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Many standard cat carriers are made for cats around 10 pounds. If you share your home with a Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat or just a big, sturdy cat, you need a carrier with more room, a stronger frame and a door that makes loading easy. The best cat carriers for large cats let your cat turn around and lie down comfortably, and stay secure when you carry 15 to 25 pounds of unhappy cat to the vet.
We compared hard and soft carriers on interior size, weight limits, door design, ventilation and sturdiness, based on manufacturer specs and owner feedback from large-cat households.
Our Quick Picks
- Best OverallPetmate Two Door Deluxe KennelCheck Price on Amazon
- Best for Air TravelPetmate Sky Kennel 21-InchCheck Price on Amazon
- Best Soft CarrierSherpa Original Deluxe Carrier (Large)Check Price on Amazon
Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.
Large Cat Carriers Compared
| Carrier | Type | Doors | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Two Door Deluxe Kennel | Hard plastic | Front and top | Vet trips and easy loading |
| Petmate Sky Kennel 21-Inch | Hard plastic | Front | Air travel and extra security |
| Sherpa Original Deluxe (Large) | Soft | Top and side | Comfort and cabin travel |
| Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series | Soft | Top and side | Structured soft carrier |
| Expandable Double Carrier | Soft, expandable | Multiple | Two cats or extra space |
1. Petmate Two Door Deluxe Kennel — Best Overall
A sturdy plastic kennel with both a front door and a top door. The top door is a big help with large cats who refuse to walk in, since you can lower them in gently instead of pushing.
- Top-loading door
- Strong plastic shell
- Easy to clean
Worth knowing: Choose the intermediate size or larger for big cats.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel 21-Inch — Best for Air Travel
A heavy-duty plastic kennel built with airline travel in mind, with metal hardware and ventilation on all sides. It is a secure option for large cats on long journeys.
- Very sturdy
- Ventilation on four sides
- Metal door and hardware
Worth knowing: Only a front door. Check airline rules before flying.
3. Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier (Large) — Best Soft Carrier
A classic soft carrier with mesh panels, a top and side entry, and a comfortable fleece pad. The large size suits bigger cats and is often used for in-cabin travel.
- Top and side entry
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Shoulder strap
Worth knowing: Check your cat’s weight against the size guide. Very heavy cats may be more secure in a hard carrier.
4. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Carrier — Best Structured Soft Carrier
A soft-sided carrier with a firmer frame than many soft carriers, plus top and side entries and good ventilation.
- Firmer frame than typical soft carriers
- Top and side openings
- Removable fleece pad
Worth knowing: Measure your cat carefully. It suits medium to larger cats rather than giants.
5. Expandable Double Carrier for 2 Large Cats — Best for Two Cats
An expandable soft carrier with extra room that folds out, designed to carry two cats or give one large cat more space on longer trips.
- Expands for extra space
- Designed for two cats
- Multiple openings
Worth knowing: It is bulky when full. Consider wheels or two people for heavy loads.
How We Chose the Best Cat Carriers for Large Cats
- Interior space: room for a large cat to stand and turn.
- Sturdiness: frames and handles that can handle 15 pounds or more.
- Loading: top-loading or multiple doors for easier vet visits.
- Ventilation: airflow on several sides.
- Comfort: padded bottoms and good visibility.
How to Size a Carrier for a Large Cat
- Measure your cat from nose to base of tail, and from the floor to the top of the head while sitting.
- The carrier should be about one and a half times your cat’s length, and tall enough to sit up.
- Check the weight limit, but use size first.
- For vet visits, a carrier with a removable top half makes exams much easier.
Tips for Carrying a Heavy Cat
- Carry hard carriers with two hands or hug them to your body, not by the handle alone.
- Use a shoulder strap for soft carriers and support the base.
- Put a towel inside for grip and comfort.
- Secure the carrier in the car with a seat belt, on the floor behind a front seat, or in the footwell.
- Leave the carrier out at home with treats inside so it is not only linked with vet trips.
Our Verdict
For most large cats, the Petmate Two Door Deluxe Kennel is the best mix of strength and easy loading thanks to its top door. For air travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the most secure. For a softer option, the Sherpa Original Deluxe in large is a proven choice, and the Expandable Double Carrier is useful for two cats.
Related Guides
- 5 Best Cat Carriers in 2026 for Vet Trips, Car Rides and Flights
- 4 Best Cat Carriers for Two Cats (Double and Divided Carriers)
- How to Get Your Cat Used to a Carrier (Stress-Free Vet Visits)
- 5 Best Litter Boxes for Large Cats (Maine Coons and Big Breeds)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size carrier does a Maine Coon need?
Many Maine Coons need an intermediate or large hard kennel, or an extra-large soft carrier. Measure your cat and choose a carrier about one and a half times their length.
Are hard or soft carriers better for large cats?
Hard carriers are sturdier and easier to clean. Soft carriers are lighter and comfier. For heavy or anxious cats, hard carriers are usually more secure.
Is a top-loading carrier better?
For many cats, yes. Lowering a cat in from the top is easier and less stressful than pushing them through a front door.
How do I get my large cat into a carrier?
Leave the carrier out with treats and bedding inside, feed near it, and use the top door if it has one. Stay calm and avoid chasing.
Can two cats share one carrier?
Only with a carrier designed for two cats, and only if they get along. Separate carriers are safer for most cats.