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Best Travel Backpacks for Cats 2024
Written by Adam Lee-Smith
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 08/29/2024, edited: 08/29/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Cat travel backpacks are a practical and stylish alternative to traditional cat carriers. If you have trouble hauling your hefty housecat or find cat crates cumbersome, simply throw on your cat travel backpack instead, and you're ready to hit the road.
Cat travel backpacks are becoming steadily popular, and there are countless options on the market — but which are the best backpacks for cats?
We've rounded up five of the best cat travel backpacks in various styles to help you pick the perfect backpack for transporting your purring pal.
Overview
Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Cat & Dog Carrier Backpack
The Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Cat & Dog Carrier Backpack is among the best multi-purpose travel backpacks for cats. Strap your cat to your back or roll to your goal thanks to this backpack's adjustable straps, rollers, and extendable handle.
One of the highlights of this product is its practicality — it meets most U.S. airline requirements and features a car strap for road-tripping with your tiny tiger. Breathable mesh openings ensure your cat stays cool, and there's plenty of storage space for your fur-baby's favorite toys and accessories!
Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Cat Backpack
Why Wag! loves the Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Backpack
- Features backpack straps and rollers with an extendable handle
- Meets most airline requirements
- Keeps your cat cool with three sturdy mesh windows
- Can carry up to 20 lbs
- Plenty of built-in storage space
Considerations & concerns
- On the pricey side
- Sizing is on the small side for larger cats
What pet parents say about the Gen7Pets Geometric Roller Cat & Dog Carrier Backpack
"It's nice and roomy and will be great to roll my 13 pound Siamese boy arrow down rather than strain my back by carting him!"
"I wasn't going to get this carrier based on a handful of negative reviews. Since the carrier was on sale, I decided to purchase it. It's very roomy for my plus sized cat and it's sturdy. Matilda tried to bite and claw through the mesh and it held up to her assault. I love the long handle and the wheels function perfectly. This carrier makes getting on NYC public transportation sooooo much easier."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Gen7Pets.
INSTACHEW Trekpod App Enabled Cat Carrier
The INSTACHEW Trekpod App Enabled Cat Carrier is a futuristic backpack for your feline friend. Download the Instachew Infinity app to monitor and control this backpack's internal temperature using two fans to help your fur-baby feel fresh in summer.
But what if your phone runs out of battery? Don't sweat it — this cat backpack doubles as a charging port!
Everything about this backpack is designed to help keep your cat cool — a tinted window helps protect your cat from the sun, and mesh side windows improve breathability. It's "purrfect" if you live in a scorching state like Arizona or Texas.
- Available colors: white, black
INSTACHEW Trekpod App Enabled Cat Carrier
Why Wag! loves INSTACHEW Trekpod App Enabled Cat Carrier
- App allows you to monitor and adjust the backpack's internal temperature
- Tinted window for extra sun protection
- Sturdy wooden frame construction
- Built-in power bank doubles as a phone charger
Considerations & concerns
- Not suitable for airplane travel
- Power bank needs regular charging
What pet parents say about the INSTACHEW Trekpod App Enabled Cat Carrier
"This carrier is strong and the cats enjoy the large window. There are mesh and ventilation windows for airflow and if you attach a battery pack, your cat can get even more. The pack itself is not heavy, which I appreciate! I got it in white, to not attract heat while we use this in the warmer months. Overall, really happy with the performance of our new backpack!"
"I spent a long time reading reviews of pet carriers for cats before deciding on this one. I like how structured it is and the amount of venting. I do not worry about my cat lacking fresh air. She fits in it very comfortably. The pet carrier itself seems well constructed. it is perfect for walks, outings/hikes and even vet trips!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright INSTACHEW.
MidWest Day Tripper Dog & Cat Backpack
MidWest Day Tripper Dog & Cat Backpack is a classic cat backpack. It's super lightweight, making it perfect for hiking adventures. Plus, it meets most airline regulations, so you can take to the skies with your purring pal.
