Top 7 Cat Backpacks Your Cat Will Love!

It’s official; people love cats. Cat owners everywhere treat their pets like they were part of the family, and let’s be honest, sometimes like them even more! While it’s a pleasure having an indoor or outdoor cat at home, sometimes we just wish we could bring our feline friends on adventures in places they don’t usually go.

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Our Favourite Cat Backpacks For 2021

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Enter the cat backpack, a cool and convenient way to take your cat with you wherever you go. These trendy new cat carriers work just like a regular backpack, except instead of books or a laptop, they carry your fluffy companion!

Our team has compiled a guide to the best cat backpacks available today. There’s a perfect option for every pet owner, from space-faring bubble backpacks to light and convenient carrier backpacks. Your cat will love coming with you hiking, to the bar, and even skiing and snowboarding!

Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a Cat Backpack

Thinking about how to carry a cat in a pack? Consider the following when you start shopping. 

Bubble or Carrier Backpack

There are two main types of cat backpacks to look at before making your purchase: bubble backpacks and carrier backpacks. 

Cat bubble backpacks have a futuristic, space bubble design that makes your cat look qualified to work for NASA. Everyone knows cats love playing in boxes, but not so much when they can’t get out when they want. The bubble design helps reduce the anxiety cats experience in a confined space for long periods by giving them a window to the outside world. 

These backpacks are also extremely durable, produced with a long lifespan in mind that will save you money in the long run. They keep your cat safe from anything that may hit the backpack and are more than capable of handling an accidental drop to the ground. 

Bubble backpacks are not only great for your cat, but they’re exceptionally Insta-worthy as well. The whole world can see how cute your cat looks while they accompany you on all of your adventures. Many of the bubble backpacks are also airplane-approved, meaning you can take them with you when you fly!

Cat carrier backpacks are a more traditional alternative with many benefits to their design. Manufacturers typically make them out of real or replica leather or extra-durable oxford cloth. Most models have mesh exteriors on a couple of the sides, allowing maximum breathability for your cat housed inside. These carrier backpacks typically have several pockets to store treats or toys for your cat without the need for a separate bag. 

Cat carrier backpacks are much lighter than their bubble counterparts. They usually weigh next-to-nothing, and the only weight you’ll feel is how heavy your little chunkster might be. 

Some carrier bags let you wear the backpack on your front as well. This is especially useful if you’re carrying another bag or if you like your cat to see everything you do. It doesn’t hurt that people can see your cat as they’re talking to you either. 

Size

Any cat backpack should be large enough that your cat is comfortable moving around. They should be able to stand up, turn around, and move their paws as they please. Measure your cat’s length and height before you decide on any particular brand or model. Some cat backpacks are designed for smaller cats, while others have enough room for a larger cat or even a small dog. 

Comfort

There are two types of comfort to consider when you’re buying any kind of cat backpack: your cat’s comfort and your own. 

For your cat, the backpack shouldn’t get too hot, and the material it’s made from should be soft enough that they feel comfortable sleeping or stretching in it. 

For you, the straps on your kitten’s backpack shouldn’t cut into your shoulders. Also, weight should be distributed evenly throughout the design, relieving pressure from your neck and lower back. Many models include a chest strap as well. This is especially useful for taking pressure off your back and also helps prevent the backpack from bouncing around as you walk. 

Ventilation

Any cat backpack needs to have enough ventilation for your cat to have a safe supply of fresh air. Not only that, but ventilation will keep your cat cool when it’s hot outside. 

Carrier backpacks typically have mesh material that is more breathable than bubble backpacks are. However, this doesn’t mean bubble backpacks have no ventilation. They usually have larger holes throughout the design to supply fresh air to your furry friend. 

If there are no adequate ventilation slots on a cat backpack, you shouldn’t buy it. It is very unsafe to confine your cat to space without fresh airflow to and from the inside of the bag. 

