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Cats live happier, longer lives indoors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience the great outdoors safely. Sure, you could walk your cat on a harness. But what about kitties who don’t like the leash, but enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the outside world?
Cat strollers are the perfect solution. Designed to keep your cat safely enclosed, cat strollers let you take your cat for a walk without worrying about their safety. Whether you’re traveling somewhere new with your cat and want to explore with them by your side, hoping to take your cat shopping at a pet-friendly store, or simply want to get some fresh air without leaving your kitty at home, a cat stroller will do the trick.
What to look for in a cat stroller
The best pet strollers are designed to give your cat a view of the world while keeping them safely confined. Other safety features to look for:
- Durable mesh panels
- Locking zippers or other secure closures
- Water-resistant materials
- Wheels that roll freely but lock in place when stopped
- Ease of assembly and use
- Comfortable height and padded handle
It’s also important to consider your cat’s comfort when you shop for strollers. Your cat should have plenty of room to sit, stand, stretch, and lay down comfortably. You’ll want space to add a cat bed or blanket, although some stroller models come with a soft surface built-in. Finally, look for a stroller that rolls comfortably without bouncing around too much.
Introducing a cat stroller
Before you go for your first walk, let your cat get used to the stroller. Start by setting it up in your home and letting your cat check it out on their own for a few days. You can make the stroller more appealing by placing treats on it or even feeding your cat in the stroller. It may take your cat several days, or even weeks, to adjust to the stroller. Don’t push it! Just let them get used to it as a part of their environment. With any luck, your cat will be treating the stroller as a bed soon enough.
From there, start taking short practice walks around the house. Remember to reward your cat for riding with lots of treats and praise. Once they’re used to the movement, you can gradually move outdoors.
Some people like to use a backup cat harness and leash. Indeed, it’s a good idea to have a secondary safety measure. Plus, the harness and leash can help with potty breaks if you end up walking for a long time.
Remember to follow your cat’s lead. Walk slowly but steadily, and keep rewarding them with lots of praise and treats. If your cat shows signs of stress, head home and continue working up their tolerance.
Be patient! With any luck, your kitty will take to the stroller right away and you’ll be strolling through the neighborhood with ease.
The 10 Best Cat Strollers
1. BestPet New Pet Stroller
Our first pick is one of the most popular pet strollers available online. Not only is it well-designed and durable, it’s also affordable compared to many other cat strollers on the market. With durable mesh for airflow and visibility and water-resistant Oxford cloth, this is an all-weather cat stroller ideal for taking walks in any season. Plus, each compartment has a zippered mesh screen window so you can easily take your cat in and out.
Features of note:
- No tools required; collapses for convenient storage and transportation
- Comes with a cup holder and undercarriage storage for all your on-the-go supplies
- Large wheels can handle rougher terrain and rotate 360 degrees for easy turns and maneuverability
2. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
This zipper-free pet stroller accommodates cats (and small dogs) up to 60 pounds, so you can walk two cats at once. The no-zip design features an easy-lock latch that you can operate one-handed, and the canopy can be positioned several different ways to allow your cat a good view and plenty of shade. With safety breaks, shock absorbers, and water-resistant materials, this cat stroller can handle all types of walking conditions.
Features of note:
- Comes with pet bolster pad and weather cover
- 12-inch tires add extra comfort for your pet and let you lock the front wheel for a smooth run
- Three-position canopy and mesh paneling gives your cat a great view
3. VIVO 4 Wheel Pet Stroller
Whether you’re taking your cat for a slow ramble around the block or a jog through the park, this durable stroller will keep them comfortable and safe. The spacious interior and padded foam bottom let your cat sit, stand, or lay down comfortably. Three zippered access points offer easy access to get your cat in and out. The stroller has back and front windows for your cat’s viewing pleasure, plus a top mesh window that lets you keep an eye on them at all times. The whole thing is fully collapsible for storage.
Features of note:
- Dual cup holders and center tray let you store drinks, snacks, and keys within reach
- Back wheels lock to put the stroller in park
- Mesh windows allow for excellent airflow and views
- Suitable for pets up to 30 pounds
4. Pet Gear Travel Lite Pet Stroller for Cats and Dogs
This petite pet stroller is ideal for walking a single, average-sized cat on paved surfaces. The big front window lets your cat see where they’re going, while the wide top entry makes it easy for you to zip them in and out of the stroller. With an easy quick-fold mechanism and waterproof tray, it’s easy to store and clean.
