Best Cat Backpacks For Traveling
We have been asked by many adventure cats what the best cat backpacks for traveling are that we recommend. Of course we can give our opinions, but we have only tried a couple of these ourselves. And the cat backpack market is actually quite large! So we thought it would be great to ask our fellow adventure cat friends for their favorite cat backpacks, along with some pros and cons they found, to share a more useful list with you all. We hope that this list may offer some guidance in your search, or at least help you think of some important qualities you look for in a cat backpack.
4 Things to consider when searching for a cat backpack:
Comfort
- You want to make sure the backpack is comfortable for your cat, giving them enough space to move around and get comfortable in. But don’t forget about yourself, as you are the one who will be wearing it most of the time. The backpack should be comfortable for you to carry, especially with the added weight of a cat inside.
Design
- Size is important, as you want to make sure that the backpack can adequately hold your cat’s weight and that they have space to turn around. Also, if you are shopping for a backpack for a kitten, make sure you consider how big they will potentially get. That way you do not have to buy another backpack as they grow.
- Multiple entry points is a plus as well. Usually for cat backpacks, this is a top opening and a front opening. The top opening can be used to lower your cat into the backpack, or if they want to stand on their hind legs and pop their head out while inside (if you leave the top flap open). The front opening allows your cat to walk in and out themselves, or if you are wearing it, an opening for them to stick their head out as well.
- Ventilation is a must of course! You want to make sure that your cat is getting fresh air when inside the backpack. This can be done either with mesh sidings/windows or with plastic backs, such as the bubble backpacks or complete see-through backs. These windows not only help to keep air flowing inside, but also are how your cat can see out when inside.
- Pockets are great on cat backpacks, as you can store your belongings in there so that you do not need to bring a separate bag for yourself. Some backpacks do not have pockets, while others may have small ones, so if this is something you are looking for, keep that in mind.
Quality and Security
- Check to make sure that the zipper and seams are of good quality.
- If you are taking your cat on longer ventures, a tethered strap is a good idea to make sure that they don’t bounce around while in the backpack.
Intended use
- Whether you are using the cat backpack for hiking, vet visits, car rides, or flying, you want to make sure that the backpack fits the specific needs for the activity you plan to use it for most.
Check out our post on How To Find The Right Backpack For You And Your Cat here.
The Best Backpacks for Cats
Here is the list of cat backpacks for traveling, recommended by fellow adventure cats from our Instagram account. We included a little description of each, as well as some pros and cons that the users shared with us.
Petsfit sturdy cat carrier
The Petsfit backpack is sturdy and great for letting your cat ride on top of the bag, as well as inside. It can hold up to 16 pounds and is very spacious for bigger cats.
Pros:
- Padded well for your comfort when wearing
- Multiple entry openings
- Pockets on both sides
- The top is very sturdy for cats to ride on
- Bottom faux fur cover comes out easily and can be washed easily
Cons:
- Pockets are not as big as some other backpacks
- No water bottle pocket
- The top mesh opening does not have a clip or velcro to keep it open, if you want it open for your cat to stand up and look out
- The bottom faux fur can collect fluff
Lollimeow Cat Pet Carrier
The Lollimeow bubble backpack style is quite popular, and this is a good alternative to the more expensive ones. Can hold up to 20-25 pounds.
Pros:
- Pockets on both side
- Good ventilation
- Comes with a bubble window and a mesh window that you can change
- Multiple entry points
- The top mesh opening has a clip to keep it rolled up and open if your cat wants to stand up and poke its head out
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable backpack to wear for longer periods of time
- If your cat rides on top of it, it will start to sag over time
Pecute Backpack
The Pecute backpack is great for wearing as a backpack when hiking, but the back can also be unzipped and expanded to increase the size of the backpack if not being worn. Holds pets up to 18 pounds.
Pros:
- Expandable
- Lots of space inside for your cat
- Pocket on each side
- Multiple mesh viewing windows
- Multiple entry points
Cons:
- Wide design can maybe be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time
- No padding for persion wearing the backpack
- Plastic paneling can cause it to get hot in the backpack, so be careful on hot days
Halinfer Expandable Cat Backpack
The Hanlinfer expandable backpack can be worn comfortably as a backpack, you can be unfolded and expanded to increase the size if you are not using it as a backpack. Can hold up to 20 pound pets.
