The best cat backpacks of 2025, tried and tested

CNN

2 days ago

The best cat backpacks we tested
Best cat backpack: Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack
Best budget cat backpack: Pecute Cat Carrier Backpack The best cat backpacks are absolute game changers, just like the best self-cleaning litter boxes. Speaking as a mom of three adorable but very stubborn felines that detest traditional carriers, they truly make my life easier.
Being backpacks, they let us take our cats to places hands-free and offer them a more stimulating experience. That's more advantageous than it sounds. If you live in a city where taking public transportation is more convenient than driving everywhere, for example, using a cat backpack is highly beneficial. If you're multitasking and carrying several things, having your precious cat close to you but out of your way at the same time makes your day run smoothly. And if you've got an adventurous kitty, it's much easier to carry them in a backpack when you're tackling uphills.
It's this life-changing aspect of cat backpacks that makes me want to share them with my fellow cat (and small dog) parents. With the help of my big 15-pound cat Arrow, I tested six of the highest-rated models on the market. After hiking, running errands and taking dreaded trips to the vet with each one, Arrow and I agreed these two are the best.
Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack
Spacious, robust and feature-rich, there's no doubt this model from Travel Cat is the best cat backpack for adventurous and unadventurous cats alike. Arrow loves it, and so do I.
Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack
It's a little hard to believe this Arrow-approved model is as cheap as it is, considering how spacious and well made it is. Arrow specifically loved its expandable feature, while I love that its zipper pull tabs have a built-in carabiner to minimize the chances of escape. It only took one outing with the Travel Cat Navigator for Arrow and I to decide it was the best cat backpack of the bunch. It's hard not to love it at first use, as it's beautifully crafted with an appealing yet functional shape, and it features four large mesh windows that make it airy and breathable inside. You can rest assured your fur baby won't overheat in there, even on the hottest days.
The interior is tall with a spacious bottom — and by that, I mean spacious enough for a 15-pound cat like Arrow to feel comfortable. Out of all the backpacks he and I tested, this is the only one where he immediately settled down and curled in. That might also be because, in addition to the padded bottom, an extra pad can be installed for added comfort — not that you need it, since one pad is enough to keep the bottom from sagging, even with Arrow weighing it down.
That's not the only extra frill you'll find on the 25-pound-capacity Travel Cat Navigator. This is one of the most feature-rich models I tested. Beyond its big side pocket and two mesh water bottle pockets, there's a massive internal pocket (for a tablet, perhaps, to help you pass the time while waiting at the vet's office), a clip to which you can tether your kitty's collar, a big front mesh window you can unzip and roll up, and two adjustable straps inside to cinch the backpack if you have a smaller pet inside.
My favorite features here, however, are the zippers whose pull tabs can be buckled together to keep your cats from pulling a Houdini. My other cat Isla, who is a little escape artist, taught herself how to unzip her carrier, so those buckles are incredibly valuable.
It doesn't just prioritize your kitty's comfort, however; it takes care of yours as well. This backpack sits well on my back, with its padded back panel and thick, generously padded straps that can be adjusted to sit higher on my back to provide more leverage. Unlike some of its rivals, its bottom back edge doesn't dig into my lower back, which means I can carry it for hours without issue.
Honestly, I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't get the Travel Cat Navigator cat backpack for your kitty, except perhaps if you're seeking one with an extension, in which case you should check out my budget pick below. Otherwise, this is the best cat backpack out there. Yes, it's over $100, but considering it feels robust enough to last a while, you're better off getting this one rather than a cheaper one you'll just have to replace later.
I was unprepared for how much I'd end up liking the Pecute Cat Carrier Backpack, especially since most of its rivals are more than twice its price. If you go by looks alone, you might think this is a basic cat backpack. I get it; I've been there. Truth be told, this was the very last backpack I tested because its simple, no-nonsense design lacking any fancy frills made it the least interesting to me.
But give it a chance and you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's just as spacious and feature-rich as my top pick, and its bottom pad is thick and wrapped in velvety fabric, which is not only soft to the touch but also cat-friendly. Just like the Travel Cat Navigator (though not as airy), it has mesh windows at the top and front, both of which are zippered, as well as several pockets for storage, including one with a cable passthrough for easy phone charging.
Similarly, my favorite features here are the carabiner-flaunting zipper pull tabs, which allow you to tether each pair of pull tabs to each other to prevent any wily escape attempts. It's very similar to what the Travel Cat Navigator has, except somehow more sophisticated and more robust, not to mention the most unexpected feature to find in a budget cat backpack.
But wait, there's more. Unlike my top pick, it comes with a hip belt, which helps redistribute your fur baby's weight, as well as a back panel that unzips and unfolds into a very spacious mesh annex. This affords your cat a bit more space (and a better view) when you're at the vet's office, at an airport or on a plane.
The latter is an incredibly considerate feature to throw in, as most animals don't enjoy being caged, yet it's not all that common with cat backpacks, which is surprising since it doesn't add that much bulk — and, as Pecute has proven, won't cost manufacturers as much to add. The only other model in my testing pool that boasts this feature is the pricier Pidan Expandable Cat Backpack, which doesn't do as elegant a job implementing the idea.
