Over the past few years, cat backpacks have become all the rage, a trend some people might say. People have moved away from the traditional cat baskets opting instead to carry their cats on their backs but are cat backpacks safe? Which are the best cat backpacks currently available?
The Safest and Best Cat Backpacks
Are cat backpacks safe?
Let’s get this out of the way first, when it comes to cat carry cases, ultimately your cat’s wellbeing needs to come first. We want comfort for them, not a fashion trend. Which is why I would never recommend a bubble cat backpack like the one shown below.
Why do I not recommend bubble backpacks for cats?
They are extremely cramped. The majority of this type of backpack only has space for your cat to sit upright, meaning straight away your cat is unable to act naturally.
They cannot lay down and most importantly they cannot hide. The plastic bubble area combined with the lack of space means your cat is constantly exposed, which may be cute for everyone else but for your cat it can be distressing and frightening.
Cat bubble backpacks maybe seem cute and ‘on-trend’ but in my opinion are more fashionable then practical and certainly does not have your cat’s wellbeing at the forefront.
So what is the most suitable and best cat carrier backpack?
I have sorted some of the best ones below.
Quick reference look at the best cat backpack carriers:
| Cat Backpack | Features |
| OUR TOP PICK – MorPilot Cat Carrier Backpack | – Durable & Large Capacity – Comfortable Ventilation Design – Adjustable shoulder, chest and back straps – Safety Design |
| Pecute Pet Carrier Expandable Backpack | – Expandable & Waterproof – Ventilation & Visibility – Sturdy and comfortable bottom – Adjustable shoulder strap |
| PETCUTE Pet Backpack | – Safe and sturdy – Traditional cat carrier shape – Ventilation – Car seat belt straps |
| PawHut Pet Travel Backpack Bag | – Can be used as a backpack or trolley – Safe and sturdy – Retractable handle |
The MorPilot Cat Carrier Backpack
This is the backpack we have for our cats and I cannot recommend it enough.
I feel safe when I transport the cats in here and I also feel happy they are comfortable and have enough space.
The meshing allows them to see out but also does not leave them completely exposed, again improving their wellbeing when being moved in it.
Safety has also been taken into consideration as every zip has a double lock as well as an inside safety collar attachment (however, I think this more designed for dogs).
The rucksack straps are sturdy and comfortable, distributing the weight of the cat well across the carrier’s back – this would be a great option for a large cat backpack carrier.
Pecute Pet Carrier Expandable Backpack
The Pecute Cat backpack from Amazon is pretty similar to the Morpilot when it comes to style, however, it has the additional feature of also being expandable.
The expandable section makes this backpack particularly useful for people who plan on travelling long journeys with their pets or even looking for a cat backpack for hiking.
Like the Morpilot, the Pecute also offers privacy for your cat as well as good ventilation. The adjustable straps also offer comfort and even weight distribution when carrying.
Cat cooling pads also work well within this backpack for long journeys.
This rucksack also has anti-escape zips as well as storage pockets.
PETCUTE Pet Backpack
What instantly drew me to this cat rucksack is that it resembles the shape of a standard cat carrier, which means it has enough space for your cat to completely lay down and get comfortable.
However, be aware this backpack states it is only suitable for pets up to 5kg (11lbs), therefore it is not suitable for large breed cats. I would assume this is due to the shape of the bag and safe distribution of weight.
Aside from that, I love that this carrier has straps which can be securely attached to car seat belts, meaning your cat is safe when travelling in the car. I also think this cat rucksack has a great amount of privacy for your cat without compromising on adequate ventilation.
I think this particular carrier would be great for elderly cats who may find certain positions uncomfortable and therefore find more comfort in being able to stretch out.
PawHut Pet Travel Backpack Bag
I wanted to include this one as I think it is a fantastic option for those who find lifting difficult or uncomfortable. This particular bag has both backpack straps as well as wheels and a retractable handle, meaning it also be used as a trolley.
The privacy of this bag is not as great as I would like it to be however it is still a million times better than the bubble cat backpacks. It also looks to be quite spacious for your cat as well.
Like the PetCute it also has an attachable seatbelt strap making it great for travelling in the car.
This rucksack also folds completely flat which is great for storage when not in use.
The overall winner for me?
My top recommendation is the MorPilot Cat Carrier Backpack. I have been using this particular carrier for the past few months for small trips (to the vets etc) and have no issues with it at all and most importantly my cats have no fear of it.
However, that being said, if I was looking for the best cat backpack for hiking I would purchase the Pecute Pet Carrier Expandable Backpack. The expandable section is what sells it to me and the reviews on Amazon seem to agree with this. If you are also planning on trips and holidays with your cat, you may want to consider investing in a cat GPS tracking collar – just in case.
An alternative to a cat backpack carrier, but still easily portable would be the Doc & Phoebe Sleep and Go. I have seen this used numerous times and love it – especially for your cat’s wellbeing and behaviour. Designed and created by Vets, this cat carrier converts between a bed for at home as well as a carrier during travel – meaning your cat will see it as a ‘space place’. Other features include easy opening, a meshed window for your cat to still have privacy as well as strong stable straps for carrying. I LOVE the design of this cat carrier and will be purchasing when I need a new one. This is a great alternative to cat backpack carrier aside from the standard bulky plastic boxes.
There are a ton of cat backpacks available to buy online, but remember to put your cat’s wellbeing over fashion. You want a carrier your cat does not grow to fear, one in which they feel comfortable and are able to act naturally.