The Best Cat Backpack — Reviewed and Ranked

A furry, feline friend, you might be surprised to know, is not only an adorable animal but one who loves to travel with you as well! It doesn’t matter if they’re running around outside to catch a mouse or joining you for a walk in the park, cats can be great partners in many fun activities. 

The use of leashes by some pet owners is preferable to letting their cats roam freely, but it poses a risk to them. All of us know how much cats enjoy chasing things and how much they enjoy playing with them! This is why cat carrier backpacks are becoming increasingly popular! With this carrier, you can always carry your cat with you no matter where you are or where you go. 

There are a variety of different styles, sizes, and shapes of cat backpacks! It’s important to note, however, that the average person is often unaware of the features that make a great cat carrier backpack. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more! Here are our top picks for your furry friend, along with a buying guide to assist you in making the right choice!

Top Picks: The Best Cat Backpacks Today

#1. Best Overall: “The Fat Cat” Cat Backpack for Larger Cats

Don’t be fooled by the name, the “Fat Cat” Cat Backpack for Larger Cats is our favorite overall find of all time! The cat carrier backpack will accommodate any size cat, so you can rest assured that your cat will be comfortable and cozy inside it. It is our top choice because it is completely enclosed, yet has convenient mesh panels all around so your kitty will have plenty of ventilation without overheating. 

Additionally, the backpack features multiple air holes on the bottom and mesh pockets on the side. Cats can see the world outside through a wide bubble on the front. And the best part? The harness clip lets your cat pop its head out safely while hanging out. 

The Fat Cat backpack is roomy enough to hold up to 25 pounds, as its name suggests. The leash attachment and storage pockets are designed to hold plenty of treats. Your furry friend’s weight will be evenly distributed by the adjustable shoulder straps and chest straps. 

However, it is important to note that this is definitely an investment piece at $124.99. Be sure to consider whether you and your cat will actually use it before investing.

Pros and Cons of “The Fat Cat” Cat Backpack for Larger Cats

Overall Best

“The Fat Cat” Cat Backpack for Larger Cats

• Convenient mesh panels throughout for enough ventilation
• A wide bubble on the front allows your cat to see the world around them
• Roomy enough to hold up to 25 pounds
• Shoulder straps are adjustable

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2. Best Cat Bubble Backpack: LOLLIMEOW Large Cat Backpack Carrier with Bubble

With the LOLLIMEOW Large Cat Backpack Carrier with Bubble, you can keep your curious cat safe while on the go.

Having a bubble backpack for your pet is one of the hottest trends right now! For cats who need less room, but still want to go out with their owners, the LOLLIMEOW Large Cat Backpack Carrier is ideal. This cat backpack is breathable, has strong meshing, and allows your cat to sit, lay down, and adjust itself as needed.

Additionally, the shoulder straps can be adjusted to make it more comfortable for you. You’ll find multiple ventilation holes so your cat can breathe easily. Besides the transparent bubble window, the bag has two side pockets, and a soft removable mat for your cat to lie on. During your outdoor adventures, you can even open the small mesh opening on the side to give your kitty a quick pet. Additionally, there is a built-in leash to keep your cat from running away when the main zipper is opened.

In terms of downsides, some customers have complained that the front cover is easily scratched. In addition, some people have complained that this backpack can get quite hot inside, making it unsuitable for extremely sunny day trips.

Pros and Cons of LOLLIMEOW Large Cat Backpack Carrier with Bubble

Best with Bubble

LOLLIMEOW Large Cat Backpack Carrier with Bubble

• Great for smaller cats
• Features strong meshing
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Has two side pockets

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3. Best Budget Cat Backpack: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

This PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack won’t break the bank if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

It’s not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on a cat carrier backpack if you don’t have a large budget for one. As it usually costs less than $30, it’s affordable for most cat owners. 

There are a number of colors available for this option, making it incredibly versatile. On the bottom of the carrier, there is a cozy sherpa lining so your cat will stay comfortable while traveling. There is a collapsible pet bowl included in this backpack, as well as a storage hook on the side. 

Thanks to the waist buckle and check, you will be able to carry your cat easily. To ensure your cat’s safety and comfort, it’s made of high-grade 600D polyester. With side pockets for storage, this cat carrier backpack is hard to beat for the price! Some customers have reported that despite the waist buckle, the belt ends up around the stomach or rib cage, depending on your size. Therefore, you might not be able to do long hikes with it since you carry all the weight on your shoulders.

Pros and Cons of the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

Best Budget

PetAmi Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier

• Affordable for most cat owners
• Available in several different colors
• Comes with cozy Sherpa lining on the bottom of the carrier
• Made with 600D high-grade polyester

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4. Best Cat Backpack for Kittens: Morpilot Cat Backpack Carrier

The Morpilot Cat Backpack Carrier is undoubtedly our top choice when it comes to pet carriers for kittens.

