The 6 Best Cat Backpacks of 2020

These are the best cat backpacks of 2020. Don’t ever leave your little fur ball home alone again. Our team has curated a list of the best cat backpacks on the market today.

Our top picks:

5 in 1 Pet Backpack
  • All in one: Backpack+Stroller+CarSeat+Roller+Carrier

  • Pet Safe Materials
  • Easy Assembly
  • Machine Washable
  • No Meat by-products
Lollimeow
  • High Quality Pet Safe Materials

  • Well Ventilated
  • Airline Approved
  • Reversable Design (Front Carry or Backpack)
  • Waterproof and Lightweight
Pecute
  • Expandable Design

  • Well Ventilated 

  • Removable Firm Bottom
  • High Quality Oxford Cloth
  • Non-Toxic Materials, Anti Scratch
  • 2 Extra Built in Storage Pouches
PetAmi
  • Well Ventilated

  • Reinforced Structural Frame
  • Ergonomic Design
  • High Grade Materials 
  • Extra Headroom and Space
  • Comfy Sherpa Bedding
Texens
  • Well Ventilated Breathable Design

  • Removable Cozy Mat
  • Scratch Resistant
  • Ergonomic Design
  • Built in Safety Leash
Astronaut Pet 
  • High Quality Pet Materials
  • 9 Breathing Holes
  • Built in Safety Buckle
  • Scratch Resistant
  • Swappable Cover (Mesh or Bubble)
  • Ergonomic Design
5 in 1 Pet Backpack
  • All in one: Backpack+Stroller+CarSeat+Roller+Carrier

  • Pet Safe Materials
  • Easy Assembly
  • Machine Washable
  • No Meat by-products
Lollimeow
  • High Quality Pet Safe Materials

  • Well Ventilated
  • Airline Approved
  • Reversable Design (Front Carry or Backpack)
  • Waterproof and Lightweight
Pecute
  • Expandable Design

  • Well Ventilated 

  • Removable Firm Bottom
  • High Quality Oxford Cloth
  • Non-Toxic Materials, Anti Scratch
  • 2 Extra Built in Storage Pouches
PetAmi
  • Well Ventilated

  • Reinforced Structural Frame
  • Ergonomic Design
  • High Grade Materials 
  • Extra Headroom and Space
  • Comfy Sherpa Bedding
Astronaut Pet 
  • High Quality Pet Materials
  • 9 Breathing Holes
  • Built in Safety Buckle
  • Scratch Resistant
  • Swappable Cover (Mesh or Bubble)
  • Ergonomic Design
Texens
  • Well Ventilated Breathable Design

  • Removable Cozy Mat
  • Scratch Resistant
  • Ergonomic Design
  • Built in Safety Leash

 

An In-Depth Look at the Best Cat Backpacks of 2020

First and foremost, any cat backpack needs to be spacious, comfortable and well-ventilated. Not all cats are the same size, so you’ll want to make sure the backpack you are choosing is big enough with plenty of space to accommodate your cat. Keep in mind that you also don’t want your cat slip-sliding around your backpack. Anti-slip floors are, thus, a good idea so your cat has enough traction to comfortably stay in place. Other options include an internal tether or cat harness that can also be useful.

If more than one person in your household will be using the cat backpack, go over these questions with them. It’s like any other investment: the more thought and research you put into its purchase, the more likely it is that you’ll find a backpack that’s suitable for you and your pet. Before buying a cat backpack, know what you need. Ask yourself some basic questions such as:

  • What will I use this backpack for?
  • Where will I take it?
  • How often will I use it?
  • Who else in my household will use it?
  • Which cat will I put in this backpack?

Important Features and What to look for

Good cat backpack-style carriers are flexible in their application and can be used in different settings and for varying purposes. Here’s what to look for:

Durability

Cats are not easy on their carriers! The best backpacks are made from pet-proof plastic and durable mesh that can’t be chewed or clawed through. Cats can use their claws and teeth relentlessly, and some of them will do damage to their carriers. The stronger your cat backpack, the longer it will last. 

Extra Pockets

Use your cat backpack to hold a collar, leash, treats, medicine, toys or even personal items of your own. Extra pockets enable you to move around without carrying a purse or another bag that might get in the way. If you need to carry around many things even for small trips (you know who you are), prioritize pockets to make your life easier. 

Scratch Resistance

Cats can do a lot of damage in a short stretch of time, especially cats who are extra energetic or naturally nervous. If your cat has claws, they could even compromise the security and safety of your cat backpack, if the backpack itself is not made from a material that can withstand scratches. 

Scratch resistance is critical. For best results, look for carriers that have passed an Environmental Stress-Cracking Resistance (ESCR) test, and SGS quality test. 

