Most of a pet carrier's life is spent not being used, which is why the ones that live awkwardly in a corner tend to be the ones bought again in a panic on the morning of a vet appointment. This one folds flat when it is empty, so it stores on top of a wardrobe or under a bed instead of occupying floor space for fifty weeks of the year.

Soft-sided carriers are the kinder choice for a short journey. The panels are mesh on several sides, so a cat can see out and air moves through rather than sitting still and warm around a frightened animal. The door rolls up and fastens open, which is the detail that makes loading easier: you are not holding a flap out of the way with one hand while posting a cat through with the other. There is a carry handle.

• Soft-sided carrier that folds flat for storage
• Breathable mesh panels on several sides
• Roll-up door that fastens open
• Carry handle
• Weighs roughly 500 g empty
• Folded package measures 50 x 45 x 8 cm

On size, and on what this is not. A pet needs to stand, turn round and lie down inside. This is a soft carrier for car journeys and vet trips. It is not an airline-approved crate, and it will not hold a determined escapee.

Who it's for: Cats and small dogs making short trips, in homes with nowhere to store a rigid plastic carrier.