Safety

As mentioned before, ventilation and durable materials are key to keeping your cat safe from harm. Make sure before you decide on a specific cat backpack that the bottom is secure enough to handle your cat’s weight. Also, the straps must be tough enough to handle some action. It can be dangerous for your cat if they break midway through a hike or another adventure. 

Materials

As with any purchase, the materials a cat backpack is made from should be durable enough for regular use, as well as some wear and tear. In particular, the seams should be tight and resistant to your cat’s claws. Cats love to rake their claws, and your backpack should be able to withstand their constant picking. 

The 7 Best Cat Backpacks 

Here are our top seven choices for the best cat backpacks on the market.

1. Best Cat Backpack: Henkelion Cat Backpack Carrier Bubble Bag 

Taking our top spot as the best cat backpack is an incredible carrier bag from a brand known for its versatility and performance in a wide range of environments. 

The backpack? The Henkelion Carrier Bubble Bag.

This cat backpack bubble bag takes the cat astronaut backpack concept to the next level. It features a plastic dome that takes up the backpack’s full front side, much more than many of its competitors. Not only can your precious kitty see everything, but everyone can see how beautiful your cat is too!

The backpack’s fabric is a high-quality Oxford cloth, resistant to tearing and raking from your cat’s claws. This is a thick but breathable material that won’t make your cat too hot but will also keep it insulated during colder weather. 

The space-dome itself is an ABS plastic, a highly durable substance used in a variety of industrial manufacturing. It is incredibly resistant to physical impacts from drops and any type of impact to the backpack, protecting your kitty from almost anything that might cause it harm. Nine air holes provide maximum ventilation to ensure it has fresh air and to keep them cool when they need it most. 

The Henkelion cat carrier backpack doesn’t just keep your cat comfortable, but you as well! The bag is lightweight, measuring in at only 3.22 lbs. Including your cat and all its supplies, you’re looking at only about 15 pounds of weight, lighter than many office bags. 

The straps on this backpack are great as well, made out of a tough, padded material that will take the weight off your back and shoulders. If you’re the adventurous type or it’s just a hot day outside, the straps are also specially designed to absorb and evaporate sweat efficiently. 

Overall, the Henkelion Cat Carrier Bubble Backpack definitely deserves the number one spot on our list with its ergonomic and picture-perfect design. 

Specifications
Weight	3.3 lbs
Cat weight limit	10 lbs
Dimensions	12.2 x 11.4 x 16.5”

2. Runner Up: Petsfit Cat Carriers Backpack

Taking the coveted runner-up position on our ranking of the best cat back packs is another exceptional product from a reliable brand, Petsfit. 

The bag is none other than the Petsfit Dog Carriers Backpack, perfect for cats and any other small animal you can think of. 

This backpack is incredibly light, making it excellent for traveling and casual use. It folds flat for storage but is made from an EVA material to retain its shape well. Some cheaper cat carrying backpacks advertise mobility but bend and lose their frame quite quickly. That’s not a problem with this model. Take your cat to the park, on the train, and to the bar without any hassle whatsoever. 

The Petsfit carrier not only comes equipped with a standard top entrance but also a large side entrance. This is especially useful for getting your cat acclimated to using the backpack. Prop it up in your living room with both the top and side entrance open to allow your cat to come in and out as they please. Sprinkle some treats around the base and inside, and watch as your cat grows to love their new carrier bag. 

If your cat is a bit larger than most, this might be the best option for you. Most carrier backpacks only support a pet’s weight up to 10 pounds, while the Petsfit Carrier can handle up to 15 pounds without issue. For those of us with cats and small dogs, you can use this bag for either. 

Most animal lovers also want to be kind to the environment. The Petsfit Carrier is made from entirely sustainable materials, and not the flimsy kind. It is durable and has a long lifespan, saving you time, money, and trees!

In sum, the Petsfit Carriers Backpack is an excellent purchase for those who want an extremely lightweight and breathable pet backpack. 