Pros:
- Front window has expandable mesh to help with ventilation
- Large viewing window for your cat
- Comes with an option to buy a rechargeable fan with it
Cons:
- Lacks storage space
- On the smaller side for cat backpacks
- The plastic backing can trap heat, so be aware of this in the summer
- With back completely open, your cat cannot hide, which can make them feel unsafe.
The Fat Cat backpack by Your Cat Backpack has the popular bubble backpack style. It is well made and sturdy, but comes at a price. Great for larger cats, as it can hold cats over 20 pounds!
Pros:
- Large size great for bigger cats, or even 2 smaller cats
- Sturdy and durable
- Top mesh opening can be rolled up and clipped to allow your cat to look out
- Two mesh side pockets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bubble can be difficult to remove
Morpilot Backpack Carrier
The Morpilot backpack is an inexpensive backpack. Great starter backpack to make sure that your cat enjoys riding in one and doesn’t get motion sick. May not hold up long term, but overall a good backpack. Holds pets up to 15 pounds in weight.
Pros:
- One of the cheaper cat backpacks on the market
- Spacious
- Multiple openings for entry
- Has a sunshade that rolls out over the top opening
- Both the sunshade and the mesh opening can be clipped to stay open if your pet wants to have their head out
Cons:
- Not super comfortable to wear for long periods to time
- Not as sturdy as some other backpacks
- The bottom sags a bit over time
Lollimeow Ventilated Pet Carrier
The Lollimeow ventilated mesh backpack is a great backpack, especially if you live in warmer areas. The all mesh sides help keep air flowing. Recommended for pets up to 15 pounds.
Pros:
- Well ventilated with all mesh siding
- Inexpensive
- Front window can be rolled down and clipped to allow your cat to see out
- Multiple entry openings
Cons:
- Wide design not as comfortable to wear
- Not great for large cats
Texsens Innovative Traveler
The Texsens bubble backpack is another alternative bubble pack, best for smaller cats. Can hold up to 10-13 pound pets.
Pros:
- Multiple entry openings
- Comes with both a bubble sphere and mesh covering for the hole
- Water bottle pocket
- Wide bottom is spacious
Cons:
- Only one water bottle pocket, no additional pockets
- Can get hot to wear and inside the backpack on warmer days
- Does not have a flat top, so not great if your cat wants to ride on top
- Bulky to wear on long hikes
- Narrow at the top
Mr. Peanut’s Backpack
Mr. Peanuts is a company that makes many different cat carriers and backpacks. Their backpack is made for smaller pets and only recommended for those to 10 pounds.
Pros:
- Multiple entry points
- Water bottle pocket, waste bag holder, and small side pocket on one side
- Large pocket on the other side
- Sturdy and well made
Cons:
- Not big enough for larger cats
- Not great for long hikes
Kurgo G-Backpack
The Kurgo backpack is built like a regular human backpack, making it much more comfortable for you to wear than some other traditional cat backpacks. It can hold pets up to 25 pounds and has lots of space. Perfect for cats and dogs.
Pros:
- Lots of storage space for both you and your cats’ things
- Fitted like regular backpack – comfortable for person to wear
- Deep pocket
- Bright red color good for visibility to others
- Waterproof and machine washable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only one opening, so not much visibility for the cat when inside
- Smaller opening, making it a little harder for cat to move in and out of the backpack if wanted
The Surfer Cat company is known for their escape proof harnesses, but did you know they have a beautiful travel bag too? Though not a backpack, this travel bag would make a great carrier that can be used for flying or day trips.
Pros:
- Great for flying and daily use
- Comes with a travel litterbox, collapsible bowl, and fluffy bedding
- Mesh siding for ventilation
- Multiple entry openings
- Bottom storage compartment for litterbox
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not meant for hiking, as this is not a backpack.
We want to say a huge thank you to all the adventure cats out there who gave us their recommendations, as well as their thoughts and opinions on some of these backpacks! We appreciate you all very much. You can check out the Instagram accounts of the cats who helped make this list for you down below.
