MASKEYON vs Wakytu vs Amazon Basics: which cat carrier for which trip

The carrier comes out and your cat turns to liquid under the bed. Pick the carrier by the trip, then weigh the cat.

Head to head, trip by trip

Flights and hotel stays: MASKEYON wins

Zips to 19.5 x 12 x 12 inches for the flight, then opens on all four sides for room once you land. An inside leash clips to her collar for the moment a zipper opens. It is for pets up to 20 lbs. At 12 inches tall it is over some airlines' under-seat limits: check yours before you book. Full rundown: our MASKEYON review.

Occasional cabin trips, small cat: Wakytu wins

Soft sides with mesh panels, top and side entrances so she can go in either way, and a removable fleece pad that cleans easily. It folds flat for storage. The catch: plain by design, and sized small. Check your airline's carrier rules too.

Car trips, vet runs, escape artists: Amazon Basics wins

A hard plastic shell with ventilation slots on all sides and a door. Soft sides give; this one does not. It is heavy, so carry it to the car empty, then load up. Flying with soft sides in mind? The MASKEYON zips to airline size.

Flights: MASKEYON. Light cabin trips, small cat: Wakytu. Car, vet, escape artist: Amazon Basics.

The catch on each

• MASKEYON: 12 inches tall.
• Wakytu: plain by design, and sized small.
• Amazon Basics: heavy, and no soft sides for the plane.

Which one to buy

• You fly with your cat: MASKEYON.
• Small cat, a trip or two a year: Wakytu.
• Mostly the vet and the car: Amazon Basics.
• Cat who will not walk in: see how to get a cat into a carrier.

All the picks ranked: cat carrier picks.