The Best Cat Backpacks with Reviews and Ratings

Dogs get to go out for walks every day with their best friend, so why can’t cats? 

There’s no reason you can’t pack up your best feline friend for a fun adventure every day, too. Many cats don’t take too well to walking with a leash, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking them outside for some time in nature. 

With the right cat backpack, you and your kitty can go out exploring in your neighborhood, on the hiking trails, or wherever your next flight takes you. You only need to do your due diligence in researching the best backpack for you and your kitty’s needs. 

Below is our list of the best backpacks for cats on the market today.

Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Quick-Find Best Cat Backpacks

What is a Cat Backpack?

A cat backpack is exactly as it sounds – a backpack for your cats. These handy little carriers provide you with a way to take your pet outside the home in a safe and vet-approved manner. 

Cats, especially those that are indoor only, can benefit in many ways by spending time outdoors. Dr. Michelle Burch, our veterinary advisor, weighs in on the importance of outdoor time for indoor cats.

Cats that can go outdoors are gaining a fantastic environmental enrichment time, helping decrease anxiety and stress. Cats want to watch birds, squirrels, and bugs to break up their sometimes monotonous life.

Dr. Michelle Burch, Catological Veterinary Advisor

Imagine being cooped up in your home all day. You wouldn’t like it much, would you? The same goes for our pets. A little change of scenery is sometimes all it needs to perk up an otherwise down-in-the-dumps cat.

Dr. Burch also suggests that the outdoor environment improves your cat’s mental health by giving them new smells, signs, and sounds.

What Types of Cat Backpacks Are There?

Now that you know what a cat backpack is and its benefits, it’s time to learn more about the bags themselves. There are several different types of cat backpacks to consider. 

Bubble backpacks feature a big bubble in the front for your cat to peer out of. Think of this type of bag as providing a picture window for your pet. It gives a clear view of the surroundings without any obstructions. 

Mesh backpacks are usually made from a polyester or canvas material and feature mesh panels for both ventilation and viewing. 

Airline-approved backpacks are exactly as they sound – backpacks that have been approved for air travel. These carriers need to be a particular dimension to fit under the seat ahead of you. 

Travel backpack carriers are a whole other beast. These travel systems provide the most versatility as they can be used in many ways – as a backpack, as a wheeled carrier, or with a handle. 

When Would You Use a Cat Backpack?

You could use your backpack carrier whenever and wherever you and your kitty please.

We recommend starting out small so as to not overload your cat on day one. Let them get used to the backpack before going on longer journeys with them. You don’t want to commit to a three-mile hike only to find that they’re stressed out and hissing after the first 500 feet. 

You might use your new backpack while walking around the neighborhood. Maybe you’ll take your cat camping or on hikes with you and keep them safe and cozy inside their backpack. Perhaps you’re traveling overseas and need an easy way to transport your pet in the airport.

The possibilities are endless!

Do Cats Enjoy Being in a Cat Backpack?

This depends entirely on your cat. You know your animal best. If they’re an indoor cat showing great interest in going outdoors, a cat backpack is a safe way to introduce them. 

Some cats won’t like being cooped up in a small space, while others will enjoy having their curiosity piqued as the two of you explore the world together. A cat bubble backpack might be too overwhelming for one cat, while another might love having a front-row seat to the world.

“Many cats will not immediately be keen on the backpack,” Dr. Burch says. “Introduction to the backpack needs to happen before heading out for your first trip with your cat.  I recommend keeping the backpack out in your cat’s environment to sniff and explore on their own time.”

Give your cat time to become acquainted with the backpack before putting them in it for the first time. You can try putting their favorite treat or catnip inside to encourage them to crawl in and explore it. 

Dr. Burch also suggests encouraging your cat to use the backpack by placing a blanket on the backpack’s bottom when your cat is in the exploration stage of the new item. Cats love enclosures and making the area a homey place will encourage calm trips.

What to Look For When Buying a Good Cat Backpack

Not all cat carrier backpacks are created equally, and you don’t want to skimp out when it comes to the safety of your beloved pet. Read on to learn what you need to consider before buying a high-quality backpack. 

Size

The size of the backpack you buy for your pet is of utmost importance. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a cat travel backpack that your pet won’t even fit in. 

Take into account the physical dimensions of the backpack but its weight and weight capacity, too. 

If you have a bad back, you don’t want to be lugging around a 10-pound backpack with your 12-pound cat in it. That’s an extra 22 pounds you’ll be wearing on your back, which won’t do you a bit of good. 

Be sure to measure your pet to ensure they’ll physically fit in the backpack and also weigh them to ensure they’re the right size for the carrier you’ve chosen. 

Comfort

When considering the comfort of your cat-carrying backpack, think about both yourself and your pet. 

Your cat isn’t going to want to be lugged around in a carrier that they’re not comfortable in. Nor are you going to want to carry a heavy and uneven load on your back for extended periods.

Not only does the carrier need to be the right size with structure so it doesn’t cave in on your cat, but it needs to be made so you can wear it comfortably. 

Look for options with padded and adjustable straps. The most adjustable the backpack, the easier it’ll be for you to find a comfortable fit. 

Safety

First, consider the materials that it’s made out of. Does it have a poor-quality mesh that could be clawed at and ripped open? If your cat is a scratcher, you might find that they’re able to rip open the mesh and potentially escape. 

Next, inspect the zippers and seams. The zippers should all be locking and seams all secure to prevent escape artistry. 

If your cat is smart and you’re concerned they may find a way to escape anyway, find an option with safety connectors for your cat’s harness. That way you can connect your cat to the backpack, so if they were to try and make a run for it when you open the bag, they wouldn’t get far. 

Functionality

While a cat backpack might seem like a pretty straightforward piece of equipment at first, the truth is that it can serve many functions.

Some of the options in our list act only as a backpack. Others are versatile enough to function as entire travel systems, complete with wheels and telescoping handles for easy transporting in and out of airports and airplanes. 

If you want a cat backpack only for walks and hikes, you don’t need to shell out the extra money for a carrier with wheels or handles unless you know you’ll find the load on your back to be too heavy. You can still use carriers with wheels to walk around your neighborhood! 

You might also consider backpacks with side pockets for storage purposes. Will your cat want to play with their toys or snack on the go? Do you need somewhere to store your snacks? 

Durability

A poor-quality bag made with untrustworthy stitching or poor-quality mesh is just asking to be destroyed on your first outing. Look for options made with materials like canvas, polyester, or nylon. These are not only easy to clean but durable, too. 

Ease of Use/Cleaning

If you’ve ever tried putting an unwilling cat into, well, anywhere, you know how difficult it can be. The last thing you want to do is try to squeeze a flailing cat into a tiny opening. The best cat backpacks will open wide, so it’s easier to set your kitty in before your next adventure. 

You also will want a backpack that’s easy to clean in case an accident occurs. If your cat vomits in the backpack or uses it as a toilet, laundering it needs to be a cinch. 

Air Flow

It doesn’t take much for a cat to become overheated, especially in such a confined space. While it’s unlikely your kitty will suffer from hyperthermia from a short jaunt outside, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  That’s why airflow is one of the most important factors to consider before thinking about purchasing a kitty backpack carrier.  

The perfect backpack has plenty of mesh windows and ventilation holes. The bigger the windows, the better. Just be sure to listen and watch for signs of your cat scratching the mesh material. It is not indestructible and can be ripped open if your pet is determined enough. 

Watch for signs of overheating when using the backpack, especially on warmer days. Overheating will look like open-mouth breathing, panting, or drooling.

Best Cat Backpack Product Reviews