PetMasion Extra Large Cat Carrier Review: 2-Cat Travel Crate Tested

Quick Verdict

If you're hunting for an extra large cat carrier that fits two cats comfortably and stays put in your car, the PetMasion model earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. It's not perfect — the zippers falter in cold weather and the cushion could be thicker — but for weekend road trips, vet visits, or moving two cats at once, it outperforms most budget soft-sided alternatives. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a durable, collapsible crate that won't destroy their back seats.

What Is the PetMasion Extra Large Cat Carrier?

On paper, the PetMasion Extra Large Cat Carrier looks like a fortress for felines. Measuring 24 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches, it's one of the roomier soft-sided options on Amazon right now — enough space for two average-sized domestic shorthairs or a single Maine Coon-sized cat up to 20 pounds. The 2024 refresh added a waterproof bottom liner, four car-safety belt clips, and dual carrying handles. It collapses via a toggle-latch frame system that takes about ten seconds to flatten.

Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the Prussian blue color — it's deeper and richer than the washed-out teals you usually find on pet gear. The mesh panels are tightly woven, and the Oxford fabric base has a slight sheen that suggests durability. The metal frame is thinner than a traditional wire crate but chunkier than a bare-bones airline carrier. It feels like a deliberate compromise: sturdy enough for daily use, light enough to carry.

Key Features

• Dimensions: 24L x 16.5W x 16.5H inches — fits cats up to 55 lbs combined
• Waterproof Oxford bottom liner prevents car-seat damage from accidents or spills
• Four safety belt clips secure the carrier to vehicle seat belts
• Dual padded handles distribute weight for solo carrying
• Five-sided breathable mesh ensures airflow on warm days
• Folds flat via toggle-latch frame for compact storage
• Includes a removable cushioned mat
• Three zippered entry points: top, front, and side

Hands-On Review

I first took the PetMasion extra large cat carrier on a three-day trip with two 11-pound cats, Luna and Milo. Getting them both in was easier than expected — the top zip opens wide enough to lower a hesitant cat in without forcing the issue. Luna, the anxious one, stayed crouched in the corner for the first twenty minutes before stretching out. By hour two, both were lying down, which is honestly more than I can say for every carrier I've owned.

What surprised me was how stable it stayed in the back seat. I threaded the seat belt through two of the four clips and drove 140 miles on interstate highways. No sliding, no tipping, no suspicious sounds. The waterproof base, which I was skeptical about, earned its keep on the return trip when Milo knocked his water dish over. The liner contained the spill completely — I just pulled it out, rinsed it, and let it air-dry in the hotel bathroom.

Where the carrier loses points is the cushion. It's about half an inch thick, which works fine for a quick trip but gets uncomfortable for anything over three hours. I threw in a memory-foam cat bed I already owned, and that solved the problem. The zippers, too, have a cheap quality to them — smooth enough in mild weather, but on a 35°F morning they stuck and required a firm tug. Nothing broke, but I could see long-term wear being an issue if you're rough with them.

Who Should Buy It?

• Multi-cat households: Two average-sized cats travel together without doubling your carrier count. A genuine space-saver for owners of two to three cats.
• Road-trippers: If your cat rides shotgun or in the back seat regularly, the safety belt integration is the feature that justifies the price over cheaper alternatives.
• Large-breed owners: Ragdolls, Birmans, and Maine Coons up to 20 pounds fit without their whiskers brushing the sides. Most other XL soft carriers feel cramped for cats this size.
• Storage-conscious buyers: It collapses flat and tucks behind a couch or under a bed — valuable if you live in an apartment with limited gear storage.

Skip this carrier if you need airline-approved dimensions (it exceeds most cabin requirements), if you have a single kitten under six months (they can squeeze through mesh gaps), or if your cat is aggressive and likely to attack zippers during extraction.

Alternatives Worth Considering

• Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Cat Carrier: Cheaper and lighter, but lacks car-safety clips and the waterproof liner. Fine for occasional vet visits, not ideal for long road trips.
• Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed: Significantly more expensive but airline-approved and designed for crash safety. Worth the upgrade if you travel with anxious or senior cats frequently.
• Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier: The industry standard for airline cabin use, though it only fits one small-to-medium cat. Not a replacement if you need to transport two.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The PetMasion Extra Large Cat Carrier fills a specific niche: owners who need to transport multiple cats or one large cat safely, comfortably, and without permanent car damage. Its waterproof base, safety belt clips, and collapsible frame deliver real-world value that justifies choosing it over cheaper rivals. The cushion and zipper quality are honest trade-offs at this price point — neither dealbreakers nor selling points. If you regularly drive with two cats, this carrier will pay for itself within three trips.