Being attuned to our feline companions and their needs is a sign of good cat parenting, but the one thing that most of us are probably struggling with is keeping our cats happy while traveling.
That's probably because each cat experiences flying or car travel differently, but what if you have more than one cat?
If you have two cats then the best way to transport them is to give each kitty their own carrier, but I understand that in certain situations, this is not an option.
Perhaps your two bonded cats don’t want to be separated during their travels. Or you think that they can keep each other company during the long journey.
In this case, you’ll need to look for a carrier that is big enough to accommodate two cats.
That’s why within our buyer’s guide sections, you’ll find our 7 favorite cat carriers for two cats, along with mini-reviews that explain why these products made it on our list in the first place.
We’ve also done extensive research and found what features make a cat carrier suitable for two cats. But if you want to skip ahead and see which carriers made the cut you can check our top winners here:
- Best Overall: One For Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel
- Best Dual Compartment Carrier: PawHut Portable Soft-Sided Pet Cat Carrier
- Best Expandable Carrier: Pet Life Hounda Accordion Expandable Pet Crate
- Best Hard Carrier For Two Cats: Amazon Basics Pet Carrier
- Best Carrier For Easy Transportation: Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Carrier
- Best Collapsible Cat Carrier: Sport Pet Large Cat Kennel
- Best Large Cat Carrier With Adjustable Covers: PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier
Our Top 7 Pet Carriers For Two Cats
With so many different carrier choices across the internet it can be difficult to find the right one for your cats, so let’s take a look at our top 7 and all their unique features.
Best Overall: One For Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel
- Seatbelt straps, folds flat, washable pad
- Multiple entrances, hammock hooks, carry case
- Three configurations: divided, large, or separate kennels
- Lightweight, mesh doors, size: 20"x20"x39"
- Dual compartment for indoor/outdoor use
It's not the first time we're mentioning the One For Pets 2-in-1 carrier and I'm sure it won't be the last.
And if you take a moment to look at the carrier's features you'll see how well-thought-out the design is.
This sturdy soft-sided carrier can be used in three different ways that should suit both of your cats, no matter their temperament.
- As two single carriers for each of your cats.
- As two carriers attached to each other with a divider in the middle.
- As one single carrier for both cats to share.
I think this carrier is a great way to test the waters, and see if your cats can actually travel together.
For the first test drive, you can keep the two carriers attached to each other, with the divider raised between them.
If you notice that your cats seem calm you can squeeze your hand through the mesh opening and open the divider and let them explore the other side and each other.
In case you hear any hissing, or your cats seem suddenly uncomfortable, you can zip back the divider or completely separate it into two carriers.
What's great about this carrier is that it can work both for long or short car travels.
And whether you keep both sections connected or not, each has enough space for food and water bowls and even a portable litter box.
The carrier is designed to keep its shape while being lightweight. And for a soft carrier, it's easy to maintain in case of an accident since the pad covers are washable.
If you're not sure whether this carrier is the one for you, make sure to check the 800+ positive reviews that keep on growing and today's price on Amazon!
What I Love About It: This double carrier is solid enough to carry as a whole, but you may need some help when transporting it.
What I Wish It Had: This carrier is definitely pricey, but you're basically buying two high-quality carriers.
Best Dual Compartment Carrier: PawHut Portable Soft-Sided Pet Cat Carrier
- Durable oxford, breathable mesh, steel frame
- Foldable, secure with car seatbelt
- Zippered doors, mesh windows for air
- Detachable for single or double use
For those of you who are looking for a fully detachable carrier, PawHut is a great alternative.
You can use this carrier as one single kennel for two cats, and if you need to take your cats to the vet individually then you can detach them into two separate single carriers.
Overall the design is quite sturdy. It's made of durable oxford cloth and the steel frame helps keep the carrier's shape.
The carrier also has additional cushions on the bottom to keep both cats warm and comfortable.
I do want to mention that this carrier model is a little heavy (about 10 pounds). But despite the large size, it's easy to store, you can fold it and put it away in a storage bag it comes with.
If you have trouble carrying this carrier, a customer suggests putting half of the carrier in the car without the cats, then using the other half to carry your cats to the car, and then attaching both sides together.
More so, you can read more useful reviews and check today's price on Amazon here.
What I Love About It: This is a great choice for a country with a warmer climate, because the 6 mesh panels will keep the carrier well ventilated.
What I Wish It Had: The two separate carriers are connected by 5 large buckles, which is not as escape-proof as a zipper.
