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Cat backpacks present a new (and adorable) way to transport your cat—whether you’re looking for your next adventure together or you’re just trying to get from point A to point B. We’re all for gear that simplifies feline travel, but we’re equally invested in our cats’ comfort and wellbeing. Which begs the question: Are cat backpacks safe? And do cats even like them?
To find out, we interviewed veterinarian Megan Conrad, BVMS, and cat behaviorist Janet Cutler, Ph.D. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering a backpack for your cat.
How Do Cat Backpack Carriers Work?
While designs vary, all cat backpacks share the same goal: to give cat parents a safe way to tote around their furball—whether that’s for business (a trip to the vet or groomer) or pleasure (a short walk around the block).
Cuteness aside, a backpack can make a surprisingly practical cat carrier, especially for the human doing the carrying. Because the weight of a backpack is evenly distributed across a stronger area of your body—your back (or front, if that’s how you choose to roll)—they’re easier to manage and more comfortable for you.
Plus, unlike a bulky cat carrier held at your side, a backpack frees up your hands and can reduce the amount of jostling around your kitty experiences.
Cat backpacks are especially helpful for pet parents who use public transportation and want to keep their cat close. They’re also a great way to get out with adventurous kitties who have been halter- and leash-trained. Or even shyer feline friends who don’t like to roam but are curious about the outdoors.
Some packs are designed to be worn on your back like a regular school bag; others can be worn on your chest, like a baby carrier. The inside of the pack is structured, so it won’t collapse on your rider. Some backpacks feature an eye-catching “astronaut” bubble, and some look like a regular soft-sided carrier with mesh windows.
The JesPet is one of the most traditional cat backpacks on the market.
The JesPet Backpack, for instance, has all the features you’d want in a small everyday cat carrier while being more manageable to transport. Lots of mesh panels offer ventilation, and a chest and waist strap lend support while stabilizing your precious cargo. Like many traditional carriers, the JesPet is accessible from the top and sides. It might work for your smaller to mid-sized cat, but will be a tight squeeze for pets over 16 pounds.
That’s not to say large cats are excluded from the backpack trend. Designed with heavier cats in mind, the popular Fat Cat backpack can hold up to 25 pounds of cat. Your paunchy passenger will enjoy the roomy interior. To lighten your load, there are adjustable, padded straps and a chest clasp for additional support. (Our Rover reviewer liked how comfortable this backpack was, especially while adventuring with a rather large cat.)
The FatCat’s bubble has made it famous.
Then there are the cat backpacks for serious travelers. Expandable backpacks that let your cat stretch mid-hike cater to adventure-seeking duos. The BriskTails backpack, for example, features a pop-up catio and storage pockets that are handy for stashing treats and trail gear. Safety on the trail is priority #1, and the company’s “No-Chance-to-Escape” system includes a protective leash and self-locking zippers. There’s also a place to secure the pack with a seatbelt for car travel.
For more examples of cat backpacks on the market, check out “The 10 Best Cat Backpacks for Traveling Kitties.”
What the Experts Say About Cat Backpack Carriers
They make a pretty Instagram post, but from a safety standpoint, we had to wonder: are cat backpacks really a good idea?
First, let’s look at where backpacks shine. Comfort-wise, backpacks tend to be easier on the body than awkward hand-held kennels. Which means a more pleasant time for you—and a smoother ride for kitty.
“A backpack won’t tilt and slide your cat around inside. And it won’t get banged against car doors, walls, or the reception desk at your vet’s office,” points out Dr. Megan Conrad, a veterinarian working with telehealth pet service Hello Ralphie. Plus, a backpack can keep your cat above ground-level threats like dogs or children.
But the allure of cat backpacks goes beyond utility, says Janet Cutler, certified Cat Behaviorist at Cat World. “If you like hiking or going for walks that are beyond what your cat is able to walk on a leash and harness, then using a backpack could be a great option for you.” As long as your cat is on board (not every cat is), traveling by backpack can open a whole new world for you to explore.
Concerns tend to circle around safety, but both experts consider backpacks to be as safe as any standard cat carrier. “Since your cat will need airflow, cat backpacks have ventilation via mesh screens, clear windows with ventilation holes, or both,” Dr. Conrad tells us. “Some backpacks come with a short leash you can attach to a harness, which is a great feature for preventing escapes,” she adds.
mister Big via iStock
There are also precautions cat parents can take for the safest backpack experience:
- Always walk at a steady, regular pace: avoid running, skipping, or jumping
- Keep the backpack straps on both arms while walking
- Never leave the backpack unattended with your cat in it
- Carry some form of ID for your cat (tags, microchip, GPS collar)
- Offer periodic breaks for your cat to stretch, drink, eat, and use the litter box
If your cat is initially wary of their new carrier, all is not lost. Cutler reminds us that it may take time for a cat to become comfortable with a backpack (or anything new, really). But your patience during training will pay off. “You want to ensure this is a good experience for your cat, so they enjoy it along with you.”
The best way to do that? The old training standbys: treats, catnip, and/or praise. “Reward your cat for progressively taking steps toward getting in the pack: walking towards it, sniffing it, or placing a paw inside.”
Final Verdict: Are Cat Backpacks a Good Idea?
Yes, we think they are—provided your cat is on board and you’re taking appropriate safety measures. A cat backpack lets you travel in comfort, and it can make a fine substitute for your traditional kitty carrier.
Backpack carriers are best for cats who:
- Are inquisitive and confident
- Easily adapt to new situations
- Are interested in exploring
- Use public transportation
A cat backpack might NOT work for cats who:
- Are anxious about new things
- Fear the outdoors
- Are too heavy to carry
- Get overheated easily (flat-faced breeds, for example)
Serenethos via iStock
If your cat isn’t a good candidate for a backpack carrier, maybe they’d prefer to explore on their own terms. A leash and harness offer more freedom than being carried around in a pack, and they save your back the trouble. For the kitty who cares for neither backpacking nor leash-walking, a cat tree placed near a window provides visual enrichment from the safety of home. And catios offer the best of both worlds in safety.
How We Chose
The cat backpacks featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized cat backpacks with durable materials, safety features like ventilation and harness tethers, and conveniences like storage pockets and pop-up lounges.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.