Specifications
Weight	6.6 lbs
Cat weight limit	15 lbs
Dimensions	16 x 10 x 13”

3. Best City-Life Cat Backpack: STAR VASTO Delux Cat Backpack Carrier

Coming in at number three on our list is a backpack we believe to be the best pet carrier for city life, providing safety and strength for the hustle and bustle of an urban lifestyle, The Star Vasto Delux Cat Backpack Carrier. 

The Star Vasto backpack showcases a stylish and durable Oxford-cloth in green, gray, or blue. It’s a durable material used in many cat carriers, but this model also has a hardened shell casing to keep your cat as safe as possible.

This backpack provides maximum ventilation for your cat, so they have plenty of fresh air to breathe and stay cool. Surprisingly, the material is also waterproof. We all know how much cats tend to hate getting wet. If it starts raining, your feline companion will stay as dry as when you first put them inside. 

One of the cooler features is that this model is a bubble backpack. It has a small window at the top so your cat can peer out into the world and discover something new every time you take it out. When it’s raining, your cat looks like one of those old-school scuba divers, uncovering the mysteries of a wet world. 

For maximum mobility, the Star Vasto has an extendable back panel. If you are in a park or anywhere else where your cat shouldn’t be roaming on its own, you can unfurl the back to give your cat some more space to stretch. It also opens from that end, so if you do want to let them out, they have the freedom to come and go as they please. 

In summary, the Star Vasto Delux Cat Backpack Carrier is a fantastic option in terms of durability and safety, perfect for everyday life in the big city. 

Specifications
Weight	3.13 lbs
Cat weight limit	10 lbs
Dimensions	24.33 x 16.34 x 5.2”

4. Best Outdoor Adventure Cat Carrier: Petsfit Sturdy Hiking Pet Carrier Backpack

The next cat backpack on our list is an incredible outdoor adventure model designed for hiking, the Petsfit Sturdy Hiking Pet Carrier, the second Petsfit backpack to grace our ranking. 

What makes this backpack so great for hiking is its material, weight, and comfort for you and your cat. It features mesh fabric on every side except the bottom and back, making it exceptionally ventilated. You can unroll the front and top panels so your cat can stick its head out and say hello.

Also, one cool feature is the removable leash built into the inside of the backpack. You can clip your cat’s collar onto it, unfurl one of the panels, and still hike without worrying your cat might make a break for it. 

The straps are incredibly comfortable, reminding us of high-quality camper day packs made by top-selling outdoor brands. There is also a pad for your back that not only gives you support but, along with the chest and waist straps, keeps the frame firm. Your cat won’t bounce around too much if you decide to pick up the pace a bit. 

Storage is easy with this backpack. You can remove the bottom cushion to fold it into an easy to manage size when your cat isn’t inside, of course. 

If you’re looking for a good cat carrier backpack to take your little fluffball on hikes, the Petsfit Sturdy Hiking Pet Carrier should be the go-to model. 

Specifications
Weight	3 lbs
Cat weight limit	16 lbs
Dimensions	13 x 11 x 17”

5. Best for Long Trips: Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack

Number five on our list of the best cat backpacks is an exceptionally stylish carrier that stands out anywhere, the Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack. 

We’ve rated this model as the best for long trips, and for good reason. It is very comfortable for the user and their pet for extended periods of time. Not only that, but it’s also approved for many airlines as under-seat storage. No matter where you’re going, you can bring your cat with you!

The Texsens Bubble Backpack is high-quality synthetic leather in terms of material, making the carrier slightly heavier than some others on this list, but not by much. You might think that leather might be uncomfortable for your cat, but this backpack takes that into consideration. There are many ventilation holes throughout the carrier to maximize airflow, and the padded interior doesn’t retain much heat. 