Best Expandable Carrier: Pet Life Hounda Accordion Expandable Pet Crate
- Expands for triple space
- Ventilated mesh, zippered top and front entrances
- Durable nylon, top handle, washable cushion
- Built-in leash securer, zippered pouch
- Multiple sizes and colors available
The manufacturers at Pet Life understand how stressful traveling with pets can be and that's why they made sure to create a carrier that comes in multiple sizes that can accommodate various animals.
Even two large Maine Coons could fit comfortably into the large or extra-large kennel.
The carrier has a sturdy metal frame that locks safely into place and it's easy to fold and store away when not used. Unless of course, you want to use it as a cozy cat house instead, by adding lots of blankets to match your cat's vibe.
With the Pet Life Carrier, you can expect your cats to enjoy a nice panoramic view and breath lots of fresh air while you're on your journey.
Additionally, this carrier has a top handle that you can easily use to transport to your car, but it might prove difficult to move with two grown cats without help.
Unfortunately, this carrier doesn't have a seat belt loop to attach the carrier to the car seat, so, you'll definitely need to be more careful when driving.
If you want to read some of the reviews and check today's price on Amazon you can click here!
What I Love About It: This expandable feature is a great alternative if you don't want a 2-in-1 carrier we have at the top of our list.
What I Wish It Had: Even though the mesh sides are made of scratch-resistant nylon, the carrier is still more suitable for calm cats.
Best Hard Carrier For Two Cats: Amazon Basics Pet Carrier
- Hard-sided carrier for cats or dogs 12-20 lbs
- Plastic with steel doors
- Secure with screws
- Easy spring latches
- Ventilated
- 22.8 x 15 x 13 inches
While I do love soft carriers for their versatility and style, if you're looking for a heavy-duty and escape-proof carrier then this hard-sided carrier from Amazon Basics is exactly what you need!
If your cats enjoy traveling together but also love using their claws, then you'll be please to hear that the steel wire can handle the sharpest of claws.
Aside from the front door, the carrier offers limited visibility so your cats can enjoy some privacy during the road.
You can also expect plenty of airflow coming from the small side holes, so you don't have to worry in case your cats have a respiratory condition.
There's definitely enough space to fit both of your cats as well as their food and water bowls, and an additional litter box.
As you can imagine a hard plastic carrier is not the comfiest place for cats, so you'll have to make sure to add lots of soft blankets.
You can learn more about this product, read the reviews and check today’s prices on Amazon by clicking here!
What I Love About It: There are screws included with this carrier that you can use to attach the top and bottom for additional security.
What I Wish It Had: There are no top or side handles, which means you'll have to rely on the wheels during transportation.
The carrier also doesn't offer any seat belt loops to secure the carrier to the car seat.
Best Carrier For Easy Transportation: Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Carrier
- Fits pets up to 25 lbs, durable material
- Top handle, shoulder strap, folds flat
- Ventilated panels, washable fleece pad
- Pockets for storage, 26"x18"x18"
Carrying two grown cats can be a heavy load, but with this carrier, your future travels don't have to be a constant struggle.
Aside from the padded handle and the straps this carrier is also easy to fold as it collapses flat and can be stored without taking much space.
While this Amazon Basics carrier doesn't have a seat belt loop, it has a particularly sturdy frame that allows you to use the car's seatbelt to secure it in place.
It comes in four different colors, but according to one customer, the black color is great for those cats that need to feel like they're in a dark and protected space.
The mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation, while the fleece bed will keep your kitty warm even during the wintertime.
Unlike most carriers, this one is quite tall, which means your cats will be able to stand up, sit upright and stretch their long bodies!
If you want to learn more about this carrier and see today's price on Amazon click here!
What I Love About It: The carrier has zippered pockets, where you can store your cats' treats, toys, and whatever your cats may need during your trip.
What I Wish It Had: While the carrier comes with a fleece bed, it may not be enough.
I would add a few more warm blankets to make the carrier more soft and cozy for your kitties.
Best Collapsible Cat Carrier: Sport Pet Large Cat Kennel
- Cozy backseat cove
- Gates on both sides, mesh panels
- Security leash for harness
- Dimensions: 45-1/4"x17-1/4"x18-3/4"
Sport Pet has a great selection of travel kennels that can keep your kitty safe and calm during your adventures, and the cat kennel is definitely our favorite!
While I don't think this carrier is designed for vet visits, it's a great choice to use if you're traveling cross country.
This carrier comes at a reasonable price, but if you're not sure you want to spend this money on a one time journey, you can also use it as a portable outdoor enclosure in your yard or balcony
Then again if you don't have enough space in your house, you can fold the carrier as it can collapse flat on itself and store it in its own drawstring case.
The durable gate entry on each side will keep your kitty safe and together with the mesh panel they'll get plenty of ventilation during their trip.
