Top Cat Backpacks for 2024 – Review and Guide

A backpack carrier offers a safe, well-ventilated area with an elevated view, and we’ve discovered that removing a cat from its normal surroundings tends to make the transportation process more soothing for them. Carrying a cat and backpack carrier on one’s shoulders is much simpler for humans than doing it by hand. To help you choose the ideal fit, we categorized our favorite cat backpacks of 2024 into 7 categories. Stick till the end!

According to Dr. Georgina Ushi-Phillips, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary writer who specializes in cats, “You’ll need to pay special attention to the entry points—top entry is a requirement, comfort, and some additional features like a hitch or tether to attach your cat’s leash.”

At Fairway we are committed to list the best pet products for pet owners, therefore, we examined more than a dozen backpack cat carriers and compared them to determine which one had the greatest features, build quality, and performance. We bought and sent each one to a different real-world tester so they could test the pouch with their cats and provide us thorough feedback on how they used it and how each carrier made them feel.

7 Best Cat Backpacks For Ideal Travel

Have you already discovered the ideal cat backpack? Take a look at these essential equipment and accessories for any travel cat.

1. The Argylle x Travel Cat Replica is the most fashionable cat backpack. 

We would have good news if Argylle made you envious of other cat backpacks: the fully licensed Argylle x Travel Cat Replica Cat Backpack may be the year’s most stylish backpack. 

Your cat may now feel like a movie star wherever they go by channeling their inner Alfie. The Argylle x Travel Cat “Spy” Cat Backpack is really adorable and made for bigger cats (up to 25 pounds), but this one only fits up to 15 lbs.

2. “The Fat Cat” is the best cat backpack for big cats.

There’s a reason this cat carrier backpack is our top seller. It can hold the heaviest weight available, up to 25 pounds of cat, made of sturdy mesh panels and long-lasting fabric with air holes to ensure your cat feels comfy. 

It features a bubble window and a screen attachment, so your cat can easily peek out and explore the world anytime their little heart wants!

With adjustable shoulder and chest straps for a secure fit, this cat bubble backpack is also pleasant for people. To keep your cat safely by your side, every one of our backpacks has a leash clip. 

Take your cat on a hands-free adventure while providing them with the love and stimulation they need.

3. “The Fat Cat” Mini is the best cat backpack for little cats.

For the little explorer with a huge heart. Do you have a new cat and don’t want to leave your kitten alone at home? 

Perhaps you want to instill a love of the outdoors in your cat early on. Or do you need something more portable for routine errands or veterinary visits? For you, this is the backpack.

The younger sister of our customer favorite, “The Fat Cat” Backpack Carrier, is this little cat backpack. All of the greatest elements of “The Fat Cat” are included in this little version, which is designed for cats weighing up to 15 pounds. 

It’s the most comfortable and secure place for your pet to stay while you’re out and about. It also has an attachable bubble glass and a bright purple hue!

4. The “Stray x Travel Cat” Backpack Limited Edition is the best cat bubble backpack.

Similar to our best-selling “The Fat Cat” Cat Backpack, but with a bright splash of color, this cat bubble backpack was created in partnership with the video game Stray. This vibrant, airy cat backpack is just what your traveling feline needs to traverse the globe and make the experiences depicted in the video game come to life!

Adjustable straps, sturdy mesh panels, ventilation holes for breathability, two side pockets, a clear bubble for them to see through, and a soft mat that is simple to take off and clean are all included.

5. “The Jackson Galaxy” Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier is the Best Cat Travel Backpack.

The Jackson Galaxy Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier is the greatest cat bubble backpack for traveling with your feline companions. 

It was created in partnership with Jackson Galaxy, the star of Animal Planet and best-selling book. With its detachable shoulder strap, the device may be used as a backpack or a conventional carrier, and the comfy mat that is removable fits in both configurations. This makes it an excellent choice for flying as well!

This backpack has cushioned straps for the shoulders to keep all cat parents comfortable, mesh sides and ventilation holes for maximum breathability, and a bubble window so your cat can view their surroundings.

6. The Earth Convertible Cat Backpack “The Navigator” is the best cat hiking backpack for adventurous cats and people.

The greatest cat backpack for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and explorers is “The Navigator” Earth Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier. Through the mesh windows, which also provide the best air circulation, your cat can see the world and enjoy fundamental travel necessities like vehicle rides and veterinary visits.

This backpack can accommodate up to 25 pounds and has cushioned shoulder straps, a chest strap, and adjustable waist straps to assist in distributing weight and keep everyone comfortable. 

The whole bag folds up for easy storage, and it may be used as a backpack or a conventional carrier. All of our backpacks include safety straps to which you can fasten your cat’s leash and harness, allowing you to keep any really inquisitive cats nearby!

7. “The Navigator” Convertible Cat bag

This is basically the same bag but in monochromatic grey, if you like it but want something a bit sleeker.

What Should a Cat Backpack Have?

The stereotype that cats dislike being outdoors is being disproved by cat parents who hike. Because going outdoors brings so much joy and enrichment to both you and your feline companion, this pastime is growing in popularity. 

