Updated 2025

Best Cat Carriers Under $100

We've researched and compared the top-rated cat carriers in the under $100 price range to help you find the best cat carriers under $100. Our rankings are based on customer reviews, expert analysis, and real-world testing to help you find the perfect product for your pet. This comprehensive guide to the best cat carriers under $100 includes detailed reviews, pros and cons, and buying advice.

Last updated: December 2025•3 top picks

Our Top Picks

Our expert team has analyzed and tested products to determine the best cat carriers under $100. We've evaluated them based on quality, value, customer feedback, and real-world performance to help you make the best choice for your pet.

Best Overall

Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier with Wheels 18x13x9.5 Inches Southwest Airline Approved, Soft-Sided Carrier for Small Cats Dogs with Locking Safety Zippers and Anti-Scratch Mesh(Black)

4.6(0)

$100

Our Review

The Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier is overwhelmingly praised by customers as a stellar solution for air travel with small pets. Reviewers consistently highlight the innovative top-expandable design, which provides pets with crucial extra headroom and comfort while waiting at the airport, then easily compresses to fit under airline seats....

Pros

Customers consistently report it fits under the seats of various airlines, including Southwest, United, and Alaska.
The top-expandable design is universally praised for giving pets extra headroom and comfort.
Reviewers frequently mention the sturdy construction, quality materials, and firm base that doesn't sag.
The locking zippers are a highly appreciated security feature to prevent pet escapes, as noted by several buyers.

Cons

A reviewer with an 11lb cat found it to be a 'snug fit' on an airline with smaller size restrictions.
One customer recommended adding Velcro to the removable baseboard to keep it from shifting during transit.

Why We Picked It

We selected the Petskd carrier for its brilliant fusion of comfort, security, and airline-friendly design, a combination that resonates strongly throughout customer feedback. The standout feature, consistently praised by reviewers, is the top-expandable compartment that offers pets more space without compromising its ability to fit under a plane seat. Users repeatedly confirm its compatibility with a wide range of airlines, removing a major point of stress for travelers. Furthermore, customers love the thoughtful safety details like locking zippers and the sturdy, non-sagging floor, which ensures pets feel secure during the journey. It's a product that directly addresses the core anxieties of traveling with a small pet, making it a top choice in its category.

Who It 's For

This carrier is ideal for owners of small dogs and cats (generally under 15 lbs) who frequently travel by air. Customers with pets ranging from Yorkies to 14lb cats found it comfortable and spacious. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time pet flyers, as one reviewer noted, due to its ease of use and confirmed fit on major airlines like Southwest and United. Buyers who value convenience will appreciate the removable wheels, luggage strap, and storage pockets. It's also a great option for pet owners who want to acclimate a nervous animal to a carrier before a long trip, as several customers successfully used this method, with one cat even choosing to nap in it for hours.

Best Budget

Disposable Cardboard Pet Carrier 12/Case | Sturdy Corrugated Cardboard Carrier

4.5(0)

$54

Our Review

Customers consistently praise this 12-pack of Disposable Cardboard Pet Carriers for its convenience, sturdiness, and value, particularly for specific situations like adoptions, emergencies, and multi-pet transport. Many reviewers report that the carriers are surprisingly robust for being cardboard, with one user even transporting chickens from Texas to Nevada....

Pros

Customers consistently praise the easy, tool-free assembly and the ability to store the carriers flat.
Many reviewers report the carriers are surprisingly sturdy for cardboard, successfully used for temporary housing and even long-distance moves.
Users appreciate the spacious interior, noting it's roomy enough for large cats (14-15 lbs) to turn around in.
Buyers frequently mention the value of the bulk pack, which is ideal for multi-pet households, shelters, and rescues.

Cons

A significant concern is the weight limit; one customer reported the handle ripped off when lifting a 16 lb cat.
Users warn that the carriers are not suitable for aggressive or determined animals that might chew or claw their way out.
The handle's durability may be compromised if the top flaps are not fully secured before lifting, as one reviewer noted.
Reviewers consistently mention these are intended for short trips or temporary use, not as a permanent carrier replacement.

