How to Choose the Right Cat Carrier Size
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Short answer: pick a carrier your cat can stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably, that is rated for your cat's weight, and size up if the trip is longer than a short drive to the vet. One cat per carrier.
Most sizing mistakes come from guessing. Here is how to check before you buy.
1. Weigh your cat
Every carrier has a weight limit, and it is the easiest number to check. Step on a bathroom scale holding your cat, then without, and subtract.
| Your cat | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Up to about 11 lb (5 kg) | Most small and standard carriers |
| 11–17 lb (5–7.7 kg) | A large carrier rated for at least your cat's weight |
| Over 17 lb (7.7 kg) | A carrier made for big cats; many soft carriers top out around here |
Stay a little under the limit, not right at it. A carrier holding its maximum feels heavier and less steady in your hands.
2. Measure length, height and width
Weight alone can mislead. A long, lean cat and a short, stocky cat can weigh the same and need different space.
- Length: with your cat standing, measure from the nose to the base of the tail.
- Height: with your cat standing, measure from the floor to the top of the head.
- Width: measure across the widest part of your cat's shoulders or rib cage. Check that the carrier's door is wide enough too, not just the inside.
Compare these with the carrier's inside size if it's listed, not just the outside size. Your cat should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down without being shoved in.
3. Think about how long the trip is
People in cat forums say the same thing again and again: what a cat puts up with for 15 minutes to the vet is very different from hours in a car.
- Short trips (vet, groomer): a carrier your cat can stand up, turn around and lie down in is enough.
- Long drives or moving house: go bigger, or choose a carrier that can open up when you stop, so your cat can stretch out during breaks.
4. One cat, one carrier
Even cats that get along at home should travel in separate carriers once they're grown. Two adult cats in one carrier are cramped, and a stressful place like a clinic can turn friends into fighters. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) also advises one cat per carrier.
5. Check how you'll get your cat in and out
Size isn't only about room. A carrier with a top opening as well as a front door lets you lower your cat in gently, and lets the vet reach your cat without pulling them out. The AAFP recommends a top and front opening for this reason.
6. Flying? Check with your airline
Airlines set their own under-seat size limits, and they differ by airline and by aircraft. Check your airline's current rules before you buy for a flight, and measure the carrier yourself.
Common sizing mistakes
- Going by weight alone. Two cats of the same weight can be very different shapes, so measure as well.
- Reading only the outside size. Padding and frames take up room, so the inside can be smaller.
- Forgetting the door. A roomy carrier with a narrow opening is still hard to load.
- Buying far too big. Your cat can slide around when you lift or carry it, and a big carrier is harder to keep level.
- Sharing one carrier. Adult cats should each have their own.
How the Ordenva carrier sizes up
The Ordenva Expandable Cat Carrier comes in two sizes. Both sides unzip and fold out into extra mesh space, so it's compact while you're moving and roomier when you stop.
| Small | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Closed size | 16.9 x 11 x 11 in (43 x 28 x 28 cm) | 18.9 x 11.8 x 12.2 in (48 x 30 x 31 cm) |
| Each side adds | 6.7 in (17 cm) | 9.8 in (25 cm) |
| For cats up to | 13 lb (5.9 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) |
If your cat is close to 13 lb, or long-bodied, choose the large. If your cat is over 17 lb, this carrier isn't the right fit, and we'd rather tell you now.
Quick checklist
- My cat's weight is under the carrier's limit
- My cat can stand up, turn around and lie down inside
- I've sized up for long trips
- Each cat has their own carrier
- It has a top opening, or another easy way in and out
- For flights, I've checked the airline's size rules
FAQ
Is a bigger carrier always better?
No. Too big and your cat slides around when you carry it, and it's harder to hold steady. Aim for room to stand up, turn around and lie down, plus extra space for long trips.
Should my cat be able to stand up in the carrier?
Ideally, yes. The American Veterinary Medical Association says a carrier should let your pet stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Measure your cat's height against the carrier's closed height.
Can two cats share one carrier?
Kittens sometimes can for short trips. Adult cats should each have their own.
What size carrier for a 15 lb cat?
Look for a large carrier rated above your cat's weight, and measure your cat's length. The large Ordenva carrier is rated for cats up to 17 lb (7.7 kg), so a 15 lb cat is within the limit; check your cat's length too.