Pet Comfort

How much time will your cat spend in its carrier? Look for a backpack with a roomy interior and breathable walls that provide a view while you’re on the go. Pet comfort comes down to many factors including:

  • Air flow for temperature control
  • Proper size to prevent your cat from feeling cramped
  • Windows for visibility

Ergonomic Design

It’s not enough for your cat to be comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, then it’s not a good product. Look for a cat backpack with ergonomic design. This is especially important in a hiking cat backpack, which must be worn for hours at a time over rugged terrain. Padded shoulder straps combined with a lightweight cat carrier keeps you comfortable throughout the journey. 

Pet Safe Materials

Of course your cat carrier must be made from pet safe materials that your cat can’t chew through. More importantly, your cat should be protected from toxic chemical fumes. Look for a carrier that your cat can spend several hours inside without worry of exposure to harmful synthetic materials. 

Water Resistance

Whether you’re on the go around town or hiking on a trail, rain can happen at any time. Protect your cat from rainfall with a water-resistant carrier. 

Quality Craftsmanship

Quality craftsmanship makes for a durable product that can last years. To determine which carriers are well-made, watch for quality assurance tests. 

Hiking with Your Cat Carrier? What to Prioritize

If you enjoy a good hike with your pet, prioritize these characteristics:

  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic design
  • Air holes and air flow
  • Water resistance

Our Top Picks:

5 in 1 Cat Backpack:

The Ibiyaya is the ultimate pet carrier, backpack, car seat, pet stroller and wheeling carrier, all in one. No matter where you go with your pet, the Ibiyaya 5 in 1 has the functionality to be your go-to product in nearly all circumstances. 

cat in a bag

This cat backpack isn’t just a cat backpack! With 5 different configurations, this pet backpack is perfect for use in the veterinarian’s office, on city streets and in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Roll your cat through the airport, strap her into your car and take your cat on long trips or short journeys just down the street with this ultimate cat carrier. 

It’s designed to be compact and collapsible so you can stash it in your hall closet or the trunk of your car. The side pocket is extra large and can easily hold your personal items as well as any cat items that you’ve brought with you. The stroller comes with a snack tray and dual cup holders for your coffee, granola bar and pet treats. It’s perfect for long outings and even extensive travel. 

Other features we like:

  • The carrier fits easily on the stroller and can be turned backwards on the stroller, so you can view your cat

  • Two very small animals (10 pounds or less) can fit inside, or one slightly larger pet

  • The carrier is small enough to fit under the seats of some air planes, if you’re flying with your cat (call the airline in advance to check the dimensions)

  • Although it doesn’t come fully assembled, assembly is easy and instructions are provided

Ibiyaya is a well-respected brand that makes quality products, so there’s a lot to love.

This carrier does so much that it might offer more functionality than you really need. If you rarely take your cat anywhere, or if you’re not a fan of pet strollers, then you’re paying for some features you may never use. This cat backpack, carrier, stroller and car seat all in one provides excellent value. You’d have to spend 5 times as much buying these pieces individually if you couldn’t find them all in one product, as they’re featured here.

 

PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

For a nice, comfortable trip, you can treat yourself and your feline “Bel Ami” with this PetAmi cat backpack. It features a sleek exterior and comes in many colors with a nice heather finish and mesh windows. This latter feature can be great for those looking for streamlined cat windows that provide good insulation without sticking out the way that a bubble window does.

The cat backpack itself is made from 600D high-grade polyester, is reinforced to prevent collapsing, and is, thus, highly durable. While all of the cat backpacks on this list are sturdy, many are made from plastic, so the fact that PetAmi’s model is able to achieve that high-level durability with soft yet sturdily woven polyester is impressive. 

The interior of the cat backpack features sherpa-lined bedding allowing for a non-slip surface for your cat. A zipper beside the mesh window makes it all the easier for your cat to enter and exit the backpack while improving airflow.

One common issue with cat backpacks is the burden it can place on the carrier. A heavy backpack can leave you with a sore back and shoulders – and that’s without having to carry a cat. Thankfully, this cat backpack offers chest straps as well as waist straps to help secure the backpack in place and reduce the mechanical load on your back allowing for a much more comfortable outing. A front zippered pouch and side pockets allow you to easily store pet supplies such as a collapsible cat bowl, cat food, your own personal items, and an added safety strap prevents your cat from darting off.

At 12.5 x 10.2 x 16.3, this cat backpack is big enough to handle most small to medium-size cats. 

Lemonda Portable Pet Travel Carrier

Here we have a perfect stylish example of bubble-shaped windows at work. This cat backpack is certainly eye-catching with its featured bubble window paired with the capsule design, as opposed to the more subdued PetAmi style. You can choose from several different colors, allowing you to select the color scheme that’s perfect for you and your little cat-stronaut.

