Best cat backpacks

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The Pecute backpack was a comfortable design for both our reporter and her cat.

Janelle Leeson/Business Insider

Most cat backpacks aren't cat-friendly. Bubble windows can trap heat, and interiors can be too cramped for a cat to turn around comfortably. Even more, when your cat needs you most, like when exploring new and unfamiliar places, they're on your back, where you can't easily check in or soothe them. That said, there is a time and place when a backpack beats a carrier. After testing five backpacks and speaking with experts, I found two winners — but neither is a one-size-fits-all solution.

I'm a pets reporter who has walked my cats, Atlas and Lyra, on harness and leash for seven years, and I know a backpack is non-negotiable for their safety. The right backpack can also be a great option for air travel, keeping your hands free in busy airport terminals, expanding to give your cat more space during long layovers, and stowing safely under the seat in front of you. Of the two best cat backpacks I recommend, one is my pick for hiking, while the other is better suited for flying with your cat.

A quick look at the best cat backpacks

• Pecute Cat Carrier Backpack Expandable ($42): This cat backpack is a great pick for both seasoned adventure cats and those still getting comfortable in a carrier. Its back panel extends into a roomy mesh atrium, so your cat can walk in on their own. Chest and waist straps help keep the backpack stable and protect your back on long walks or hikes.
• Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Backpack Airline Compliant Pet Carrier ($129): This cat backpack has a low, wide shape that you can easily fit under many airplane seats without rotating it or repositioning your cat. You can wear it as a backpack, carry it by its handles, or roll it along securely on top of your luggage for easier airport navigation.

Is it safe to put my cat in a backpack?

A cat backpack isn't inherently dangerous, but "safe" and "appropriate for every scenario" are two very different things. As veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers puts it: "The most important question isn't 'Which backpack is best?' but 'Why are we using a backpack in the first place, and is this actually something this individual cat enjoys or benefits from?'"

For cats who genuinely enjoy walking on a harness and leash, Julie Posluns, an animal behaviorist and founder of Cat School, considers a backpack an essential safety tool. "If you notice something in the environment that could be scary or unsafe — like an off-leash dog — you can quickly place your cat inside to keep them protected." It's also useful if your cat simply decides they're done walking, she says. But mesh panels are critical here. Posluns and Myers say acrylic "bubble" windows often leave cats feeling too exposed and can create a heat-trapping greenhouse effect.

A backpack can also be a safe, convenient option for flying. It keeps your hands free in busy terminals and fits under the seat in front of you. Their safety here relies heavily on ventilation and secure zippers, while comfort depends on your cat's temperament in unfamiliar, crowded environments, as backpacks tend to be more exposed.

Whether traveling or going for a walk, Posluns recommends training your cat to enter the backpack on their own, rather than picking them up and placing them inside. "We know that cats who cooperatively enter their carriers tend to have less stressful vet visits," she says. "Applying the same principle to walks, cats who willingly enter the backpack should be more comfortable and relaxed going out for excursions in it." A clicker, target stick, and high-reward cat treats reserved for training can help.

Outside of those specific scenarios, a traditional cat carrier or pet stroller is often a better choice. For a walk around the block, a stroller offers more stability and keeps your cat within your line of sight. At the vet clinic, a carrier's top and side openings make it easier for staff to safely remove a stressed animal or evaluate them while they remain inside the carrier. For car rides, a crash-test-rated carrier is the safest choice.

Best for hiking

Best for: Cats new to backpack training, hiking and walking with harness and leash-trained cats, budget-conscious pet parents

Skip this if: You need a carrier specifically for car rides, air travel, or vet visits

The Pecute Expandable Backpack has an expandable design that encourages cats to enter on their own. Rather than lifting or coaxing your cats through a small opening, the backpack's rear panel extends into a roomy mesh area that provides a path for them to walk into. "If you're placing your cat inside, it can set the expectation that going out for walks isn't their choice," Posluns says. She uses this backpack with her own cats and features it in her Cat School training guide. Two extra-large side doors give cats another choice for entering and exiting.

