Soft-Sided Cat Carriers
Carriers
Soft-sided cat carriers use fabric over a light internal frame rather than a rigid shell, which keeps the overall weight down and lets the carrier fold flat when it's not in use. Several designs in this range still use a firm cage structure or a wooden support board underneath the fabric to keep their shape stable in use, so "soft-sided" doesn't mean flimsy, it means the outer material flexes rather than staying rigid.
Shop Soft-Sided Cat Carriers
Showing 8 of 8 products
Feandrea Foldable Travel Crate for Dogs and Cats, 60cm, Grey
Conlun Collapsible Soft-Sided Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs, Purple
DONYER POWER Airline Approved Under-Seat Cat Carrier, Blue
DPWEION Foldable Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs, Grey
Save £30.00Amazon Basics Soft Cat and Dog Carrier, Airline Approved, Grey
Morpilot Soft Pet Carrier Bag, Airline Approved, Grey
Soft Sided Foldable Pet Carrier with Removable Mat, Black
Pecute Cat Carrier with Hidden Partition, Green
More About Soft-Sided Cat Carriers
What Makes a Soft Carrier Work Well
Mesh panelling on at least two or three sides is standard across this range, giving your cat airflow and a view out without leaving them feeling too exposed. Look for a removable, washable base mat or liner too, since fabric carriers need a proper clean more often than a hard shell, and reinforced stitching at the handle and strap joins, which is usually the first place a soft carrier shows wear.
If Your Cat Needs Extra Structure
A soft-sided carrier suits a cat who's already comfortable with handling and doesn't need the extra rigidity of a hard shell. If your cat tends to paw or scratch at the sides, or you need something that holds its shape when stacked with other luggage, our hard-sided cat carriers range is built specifically around that firmer construction instead.
For Kittens
A young kitten often settles well in a soft-sided carrier thanks to the gentler give in the material, and our kitten carriers range covers sizing specific to a smaller, younger cat rather than a scaled-down adult design.
Why Choose a Soft-Sided Cat Carrier
For most everyday trips such as the vet or a short car journey, a soft-sided carrier strikes a reasonable balance: light enough to carry all day without adding noticeable bulk, but with enough internal support that it doesn't sag or collapse around your cat when lifted. That balance is exactly what to check for when comparing listings, since a genuinely unsupported soft carrier can feel unstable to a cat inside it.
The give in fabric sides also tends to feel gentler against a cat who presses or leans into the carrier, which some cats do when they're a little anxious. A rigid shell doesn't flex the same way, so for a cat who does this regularly, the softer material can make a genuine difference to how settled they feel.
Sizing and Buying Guide
Measure your cat's length and height as with any carrier, then check these against the specific product's internal dimensions rather than the external size alone, since the frame or support board inside a soft carrier takes up some of that space. Look specifically for whether a listing mentions an internal frame or a reinforced base panel, since that's what determines whether the carrier holds its shape when lifted with your cat inside rather than sagging. If your cat is at the larger end of average, check the weight capacity carefully, since soft-sided construction generally has a lower practical ceiling than a hard shell of a similar size.
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From the Blog
Soft-Sided vs Hard-Shell Carriers: Which Is Right for You?
A practical, side-by-side comparison of soft-sided and hard-shell pet carriers, covering weight, protection, cleaning and which style suits which kind of journey.
Helping a Nervous Cat Get Used to a Carrier
Why cats associate the carrier with stress, and the practical groundwork that helps them feel calmer about it, from choosing the right carrier to preparing for travel day.