Hard vs Soft Cat Carriers: Which Fits Your Trips?

Short answer: a hard carrier gives you a rigid shell that's simple to wipe clean. A soft carrier is usually lighter to carry and often folds flat when you aren't using it. Whichever you choose, it should be sturdy, easy to clean and have a top opening.

The quick comparison

	Hard carrier	Soft carrier
Strength	Rigid shell; holds up to clawing and pushing	Fabric and mesh; a determined cat may claw or push through
Carrying	Usually a single handle; bulkier against your leg	Often a shoulder strap and handles; usually lighter
Cleaning	Usually simple to wipe or rinse	Varies; check how each part can be cleaned
Storage	Takes up the same space all year	Many fold flat
Getting your cat in	Choose one with a top door or removable top	Many have a top opening; check how wide it opens
Under a plane seat	Doesn't flex; check your airline's size limit	Can give slightly; check your airline's size limit

When a hard carrier makes sense

• You want a rigid shell. It keeps its shape all around your cat.
• You want simple cleanup. A hard shell is usually simple to wipe or rinse.
• You want an easy exam setup. Many vets prefer hard carriers with a removable top, because the cat can stay in the bottom half during an exam. VCA explains the benefit of this design.

When a soft carrier makes sense

• You walk a long way with your cat. A shoulder strap takes the weight off your hands, which helps at airports, on transit and in big parking lots.
• You don't have much storage. Many soft carriers fold flat between trips.
• It will stay out at home. The AAFP suggests leaving the carrier in a room where your cat spends time, so it becomes familiar. Pick one you don't mind seeing every day.
• You want space when you stop. Some soft carriers have sides that open up during breaks on long trips.

What matters more than hard or soft

These points come from AAFP guidance and apply to both types:

• Sturdy build. Check seams, zippers, latches and handles. A carrier that fails in a parking lot is dangerous.
• Good entry. A top and front opening make loading much easier.
• Easy to clean, with room for absorbent bedding on the bottom.
• Airflow and some privacy. Your cat needs ventilation, and a towel can provide a visual shield.
• The right size. The AVMA says your pet should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. See our size guide.

How to check a soft carrier

• Lift it. The base should stay flat and not sag.
• Close the sides. Mesh shouldn't fall in on your cat.
• Run every zipper. They should move smoothly and close all the way.
• Check the opening. The AAFP says soft carriers should have a large opening option.
• Pull on the handles and seams. Stitching should feel solid.

What about crash safety?

"Hard" doesn't automatically mean crash-safe, and "soft" doesn't automatically mean unsafe. Only a carrier that has actually been crash-tested can make that claim, whatever it's made of. If you don't have test results for your carrier, the AAFP advises putting it on the floor behind a front seat instead of belting it in. More in our car travel guide.

Where Ordenva fits

The Ordenva Expandable Cat Carrier is a soft carrier, so it has the strengths and limits described above. Here's what it offers:

• Both sides unzip and fold out when you stop: 6.7 in (17 cm) each side on the small, and 9.8 in (25 cm) each side on the large.
• A top opening, plus mesh panels for airflow.
• A firm base, so it keeps its shape when you carry it. The sides don't fall in when zipped closed, and the top doesn't sag when they're open.
• Padded handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and a sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle.
• It folds flat when you aren't using it.
• You can hand wash both the carrier and the pad. We don't recommend machine washing.

If a soft carrier suits you, you can browse our cat carriers.

FAQ

Do cats prefer hard or soft carriers?

There's no clear answer, and cats differ. Familiarity seems to matter more than the material, so leave the carrier out at home and let your cat explore it.

Are soft-sided cat carriers safe?

A well-made one can suit many cats and trips. Check the seams and zippers, keep it secured in the car, and never leave your cat unattended in it.

Can a cat rip a soft carrier?

It's possible, since fabric and mesh are softer than a hard shell. Check the seams, mesh and zippers regularly, and don't leave your cat unattended in the carrier.

Which is better for the vet?

Many vets prefer hard carriers with a removable top. A soft carrier can also work, especially if it has a large top opening that makes your cat easy to reach.

Which is better for flying?

Rules vary by airline, so check the current size limits for your flight, and measure the carrier yourself before you book.