Why We Picked It

We selected this 12-pack of disposable carriers for its unique value as a practical, bulk solution for temporary and emergency transport. Unlike traditional single carriers, this product excels in situations requiring multiple, low-cost options. Customers repeatedly highlight its role in large-scale operations, from facilitating adoptions at a pet rescue to serving as a "Fire evacuation supply" for a dozen chickens. Reviewers love that the carriers store flat and assemble in seconds, making them a perfect "emergency plan" to keep in a vehicle or closet. This combination of easy storage, rapid deployment, and affordability for multi-pet situations makes it a standout choice for preparedness and convenience.

Who It 's For

This product is best suited for pet rescues, shelters, and animal fosters who need a cost-effective and safe way to send animals to new homes, as multiple reviewers involved in rescue work confirm. It is also an excellent choice for multi-pet owners preparing for emergencies, vet visits, or moves, allowing each animal to have its own space. One customer keeps them for wildfire evacuations, while another used them to move four cats simultaneously. Pet owners looking for an inexpensive, storable backup carrier will also find this ideal. However, based on customer warnings, it is not recommended for owners of pets heavier than 15 pounds or for those with aggressive animals who require the security of a hard-sided carrier.

Best Value

Extra Large Cat Carrier for 2 Cats, Collapsible Soft Sided Pet XL Crate for Large Mudium Big Cat 20lbs+, Car Travel Portable Bag for Long Trips Ride 24"x16.5"x16.5"

4.8(0)

$60

Our Review

Customers consistently praise this extra-large cat carrier for its impressive size and sturdy construction, making it a standout choice for multi-cat households or owners of large breeds like Maine Coons. Reviewers frequently report that two adult cats, or one cat over 20 lbs, fit comfortably with plenty of room to stretch and turn. The carrier's design is a major highlight, with users loving the multiple zippered openings on the top and sides, which make loading anxious pets much easier....

Pros

Exceptionally spacious, comfortably fitting two adult cats or one very large cat as confirmed by numerous reviewers.
Sturdy and stable construction; users consistently report it feels secure and does not collapse.
Features multiple zippered openings (top, front, side) which customers find makes it easy to get pets in and out.
Collapsible design is highly praised by users for allowing easy, flat storage when not in use.

Cons

May be heavy for some users, as one customer noted it was 'heavier than I had hoped,' especially with two pets inside.
Plastic safety latches on zippers were noted by one reviewer who would have preferred a more durable metal material.
Initial assembly of support rods can be slightly tricky, with one user reporting a 'slight delay' figuring them out.
While great for car travel, one reviewer suggested a larger carrier might be better for trips lasting more than an hour with a large cat.

Why We Picked It

We selected this carrier because it expertly addresses a common market gap for a spacious yet practical soft-sided carrier. Customer reviews overwhelmingly confirm it lives up to its promise, comfortably housing two large cats or breeds like Maine Coons that are too cramped in standard carriers. Buyers frequently praise its robust and stable frame, a crucial feature that provides security not always found in collapsible models. Furthermore, users love the convenience of its multiple access doors and its ability to fold flat for storage, combining the space of a crate with the portability of a soft carrier. This combination of size, sturdiness, and user-friendly design, validated by glowing customer feedback, makes it a top choice.

Who It 's For

This carrier is ideal for owners of multiple cats who prefer to transport them together, or for those with a single large-breed cat (15-20 lbs+) who needs extra space. Reviewers, particularly those with Maine Coons, consistently call it a perfect fit. It's also an excellent choice for individuals who value convenient storage, as its collapsible design is a frequently cited benefit. Given customer comments about its sturdiness and size, it is especially well-suited for car travel, such as vet visits or longer road trips. As one user noted, it was essential for their hurricane evacuation kit, making it a great option for pet owners who want to be prepared for emergencies with a single, reliable carrier for two pets.