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Top 10 Cat Carriers That Are XL Size for Kitties

Cats come in all shapes and sizes: big and small, fluffy and short haired, long and short — no matter what form they come in, they are all just as cute and cuddly as the next!

And while all cats are created equal, today we are shining the spotlight on the top 10 cat carriers that are XL size for kitties.

That’s right, we’re talking the biggest, chunkiest and fluffiest kitties out there who may need a little extra room when it comes to traveling comfortably.

Or perhaps you simply want to find a larger cat carrier to offer your fluffy guy or gal that increased luxury of space.

Whether you need a cat carrier for a visit to the vet, a road trip adventure or even short/ long haul flights, we believe that every cat should travel in a safe, calm and comfortable environment.

Here’s what we discuss in this article: 

Finding the Best Cat Carrier for Large-XL Cats

  • It’s important to pick a cat carrier size that won’t make your kitty feel closed in or stressed
  • Key signs your cat is distressed include soiling, scratching, biting, hissing and crying
  • Measure your cat against cat carrier sizes before purchasing as this will help avoid unnecessary returns/expenses
  • You should pick an XL cat carrier that is appropriate for your specific wants/needs — for example, does it need to be airline compliant?

But before we dive into the top 10 XL cat carriers, we first want to talk about…

Why the Right Size Cat Carrier Is So Important 

Finding the right carrier for your cat is important for their health and wellbeing. A cage that is too small or hard can make them feel closed in and they could end up injuring themselves, not to mention it taking a toll on their mental wellbeing. 

XL cat

If we think about how uncomfortable journeys can be for humans — long boring journeys, cramps, motion sickness — the same applies to our pets. And so it’s our job to make these journeys as easy on our fluffy companions as possible.

Cats, like most animals, can be prone to stress. Which can result in unwanted behaviors and stress responses.

These responses can include:

  • Spraying / soiling
  • Scratching
  • Biting
  • Stress-induced grooming resulting in interior hair buildup
  • Hissing
  • Crying

And so on. 

Distress in animals can occur when the animal is placed in a new environment or is confined to one space for a long period of time.

(Which, at times, can make traveling with a pet particularly challenging.)

cat sleeping in cat carrier

As fluffy feline owners, we are responsible for the happiness and wellbeing of our cats. And here at Fluffy Kitty we believe that safe and comfortable transport should be a top priority.

So, let’s dive in!

The Top 10 Cat Carriers That Are XL Size for Kitties

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! 

Taking into account the various needs and wants associated with extra large cat carriers, we have compiled a list of some of the best XL cat carriers for large cats

For our selection criteria, we thought about what might be best for your little (or in this case, big!) buddy. We also asked ourselves ‘how much are cat carriers?’, and found a range of options…some of which may be a bit easier on the old wallet!

cat in carrier

Whether your kitty is medium-large or requires the largest cat carrier you can find, this list is a good place to start. 

Top tip: always be sure to measure your cat against the dimensions of the carrier before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.

1. Sherpa Original Airline Approved Black Lattice Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Size large holds up to 22 lbs
  • Mesh panels offer good ventilation
  • Interior base is waterproof and comes with a removable machine washable base liner in a comfy and cozy fabric
  • Zippers are lockable, making them escape-proof
  • Entries in the top and side to ensure a more easy and comfortable loading experience
  • Spring wire frame offers a little give when being stored under seating
  • Airline compliant — fits most major airline in-cabin carrier size requirements
  • Can be carried both by handle and shoulder strap

The cons:

  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market

2. KOPEKS Travel Backpack with Wheels for Dogs and Cats

Pros and features:

  • A multi-functional carrier; can be used as a general/car carrier, rolling carrier or as a backpack — comes with a telescoping handle, strap handle and backpack straps
  • Smooth wheels for easy motion and maneuvering 
  • Considerable storage space — pockets are large

The cons:

  • Heavy as a stand-alone carrier
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market

3. EliteField Large Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Cat Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Airline approved – say YES to adventure!
  • Mesh netting allows for ventilation and let’s sunlight in
  • Material is lightweight, waterproof and durable, as well as being easy to clean
  • A built-in leash for extra security — the carrier itself also has buckle belt loops allowing for safe restraint with a seat belt during car travel
  • Comes with a removable fleece bed cover with an insertable hard support board
  • Pocket storage and adjustable padded shoulder strap
  • Comes with a 3 Year Warranty from EliteField

The cons:

