The Best Cat Backpacks
Our cats are important members of our families, so it’s no surprise that many of us are now choosing to take our feline companions out with us to run errands and visit friends. To do that, you’ll need a cat carrier that's easy to use and keeps your cat comfy throughout the journey. Whether you need to pop to the vet or are taking your cat on a long hike, these comfy packs help make sure your cat gets to see the world from a safe vantage point.
What to Look For
We decided to find the best cat backpacks on the market. In our search, we asked ourselves three questions: Is it safe and comfortable for our feline friend? Is it convenient to place our kitties inside? Is the price fair? The head of the pride was the Lollimeow backpack, which provided ample room for our cats to get comfortable. However, we did notice that anxiety-prone felines preferred the comfort of the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier since it has a shady interior where they can hide their faces when they’re feeling shy. Clearly, there’s a lot to consider. Check out some of our favorite options below to find the right one for you.
Lollimeow Pet Carrier
The royal litter
Pros:
This one touts a clear window that lets your cat look out at his surroundings as you carry him about. The backpack is designed with tons of ventilation holes and vents, making it breathable enough to ensure Whiskers stays cool even in warmer weather. Another feature we love is that it can be used for puppies, too. Also, it’s available in a variety of colors, so there’s sure to be something that’ll catch your eye.
Cons:
It isn’t great for larger cats. The zippers aren’t of the highest quality, either.
PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack
Keep your companion comfy
Pros:
The cat backpack by PetAmi offers convenience and comfort for both you and your cat. It is well-ventilated and has a zip-up mesh window so that your cat can easily see out. A two-way zip makes it even easier to get your cat in and out, and once inside, your cat can enjoy the thick, soft bedding and extra headroom. The backpack’s reinforced structure ensures maximum comfort for the wearer, and it also means that the bag won’t collapse on your cat while they’re inside.
Cons:
The backpack may be less comfortable to wear for a taller person. If you are very tall, the base of the backpack may sit uncomfortably on your back, so it’s best to give the product a test run before committing to long-term use.
Halinfer Expandable Bubble Cat Backpack
Stretch those paws
Pros:
Half hardshell, half expandable softshell, this hybrid model offers the best of both worlds. It’s designed to unfold into a roomy, tent-like space when you let the mesh expand. You can unzip the panel to let your cat out when you’re at your destination. It also contains an anti-scratching net with plenty of ventilation so your cat can breathe without getting overheated. It also includes a discreet side-access opening that you can open without having to unzip the rest of the bubble entirely.
Cons:
If it’s really hot out, it might get too hot inside for your cat to be comfortable.
Mogoko Front Carrier Backpack
Snug as a bug
Pros:
This backpack comes equipped with padded straps that you can adjust to your liking to get the perfect fit. That will help you bear your cat’s weight better, and it’ll ensure your cat is in the ideal position, too. It even features a buckle-enabled waist strip so you can balance the weight using your core and hips, not just your back. Your cat’s head will stick out in the cutest way, but thanks to the interior clip-equipped rope, you don’t have to worry about her jumping out. Simply clip the rope to your cat’s collar or harness to ensure she’s buckled in.
Cons:
It’s not officially airline-approved, so you may have some issues boarding a plane with it. Also, the material is flexible, which is mostly a good thing, but it also means that it gives way to your cat’s weight very easily. Because of that, it’ll be hard for your cat to settle into one position and stay there.
Texsens Pet Backpack Carrier
Breathe the fresh air
Pros:
This one delivers supreme breathability to ensure your cat never feels stuffy or overheated. With three of its four sides comprised of breathable mesh, this design maximizes airflow while allowing your cat to peer out of the backpack. And to minimize the burden of carrying your cat on your back, the backpack has chest straps that help distribute the weight more evenly.
Cons:
The padding on the shoulders is a bit overwhelming, so if you expect to wear the backpack for long durations, you might want to add your own padding or look elsewhere.
What Really Matters
Comfort
If you plan to invest in a cat backpack, you want to know that both you and your cat will be comfortable when the backpack is in use. Padded straps, additional chest or waist straps, and a structured frame to the backpack can all help to ensure that you don’t take too much strain through your shoulders or back when carrying your cat. Your cat will appreciate a comfortable mat or blanket to sit or lie on, and it is important to ensure that the cat backpack you choose will be spacious enough for your cat to move around, look at the outside world, or even sleep. There also needs to be enough headroom for your cat to stand or sit.
Safety
When you take your cat out of the house, you want to know that they will be safe in the cat backpack you have chosen. The backpack should be secure and may feature a lock. All straps and zips should be easy to fasten securely. You want a comfortable backpack that’s sturdy enough that it won’t collapse on your cat when they are being carried inside it. If you intend to open the backpack when you are out and about, a security leash may be necessary. A leash can give you peace of mind that when you open the backpack, your cat won’t be able to run away in unfamiliar territory; it will ensure that they stay close to you.
Style
Although the comfort and safety of you and your cat are of paramount importance, when you carry your cat, you want a backpack that makes you feel and look good, too. A stylish backpack can be a conversation starter when you’re carrying your cat through the neighborhood or on hikes. We all have individual tastes and preferences, and choosing a backpack that you love can make you want to use it more often. Many styles of cat backpacks come in a range of colors or designs, allowing you to select the colorway that best suits your personality–or your cat’s.
What’s in Right Now?
When you decide to carry your cat, you want a backpack that fits into your lifestyle. Whether you will use your backpack to make the occasional trip to the vet, strolls around the local park, or enjoy big adventures in the great outdoors, you want to be sure that your backpack will meet your every need. Backpacks with multiple carry modes have become popular, including those suitable for front carrying or options that come with wheels. Multi-purpose backpacks that double up as a cat basket or safe haven when traveling with your cat are also in style as they consider more than one of your cat’s needs.
Just because the backpack is primarily designed for carrying your cat doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Fashionable cat backpacks can leave you feeling proud and excited to carry your cat. If you plan to use your backpack regularly, a product that also considers your needs could be a game-changer. Finding a backpack with space for your phone, keys, wallet, or lunch could allow you to venture further with everything you need in one bag.
FAQs
Is there a backpack that will let me talk to my cat as we walk?
If you want a backpack that allows you to interact with your cat while you’re out on a walk, you may find it easier to select a backpack that you can wear on the front or back. A backpack that can be carried by hand rather than worn may also allow for easier interaction between you. Be sure to look for products with good-quality mesh to ensure good visibility both into and out of the backpack.
I plan to go on long walks with my cat. What should I look for?
For long walks, comfort for both you and your cat is of the utmost importance. Selecting a backpack with padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a waist strap will help distribute the backpack’s weight. Check the backpack’s measurements carefully to ensure it will allow your cat to move around comfortably, and make sure the backpack is comfortable for them to sleep in. If you are out for a long time, your cat may want to stretch their legs, so a leash may help allow them to explore without the risk of getting lost.
Which backpacks help showcase my cat so that everyone can see them?
Cat backpacks don’t need to be boring; there are many fun designs that ensure your cat’s optimum comfort while looking on-trend. From exciting colorways to space-age designs, your cat backpack can match your personality. To be the talk of your friends, look for quirky designs, exciting materials such as leather or PVC, and even backpacks that look smart enough to be part of your business wear. Choosing a cat backpack that doubles up as a basket may allow you to take your beloved pet to work, where they’ll be adored by your colleagues.
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