Mesh windows provide excellent ventilation and partial privacy, while a waterproof top flap adds rain protection and a cozy, den-like feel. The flap kept the interior dry when I misted the bag from above with a hose, while the three uncovered side windows still allowed plenty of airflow. Myers says that darker, den-like spaces like this can help soothe overstimulated cats. When you're not using the flap, you can roll it up and secure it with a snap.

The mesh windows and expandable section provide plenty of ventilation.

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It's comfortable to carry, even with a cat shifting around inside. Carrying a cat that moves around in their pack means your body has to work harder to stay balanced, says Dr. Leada Malek, a licensed physical therapist. The chest strap and waist belt helped keep Atlas's weight close to my body and stopped the pack from moving. The breathable shoulder padding and a ventilated mesh back panel added cushioning and kept my back cool.

It has the most safety features of any bag I tested. Every zipper locks in place, so when my 11-pound cat leans against the mesh door, I don't worry about it popping open. My cats enjoy sticking their head out of the rolled-up mesh windows while we walk. The adjustable safety tether keeps them secure in their bags while still allowing them to comfortably poke their heads out. Reflective piping provides visibility on dim morning walks and gloomy days, and a plastic ID pocket is a convenient place to put an identification tag.

The backpack holds its shape and carries your essentials without weighing you down. Unlike flimsier bags that collapse inward when a cat shifts or leans against the sides, this one holds its shape thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber and steel frame. At under 4 pounds, the backpack was light enough that I didn't mind loading up the exterior pockets with essentials. I packed a small first-aid kit, treats, and my phone with room to spare.

Cats can enter the backpack through the front panel or through a door in the expandable back portion.

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Getting your cat from the expandable mesh area to the backpack may require coaxing. Lyra loved stretching out, playing, and lounging in her bonus room. She liked it so much, however, that I had to gently nudge her into the main compartment before folding the extension for backpack mode.

This isn't the best option for long car rides, vet visits, or air travel. For car rides, a traditional carrier, especially one that's crash-test rated, is the safer choice. Traditional cat carriers are also easier to get your cat in and out of for a vet visit. For air travel, we recommend Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Backpack with a horizontal profile that fits under most airplane seats.

Best for flying

Best for: In-cabin air travel and hands-free navigation through an airport

Skip this if: Your cat is a nervous or inexperienced traveler who requires frequent monitoring or soothing, or if your cat weighs more than 13 pounds.

Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Convertible Backpack fits under most airplane seats without needing to rotate the bag — or your cat. Most cat backpacks are built vertically with enough headroom for a cat to sit upright, which usually means turning the bag on its side to fit under the airplane seat in front of you. The Monterey is wider than it is tall, so while my 11-pound cats can turn around and lie down comfortably, they can't sit fully upright. That trade-off means you can carry the bag through the terminal and down the aisle, then set it on the cabin floor without repositioning.

Wide doors make it easier to coax a cat inside. There's a door at each end of the bag, and each one unzips almost all the way around, opening a wide entrance rather than a small flap. That gives you an opening that's roughly 8.5 inches wide by 10 inches tall, which is plenty of room for my adult cats to walk in comfortably rather than squeeze through. I found the easiest approach was placing a treat just inside one door, then letting my cat walk in on their own through the other.

This carrier offers a wide opening for entry, but its height limits most cats from standing upright inside.

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It's easy to clean and store between trips. Myers says accidents can happen when traveling, as cats may vomit from motion sickness or defecate and urinate due to anxiety or fear. It's a good thing, then, that the nylon exterior wipes clean, and the plush interior padding is machine washable (though dried-on messes may require a light pre-scrub). All main loading zippers held up in my testing without jamming, and the bag folds flat for compact storage back home.

