Cat Backpacks for Adventuring with Your Cat
One of the easiest ways to take your cat out and about with you is in a cat backpack.
A cat backpack is a backpack that you can place your cat in and carry them around. It functions as a carrier but also is a backpack that you can wear on your back.
The backpack not only acts as a carrier for your cat, but it also can act as their safe space when they feel scared.
The benefit of using a backpack over a typical carrier is that it leaves your hands free while adventuring. Typical cat carriers are usually boxy and require one or more hands to carry them.
Pet backpacks also typically have pockets that allow you to carry a few essentials like keys and treats.
There are many types of pet backpacks that you can purchase. Each has its benefits and not so great aspects.
The backpack you pick really depends on you and your cat and how you plan to use it.
What to Look for When Choosing a Backpack to Carry Your Cat
Size
The backpack you choose needs to be the right size for your cat. They need to be able to sit in it properly, move around it sufficiently and stand up. Most of all, they need to be comfortable in it.
While choosing a backpack, check the weight that it has been rated to. We also recommend that you check the dimensions, and compare these to your cat. Perhaps the backpack is rated to your cat’s weight but it may not be high enough for them to be seated upright. Like us, your cat won’t enjoy spending a lot of time hunched over because their backpack is too small.
Your Cat’s Comfort
Ensuring that you cat can sit upright in their backpack is not the only aspect you need to consider when it comes to your cat’s comfort in their backpack.
Cat Backpack Base
The base of the backpack is also important.
If it is soft it may result in the bag sagging, but if it is too hard, it might be uncomfortable. Most backpacks now come with a cushion for your cat. You can also create your own cushion using a blanket of jumper.
Cat Backpack Structure
We also recommend considering the structure of the bag.
Many backpacks for cats have a soft structure. While this may enable you to fold up the bag and store it easily, it may also result in the bag folding in on your cat, which they may find uncomfortable. In saying that, bags made of plastic may also be uncomfortable and heat up.
Windows and Air Holes
Imagine being carried around in a small container with no windows – sounds pretty uncomfortable & claustrophobic right? And not mention – how would we breathe?
Our cats would feel the same.
A pet backpack needs a sufficient number of windows. Typically these are made out of mesh or plastic. The mesh windows also allow air to enter the backpack. The plastic windows are typically like an astronaut dome and have a few air-holes in them. Some backpacks also have separate air-holes ‘drilled’ in them.
Openings
We recommend checking how you would place your cat in the backpack and how they will get in by themselves.
Many backpacks open from the top, while others open from the front or side.
We suggest you choose a backpack which can be opened while you are carrying your cat so that they can poke their head out. In these situations, the backpack should also have a tether that connects to their harness. We strongly recommend that this is a bungee tether, which allows your cat to move freely.
Your Comfort
At the end of the day, you will be the person carrying your cat on your back. As such, the pet backpack that you purchase needs to be comfortable for you.
We recommend purchasing backpacks with a chest and waist strap which helps distribute the weight on you. Similarly we suggest checking that the backpack’s shoulder straps are padded and the back is designed accordingly.
Cost
Depending on where you live, prices of backpacks vary significantly.
In saying that, you do get what you pay for. A cheaper backpack may not be as well made or as comfortable as a more expensive one.
However, you could try starting with a cheaper backpack and transition to a premium backpack when you are certain that your cat enjoys exploring in their backpack. Realistically, not all cats do and it does require a fair bit of training.
The Pet Backpacks Recommended by the Catexplorer Community
To make it easier for you to pick a pet backpack for your cat we have developed a list of recommendations from our community based on your needs and price range.
Many members of the Catexplorer Community eventually collect multiple backpacks. They choose which backpack to use based on activity, cat and human using it and even weather.
Price Guide
$ $30 - $40
$$ $40 - $60
$$$ $60 - $100
$$$$ $100 – $150
$$$$$ $150 - $200
All prices are in US dollars and excludes shipping.
Your First Cat Backpack
Cat backpacks can be a little expensive and as such, we understand if you would like to dip a toe in and purchase a cheaper one as an experiment, to see if your cat takes to catexploring in a backpack.