The bubble has a zipper around it so you can open it from the front and the large entrance on the side. The opening makes it convenient for your pet to climb in and out as it pleases. If you’re in a situation where you don’t want your cat to roam freely, there is a built-in leash inside the bag. You can safely give your pet a little more freedom while keeping it attached to the bag. 

You can also switch out the backpack’s bubble to a different material. If you’re uncomfortable or tired with the plastic, you can change to a durable fabric or a mesh from the same manufacturer. 

If you travel often and want to keep your pet by your side, the Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Pack is a great option that offers fantastic ventilation and portability compared to many of its competitors. 

Specifications
Weight	4.3 lbs
Cat weight limit	15 lbs
Dimensions	13.4 x 10.2 x 16.9”

6. Best Extra Features: Expandable Cat Carrier Backpack for Cats

Offering the best extra features, the Expandable Cat Carrier Backpack holds the number six rank on our list. 

The first thing that caught our eye about this model is the Pokeball color scheme. Although you can alternatively choose blue, why would you? You have the perfect Halloween costume, and everyone can see what a little pocket monster your adorable cat can be!

Aside from the Expandable Cat Carrier’s aesthetic appeal, the specifications on this backpack are solid, literally. The hard shell can handle anything thrown at it. You can switch the design of the bubble design to your preference without sacrificing any of the safety benefits it provides. Customization has never been easier!

Despite its durability, this backpack is light as a feather. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, it’s one of the lightest models on the market. If you’re looking to do some adventuring, the lightweight design comes in handy. It comes with a chest strap as well for additional support if you need it. 

A significant design feature is the extendable back entrance of the backpack. Although others on this list have the same, the Expandable Cat Carrier has the largest one by far. For smaller cats, the back panel gives them plenty of room to play around. Larger cats might not have as much fun, but it gives them more than enough wiggle room to relax. 

The Expandable Cat Carrier Backpack is by far the most fun-looking cat backpack on our list. You, your cat, and your Instagram followers will love it!

Specifications
Weight	2.9 lbs
Cat weight limit	12 lbs
Dimensions	18 x 14 x 6”

7. Best Budget Cat Backpack: Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack for Dogs and Cats 

Rounding off our list for the best cat backpacks is our best option for buyers on a budget, the Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack.  

Unlike many others, this Lollimeow model is almost entirely meshed fabric. As a result, this is the most ventilated backpack on our list by far. While this is great for warm weather, we don’t recommend it for colder temperatures. If it’s spring or summer, or you just so happen to be lucky enough to live in summer year-round, this is the perfect backpack for hiking and long days at the park. 

This Lollimeow isn’t just breathable; it’s also incredibly light, the lightest backpack we’ve included in our ranking. It only weighs 2.6 lbs and can support a cat that measures in at 16 lbs. The bag is airline approved in most cases and can comfortably fit under the airplane seat. 

Your cat can easily climb in and out if you let it. There is a large entrance from the front and a smaller one on the side. The bag is small enough that you can leave it open around the house so your cat can get used to being inside it. 

Lollimeow also includes some fun extras for their Pet Carrier Backpack, stickers! You can showcase your cat’s unique personality using the stickers included with your purchase. Customize the outside of your bag to your heart’s content!

If you’re not looking to spend much but still want a quality product, the Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack is an amazingly affordable and practical choice for a cat backpack. 

Specifications
Weight	2.6 lbs
Cat weight limit	16 lbs
Dimensions	15.2 x 11.4 x 16.5”

Tips for Cat Owners Using Cat Backpacks

Getting your cat acclimated to their new backpack isn’t something that happens overnight. Here are a few tips to make sure your cat grows accustomed to being in the backpack and also enjoys their time inside:

• Keep the backpack open and available for your cat to explore in the first few days or weeks after you buy it. 
• Put a few of your cat’s favorite treats, toys, and maybe some catnip inside and around the backpack at the start. However, don’t continuously do this as this might make your cat expect it every time you use the bag. 
• Praise your cat when it gets inside the backpack. Positively affirm that it is doing something good by being in and around the carrier. 
• Avoid associating negative feelings with the backpack. Definitely do not bring your cat to the veterinarian or a groomer for the first time using the cat carrier. Doing so can make them hate the backpack and never want to get inside. 
• Don’t start your cat’s first trip in the cat backpack with a long adventure. Acclimate your cat to the bag by first carrying it around the house, slowly increasing the time it spends inside. 
• After a trip inside the cat backpack, reward your cat with treats and positive praise to make them look forward to using the carrier regularly. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Backpacks (FAQs)

What can I do with a cat backpack?

Anything you want! Many people bring their cats on walks through their town or city, keep them inside the backpack for car trips, and some people even go snowboarding with them! Before you do anything, just make sure the cat carrier is up to the task. The backpack should be durable and safe enough for your cat to experience whatever adventure you take them on. 

How should I place my cat inside the backpack? 

Gently pick up your cat behind its front legs and place it bottom down inside the bag. Ensure you get its entire body inside so they don’t get stuck in an uncomfortable position on the carrier’s lip.  

How long can I keep my cat in the backpack? 

The answer to this will depend on your cat’s personality and comfort being inside the backpack. Some cats are perfectly fine in the bag for hours on end, while others will need to get out and stretch their legs for a bit. For long journeys, in particular, make sure you acclimate your cat to being inside the bag for an extended period. 

How can I get my cat to like being inside the cat carrier? 

As mentioned before, use treats and your cat’s favorite toys to entice them inside the backpack. Do not force them inside, and don’t let your cat associate using the bag with negative experiences like going to the vet. At the start, only keep them inside for short periods of time. Gradually increase the amount of time until they are comfortable spending hours inside without much fuss. 

Can I wash my cat backpack? 

It’s essential to keep your kitty backpack as clean as possible; otherwise, you risk your cat getting dirty or even sick. For cat carrier backpacks, throwing them in a washing machine is a tempting option. Some models are machine safe, while the process destroys others. We recommend getting a good fabric cleaner or toothpaste and washing it by hand, letting it air-dry afterward. For bubble backpacks, good disinfectant wipes will clean the bubble, while another fabric cleaner will do the job for the other areas. 

What if my cat needs to use the bathroom? 

Sprinkle in some outside time so your cat can stretch their legs and attend to their bodily needs. If possible, bring its litter box in the car to avoid any problems. In the event of an accident, clean the bag immediately with a pet-friendly product. Wait for the mats to dry before putting your cat back inside. 

Can I bring my cat backpack on public transport?

Many public transport services will let you bring your pet onboard without much of a hassle. However, some prohibit animals entirely. Consult the relevant PT authority to find out the specific rules that will apply. 

Can I take my cat backpack on the plane?  

Many airlines now allow you to bring your pet aboard as long as they are small and can fit under your seat. A few of the backpacks included in this list are designated safe for air travel. However, you need to check with your airline before bringing your cat aboard. For international travel, you should research your destination country to find out if there are laws about bringing in foreign animals. 

Can I use a cat backpack for my dog? 

Of course! Cat backpacks are great small dog carriers as well. However, dogs tend to be more anxious in enclosed spaces, so you may have to acclimate your pup to the bag for a longer time than a cat. You should only use pet backpacks for small dogs; medium to large dogs just won’t fit, and it is very unsafe. 

Conclusion

We hope this list has helped you find the perfect cat backpack for your feline companion. Not all cat backpacks are enough to keep your kitty safe, but every item we’ve listed is a quality purchase that your cat will grow to love. However, we recommend the Henkelion Cat Backpack Carrier Bubble Bag as the best cat backpack on the market for its versatility and exceptional window view. 

Now that you know how to carry a cat on all your excursions, all that’s left is to pick the best cat pack for your needs. Start adventuring with your cat today with the best cat backpacks around!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Backpacks