You want the greatest equipment to ensure that your cat’s adventures continue since it’s such a pleasant experience to see them discover their wild side and become more at ease in their environment.

Even while many cats like walking on leashes and harnesses, they likely won’t want to travel the whole distance—or even most of it, let’s face it. You will want a cat backpack that is comfy for both you and your feline companion! Naturally, because you’ll be doing all the effort.

1. Straps that can be adjusted

You want a cat backpack with adjustable shoulder and chest straps, as well as a waist strap, to guarantee the greatest fit. This will enable you to go further and longer in more comfort by distributing your cat’s weight equally.

2. Adequate Airflow

You want to make sure that there is enough air flow since you will be spending more time outdoors with this backpack. Verify that the backpack offers many ventilation options, including mesh panels, air holes along the bottom, and, if it has one, ventilation holes in the bubble window. 

Our backpacks are all well-ventilated to ensure your cat has a comfortable journey. Keep an eye on the temperature at all times, and if it’s too hot for your cat to tolerate, limit their explorations to the indoors.

3. The Safety Strap

It’s crucial to have your cat nearby, particularly when you’re trekking a new path. They won’t be traveling far if they do leap out of the backpack since all of ours include safety straps to which you can attach their leash and collar.

4. Plenty of room

Your cat won’t want to spend an hour hiking in a confined place in the bottom of a suitcase with limited room and little support. 

Allow enough space in the bag for your cat to turn around and get up, as well as to lie down and rest if they so want. Make sure your bag is comfortable and strong enough to support your cat’s weight without drooping too much. 

All sizes of cats can fit in our backpacks; some versions can even accommodate up to 25 pounds!

The Transpurrter Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier is the Best Cat Backpack for Flying.

With this all-in-one convertible cat carrier, flying will be a snap, and its built-in safety strap to keep it secure and in place while you’re cruising through the airport, the Transpurrter can be carried in different ways: 

1. on top of your carry-on baggage, 
2. as a backpack, with a handle on top, 
3. or with a long shoulder strap on the side 
4. or cross-body. 

This is the most adaptable carrier for putting your cat in or out and for getting to your cat fast in an emergency. It has many access points via the top, both sides and a slide-away mat insert. 

If an accident occurs, you can simply wipe the fleece mat clean and put it in the washing machine by removing the plastic insert since the slide-out insert is seamless.

How to Select a Cat Backpack by Size and Shape: A Buying Guide

You need a cat backpack that is suitable for the weight and size of your feline. They should be able to comfortably sit and observe their environment, or they should be able to lie down and cuddle. 

Make sure the cat backpack you choose can support each of your cats’ weights or both of them if you have two cats that choose to share. With our greatest weight limit of 25 pounds, we offer backpacks made to fit a wide range of body proportions!

Sturdiness

Make sure the cloth used to make your cat’s backpack is strong and long-lasting. It must be both soft enough to keep your cat comfortable and sturdy enough to prevent them from scratching through it! Every one of our backpacks is constructed from very durable and cozy materials.

Safety and Security

This is a crucial component. Here, we take the safety of your feline extremely seriously! When buying a cat backpack, make sure the material is strong, the straps and zippers are fastened, and the backpack has a leash clip so your cat’s harness leash can attach to it. 

Additionally, use common sense and avoid using your backpack in very hot or cold weather since your cat may not be able to take it!

The Bubble Window

Depending on your cat’s attitude, several of our backpacks include screen and bubble attachments! Cats like looking out of the space bubble to have a better understanding of their environment. Take a look at our bubble-filled cat backpacks here!

Material Things are important. 

For your cat’s comfort and safety, you want the best and most durable material. All of our cat backpacks are made of strong material that maintains its form, and they have very durable mesh panels that let your cat see and breathe easily.

Air Flow and Ventilation

If your cat couldn’t breathe, we wouldn’t give it to you. Really. For the best airflow, make sure your cat backpack has a lot of air holes and sturdy mesh. Your cat shouldn’t be overheated or lack enough airflow for a healthy, breathing environment. You want them to have pleasant and worry-free outdoor adventures!

Usability

Choose a cat backpack carrier that is convenient to use and carry anywhere. You don’t want too many straps or embellishments since they will make you feel heavy and burdened. For you and your cat, our backpacks provide a simple, practical, and hands-free excursion.

Coziness

Consider both your comfort and that of your kittens while selecting the ideal cat backpack carrier! If you want to go on lengthy walks or excursions together, you want something that will fit snugly and be lightweight. Look for a backpack that has compartments for your personal items (and cat goodies, of course), adjustable straps, and a cozy design.

Why Put Your Trust in Fairway Vegan?

Zunaira, who has loved animals since she was a little kid, has cared for guinea pigs, dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, and even pet mice founded FairwayVegan. Even though she is now an exclusive pom-mom, she still snatches the opportunity to watch her friends’ cats. Emergency care, soft tissue surgery, and nutrition are among her professional interests.