There's also plenty of room for your cats' essentials, like food water, toys, and even a portable litter box.
Remember to check additional information on all the Sport Pet Kennels and check today's price on Amazon here.
What I Love About It: If you're worried your ingenious kitty will try to make a run for it, there's a security leash inside the carrier which you can clip to their harness.
What I Wish It Had: Since there's a large mesh panel on one side, the carrier could've used a cover flap in case your cats need some privacy or protection from the sun.
Best Large Cat Carrier With Adjustable Covers: PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier
This is definitely one of my favorite carriers on this list for various reasons.
First of all, it's super comfy and the plush bed that's included with this carrier is something both of your cats will appreciate. Never mind the fact that you can remove and wash it in case of an accident.
Your cats can also enjoy a great view through the mesh windows, and feel like they're almost sitting in a cat car seat.
But if the sun is too bright or if you feel like they need some alone time to relax you can simply pull down the flap that can be secured in place with some velcro strips.
This carrier is perfect both for short and long travels no matter the season since you can reinforce it with warm blankets during the winter and the windows will keep it well ventilated during the summer.
What I Love About It: The carrier can be used as a comfy cat bed or you can fold it flat and store it away until you need to use it again.
What I Wish It Had: This carrier is a bit heavy to carry to the vet, so it's more suitable for long car travels instead.
Can Two Cats Share One Carrier?
As a general rule cats should be kept in separate carriers when traveling, but let’s take a closer look at the kind of travel your cats may experience and if there can be an exception.
Vet Visits
Most cats will experience one type of travel and that's the annual vet visit, and usually, this journey is the most nerve-racking for our fur babies.
That’s why it’s best to have each kitty in its own carrier. After all, every cat may respond differently to a vet visit, especially if it involves painful procedures.
Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, states that “pain is the most sudden medical cause for sudden aggression, particularly in older cats or those who have always had a calm temperament.”
So, even if both of your cats are calm, there’s still a possibility that a trip to the vet in the same carrier will end up in a massive fight that can hurt their friendship in the long run.
I also understand that in some cases, cats that are in pain can take comfort in each other’s company, however, I don’t think this is something you should risk trying out.
Aside from cat aggression, having two cats in one carrier can make also it difficult for your vet to examine them individually.
Long-Distance Car Travel
Depending on your cat's personality, sharing a carrier during long-distance trips might actually work. Your cats can stay in a single carrier for long travels, as long as both of their needs are met.
In some cases, sticking together can actually soothe anxious cats that don’t enjoy traveling. The presence of another cat can help them cope with the trip in a more positive way and create a good experience that they won’t have an issue repeating in the future.
But once again, this isn’t something all cats will feel comfortable with. Even in larger carriers, your cats might start feeling territorial towards each other and this can result in an intense fight.
Dr. Cathy Lung, says that “small changes that seem innocuous to us can be enough to upset a cat.”
So, you can imagine how two cats that are suddenly crammed into one carrier will feel and the release of that frustration will most likely involve their claws and teeth.
But even if your cats won’t mind cohabitating within the same carrier during their journey, there are other things that can make them unhappy.
Seeing another street cat, a dog, or even the passing trees outside the car window, can trigger a redirected attack.
According to ASPCA, “redirected aggression occurs when a cat is aggressively aroused and agitated by an animal or person he can’t get at (because there’s a window between them, for example). Unable to get to the trigger of his agitation, he turns and lashes out at someone—person, dog or cat—who is nearby or who approaches him.”
Additionally, two fighting cats can cause damage even to the sturdiest of carriers and escape. And suddenly having two cats running loose in your car can distract you from driving and cause an accident.
So, in many ways, two cats sharing one carrier is a recipe for disaster.
Can You Have Two Cats In One Carrier When Flying?
Unlike car travel, flying involves certain restrictions and requirements.
Aside from your cats' documents, you'll also need to have the right carrier that should be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Of course, each airline company has its own guidelines when it comes to carrier sizing, but the IAT LAR (Live Animal Regulations) that represents 83% of total air traffic states that “no more than two live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size and weighing 20 lb. (9 kg) or less each, may be transported in the same primary enclosure via air carrier.”
So, if you were looking for a large cat carrier that can fit both of your cats in order to fly with them, then you’ll need to reconsider.
Instead, it’s best to call the airline you’re planning on flying with and ask them about their own specific rules and regulations. But be prepared that you’ll have to get two separate carriers that are approved by that specific airline.
What To Consider When Buying A Carrier For Multiple Cats?
There are a few key elements that make a good cat carrier, and having two cats sharing the same one means that there are some additional features to consider.
The Size
One of the most important things you need to consider when buying a carrier for two cats is the carrier’s dimensions and weight capacity.