Moreover, the space capsule backpack design is for more than just showing off your cat. It also does a great job of distributing the weight. This capsule cat backpack measures 12.6 x 11.5 x 16.5 and can carry up to 14 pounds.

Another great thing about this cat backpack’s construction is the fact that the plastic does indeed make it highly durable, letting you take your cat on high-intensity trips. For example, you can have your cat enjoy walking, hiking, biking or other outdoor activities beside you without fear of the bag tearing. You don’t want your cat “ejecting” from the space capsule mid-trip, which is why it boasts a built-in security lock system to make sure your cat stays safely in place. This capsule cat backpack features several small ventilation holes along the side.

Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack

While the Lemonda space capsule-style cat backpack may be up to the task of daily outings, this one from Pecute is specially designed for travel purposes. If you’re a cat owner on the go and plan on taking your feline friend with you on a regular basis, this cat backpack’s blend of style and comfort for you and your cat alike makes it an ideal choice.

Where the previous cat carrier utilizes large bubble-shaped plastic windows with ventilation holes, this is a perfect example of a cat backpack with a mesh window design. This ensures that your cat is kept nice and cool throughout the trip while ensuring they have lots of fresh air. What really makes it a travel-friendly cat backpack, however, is its expandable feature. You can open up the walls to give your cat a more luxurious space to relax with mesh sides that won’t obstruct their view. The expansion area and four ventilation holes, help to increase air circulation and breathability. You can even use a zipper to partially pull down the mesh and let your cat pop their head out for some sunlight or for you to give them a kiss. Conversely, this backpack also comes with a cover to provide your cat with sometimes much-needed shade.

Adding to the comfort on your end, this cat backpack is on the wider side, which helps distribute the weight. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable to help ease the load. On the flip side, the bottom mat is double-sided, with one side being luxuriously soft and plush, and the other being smoother and cooler. No matter what the weather throws at you, you can rest assured that your cat will have a comfortable ride.

This cat backpack itself is made from high-quality oxford cloth which is scratch proof, waterproof, and made from environmentally-friendly non-toxic materials. There are two side pouches, one on either side, that can be used to store everything from water bottles to cat supplies to your own possessions for a great day out.

Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack Pet Carrier

This is another example of a cat backpack that features a mesh window. It is unique where the window wraps around the whole backpack, enabling your cat to enjoy a 360 degree view. If you have a cat that doesn’t do well in small spaces then this is the backpack for the both of you. Three sides of the bag feature PVC meshing, ensuring your cat gets lots of fresh air and reduces the stress and anxiety related to claustrophobia. You could say this backpack comes equipped with a cat lounge area! The backpack measures 16.5 x 15.2 x 11.4 and can hold up to 17 pounds. Being airline approved, this cat backpack provides versatility. Even if your cat is Garfield-sized, this cat backpack can carry them with ease; especially with the chest buckles and shoulder straps designed to lessen the burden on you while also helping to ensure your cat isn’t tossed and jostled around. Another distinctive feature is that this cat backpack can be easily folded and conveniently stored. 

Adding to the list of benefits, this cat backpack is also scratch proof and quite durable. That’s especially true for the bottom of the bag, which can help guard against it getting holes or wearing out over time.

For added convenience, there is a hook that attaches to your cat leash. This can be useful if you want to set the bag down for a while to take a break or talk with friends. Simply attach your cat leash to the hook and leave the flap open so your cat can roam about safely or retreat back into the comfort of the backpack if they wish.

Giantex Astronaut Pet Carrier Travel Bag Space Capsule

Sci-fi fans are sure to appreciate the creative space capsule design of this cat backpack. While other cat backpacks also make use of a “space capsule” design, the Giantex is the most overt with it from a marketing and stylistic point of view. The design of this cat backpack is made to closely resemble an astronaut helmet by way of the bubble window. 

The plastic window features nine large ventilation holes so as to ensure your cat has more than enough fresh air for breathing and keeping as cool as possible. A removable invisible mesh can be fitted behind the bubble screen. The capsule measures a comfortable yet compact 15.7 x 11.8 x 11, and the plastic is more than strong enough to stand up to your cat’s claws.

The interior oxford cloth is food-safe, so you can give your cat treats without worrying about them becoming contaminated. In terms of comfort, this cat backpack can handle roughly 15 pounds and addresses the problem of heat building up around your back while carrying it by making the mesh more breathable. All in all, the Giantex is a fun way for your cat to travel on their next expedition.

If traveling by air, always double check with your specific airline to ensure that your cat backpack is airline approved before heading out as there are slight variances. Planning an adventure big or small, the cat backpacks reviewed above have you covered. Whether you are looking for a plastic space capsule backpack or one with a more traditional oxford fabric design, these cat backpacks all offer a comfortable, spacious, cat-friendly experience, making them great choices in their own ways for cat owners on the go. All that’s left, is for you to define the style that is right for you.!

 

 

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