  • This is a soft carrier which sometimes isn’t the sturdiest option
  • Only opens at the sides and not the top, making loading a little more tricky

4. Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cat Cage

Pros and features:

  • Breathable mesh side panels that also allow for better visibility
  • Easy to clean and waterproof liner
  • Foldable litter box
  • Ideal for road trips, van life, and car travel

The cons:

  • Not airline approved 

5. Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Size large holds up to 18 lbs worth of furry friend!
  • Airline approved
  • Able to be fastened to luggage and car seats
  • Folds down
  • Mesh windows for ventilation and visibility
  • Opens at the top and side
  • Interior fleece pad
  • Carrying handles and adjustable shoulder strap

The cons:

  • Possibly better suited to medium cats rather than large

Below are more cat carrier options for extra large cats!

6. Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Extra large to accommodate every inch of your gorgeous ball of fluff!
  • Hold pets up to 55 lbs
  • 3 openings each with a locking zippers 
  • Interior clip
  • Sturdy yet collapsible when needed
  • Wear-resistant Oxford fabric, easy to clean
  • Nylon mesh keeps the carrier ventilated and is also resistant to tear

The cons:

  • Particularly reactive or strong-willed cats may find a way to break through the mesh and zippers
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market
  • Not the easiest to assemble

7. Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Comes in large and extra large — holds up to 20 lbs
  • Easy to clean
  • Airline approved
  • Expands on 4 sides allowing for maximum room and comfort for your cat
  • Mesh windows for ventilation and visibility
  • Particularly good for cats who struggle with confinement anxiety

The cons:

  • Mesh is prone to ripping
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market
  • Takes up quite a bit of space

8. PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Comes in large and extra large
  • Adjustable seat belt loops
  • Locking zippers
  • Ventilation and visibility due to all-around mesh windows
  • 4 access panels for easy loading
  • Adjustable shoulder strap for carrying

The cons:

  • Heavy as a stand-alone carrier
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market

9. FRiEQ 23-Inch Large Hard Cover Pet Carrier

Pros and features:

  • Holds up to 26 lbs
  • Easy to clean with waterproof top and bottom
  • Soft grip handles
  • Soft midsection, so the carrier can be folded down and stored neatly
  • Ventilation slots for airflow
  • Soft padded cushion adds comfort and reduces shock when embarking on long or difficult journeys
  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee

The cons:

  • Cats prone to chewing may be able to destroy the mid-section
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market
  • Zippers aren’t the strongest

10. One for Pets Cat Show House

Pros and features:

  • A great option for carrying multiple or much larger cats
  • Very spacious, particularly if carrying only one or two cats
  • Lots of pocket space — plenty of room for treats and toys!
  • Built-in straps for ensure safe seat belt connection

The cons:

  • It is not compatible with airlines, so not ideal for use when traveling abroad
  • You have to buy the mats and hammocks separately
  • Very large and as a result could be difficult to handle
  • One of the more expensive cat carriers on the market

So there you have it, the top ten cat carriers that are XL size for heftier kitties!

Just a handful of large cat carriers which can make traveling with your fluffy buddy that much easier… finding the perfect cat carriers for travel no longer has to be a difficult or stressful task!

ginger cat in XL orange cat carrier

And it doesn’t stop there. It’s vital to ensure that your go-bag contains everything your pet might need for those longer or more arduous journeys. 

We’d recommend packing the following:

You may also want to check out our articles on What Are the Best Cat Carriers? and Should You Sedate Your Cat for Travel? for extra info on hitting the road with your fluffy companion.  

Final Thoughts

We hope that the cat carriers above help you to decide on which is the best for your fluffy kitty!

Whether your feline sidekick is on the XL size or you simply want to offer them the luxury of some extra legroom as you embark on exciting adventures together.

We LOVE traveling around with our sweet boy Yoda. We have even taken him to Nepal, USA, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, and Mexico — can you believe it! He’s such an intrepid explorer!

Since losing his hind leg due to a FISS back in 2021, it is more important to us than ever to make sure that Yoda is calm and comfortable whilst traveling.

We love to share our travel knowledge with fellow adventurous pet owners. Yoda’s cancer diagnosis has also equipped us with a wealth of knowledge about looking after an animal who has lost a limb — what the new challenges may be and how to keep a kitty as happy and comfortable as possible.

Let us know where you’ve been with your furry friend and where you’re planning on going next.

And if you have any questions or queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always willing to lend a helping hand…or paw!