So, here's the thing. If you're anything like us, you adore your cat.
Whether it's a tabby, siamese, or a Maine coon, cats have a special way about them. It's just different than with any other animal or pet.
I'm sure you get that?
Like dogs, cats can be very loyal, loving, and affectionate towards their owners.
At the same time, cats are fiercely independent, and will only show their affectionate sides when they want to and on their timetable.
In other words, they're very much a pre-teen/teenager.
Unfortunately, that same independence can make travel incredibly difficult, especially if you're planning outdoor travel requiring public transport.
Even simple walks outside can be nerve-wracking experiences for most cat owners. This is one of the things dog lovers rarely have to deal with.
Luckily there is a furry solution that will keep your little kitty safe while also showing everyone just how much you treasure them.
To effectively take our cats or small dogs anywhere, most of us have had to rely on large and bulky pet carriers.
These can be incredibly traumatizing for most cats and potentially lead to them associating you holding them with you shoving them in a cramped and small crate; which isn't a fun association!
A better, and the more unknown option is what's known as a cat or pet sling carrier. These have all the benefits of soft cat carriers while also ensuring privacy and that your cat never feels stifled or trapped.
However, you can't expect every cat sling to be the same. Some can rip and tear almost immediately while others are needlessly expensive and can cause chafing.
What you ideally want is a reasonably priced sling that feels great for you and your little one.
That's where we come in. Below, we've researched and tested 10 of the best cat sling carriers on the market.
No matter what your situation is, at least one of these slings will be perfect for you and your cat!
Best Cat Sling - Our Picks
Short of time? Want a quick summary of the three cat sling carriers that came top in our extensive research and testing process?
In our table below, we compare some of the most important features of those three favorites.
For much more detail about each individual product continue reading down the article.
So that’s a quick overview for you!
Now let’s take a deeper look at the best cat slings. To start with, heres more detail on those top three pet sling picks.
1. TOMKAS Cat Carrier (Best Overall)
Specs
The TOMKAS cat carrier comes in two differently-sized options to choose from.
This cat sling carrier is a great option for those that are always on the move and need something nice to put their cat comfortably in. It’s quick and easy to use.
The fabric is soft and washes well. It is a really great design and size and, judging by the number of great reviews of the TOMKAS, pets seem to be very comfortable once inside this sling.
That is the all-important "perfect fit" factor here! This cat sling is one of the best Amazon sellers by a mile and that is a comfort in itself!
One drawback is that this carrier doesn't have an adjustable shoulder strap, making it a bit frustrating for people that are above average in size, built, or height.
However, the sling is reversible so your look can be swapped from day-to-day. It also has zipper pockets, making it great for holding accessories, treats or cat cookies.
Pros
Cons
2. SlowTon Hands-Free Padded and Adjustable Sling Carrier (Best Value)
Specs
Another incredible offer for those that want a quality cat carrier sling but coming in at a very reasonable and affordable price.
The SlowTon Hands-Free Padded and Adjustable Sling Carrier does pretty much everything you need and more.
It is made from breathable cotton - so you won't have to worry about your kitty getting too hot while traveling with you (especially in those more difficult summer months).
The carrier sling also has a padded and adjustable shoulder strap so that you will similarly be comfortable while carrying them.
It comes with a safety collar hook to ensure your cat doesn't leap out or fuss if your hands aren't directly holding them.
It also has a zippered front pocket as well as four different colors to choose from.
Finally, it comes at a 13-pound weight limit, giving it a bit more room for larger cats than even our top pick, making these two a toss-up depending on how important price is a factor.
Pros
Cons
3. FurryFido Adjustable Carrier Sling: Best (Premium Choice)
Specs
So, the first thing that we need to bring up is the cost of this carrier sling when compared to the others on the list.
If you are someone that is looking for a sling that is on the more cost-affordable side of things, there are plenty of other options here that are excellent.
That said, if you're willing to spend that extra bit of money on a carrier sling for your cat, something that will be worth the money invested, then the FurryFido Adjustable Carrier Sling is the top choice for you.
This cat carrier sling has a fully adjustable shoulder strap as well as a safety collar. This ensures that both you and your kitty are as secure as possible, even if you're busy with something else in your hands.
