The essentials
- Cat backpacks can be used for all types of pet travel — Whether you’re taking a walk for fresh air, visiting the vet, or flying, cat backpack carriers are a convenient way to transport your cat.
- Size is key when buying cat backpacks — Your feline pal should have enough room to stand, stretch, and turn in circles.
- Cats may be tentative about using backpacks at first — Use treats and toys to desensitize your kitty to this new mode of transportation.
When you were lugging around books in your backpack growing up, you probably didn’t imagine having a cat in there one day. But when it comes to transporting your whiskered friend to the vet, groomer, or a cat cafe, pet backpacks can be an effective and safe alternative to kennels and crates.
There are several considerations owners should take into account when shopping for the ideal carrier for their kitty, including comfort, ventilation, and, of course, style. After scouring the web, here are the best-reviewed cat backpacks we could find.
Texsens Traveler Bubble Backpack: best ventilation
Image courtesy of Lilly
When it comes to cat backpacks, ventilation is a must. We want our fur babies to be able to breathe, after all. Available for $26.99 on Amazon, reviewers of this carrier by Texsens note that the mesh material allows for good airflow as well as visibility. Despite being lightweight, customers noted that it’s surprisingly sturdy and evenly distributes weight for their feline friends. It comes in seven different color variations. Some people did point out that the side zippers close at the bottom of the bag, making it difficult to access them when the cat is inside.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Well ventilated | ✕ Zipper can be hard to access |
| ✓ Sturdy | ✕ Window flaps don’t secure when open |
| ✓ Wide-ranging color variations |
PETKIT Backpack Carrier with Inbuilt Fan: most innovative
Image courtesy of Gage
You’ve probably seen “astronaut backpacks” while out and about, which are aptly named for their spaceship-esque bubbles in the front. This carrier by PETKIT takes this futuristic design to new heights with a built-in fan to keep your kitty cool while transporting them in the hot summer months, as well as an LED light to check in on your cat when it’s dark. It also has air vents on the sides and in the bubble to ensure breathability.
At $60.99 on Amazon, it’s not exactly cheap, and reviewers were disappointed that the steep price doesn’t include a power bank for the fan. That said, customers liked that the detachable parts make it easy to clean.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Built-in fan and LED light | ✕ Power source for fan sold separately |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✕ Can be tight for larger cats |
| ✓ Has multiple air vents | ✕ Expensive |
Travel Cat Navigator Carrier Bag: best for hiking
Image courtesy of Kindle Customer
Who says you have to leave your cat at home when you explore the great outdoors? This mesh backpack from Travel Cat was made for hikers to bring their favorite felines with them on a romp in the woods. First, let’s address the pricey elephant in the room: the Travel Cat carrier is the most expensive product on this list at $159.95 on Amazon.
But based on reviews, the sturdy design will get you a ton of mileage out of this carrier. It has everything you need for your outdoor excursions, including a side pocket for supplies, leash and harness tethers, and a water reservoir compartment (though the bladder is sold separately).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Sturdy and holds large cats | ✕ Very expensive |
| ✓ Converts into a regular carrier | ✕ Water reservoir doesn’t come with bladder |
| ✓ Outdoor-friendly features | ✕ Can be hard to clean |
Lekereise Expandable Cat Backpack: best for flying
Image courtesy of M. Hurtley
Flying with pets can be incredibly stressful for owners and their furry friends. This expandable carrier from Lekereise can make for a cozy flight once your plane takes off. Available for $45.99 on Amazon, the bag easily converts into a backpack, a “frontpack,” or a traditional kennel. When not in use, owners can collapse it flat for easy storage. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this carrier is the front mesh compartment: it can expand a full foot outwards to give your cat more space.
Reviewers love all the compartments for additional supplies and praised the overall durability. Some say that the handle is small, making it difficult to hold when you’re not using it as a backpack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Expands for additional space | ✕ Handle is small |
| ✓ Sturdy | ✕ Some note it could use more padding |
| ✓ Converts easily |
Henkelion Bubble Backpack Carrier: best for small cats
Image courtesy of Marie
While ample space in a backpack is definitely good for larger cats, small ones are fine with less room to move around. If your cat is under 10 pounds, you may opt for this $37.99 carrier from Henkelion, which is easier to carry than some bulkier bags on the market. Reviewers like that the bag is simple to clean and that the bubble lets their cat look around — though some say it can get scuffed up. So long as your whiskered pal isn’t too big, it will be a nice and cozy safe space for them on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Tailored to small cats | ✕ Plastic gets scratched up easily |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✕ Some product images show two cats, which would be tight |
| ✓ Adjustable straps |
What to look for in a cat backpack carrier
No one cat backpack is perfect for every single cat out there. Different cats have different needs. Here are the key factors owners should keep in mind when browsing for the best cat backpack for their individual kitty:
Durability
The last thing you want is for your cat to fall out of their carrier and potentially get injured. Make sure the backpack you’re buying is made from high-quality materials that’ll hold up to all sorts of adventures. Look for weather-resistant materials for cold or rainy hikes, or sturdy straps that won’t come undone while you wear them around your shoulders. Also, consider the texture of the backpack. For example, soft padding can make the bag more comfortable, but can also get torn up quickly. If your cat likes to dig, a denser material may be a better choice.
