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Cat backpacks

Little things. Happy cats.

38 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.

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All cat backpacks

Little essentials. Lots of love.

38 products

A little guidance

Help choosing cat backpacks

Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.

From our guides

Shop cat backpacks and backpack carriers: bubble window backpacks, expandable mesh backpacks that open into a bigger rest area, hard-shell backpacks, quilted and canvas styles, front-carry packs, and rolling backpacks with wheels and a handle. This page is for owners taking a cat to the vet, traveling, or giving an indoor cat supervised time outside. Below is how to size one, which style suits which trip, and how to make a nervous cat comfortable inside.

Bubble, mesh or hard-shell

Bubble backpacks have a clear dome window, so a curious cat can watch the world go by. They suit confident cats and short outings, but in sun the dome can heat up quickly, so pick one with plenty of side vents and keep it in the shade.

Mesh backpacks breathe well and let in more air, and the expandable styles here unzip a side panel to give your cat room to stretch out during a rest stop. Hard-shell backpacks keep their shape, protect your cat from bumps in a crowd and wipe clean easily.

Sizing a cat backpack

Your cat should be able to sit up, turn around and lie curled up inside. Measure your cat from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head when sitting, then compare those with the inside dimensions, not the outside ones.

Check the weight rating as well, and remember you will be carrying the backpack plus your cat. Most adult cats weigh 8 to 12 pounds, while a large Maine Coon can be much heavier. For big cats, look for the large and expandable models, or a rolling backpack so you are not carrying it all.

Backpack, front-pack or rolling carrier

Standard backpacks free your hands and spread the weight across both shoulders, which is why they are popular for walks, hikes and city trips. A padded back panel and a chest strap make a real difference on longer outings.

Front-carry packs keep your cat close to you, which calms some anxious cats. Rolling backpacks have wheels and a telescopic handle, and most also convert to shoulder straps. They are a good choice for airports, long hallways and vet trips with heavier cats.

Safety inside the backpack

Most backpacks have an internal safety tether. Clip it to a harness rather than a collar, so a startled cat cannot pull free or choke. Check that zippers lock or can be clipped closed, since some cats learn to nose them open.

Never leave a cat in a backpack in a parked car or in direct sun. On warm days, watch for panting, which in a cat is a sign of overheating and a reason to stop, open the vents and cool down. Carry water for longer trips.

Getting your cat used to it

Leave the backpack open at home for a few days with a familiar blanket and some treats inside, so it becomes another hiding spot rather than the thing that means a vet trip. Feed a meal next to it, then inside it.

When your cat steps in on its own, close it for a minute, then open it and reward. Build up to short walks around the house, then outside. A calm cat in a backpack is the goal, and pushing the timeline usually sets it back.

Are cat backpacks safe for cats?

Yes, when the backpack is the right size, well ventilated and kept out of direct sun. Clip the internal tether to a harness, check the zippers, and watch for panting on warm days.

What size cat backpack do I need?

Your cat should be able to sit up, turn around and lie curled inside. Compare your cat's length and sitting height with the inside dimensions, and check the weight rating covers your cat.

Do cat bubble backpacks get too hot?

The clear dome can heat up in direct sun. Choose a bubble backpack with several air vents, keep it shaded, and use a mesh backpack instead for long trips in warm weather.

Can I use a cat backpack for a large cat?

Yes, choose a large or expandable model rated for your cat's weight. For heavy cats, a rolling backpack with wheels takes the load off your shoulders on longer trips.

Can I take a cat backpack on a plane?

Some backpack carriers meet airline cabin rules, but limits differ by airline. Check your airline's carrier size limit and ventilation rules before you fly, and book your cat's seat in advance.