The Pecute Cat Carrier Backpack's build quality is the most obvious sign of its low cost. It doesn't feel flimsy, but it also doesn't feel as robust as the winner, and its XL version tops out at 24 pounds in terms of load capacity. Still, it seems sturdy enough to give you a few good years without issue. At least, it was robust enough not to sag with Arrow inside, and believe me, he is neither small nor lightweight.
If I were to nitpick, I would redesign the backpack straps to have more padding and adjustability. In its current iteration, this backpack doesn't go as high on my back as I would have liked, so its bottom back edge sits on my lower back. Combine that with its thinly padded straps, and it's not the most comfortable thing to carry on your back.
Still, for a $50 cat backpack, you're getting a whole lot of bang for your buck, and if you're looking for a budget option, this is the one to get.
Going through several cat carriers over the years has helped me test and assess cat backpacks. I started by evaluating those backpacks as I would regular carriers, using them to take my cats to the vet, then noting the differences in my experience with both.
Naturally, since cat backpacks have their advantages over carriers in certain scenarios, I went out of my way to test them in those scenarios as well, like hiking with Arrow or just taking him on short walks around my neighborhood. (Arrow's the only cat in our clowder who's receptive to such activities. The other two would scream bloody murder until I took them home.)
I did these tests over several weeks on some of the highest-rated cat backpacks I could get my hands on. In total, I tested six, each of which I evaluated based on the following criteria.
Performance
Space and capacity: Most cats might find small spaces cozy, but they still need enough space to lie down comfortably, so space was one of my top priorities during assessment. Also, I checked each cat backpack's maximum load capacity to ensure it could carry big cats without issue.
Breathability: Especially when it's too hot outside, you want to make sure a cat backpack offers enough airflow for your kitty to breathe and not overheat. Cats love warm places, but you also don't want to keep them in oppressive conditions. Some cat backpacks have mesh windows, others have air slits and some have a combination of both.
Safety: Unless you have an adventurous cat that can be comfortable in unfamiliar places, you want to make sure the cat backpack you're using comes with safety measures that prevent their escape.
Comfort: A cat backpack not only has to be comfortable for your kitty but also comfortable for you to wear on your back. Imagine those straps digging into your skin or the bottom edge bruising your lower back during a long day of layovers.
Design
Build quality: A cat backpack doesn't have to be robust enough to withstand everyday wear and tear but should provide a few solid years of use. More importantly, it has to be sturdy enough to carry your cat without sagging at the bottom and not fall apart after a few scratches and bites, especially if you have a heavy kitty or a scratcher (or both).
Portability and storage: Because a cat adds weight to a cat backpack, it's good to have a relatively lightweight one. It also helps if its straps are supportive and kind to your shoulders. In addition, a cat backpack that's collapsible for easy storage gets extra points. I usually have mine out in the open and within easy access of my cats so they can get used to them and not freak out when it's time to go to the vet, but some cat parents prefer to put them away.
Extra features: Features such as pockets for storage, a leash or harness clip, a rain flap, a mesh extension and more are always nice to have.
Cleaning: On our last trip to the vet, my cat Bow had an accident and sprayed all over the cat backpack he was in. I hate cleaning cat carriers, so having a model that's easy to clean — I like the soap and hose-down approach with minimal scrubbing — is a plus.
Value
Price: Accounting for all the aforementioned criteria, I compared each cat backpack's overall performance during testing to its price as well as to the price of the competition to gauge if it's a better value.
As with any other product, choosing a cat backpack depends on your (and, of course, your cat's) personal preferences and needs. So, in addition to my testing criteria above, consider the following metrics before committing to a cat backpack.
Type of cat backpack: There are different types of cat backpacks, the most common of which are bubble and soft-sided with mesh windows. However, there are expandable models and models made for hiking as well. Before you hit buy, make sure you've done your research on the different types so you know which one is most ideal for your needs.
Size and capacity: I know I've included this in my testing criteria, but it's also highly variable. If you have an adult cat or a pet that's on the small and light side of the spectrum, a massive cat backpack might not serve you and your fur baby as well as a more compact one. On the other hand, if your pet is large and heavy, you'll need a backpack that can accommodate it.
Removable mat: Because accidents are highly likely, consider choosing a cat backpack with a removable mat. This way, it's easier to clean the bottom and get to the harder-to-reach crevices and corners.
Leash clip: Unless you fully trust your cat not to pull a Houdini, jump out and run away when you have one of the zippered flaps wide open, you'll want a cat backpack with a leash clip so you can tether your kitty to it, ensuring their safety. Not all cat backpacks have a leash clip.