Have you recently acquired a kitten that you wish to bring around? It can feel overwhelmed by a giant backpack. That’s why the Morpilot backpack is the best option for your tiny kitten. Your kitten will not be able to tear it apart because it is made of sturdy, durable, scratch-resistant, and lightweight polyester materials.

Throughout this backpack, there are large mesh ventilation panels. It allows the cat to remain cool, while also allowing him to see what’s around him. Designed with an adjustable waist, shoulder, and chest strap, you’ll have no problem carrying your kitten around. 

The bottom of the bed has a double-sided removable cushion that keeps your new pet warm and comfortable. The zipper is locked to prevent even the most determined cat from escaping. Unlike other backpacks, this one can only carry cats weighing up to 15 pounds. Larger cats will not be supported adequately by this.

Pros and Cons of the Morpilot Cat Backpack Carrier

Best for Kittens

morpilot Dog Backpack, Foldable Cat Backpack

• Made with polyester materials
• Contains large mesh ventilation panels
• Adjustable shoulder, waist, and chest straps
• Comes with built-in safety strap and lockable zippers

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5. Best Cat Backpack for Traveling: Jackson Galaxy Convertible – Premium Pet Carrier Bag

This Jackson Galaxy Convertible – Premium Pet Carrier Bag is a great choice if you’re looking for a cat backpack that will withstand long hikes through the woods and great outdoors.

Pet owners who enjoy hiking or taking the red-eye to a new destination need a cat backpack that can handle traveling! As another bubble backpack, the Jackson Galaxy Convertible Carrier is well suited to travel. 

This backpack can be easily transformed into a pet carrier using the detachable shoulder straps. It includes a soft mat for your cat to lie on and is easily removable for washing. The sides and back of the bag are mesh, and there are several ventilation holes throughout. When carrying your kitty, the padded shoulder straps will keep your shoulders comfortable! According to some customer reviews, bumping the window bubble can cause it to loosen and sometimes fall out completely. As a result, you should definitely be aware of this safety concern. 

Pros and Cons of the Jackson Galaxy Convertible – Premium Pet Carrier Bag

Best for Traveling

Jackson Galaxy Convertible - Premium Pet Carrier Bag

• Bubble backpack that works great for travel
• Detachable shoulder strips transform backpack into a traditional pet carrier
• Has mesh sides and multiple ventilation holes
• Comes with padded shoulder straps

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What to Look For in the Best Cat Backpack

When you get your dog’s leash training down, traveling with them is pretty easy. Getting on the road with a dog is as easy as snapping the leash on. Cats, on the other hand, are a bit more challenging to deal with. Even though they may be hesitant and reluctant to train on leashes, they are still fun to take along with you on an adventure. The only thing you need is a cat backpack. Your cat will travel in comfort and safety with a cat backpack. There’s no reason why your cat shouldn’t see the world as well!

It is important to note, however, that there are various options to consider. This can make choosing the best cat backpack quite a challenge. 

In order to choose the right cat backpack for your cat, you should consider three main factors:

• Materials 
• Comfort 
• Convenience 

In the following sections, we will explore each of these factors in more detail:

Materials

Choosing the right backpack begins with considering the material. There can be a big difference in the safety of your cat when he is in a backpack, depending on the material. It’s important to find something that’s durable, and thick, but light enough not to put a strain on your shoulders. Particularly if you have a kitten in tow, you may need a scratch-resistant material.

Comfort

Keeping your shoulders in mind, make sure you choose the one that feels comfortable to you. The shoulder straps can be made more comfortable with padded shoulder pads. It’s important to make sure your cat has plenty of ventilation and a padded bottom so they feel as comfortable as possible. Moreover, your cat’s weight should be able to be accommodated by the bag.

Convenience

How should a cat bag be designed? Is extra safety something you’re looking for in zippers? Perhaps you need pockets to store cat treats or water dishes. There are many functional cat backpacks on the market, and all five on this list have everything you need!

The 2 Different Types of Cat Backpacks

The types of cat backpacks are just as varied as any other type of item you might purchase. In spite of their similarities, they have subtle pros and cons that you should be aware of before making your decision. There are two main types of cat backpacks available on the market. Here is a comparison of these two options and the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for you. 

Cat backpacks can be divided into two types:

• Convertible cat backpacks. — People who travel, especially in airports, will benefit from these. Their main function is to convert from a backpack to a handheld bag. The main disadvantages of this type of cat pack are that they can be quite expensive and bulky.
• Standard cat backpacks. — Cat backpacks that are not convertible fall into this category. This is the only significant disadvantage of this option, but there are plenty of positives as well. In addition to being more affordable, they also come in a variety of sizes and colors, as well as offering a lot of useful features.

Up Next:

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