The cat sling carrier also has two different methods of securing your cat, meaning if one way doesn't work, you have a secondary option that is just as good.
The sling is made entirely from high quality materials, meaning it is breathable and your moggy has access to fresh air in warmer weather or climates.
It also comes with a front pocket for all your accessories, like your wallet or phone.
Finally, while this is the most expensive option on this list, this isn't the most expensive carrier option to existing.
Why does this matter?
Because, this means, while it may cost a bit more than the average option, you won't be breaking the bank as you may think!
Pros
Cons
Alternative Cat Sling Carrier Picks
We do understand that the above picks may not be quite suitable for everyone and all pet owners have very individual needs.
Below we have listed some additional products that may suit your needs as well.
Providing multiple alternative picks is also an important part of our research and testing process.
4. Doublerichard Reversible Pet Cat Sling Carrier
Specs
The Doublerichard Reversible Pet Cat Sling Carrier is an incredibly priced and very affordable cat carrier sling that does everything you need at the perfect price point.
If you're looking for a cat carrier that does everything you need while truly giving you your money's worth.
It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap as well as a color safety latch. This ensures that your cat will stay secure and in place, regardless of its size.
Since it is an adjustable latch, however, that does mean you'll want to take a bit of time to practice on the proper length for your particular cat so that it isn't too tight or too loose.
The one downside to this cat carrier sling is the fact that it has a fairly low weight limit.
While 11 pounds isn't the lowest, it does potentially put bigger cats at risk of it being too snug or simply being too heavy to be carried safely inside.
Pros
Cons
5. Jespet Goo Paws Comfy Sling
Specs
First off, if we were just looking at comfort and style, the odds are that the Jespet Goo Paws Comfy Sling would probably be much higher on this list.
The outside of the carrier is made from an incredibly stylish knit exterior while the inside is made from a stitched fleece material.
Unfortunately, as great as its benefits are, it has just as many costs that are pulling it down.
For one, the shoulder strap isn't adjustable, nor is it padded which is annoying.
This means you'll potentially deal with a bit of chafing if used for an extended period of time.
Similarly, the carrier itself can get pretty hot if you are in a warmer environment.
Pros
Cons
6. YUDODO Pet Cat Sling Carrier
Specs
The YUDODO Pet Cat Sling Carrier has three different sizes to choose from based on the size of your cat.
It comes with a padded and adjustable shoulder strap that allows for an ideal fit for you and your pet, whilst also preventing potential chafing.
It comes with a small pocket that you can use to hold a phone and the sling is generally very durable.
The downside to this carrier, however, is the fact that it doesn't have an actual accessory pocket to store anything larger than a small phone.
In addition, the larger sizes can be pretty expensive and the material is heavy enough that using in warm weather can be very uncomfortable for your little one.
Pros
Cons
7. Katziela Expandable Sling Carrier
Specs
The Katziela Expandable Sling Carrier comes in two different sizes.
It comes with a safety collar to further help keep them from jumping out while your hands are full; as well as a padded shoulder strap to best keep your shoulder from chafing.
The Katziela Expandable Sling is made from an extremely breathable mesh polyester blend that is as breathable as it is comfortable, for you and your cat.
The only downside to this carrier is that it can be fairly expensive when compared to other carriers of similar quality.
It also has a fairly low weight limit and may not be enough to handle larger breeds or sized cats.
Pros
Cons
8. Cuby Dog & Cat Sling Carrier
Specs
One of the first things you'll notice about the Cuby Dog & Cat Sling Carrier is the fact that it comes in one of the widest varieties of color seen in a sling carrier.
On top of that, it also comes with a safety collar to help keep your little one safe and in place while on the go.
It offers a wide shoulder strap to give a greater level of security while moving around.
It is very reasonably priced while also having enough space in the carrier that your cat won't feel completely restrained.
The slight downside is that, depending on your cat, this may potentially result in them struggling a bit more.
Pros
Cons
9. FurryFido Classic Reversible Cat Carrier Sling
Specs
An overall awesome option for most cat owners, the FurryFido Classic Reversible Cat Carrier Sling is the classical standard version of the aforementioned FurryFido Adjustable Carrier Sling.
This option is made from a soft cotton material that is fully breathable, thus ensuring your kitty is cool and comfortable in the warmer seasons.