Pidan Expandable Cat Backpack
There are some things about the Pidan Expandable Cat Backpack I love. First, it's very spacious and breathable inside, thanks in part to its two mesh windows and large mesh roof. I also appreciate its extendable mesh compartment (which has its own back door), its top rollable privacy-slash-rain flap and its included foldable litter box, which comes in handy on long trips. After all, you never know how long that vet visit will take. Selfishly, I also appreciate its sturdy, padded backpack straps, as they don't dig into my skin and can be adjusted high enough for leverage and comfort. Its design is attractive as well, so much so that at least a couple of other cat parents at the vet asked me where I got it from.
There's room for improvement here. When folded, the extendable compartment doesn't quite sit flat in the main compartment, taking up about an inch and a half of space. The transparent plastic window doesn't feel very robust either. The max load capacity is only 16 pounds. And finally, unless you have the included litter box tucked in the bottom pocket to moonlight as padding, the bottom isn't padded enough to minimize sink.
Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack
The Roverlund Ready-For-Adventure Pet Backpack is made of sturdier materials than the other cat backpacks in my testing pool, including my top pick. It has thick walls, water-resistant lining and a thick leash clip and handle. It also has robust back and bottom pads, both of which are removable if your pet doesn't need the extra protection and you don't want the added bulk. This pack is very clearly built for adventure, as its name suggests, and to ensure your pet isn't overheating inside while you're on a wilderness trek, it has two big zippered mesh windows on each side as well as a zippered mesh top panel. Unzip those, and your fur baby can stick their head out and enjoy some fresh mountain air.
Unfortunately, for something made for adventure and boasting a 25-pound capacity, it feels bulky and, ironically, tight in the main compartment. If you have a cat that likes small, dark spaces, they may take to this cat backpack; otherwise, there are more spacious options for your feline.
Fat Cat Backpack Carrier
The Fat Cat Backpack Carrier is, in my opinion, the most adorable cat backpack of the bunch. Beyond its good looks, it's spacious and has a few good features as well, namely the two decently sized mesh pockets on its sides, a rollable top and a leash clip. What sets this pack apart from the rest is that it blends the best elements of the two most common cat backpack types. It's what I would recommend if you want a bubble type but don't necessarily trust that it has enough airflow inside. Because its front panel is swappable, you can replace the preinstalled mesh plastic with the included transparent dome window, which allows your kitty to stick its tiny face out and enjoy the scenery. Meanwhile, the side mesh windows and mesh top, along with the air holes on the dome and front panel, provide ample airflow.
The thing I don't like about it, however, is that its bottom edge sits directly on my hip bone, regardless of its straps' length. This might not matter if you have a longer torso, but if you have a similar body structure to mine and have a heavier passenger in the pack, you may feel it digging into your hip, which is not ideal.
Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier
I can't confirm if it was Taylor Swift who popularized the bubble cat backpack. All I know is I've wanted one since I saw her using it during one of her tours a few years back, so I'm sad to say the novelty has already worn off. I appreciate the bubble type's hard-shell approach. There are benefits to it, including added protection and more structure. However, as appealing as the Petkit Cat Backpack Carrier is, its design is plagued with potential complications. For example, it has several vents as well as two small mesh windows on the side, but it doesn't feel breathable in there. Petkit must have realized this, because the brand included a small fan. Unfortunately, the fan isn't strong enough, makes a bit of noise that might startle an already stressed-out cat and doesn't come with a built-in battery.
Meanwhile, the main compartment is not only tight but also hard to manage when you're trying to put an unwilling cat inside. If you've ever handled a kitty that will scratch, bite and claw its way out of being placed in a carrier, you know the way this backpack is designed to open and close is not conducive to that scenario. The backpack straps also need more padding and adjustability so the backpack won't sit too low on your back.
I really want to like this cat backpack, and if you've read my self-cleaning litter box guide, you know I'm a fan of Petkit, but sadly I feel like it needs to go back to the drawing board with this one.
Are cat backpacks safe for cats?
Are cat backpacks safe for cats?
Absolutely. Many cat owners use a cat backpack for trips to the vet, hikes and even cross-country road trips. When choosing a cat backpack, make sure it's spacious enough for your kitty.
Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight?
Can you bring a cat backpack onto a flight?
Airlines typically require a pet carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. As long as a cat backpack meets that requirement, you should be able to bring it on board just like a regular carrier. Before your flight, however, make sure to double-check your airline's specific pet carrier requirements to ensure you're meeting them.
When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier?
When is it better to use a cat backpack over a cat carrier?
That largely depends on your preference as well as your cat's needs and comfort level. Some say cat backpacks are better for short trips, while carriers are ideal for longer trips since they're bigger, but I've used small carriers and tested expandable cat backpacks, so that's not a hard-and-fast rule.
The one situation where a hard-shell carrier is most ideal is if you have to check your pet. However, checking a pet means they'll end up in the cargo hold, which is risky. Unless you absolutely must, I would avoid this scenario.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we test each product accurately and only recommend the best products while considering the pros and cons of each item.
Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering pet gear and writing pet product reviews. She's written several pet-specific guides, including the best automatic cat feeders and the best pet water fountains. She's a devoted cat mom to Arrow, Bow and Isla.