Its fit as a backpack is slightly awkward. The Monterey can be worn as a hands-free backpack, carried like a traditional shoulder carrier, lifted via its top handles, or secured to rolling luggage using the built-in sleeve. However, when I wore it on my back, it sat higher on my 5-foot-2-inch frame than a standard pack and tended to slump away from my body. It lacks chest and waist support straps, but I could tighten the shoulder straps to pull it snug against my back — however, I had to loosen them back up every time I took the pack off.

Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Convertible Backpack can be worn as a backpack and carried on the shoulder or by hand.

Janelle Leeson/Busines Insider

The carrier doesn't include a warranty, and returns come with some conditions. There's no time limit on returns, but the bag must be undamaged, unused, and free of pet dander, with its original packaging and tags attached. A restocking fee applies if the bag shows signs of use.

It's not suitable for large cats. This backpack has a 13-pound weight limit. If your cat weighs more, check out our guide to the best airline-approved cat carriers for options for cats up to 22 pounds.

What else we tested

Backpacks from Petsfit, Travel Cat, and Ibiyaya didn't make the cut.

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Petsfit Hiking Pet Carrier Backpack: I expected this backpack to be a shoo-in because I've used a Petsfit backpack for 7 years, and it's held up from short walks to a 7-mile hike. Its semi-rigid frame is so sturdy that my cats can perch on it without it collapsing, and they have plenty of room to sit fully upright, turn around, and lie down. It features top- and front-loading doors, excellent ventilation, and a generous lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Recent design updates kept it from winning. Petsfit added a thick memory foam lumbar pad that makes the pack uncomfortable to wear and prevents the bag from sitting flat against my upper back. "Having a pack that fits close to our body helps improve balance," says Dr. Joseph Hribick, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy at Lebanon Valley College. While both of my cats willingly jumped through the top opening once trained, I still prefer the Pecute's expandable atrium for teaching cats to enter and exit.

Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack: I tested this backpack because it can be used as a backpack or a traditional carrier, making it a contender for both hiking and trips to the vet. I liked the locking zippers, chest and waist straps, and interior tether, and it aced my drop, stomp, and scrape tests. But it fell short in real-world use. When I converted it to a traditional carrier for a vet visit, its sides collapsed inward instead of holding their shape. I also found the clip that holds up the mesh when it's rolled up hard to secure. My cats never retreated to the pack on their own when I left it out at home. At over $150 and with only a 20-day return policy and no warranty, it's hard to justify the price.

Ibiyaya Adventure Cat Backpack: I was initially drawn to this backpack because it features chest support straps, rollaway privacy covers for every mesh panel, and unique touches such as a removable scratch mat and treat-feeding ports. The Ibiyaya also fared well in my durability testing, as its zippers ran smoothly and its double-layered mesh resisted scrapes. The main issue was size. Ibiyaya advertises the bag as fitting cats up to 19.84 pounds, but neither of my 11-pound cats could comfortably fit inside. My cats wanted to lie down in the carrier, but without enough space, they spilled out from the door and onto the floor, half in and half out of the backpack.

What to look for in a cat backpack

The best cat backpacks keep your cat safe and calm while still being comfortable for you to carry — even with a moving cat on your back. Based on my testing and advice from a veterinarian, physical therapists, and a cat behaviorist, there are several considerations to keep in mind when choosing a backpack.

Key features

Several features directly impact a backpack's practicality, as well as the safety and comfort of you and your cat. Based on expert advice and years of personal experience using cat backpacks with my own cats, below are the key features to consider.

• Loading doors: Backpacks should feature at least one, preferably two, large entrances so your cat can comfortably walk or hop inside rather than being picked up or coaxed through a tight opening. Posluns also says that if a carrier is shorter than your cat's body length, it can be difficult to teach them how to get all four paws inside. In testing, I found that the added length provided by an expandable backpack allows a cat to walk in.
• Interior safety tether: An interior clip prevents door-dashing during rest stops. As pet safety expert Lindsey Wolko recommends, safety tethers should be connected only to a collar or harness when stopped for water or breaks, and never during active travel, as cats can become tangled. When walking with a cat outdoors and the ventilation flap is unzipped, a short tether can prevent a sudden jump.
• Pockets and storage: Exterior pockets keep essentials like treat pouches, collapsible bowls, and extra leashes easily accessible.
• Locking zippers: Locking zippers or built-in clips keep openings securely closed.
• ID tag: Built-in ID tags provide extra peace of mind for reunification if separated.
• Ease of storage: It's easier to store a backpack when it can be folded flat.