The carrier sling also comes with a safety collar so that you can keep your little one from jumping out or running around while your hands are otherwise busy. I
n addition, the sling is completely reversible, meaning that each carrier has two separate design options to choose from.
On the flip side, it is worth noting that the carrier doesn't have an adjustable shoulder strap, so you'll have to be aware that if you're bigger or smaller than the average person, you may not have a particularly comfortable fit.
Pros
Cons
10. Cozy Courier Pet Products Dog & Cat Carrier Sling
Specs
Even compared with many of the others on this list, the Cozy Courier Cat Carrier Sling is a great price for what it offers.
It comes with a respectable weight limit of 14lbs, meaning most cats will fit perfectly with this carrier.
It also has a padded and adjustable shoulder strap, making it very easy to move around.
The sling comes with extra pockets for accessories and has a safety collar so that your little kitty doesn't fuss too much while your hands are busy.
The downside to this carrier is primarily due to the excess space due to the larger weight limit.
While this won't be too big of an issue for larger cats that meet the weight limit, smaller ones will have a bit more room than they need, causing a lot of potential struggling and moving around when being put in place.
Pros
Cons
Cat Sling Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve never owned, or even heard of, a cat sling carrier then I am sure you have some questions as they certainly look like fairly bizarre kitty contraptions.
Fear not! In the next section we break down everything that you need to know about cat slings.
We’ll have you slinging with your cat in next to no time, in fact, I’m not too sure how safe that sounds!
The Importance of Cat Sling Adjustable Straps
Some budget cat slings do not have adjustable straps and that is something you should be aware of!
They are needed.
If the cat sling is designed without adjustable straps then it has been designed as a “one size fits all” product.
Well, we all know that in the real world that just doesn’t cut it. We all come in different sizes. Whether that be Short, skinny, tall, heavy or average build.
So some adjustment is going to be needed for a big percentage of us, even if you are of an average build.
The best cat slings have adjustable straps and are very affordably priced, so there’s absolutely no reason to choose a cat sling that doesn’t have any.
Don’t Always Opt for the Biggest!
Don’t be disappointed, in this situation bigger is not necessarily better!
It’s best to get a cat sling that fits your cat well so that they are properly secure. If the sling is too big it can easily swallow your cat and leave them completely smothered by the sling material.
Your kitty is certainly not going to enjoy that, and it’s not safe for them to be in that environment either.
Extra space means more room for them to move around which may easily result in them getting tangled up with the safety straps or even falling out of the cat sling entirely.
Finally, the majority of cats like to have a snug and close fit.
They feel naturally much more secure this way and you will find they adapt to the cat sling advice much quicker.
It’s exactly the same reason that you see your cat curled up inside clothes or rugs, they like that feeling of security and warmth.
Always Get a Safety Strap
Every cat sling we have listed comes with a safety strap.
And with good reason.
Cats can get distracted very easily and they are lightning fast!
A safety strap is a simple leash mechanism that fastens them into the cat sling.
Better safe than sorry! It’s a simple precaution, but something that you can’t do without skip.
Be Fashionable!
We know that you already look super fabulous carrying your cat around but let’s really push the boat out.
Yes, there are plenty of cat sling options out there that aren't very stylish but there’s plenty of “catwalk” ready options. (Did you see what I did then?)
Some cat sling products are even reversible, so you get two kitty diva fashion statements in one!
Cat Sling - The Verdict
Today, carrying your cat with you safely and securely is easier than ever before.
In fact, the problem now is that there are almost too many great options to choose from when.
Ultimately, as all things are, it will all come down to your cat and what you imagine will be best for them.
"How big is she? Does he have a lot of hair? Is she super fussy and hyperactive?"
These are all things you'll have to take into consideration when deciding what will be the most ideal option on this list.
If you have no idea where to start, check out either the Tomkas Cat Carrier or the Slowton Cat Carrier.
If you've got an extra couple of bucks for something especially nice, you can't go wrong with the FurryFido Adjustable Cat Carrier.
These are all great options for someone that wants an objectively good option even if they don't know where to start.
Just be prepared to get a lot of double-takes when people see you swaddled up with a cute little kitty and not a small baby.
Trust me, the reactions will never get old.