Features of note:
- Holds up to 20 pounds
- Stroller itself weighs just nine pounds
- Six-inch wheels are meant for smoother, paved surfaces like sidewalks and streets
- Some reviewers note that the wheels wobble on rougher or unpaved surfaces
5. PetLuv 3-in-1 Pet Carrier, Travel Crate, and Pet Stroller
This innovative cat stroller pulls triple duty. Use it on the lightweight steel stroller frame for scenic walks. Or, remove the crate from the frame and add the adjustable, padded straps to carry it to the vet. You can even buckle it into the car for drives. Whether it’s in use as a cat stroller or carrier, this soft-sided crate has tons of space for your cat to feel comfortable. It even comes with a color-coordinated cushion for napping.
Features of note:
- Top, front and three side panels zip open for easy access
- Ventilated mesh doors lock securely and are coated for easy cleaning
- Large side pocket holds water, treats, harness, etc.
- Frame fully collapses for storage
6. ibiyaya 4 Wheel Double Pet Stroller for Dogs and Cats
This double-decker pet stroller has two separate compartments so you can walk two pets at once and remove them, one at a time, with ease. The front wheels spin 360 degrees, making it easy to maneuver through busy streets or curved paths, and the back wheels lock so it’s easy to park. Both levels have strong mesh for airflow and visibility, and roll-up screens give your cat privacy when they need it. Whether you’re walking two cats, one cat and one dog, or one cat and a top level full of groceries, this stroller is a versatile pick.
Features of note:
- Top level holds pets up to 13.2 pounds while the bottom level can handle up to 33 pounds.
- Each compartment has zippered mesh screen windows for easy zip and go.
- One-handed folding feature makes it easy to break down and slide into the trunk of your car
- Safety tethers on both levels attach to your cat’s harness for extra security
- Cup holder lets you take water for the road
7. Gen7 Pet Jogger Stroller for Dogs and Cats
Dogs aren’t the only pets who can join you on a run! With a sturdy three-wheeled jogging stroller, your cat can come along for the ride and help you keep pace. This model from G7 has all the features you need, from smooth-running wheels to plenty of storage space. And the whole thing collapses with a simple one-handed control on the handle.
Features of note:
- Two cupholders and a lidded accessory tray let you take everything you and your cat need along for a run
- Two adjustable tethers keep your cat(s) safe on the road
- Roomy interior can accommodate two cats
- Comes in vibrant red and blue
8. HPZ PET Rover Premium Heavy Duty Pet Stroller
This premium cat stroller is totally decked out with storage compartments, cup holders, locking wheels, shock absorbers, and a huge travel space that gives your cat plenty of room to relax. The “human-grade suspension system” is designed to absorb vibrations so your cat travels bounce-free, and the comfort-ride oversized wheels have 360-degree rotation for easy navigation. Of course, your cat’s comfort is the most important quality in a stroller. The HPZ Rover (gotta love that name) has an expansion panel that lets you adjust the size so your cat can spread out.
Features of note:
- Comes with two washable pads for your kitty’s comfort
- Zipperless entry uses secure, easy-to-use clasps
- Breathable mesh top cover made of high-density odorless and UV-reflective material
9. Paws & Pals 3 Wheeler Elite Jogger Pet Stroller
This three-wheeled cat stroller is lightweight and collapsible, but still sturdy enough to take for frequent jogs through the neighborhood. The roomy interior has a hooded peak-top window so your cat can have a great standing view, and two secure zipper access points so you can take them in and out. With two cup holders and a large undercarriage storage compartment, bring everything you need on your cat’s walk.
Features of note:
- Rear security breaks keep the strollers steady when parked
- Single-hand folding mechanism for easy storage
- Ventilated mesh screen windows give your cat plenty of airflow and visibility while keeping bugs out
- Retractable, waterproof rain hood keeps kitty dry in drizzly weather
- Tether attachment latches on to your cat’s harness for extra security
10. ibiyaya 5 in 1 Pet Carrier + Stroller
It’s a cat stroller. It’s a cat carrier. It’s a cat backpack. It’s a car seat and wheeled carrier, too! This super-cool convertible cat stroller lets you go from neighborhood walks to cross-country flights with ease. As a stroller, it’s easy-riding and easy to maneuver with a 360-degree swiveling front wheel. The smooth zippers and large opening make it easy to put your cat in and out of the main compartment, and the mesh windows and perforated holes give them plenty of ventilation. Plus, it has a large mesh basket for storage.
Features of note:
- Comes with assembly manual and easy-to-understand instructions for switching between functions
- Stroller frame has telescopic handle to suit different heights
- Use as stroller for walks, or rolling pull-along carrier for easy transportation to the vet or groomer
- Convert to backpack or shoulder carrier with comfortable padded straps
- Comfortable inner padding is removable and machine washable
Further Reading
- How Long Can You Leave a Kitten Alone?
- 10 Automatic Cat Litter Boxes for Happy Cats
- 10 Best Cat Carriers for Traveling Kitties
Featured image via flickr/laserstars