One of the best unique features of this cat carrier backpack is an interior leash hook, so you can open it without your feline friend making an immediate escape. Plus, breathability isn't an issue thanks to this product's numerous mesh windows and lightweight fabric.
- Available colors: green, blue, gray
MidWest Day Tripper Dog & Cat Backpack
Why Wag! loves MidWest Day Tripper Dog & Cat Backpack
- Lightweight design with mesh windows
- Cushioned strap for comfortable carry
- Interior leash hook helps prevent pets from escaping
- Meets most airline requirements
Considerations & concerns
- Recommended for pets weighing up to 10 lbs
- On the pricey side though frequently on offer
What pet parents say about MidWest Day Tripper Dog & Cat Backpack
"This is a well built and sturdy backpack. Our kitten is 11 lb and fits comfortably in it. Only a couple of flaws - lack of a chest strap, and the internal hook strap location. The strap is sewn into the bottom right which causes it to entangle our kitten as he turns around. A better location for it would have been in the middle top or middle bottom."
"I have used it a few times with my 8lb cat! So far so good. He likes to go in there and lay down even if we are not going anywhere. it is spacious and does not collapse. However, I imagine that a 10lb animal is about the maximum you would want to put in this backpack. Any more weight and it would be too heavy and/or too small for the animal."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright MidWest Homes for Pets.
Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack
The durable and roomy Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack can be used as a backpack or standard cat carrier, making it ideal for all situations.
Thanks to its internal leash and waist-fastening safety buckle, you won't have to worry about your fur-baby escaping or the backpack slipping off your shoulders.
Airline-approved and with plenty of strap padding, this bag makes transporting your purring pal through busy airports a breeze.
- Available colors: smoke gray, dark blue
Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack
Why Wag! loves the Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack
- Several openings for easy loading and unloading of your fur-baby
- Extra back and strap padding for comfort while carrying
- Airline approved
- Affordable
Considerations & concerns
- Suitable for pets weighing up to 16 lbs
- Some pet parents commented that the bottom zipper opened too easily
What pet parents say about the Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack
"I love this so much! AND our cat (11 lbs. and lanky- plenty of room for him)likes it, too. I got him used to it by leaving it out with the mesh part rolled up so he could sit in it whenever he wants, and now he can come on walks with us when the weather is nice! I like that it opens from the front and the top, and with the straps, you can buckle it into the car if needed."
"This is a solid, quality backpack that makes it much easier for me to take my adventurous cat out and about with me. it is surprisingly comfortable, and folds up nice and flat for storage."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Jespet Inc.
Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack
Check out the Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack if you're searching for a chic cat travel backpack. Available in a stylish brown leather finish, this cat travel backpack features two mesh screens and a plastic bubble viewing window so your curious kitten can stare at strangers.
One of this product's best features is its removable, machine-washable liner in case your cat has an accident in transit. Lockable zippers make it tougher for skittish kitties to escape.
Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack
Why Wag! loves the Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack
- Fashionable faux brown leather design
- Lockable zippers improve security
- Mesh sides and breathing hole keep the interior cool
Meets some airline requirements
Considerations & concerns
- Not designed for long-distance air travel
- Skittish cats can damage the mesh sides and zippers
What pet parents say about the Sherpa Bubble Cat Carrier Backpack
"My cat is still getting used to it but she does like it - she just doesn’t like to leave the house in it:) I like it cos it is the best looking cat carrier and comfortable. She had a little accident her first time out but spot cleaning with Dawn and warm water cleaned it up nicely and got the smell out. All in all, a lovely, stylish & practical carrier."
"I bought this 2 weeks ago and my Sphynx loves it. He adjusted to it very quickly. I trust this backpack enough that he will be flying in it next month."
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Petco. Copyright PetWise, Inc.
FAQ
Are cat backpacks safe for cats?
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