Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Best cat car seats: 7 great options to keep your feline friend safe and comfy during drives

Pick one these car seats for your cat's safe ride

Few cats like going for car rides. But it’s often a necessary evil. Whether you’re going up the road to the vet or across the country on vacation, sometimes you just have to take your cat in the car. To make your trip as pain-free as possible (for you and your kitty), you need the right car seat. Finding the best cat car seat for your vehicle is key to ensuring your kitty is comfy and safe for the entire trip. Here are our seven favorite car seats for a stress-free drive.

Cat sitting inside of a cat carrier

PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier

This carrier is great for transporting your cat in the car and out of it. It’s made of a durable rubber mesh to prevent tearing. It has four access panels and three privacy settings, giving your cat free rein or full privacy. The zippers lock, too, so smart kitties can’t escape. There is a large pocket for storage, and it comes with seat belt loops for secure car travel. This cat car seat is available in three colors and two sizes, making it great for all cats and owners.

Cat with blue eyes sitting In a car

Henkelion Pet Booster Car Seat

This hammock for the car is best suited for curious cats (or small dogs) who enjoy looking around while on the road. The booster seat fits securely in your vehicle using two safety straps. There is also an interior ring to attach to your cat’s harness, so he is not running around your car. The hammock is made of hard-wearing, waterproof material, making it breathable, comfortable, and easy to clean. You can choose from five fun colors, including black, pink, and blue.

An orange tabby cat sits in a blue stroller on the beach

Pet Gear Carrier and Car Seat for Cats and Dogs

The Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat offers the best of both worlds: It’s safe to use in the car and for carrying your pet to and from. It easily and safely attaches to your vehicle using only the seat belt. The carrier is padded for comfort and has an interior tether for the harness, which adds more security. It’s made of a sturdy mesh that offers your cat a 360-degree view of his surroundings. The carrier is available in black, blue, and floral.

Cat sitting up and licking the finger of an outstretched hand

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat

The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat keeps your pet elevated while in the car to prevent motion sickness and provides a better view. It attaches safely in the vehicle using the seat belt and can be placed in the front or back seat. The car seat is padded and quite comfortable. Plus, it has a removable and washable cover. The booster seat also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

A gray Scottish Fold sits in an orange carrier inside a car

Siivton Airline Approved, Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

This deluxe cat carrier comes with four expandable side attachments, giving your kitty plenty of space to stretch out. The soft-sided carrier offers plenty of ventilation for cats. It’s made of waterproof and strong material, ensuring you’ll be able to use this carrier for a long time. It’s airline-approved and can be buckled into your car for safe travel. This travel carrier comes in a stylish gray for you and has comfy padding for your pet.

Close-up of a relaxed and affectionate cat lying down

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Condo

This portable cat condo is perfect for when you’re on the go and for outdoor excursions. You can buckle it into your car for added security or, if using it outdoors, stake it into the ground. The Pet Fit For Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Condo also comes with a feather toy, fleece floor pad, collapsible bowl, and portable litter box. The carrier is blue-and-white gingham and comes in medium or large.

Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs or Cats

The Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat securely attaches to your car seat using two safety straps. You can also link your cat’s harness to the seat for even more security. It is super durable, and the liner is machine-washable. It can comfortably support pets weighing up to 20 pounds. The Kurgo car seat comes in fun, fashionable colors.

Car rides with cats can be challenging for everyone involved. But with these high-quality car seats, you can ensure your ride is as safe and stress-free as possible. Who knows? Your cat may even begin to like the open road!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
10 cute Siamese cat names you’re going to want to steal for your feline friend
Siamese cat crouched down in a grassy area

If you've just added a Siamese kitten or cat to your home, chances are you're still getting to know your new best friend. You're also probably trying to pick out a name that's just right for your new addition. Finding that perfect name can take some time, but certain names just seem meant for Siamese cats. While you learn about your new cat's personality and habits, consider the following 10 cute Siamese cat names. You might find some inspiration from them that leads to your cat's new name, or you might decide that one of them is just right for your feline friend.

What are some unique cat names?
These Siamese cat names can help you to get started choosing the right name for your new addition.

Read more
Cat stroller vs. leash: How to take your cat outdoors
With the right cat stroller or leash, your feline can safely enjoy the outdoors
Cat outside with harness and leash

Cat strollers and leashes are common tools pet owners can use to take cats outdoors safely, but which one is right for your cat? Both are effective methods, so the answer will depend on your cat’s needs and purpose for going outside. If you've trained your cat indoors, there's simply no way for them to get the wild experience their big cat brothers and sisters encounter on a daily basis. But they still need enrichment to ensure mental health and well-being.

It may be too dangerous (for your cat and the small animals and birds) to allow your cat outdoors unrestrained, but cat strollers and leashes are a wonderful way to give your favorite feline(s) precious outdoor time so they're not left out. In this article, we'll go over the pros and cons of each in the cat stroller vs. leash debate, so you can decide which will work best for your cat's temperament.
Cat leashes — the basics

Read more
Cat eating your flowers? 3 ways to save your bouquet (and keep your kitty safe)
Cat smelling a flower

When you bring an animal home, you put a lot of time and effort into pet-proofing the place. Remember that your house is theirs as well and so it must be safe for them from top to bottom. Cats especially can get to those really high-up ledges or small out-of-the-way nooks that allow them to sneak into spots and get at things. While this presents a fun way to hide their favorite toy or a little snack, it also means you have to put in a lot more effort to make it feline-worthy. One major obstacle becomes house plants as even those hanging from the ceiling or on top of the bookcase are fair game for a kitty. While there are a few circumstances in which a cat eating flowers is no big deal, mostly this can bring you big vet bills and your cat some uncomfortable digestive issues.

Why does my cat want to eat flower arrangements?
There could be a few reasons your cat has developed a taste for your plants, including that she just likes the flavor. We all know that catnip positively gets our mousers into a frenzy, but other plants can attract them as well. A few like mint will entice your animal into taking a nibble and we bet she'll come back for more. In small quantities, this is probably fine, assuming you don't see any throwing up or bathroom issues afterward. But why do cats eat plants that don't look or smell appetizing? In some cases, it could intentionally be to throw up but more likely they're curious about the world and using their tongues to explore. Sometimes plants catch a kitty cat's eyes as well if their leaves blow in the air or hang from the ceiling, just begging your little lady to attack. 
What flowers are toxic to cats? 
A few plants are perfectly fine for your pet provided that she isn't allergic and doesn't have a reaction (check with your vet before feeding anything out of the ordinary). A few are deadly, though, and should be kept out of homes where hungry cats might decide to get themselves a little snack. These include daffodils, lilies, carnations, and poinsettias, very common and very poisonous to your pet. You can just remove them as necessary from any arrangements before they come into the house (maybe an outdoor vase would work for you if the animals stay indoors). Keep an eye on your kitty even if all the flowers make it onto the safe list like roses and tulips. Though they don't count as toxic, they can still cause digestive issues. 

Read more