Safety
When comparing cat backpacks, consider the safety features of each option. Strategically placed, secure clasps and zippers will make it harder for your cat to escape (or get hurt trying to escape) while you’re out and about. Ventilation is also crucial, especially for certain space-capsule backpacks, which can heat up in the sun. Make sure mesh windows or air vents are on the bag so airflow isn’t constricted.
Versatility
Something else to consider is how versatile the backpack is. Ask yourself:
- Can you use the carrier while traveling?
- Is it within the TSA-approved dimensions to carry on planes?
- Is it easy for you to interact with your pet while they are in the carrier?
- Will the backpack fit other supplies, such as a water bottle or your wallet and keys?
These are just a few questions you should ask when looking for the right backpack. You may also want to look into bags that convert easily into duffel-type carriers or kennels.
Dr. Bruce ArmstrongA top-quality carrier, whether soft or hard-sided, is a must for safe cat flying — and generally a safe, secure place for the discriminating cat once they are ‘trained’ to feel comfortable. Having all their little necessities and accoutrements readily available are most helpful and can reduce the ‘stress’ of flying and sitting in airports for the pet and the caretaker or human companion. Still, they have to become accustomed to the carrier before any travel stress is brought upon them.
Cat backpacks vs handheld carriers
You’ve seen pet kennels, and you’ve seen pet backpacks. So why does one prefer the latter to the former? It’s simple: backpacks are just easier for on-the-go pet parents to carry. They’re designed to distribute weight evenly, all while keeping your hands free for other things. Either device is considered safe for cats so long as there’s room for them to stand, stretch, and turn in a circle.
Tips for getting cats used to a backpack
If you think using a cat backpack is as simple as putting your cat inside and hitting the road, guess again. Cats are famously tentative when introduced to new things, whether it’s a toy, a “people food,” or an entirely new environment. Backpacks are no different.
Here are some tips for getting your favorite feline used to their new backpack carrier:
- Leave the carrier out. Start by leaving the cat backpack on the floor for a couple of days without trying to get your cat to go inside. Treat it like a new piece of furniture and just set it and forget it. Chances are you’ll catch your fur baby sniffing it occasionally before walking away. The goal is to desensitize them to this change in their environment without forcing them to interact with it.
- Use treats and praise. As with any training, treats can go a long way in helping your pets warm up to something that may give them pause (Do we deserve a medal for resisting a “paws” joke there? You decide.). Place a treat inside the backpack, and when they go in to get it, give them praise or another treat to reinforce the behavior. You can also try feeding them their meals in the carrier until they get used to it.
- Close the carrier. Eventually, you’ll want to close the backpack with your cat inside. Try doing it while they’re eating or playing with a toy so they have something to distract them. Don’t leave them in for too long at first. You can gradually increase the time the more you do it so they get used to being in the backpack while it’s closed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cat backpack for hiking?
If you take your cat hiking, you’ll want to use a cat backpack with good ventilation, weather-resistant, and doesn’t trap too much heat. Though expensive, we recommend the Travel Cat Navigator Carrier Bag for its sturdiness and outdoor-friendly features.
How do you make a cat comfortable in a backpack?
Cats should have enough room in their backpack to stand, stretch, and move in a circle. There should also be sufficient padding or bedding to keep them cozy, as well as air vents.
Are cat backpacks safe?
Absolutely. Backpack-style carriers are actually more secure than handheld carriers. Just make sure you get the right one for your individual kitty.
How long can cats stay in a backpack carrier?
Our vets recommend that adult cats should spend no more than one to two hours in their carrier at a time. If you’re on a long trip, plan to take breaks every hour or so. Keep in mind that kittens may need to come out more often so they can drink and relieve themselves.