According to AHNA suggests “a carrier should be one and a half times the size of your cat.” And in the case of two cats, you’ll have to double that.
PetMD also suggests that “a cat carrier should allow enough space for your cat to stand without crouching and be able to turn around.” Once again both of your cats should be able to have the right space for this type of mobility.
Before your final purchase, you should also weigh both of your cats and see if the carrier you’ve chosen can hold both of their weight and some more.
Additionally, you might need to go for a larger or smaller carrier depending on the kind of trip you’re planning on making.
If it’s a short trip to the vet, or you’re moving to another part of the same city then you might get away with a smaller carrier that both cats can occupy comfortably.
But if you’re planning on traveling across the country then you should look for a much larger carrier that has extra space for a portable litter box as well as their food and water bowls.
The Portability
Of course, you’ll have to find the perfect medium between your cats' individual comfort, and your own ability to move the carrier.
In most cases, it’s best to go for a large carrier that can be divided into two compartments that you can carry individually. Unless you keep your car in the garage, where you can have easy access through your house.
Some of you might end up needing some outside help to transport your cats to your car. But if you live alone and help is rarely at your disposal then our top choice, the One For Pets 2-in-1 carrier is a perfect choice!
The Safety Features
When looking for a carrier, the safety aspect should always be your priority, and if your cats are going to end up sharing their carrier then this feature is even more crucial.
If you’re planning on buying a hard-sided cat carrier then make sure the closure system is secure.
Side snaps are the most common method of securing the top with the bottom, but if they're made of plastic then they could break with time. That's why you could look for a carrier that offers additional screws, to secure the two sides, like the one on our list.
Then again if you prefer a soft-sided carrier, make sure that it has self-locking zippers so that your two feline companions won’t attempt to recreate a prison break episode.
Another important safety feature is the seatbelt loops that are used to attach the carrier to the car seat, something most soft cat carriers that are designed for car travel have.
Our list consists of carriers whose manufacturers made sure these safety features are present, but no matter what carrier you’ll end up going with, remember to read the reviews before you make the final purchase.
The Access Points
Cat carriers can have different and even multiple access points that can make your life easier when you need to put your cat or in this case cats inside.
VCA Canada states that “if your cat dreads going into the small confines of a carrier, consider getting an over-sized, top-loading cat carrier so your cat doesn’t need to squeeze through a narrow door.”
This doesn’t mean that having more than one top opening or multiple side openings isn’t useful.
In fact, side openings are also great if you need to place the portable litter box inside the carrier without your cats running away, and the same goes for their food or water bowls.
Multiple access points, also offer some flexibility if you want to pet your cats and calm them down during the occasional break from driving.
The Ventilation
Another important feature that you need to consider is the airflow of the cat carrier. Most soft-sided carriers have multiple mesh panels and openings that not only offer visibility but also breathability.
If you believe that your cats will feel safer in complete darkness instead, then you can get additional cat carrier covers or place a breathable light fabric over the carrier to give them some privacy.
Additionally, hard plastic carriers usually have one door, and the sides are covered in small holes that reduce visibility, but they lack multiple exits.
I also want to point out that, ventilation and multiple exits are even more crucial for those of you living in areas with a warmer climate, or if your kitty has feline asthma.
So, What’s The Best Way To Transport Two Cats?
In case you’re still not sure if your cats should be traveling in the same carrier, I think it’s a good opportunity to make a small recap.
Separate Carriers
While we’ve made a list that can help you transport both of your cats in one carrier, we also want to make sure that you understand that this is not always the safest option, and just as it doesn’t suit most cats, it might not suit your feline companions as well.
The best way to keep your cats from fighting or having an unpleasant traveling experience is to keep them in two different carriers.
This is also a more practical choice, especially for cat parents that live on their own, or for people that want to travel on a plane instead of a car.
Like this couple that wouldn't be able to fly with their two cats if they had them in the same carrier!
Two-in-One Carrier
If you’re confident that your cats will get along sharing one carrier, I would still advise you to go for a two-in-one carrier like the two top choices on our list. Or at least a carrier that can be separated into two compartments.
Traveling with cats can be an unpredictable endeavor and having the ability to separate your cats during your trip will only benefit all of you.
As I love to say, better be safe than sorry!
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to traveling with cats, there are certain things we can do to make this experience as stress-free as possible.
For some this means getting a carrier suitable for their cat’s size, for others, this means getting a carrier that can fit both of their lovely kitties together.
Car travel with cats has certain rules, but these rules might not always apply to every cat and in some cases, an unconventional decision is the best decision.
All we can do is be observant, caring, and responsible when it comes to cat travel!
Read Next: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting A Second Cat
