Do you love exploring the outdoors or exploring a city but wishing you can bring your cat along for the adventure? Then a cat backpack could be the perfect addition to your cat accessories. A cat backpack that provides a large viewing range, proper ventilation, and of course the essential security, is what you should be looking for. I have reviewed over 10 backpacks on amazon to determine the best. Note that a lot of these can also accommodate small dogs. I rated the selections based off durability of materials, size, and overall value.
After a lot of testing, my favorite cat backpack on amazon is the Anzone Pet Portable Carrier Space Capsule. It is a bit pricey compared to other options, but I found that justified as its quality and feature set are certainly worth it. It is made from a polycarbonate and oxford cloth that is eco-friendly and has a semi-sphere see through window. It is truly a backpack you can take anywhere and I love the waterproof outer shell and find that the internal cloth is really comfortable for my cat. And I know my cat loves the wide range of vision from the sphere window. And the comfort doesn’t just stop with your cat—It is designed with a padded back and special shoulder straps to ensure the ultimate comfort from the person wearing it. This is especially a good option if your cat has had trouble adapting to other backpacks. From my experience, and from reading other reviews, most cats become quite fond of this option.
Key Features:
- Measuring 13 inches in length, 5.7 inches in width and 16 inches in height, it provides a comfortable fit for cats under ten pounds
- Ergonomic design keeps the pressure off your cervical and lumbar spine so there is almost no strain on your back
- Transparent window eases anxiety and allows your cat to enjoy the outdoor scenery
- Eco-friendly polycarbonate and durable oxford cloth provide a comfortable and breathable environment for your cat
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Mesh pocket for storage
- Built-in fixed hook to keep your pet safe
- Ventilation holes
- Waterproof to keep your pet (and your belongings!) dry on a rainy day
Features to Consider When Buying a Cat Backpack
- Bubble backpack or carrier bag? There are 2 common types of cat backpacks: bubble and carrier bags. Bubble designs often have an exterior made of polycarbonate and provide a sphere for your cat to look out (and look like an astronaut!). The other option, carrier bags, typically have windows that are mesh-covered the provide the ventilation and support for your cat.
- Size. This is a critical element as you want to make sure your cat is comfortable and enjoying the experience. You will need a backpack with enough room for your cat to move around. Make sure to also check the upper limit weight recommendations that all backpacks have, before deciding.
- Materials. It is also crucial that the option you choose is made of quality materials that will ensure durability over time. I would say that the most important areas to check are the shoulder straps and the bottom of the carrier. Those elements are crucial to the safety of your pet the and longevity of backpack.
- Cat Safety. Of course, we can’t leave this off the list. Make sure it has all the features needed to prevent an anxious or curious cat from escaping the backpack. Look for a tether that you can attach to your pet’s harness or collar that will help keep them secure. I would advise to avoid carriers that fully open up at the top. As you know, cats can squeeze through the smallest of openings.
- Back support. Many options have chest straps and other features to help distribute the pressure on your back, as well as to help stabilize the backpack so your cat doesn’t have too bumpy of a ride.
- Proper ventilation. Make sure that your backpack provides proper ventilation for your pet. Look for ample mesh openings that provide this ventilation
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Backpacks
What size should I get?
All backpacks should list a upper weight limit on their packaging so make sure to check that before buying. As a good rule of thumb, make sure it is large enough for your cat to move and turn around without crunching in an uncomfortable position.
Can they work for longer trips?
As long as you buy from a good brand, it will definitely work well for long trips. For longer trips, an ergonomic design is important for your own comfort so look for options that include an extra chest strap or waist strap that help distribute the pressure across your body.
What if my cat is afraid of getting in my cat backpack?
If that is the case, try putting their favorite treats in the backpack. I would recommend doing this before you go on any trip. The goal is to make your cat comfortable with entering and exiting the backpack. Then experiment with closing the entry point so the cat is comfortable in that state and can get comfortable moving around. When you are finally ready for the adventure, your furry friend should be nicely acclimated. I would also suggest starting off with shorter trips to build up tolerance and comfort.
