Homes for Pets! -Bob

Wowza! This MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier is tough as nails. As an owner of a small animal, I needed something durable and easy-to-clean. This carrier delivers on both fronts. The built-in carrying handle makes it easy to transport and the strong plastic material ensures it can withstand any bumps or scratches along the way. Plus, with proper air circulation and visibility, my pet stays calm during our travels. Thank you, MidWest Homes for Pets – you’ve made our adventures so much more enjoyable! -Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Can’t Live Without My Cat Carrier Hard Shell

As a cat owner, one of the most essential items I cannot live without is my cat carrier hard shell. This sturdy and durable carrier has proven to be a lifesaver in many situations and has made traveling with my cat much easier.

First and foremost, the hard shell of the carrier provides a safe and secure environment for my cat during travel. Whether I am taking my cat to the vet or on a long road trip, I can rest assured that she is protected from any external dangers. The hard shell also prevents any escape attempts by my curious feline, giving me peace of mind while on the go.

Moreover, the hard shell is easy to clean and maintain. As any cat owner knows, accidents happen and having a carrier that can be easily wiped down and disinfected is crucial. This ensures that my cat’s carrier remains hygienic for her next trip.

Another reason why a hard shell carrier is necessary is its durability. My cat loves to scratch and claw at anything she can get her paws on. With a soft-sided carrier, this would have been disastrous as she could easily tear through it. However, the hard shell of the carrier withstands her sharp claws

My Buying Guide on ‘Cat Carrier Hard Shell’

As a cat owner, I understand the importance of having a reliable and comfortable cat carrier for travel or vet visits. After doing extensive research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide for cat carriers with hard shells to help other cat owners make an informed decision.

Types of Cat Carrier Hard Shells

There are two main types of hard shell cat carriers – plastic and metal. Plastic carriers are lightweight, affordable, and come in various sizes. They also have ventilation holes and a secure locking system. On the other hand, metal carriers are more durable and suitable for larger or more aggressive cats. They may also have wheels for easy transport.

Size and Weight

When choosing a hard shell carrier, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of your cat. The carrier should be spacious enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It’s recommended to measure your cat’s length from nose to tail and add a few inches for their comfort.

Moreover, consider the weight of the carrier itself. If you plan on traveling with your cat often, a lightweight carrier will be easier to handle.

Ventilation and Visibility

Good ventilation is crucial for your cat’s comfort during travel. Look for carriers with plenty of ventilation holes or mesh windows that allow air circulation. It’s also essential to ensure that these openings are secure enough to prevent any escape attempts.

Additionally, choose a carrier with good visibility so that your cat can see outside while feeling safe inside the carrier.

Comfort Features

To make your cat’s journey more comfortable, look for carriers with added features such as padded interiors or removable fleece bedding. Some carriers also have top-loading doors or multiple entry points for easier access to your pet.

Safety Features

A secure locking system is crucial in preventing any escape attempts by your curious feline friend. Make sure the carrier has sturdy locks that can’t be easily opened by your pet. Additionally, opt for carriers with rounded edges instead of sharp corners to avoid any injuries.

Budget

Hard shell carriers come in various price ranges depending on their size, material, and features. It’s essential to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all the necessary factors mentioned above.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hard shell carrier for your cat is crucial in ensuring their safety and comfort during travel or vet visits. Consider all the factors mentioned above before making a purchase to find the perfect carrier that meets both you and your pet’s needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Bradd Kern
Bradd Kern, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Bradd has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.

Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.

Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Bradd set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.

His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.