Cat comfort

One of the best cat backpacks can serve as a comfortable, safe place for your cat, given that it's designed with their needs in mind.

• Size and shape: The interior must be large enough for a cat to turn around and lie down comfortably. The frame must remain rigid under weight, with its walls not bowing inward when a cat leans against them, and the bottom must resist sagging.
• Ease of entry: Expandable fold-out sections provide a larger space for your cat to walk into, making acclimation easier. While my pick for flying doesn't feature an expandable section, it does have large doors at each end that unzip the entire panel from edge to edge, giving cats a wide, easy opening to walk through rather than a small flap to squeeze through.
• Ventilation: Look for soft mesh ventilation panels rather than rigid plastic or acrylic domes. "Those clear domes can create a greenhouse effect surprisingly quickly in sunlight or warm weather," Myers says.
• Privacy: Cats under stress tend to hide rather than sightsee, Myers says. "I find soft mesh screens strike a good balance of airflow and privacy, and I would avoid bags that leave the cat too exposed, such as those with transparent windows," Posluns says.

Human comfort

Carrying a shifting 10- to 20-pound load on your back calls for good ergonomic support. The following design elements offer comfort.

• Waist and chest straps: "The waist belt shifts a large portion of the load from the shoulders to the waist, allowing our legs to support the load, rather than our back and shoulders," says Ari Kaplan, a licensed physical therapist. The chest strap complements it. "It distributes some of the load across the chest, reducing strain on the shoulders and improving overall balance," Malek says. Both types of straps are particularly helpful when carrying uneven or shifting weight, and their importance increases as the weight carried increases. Kaplan recommends a backpack with both a waist and chest strap regardless of your cat's size, but says it becomes especially important when your cat weighs 10% or more of your body weight.
• Shoulder straps: Shoulder padding is important for comfort, but more isn't always better. "The best straps are firm, contoured, and breathable," Kaplan says. Overly cushioned, bulky straps can trap heat and reduce pack stability.
• Ventilated back panel: Hribick recommends choosing a backpack with a ventilated back panel to help keep you cool. However, it shouldn't sacrifice fit. Hribick says a pack that fits snugly against the body helps maintain balance and stability, so a bulky, overpadded panel can work against that goal. I felt this with the Petsfit: Its memory foam padding was plumper at the bottom than the top, which pushed part of the pack off my back instead of keeping it flush.

How we tested cat backpacks

Our reporter used a fork to test the durability of the mesh on each carrier.

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I researched cat backpacks based on expert recommendations and options available at major online retailers, ultimately selecting five backpacks to test. My two cats, Atlas and Lyra, each weigh around 11 pounds and have nearly 7 years of experience riding in backpacks. After passing my initial rounds of testing, I used the leading backpacks to take my cats on outdoor walks for a final round of real-world testing.

In developing my testing criteria, I leaned heavily on what I learned from testing airline-approved cat carriers, since key qualities of comfort, safety, and stress reduction overlap across all types of cat carriers.

Features: I compared each backpack against a checklist of features that affect safety and comfort, including loading doors, interior tethers, pockets, locking zippers, ID tags, ease of storage, and crash-test certification.

Durability: Before testing, I inspected each backpack for manufacturing defects like loose threads, uneven seams, or stiff zippers. I scraped a mesh section of each bag 50 times with a fork to check for damage or discoloration, then fully zipped and unzipped each entrance 50 times to check for wear. To simulate rougher handling, I placed a 10-pound dumbbell inside each bag, dropped it twice from 5 feet onto concrete, rolled it several times on the ground, and then stomped on it, noting any damage to the stitching, mesh, zippers, or shape.