Option 1: PetAmi Premium Backpack
Instagram: @theadventuresoflumosandnox
Price Guide - $
Pros
+ Backpack has:
Pockets
Mesh windows
Hard back for human backs
Floor/base mat
Straps for chest and waist
Inside tether for harness
+ Can be folded easily for storage
Cons
- Can cause back pain on longer hikes
- Not enough pockets
- As it is easily foldable, it can fold in what cat is in the bag. This may be uncomfortable
- Sturdy bottom does hits human's back
- Leash attachment is a little short and limits cat from curling up in the bag
- Backpack bottom does angle when it is worn
- May be too small for bigger cats
Option 2: Mr Peanut Backpack
Price Guide - $$
Pros
+ Backpack has:
Pockets
Mesh openings
Clip for chest buckle
Removable fleece travel bed
+ Opens from the front and top
+ Stands up without collapsing
+ Can be lain down like a carrier
+ Folds well for storage
+ Zippers have locks
Cons
- May be too small for bigger cats
- Does not come with an inside tether for cat’s harness
- Bottom of carrier can dig into human’s back
The Versatile Cat Backpack
While some catexplorers will love hiking and others love exploring urban areas, the majority of us do both.
As such we need a backpack that works for both types of activities.
Options 1 – Ibiyaya Ultralight Backpack
Price Guide - $$
Pros
Instagram: @adventurecatsultant
+ Backpack has:
Firm base
Pockets
Mesh windows front and side
Removable bottom for easy cleaning
Handle on top and side
Waist and chest straps
Top mesh window can be unzipped and rolled up & secured
A sunshade that can be rolled up & secured
+ The base is easily removable and easy to clean
+ Has a lot of storage space
+ Doesn’t draw attention to kitty like some other backpacks
+ Can be worn on front or back
+ Has windows for cat to look out
+ Materials are eco friendly
+ Back is comfortable
Cons
- Not all materials are waterproof
- Parts of the backpack can fold in when cat is on top of it
Option 2 – Pettom Pet Backpack
Price Guide - $
Instagram: @roxythe_kitty
Pros
+ Backpack has
Firm base
Padded back
Waist & chest straps
Mesh screens on top, front and sides
Front mesh panel rolls up and top unzips
+ Top is sturdy enough so can sit on top and rest paws on human's shoulder
+ Removable base for cleaning
Cons
- Backpack has a lot of mesh, which can get cold in winter
- Not a lot of extra storage room
Hiking Backpacks
When hiking longer distances, we typically need a backpack that provides extra support and more storage.
Option 1 – Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack
Price Guide - $$$$
Instagram: @adventuresofmikeandlily
Pros
+ Backpack has
Many pockets
2 water bottle pockets
Spare compartment for clothing and hiking essentials
Chest and hip straps
Great back support
Cons
- Does not have a lot of room for cats
- Not as many internal mesh windows for cats to see out of.
- Cat may need help getting in and out of backpack
+ Backpack has:
Lots of storage
Chest and waist straps
Ventilated sides
Padded back
Straps to hang supplier
Velcro to add name tag
+ Cat faces forward so can see where you are going
+ Backpack is versatile in size as you can zip and up zip it based on cat’s size
+ Due to design, cat is secure and unlikely to jump out
+ Available in different sizes
Cons
- Cat may need help getting in and out of backpack
- Cat always has to look out of the backpack
- Not a lot of room for cat to curl up in the backpack
The Urban Cat Backpack
Urban cat adventuring usually allows you to use a bigger backpack with a few extra bells and whistles for your kitty.
Option 1 – PetAmi Deluxe Backpack
Price Guide - $$
Pros
+ Backpack has
Pockets on side and front
Entry from the top and the side
Chest and waist straps
Safety buckles
Harness tether
Cons
- Can fold in on your cat
- Base can angle when worn
Option 2 - Petsfit Dog Backpack
Price Guide - $$
Instagram: @rover_thecat
Pros
+ Backpack has
Leash attachment inside
Multiple mesh windows
Front window can be rolled up and secured
+ Folds for storage
+ Opens from the top and front
+ Can fit a larger cat
+ Sturdy
Cons
- Base plate can stick into lower back
For the Big Cat
Some backpacks can be a little small for our kitties and there are a few that are designed for bigger cats.
Option 1 – Fat Cat Backpack
Price Guide - $$$$$
Pros
+ Backpack has
Space bubble at the front, which can be removed to be opened or have a mesh attachment
2 opening options from the top
Mesh windows on the side
Pockets
Harness tether
Strong base
+ Backpack is sturdy for cat to lean on
Cons
- Back support is not the best
- Expensive
Honorary Mentions
There are many other pet backpacks that you can choose from including:
Find the best cat backpack for your cat’s adventures