Comfort for cat: I evaluated the size, structural support, ventilation, and privacy panels on each bag. Then, I left every backpack open around the house for two weeks to see whether my cats explored or rested in them on their own. For any backpack they didn't enter voluntarily, I coaxed them in with treats to assess how easily they could enter, get comfortable, and exit.

Comfort for human: I assessed the ergonomic features of each backpack, including shoulder-strap padding, waist and chest straps, and back-panel ventilation. I then loaded each backpack with a 10-pound dumbbell and took it on a 15-minute walk. In addition to wearing the bag on my back, I also tried it on my front. "If people do want to use a backpack, they may also consider wearing it at the front so they can better observe their cat," Posluns says.

Cost, warranty, and color options: I compared price, return and warranty policies, and the number of color options available for each backpack. These criteria don't affect safety but can still influence which bag is right for you.

Cat backpacks FAQs

How can I tell if my cat likes a cat backpack?

"The main gauge is how eager the cat is to stay in the backpack," Posluns says. "If your cat is happy to stay in and take treats during the training period, that's a strong sign they are comfortable in the space." As training moves outdoors, a cat who's comfortable in their backpack should still be willing to stay in the bag when the whole experience feels positive and rewarding. That said, not every cat wants to be taken outside in a backpack. "There's no evidence a cat needs a backpack lifestyle to be fulfilled," Myers says. For other types of enrichment, consider a pet stroller, a secure catio, or an indoor window perch in the sun.

Do vets recommend cat backpacks?

Myers doesn't specifically recommend backpacks for vet visits. She prefers hard-sided carriers with removable tops, which may allow staff to examine a cat without having to pull them out of the carrier. She also says traditional carriers are better suited for car travel and that outings in backpacks aren't for every cat. That said, the veterinarians and behaviorists I've spoken to agree that safe outdoor enrichment is beneficial for cats, whether that's walking on a harness and leash, access to a secure catio, or a window solarium. If your cat already enjoys walking on a leash, Posluns considers a backpack an important tool for keeping them safe during those outings.

Is a backpack or stroller better for cats?

Posluns considers a backpack an essential safety tool when walking a trained cat on a harness and leash because you can quickly pick up your cat and place them inside. A backpack can also be well-suited for air travel with your cat. I chose the Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Convertible Backpack as our top pick for flying because its horizontal, carrier-like shape slides under an airplane seat without needing to rotate the bag or reposition your cat. For walks around the block, where your cat will stay contained rather than walk on a leash, Posluns recommends a stroller instead. "I prefer a stroller over a backpack because it's more spacious and stable, and since it's in front of you, it's much easier to monitor how your cat is doing," she says. When using a stroller, bring along a blanket that smells like home. You can use it to quickly cover the stroller and allow your cat to hide if you encounter a stressor like another cat or a dog. If you do prefer a backpack for these shorter outings, she suggests wearing it on your front so you can keep an eye on your cat.

Can I bring my cat to the vet in a backpack?

Yes, but it may not be the best choice. Myers recommends taking your cat to the vet in a traditional, hard-sided carrier. Some hard-sided carriers feature a removable top, which may allow your cat to remain inside the bottom half for their exam. "Many cats panic when being physically pulled out of a carrier," Myers says. There are also soft carriers that your cat can remain inside. The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed, which we previously tested with a small dog, has high sides that allow the cat to feel hidden at the vet, even when the top is removed for an in-carrier exam. At home, it can also be used as a pet bed. In my guide to the best airline-approved cat carriers, I also recommend — and have personally used — the Sleepypod Air for vet visits. Because it unzips into a flat bed, my vet has been able to examine my cat without removing her from the carrier. The Sleepypod carriers are among only a few carriers that have been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), the leading independent authority in crash-testing and certifying pet carriers.

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