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9 Best Cat Backpacks – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Sometimes, it’s necessary to take our cats places, like the vet or on an airplane during a cross-country move. Some cats, though, really enjoy getting out of the house and going on adventures. Wherever you’re taking your cat, keeping it safe and

secure is necessary. A backpack can be a great option for this, whether you’re taking your cat on a short day trip or a longer trip. It’s also a great way to keep your hands free during travels.

There are a lot of cat backpacks on the market now, and reviews can be a good way to identify what features you want and what companies can deliver a high-quality product. Here are the best cat backpacks on the market right now.

hepper-cat-paw-dividerA Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack
  • Two color options
  • Two ventilated openings
  • Multiple ventilation panels throughout
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Pet Gear Backpack & Rolling Carrier Pet Gear Backpack & Rolling Carrier
  • Budget-friendly
  • Telescoping handle and wheels for use as a rolling bag
  • Can be used as a car seat
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Pet Evac Emergency Kit & Carrier Pet Evac Emergency Kit & Carrier
  • Emergency kit that converts into a backpack carrier
  • Includes emergency water and food for one cat for up to 72 hours
  • Includes bowls, a toy, and litter box with litter
  • Best for Kittens
    PetAmi Airline Approved Backpack PetAmi Airline Approved Backpack
  • Five color options
  • Washable Sherpa bed
  • Lots of ventilation
  • MidWest Day Tripper Cat Backpack MidWest Day Tripper Cat Backpack
  • Three color options
  • Padded back and straps with waist strap for comfort
  • Interior tether and reversible cushion
  • The 9 Best Cat Backpacks

    1. Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack – Best Overall

    Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack (1)

    Check Price on Chewy

    Size: 17” x 13” x 12”
    Color: Smoke grey, dark blue
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 2

    The overall best cat backpack is the Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack, which is available in two colors. This backpack has two ventilated openings and multiple ventilation panels. It has a padded handle and shoulder straps for maximum comfort for you. There are side pockets to carry your cat’s gear and this bag is large enough for your cat to have space to move around in. It’s made from polyester for durability and has an interior tether to keep your kitty secure and has a sheepskin pad in the bottom to keep your kitty comfy. This backpack does have a weight limit of 16 pounds, so it’s not a good option for large cats.

    Pros
    • Two color options
    • Two ventilated openings
    • Multiple ventilation panels throughout
    • Padded handle and shoulder straps
    • Side pockets for carrying supplies
    • Allows space to move around
    • Durable
    • Interior tether and sheepskin pad for safety and comfort

    Cons
    • Weight limit is 16 pounds


    2. Pet Gear Sport Cat Backpack & Rolling Carrier – Best Value

    Pet Gear I-GO2 Sport Dog & Cat Backpack & Rolling Carrier (1)

    Size: 12” x 8” 17.5”
    Color: Blue
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 1

    The best cat backpack for the money is the Pet Gear I-GO2 Sport Cat Backpack & Rolling Carrier because it’s budget-friendly but functional and safe. This backpack also has a telescoping handle and wheels, allowing you to use it like a rolling bag. It can also be used as a car seat, making this a highly versatile option. There is a removable pad that is machine washable and an interior tether for security. There are two side pouches to store your cat’s supplies, and the bag is made from water resistant nylon. This bag is only available in one color and is not a good option for large cats due to its 15-pound weight limit.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Telescoping handle and wheels for use as a rolling bag
    • Can be used as a car seat
    • Removable pad is machine washable
    • Interior tether adds security
    • Two side pouches for carrying supplies
    • Water resistant fabric

    Cons
    • One color option
    • Weight limit is 15 pounds


    3. Pet Evac Pak Emergency Kit & Carrier – Premium Choice

    Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier

    Size: 17” x 12” x 13”
    Color: Black
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 2

    The Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier isn’t your ordinary cat backpack. This emergency kit is all packed inside of a carrier that has backpack straps, allowing you to carry your kitty on your back and keep your hands free during an emergency. This kit also includes water and cat food that can support your cat for up to 72 hours. These items have a 5-year shelf life, making them ideal for holding onto for emergencies. Also included is a cinch bag, collapsible silicone food and water bowls, a pet first aid kit, slip lead, a mylar blanket, a cat toy, a pet body wipe, a collapsible litter box and litter, a roll of waste bags, and LED light that can clip onto a harness, leash, or carrier. The weight limit on this bag is 16 pounds and it does come at a premium price.

    Pros
    • Emergency kit that converts into a backpack carrier
    • Includes emergency water and food for one cat for up to 72 hours
    • Includes bowls, a toy, and litter box with litter
    • Has a pet first aid kit, pet wipe, and mylar blanket
    • LED light can be used in low light situations
    • Has small mesh panels for ventilation while keeping your cat enclosed in emergency situations

    Cons
    • Weight limit is 16 pounds
    • Premium price


    4. PetAmi Airline Approved Cat Backpack – Best for Kittens

    PetAmi Airline Approved Backpack Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 5” x 12.5” x 10”
    Color: Charcoal, heather grey, navy, purple, red
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 4

    For kittens, the best pick is the PetAmi Airline Approved Backpack Cat Carrier, which is available in five colors. This backpack contains a cozy Sherpa bed that can be washed, as well as plenty of ventilation and four openings, making it convenient to access your kitten quickly if needed. It has thick shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist strap, and a chest strap, all to make it more comfortable for you to carry. It’s made from durable polyester and has multiple pockets for carrying all of your kitten’s goodies. There’s a cute “hello my name is” patch on the front, allowing you to put vital information about your kitten right on the bag. This bag can hold cats up to 18 pounds, so it’s appropriate for most large adult cats as well. The carry handle on this bag is not padded, which may make it uncomfortable to carry.

    Pros
    • Five color options
    • Washable Sherpa bed
    • Lots of ventilation
    • Four openings allow quick access if needed
    • Thick shoulder straps, padded back, and chest and waist straps make it comfortable for you
    • Durable and has name patch attached
    • Weight limit is 18 pounds

    Cons
    • Carry handle isn’t padded


    5. MidWest Day Tripper Cat Backpack

    MidWest Day Tripper Cat Backpack (1)

    Size: 83” x 14.57” x 16.93”
    Color: Green, blue, grey
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 2

    The MidWest Day Tripper Cat Backpack is available in three colors and features a padded back and straps for comfort. It also has a waist strap to take some of the pressure off your shoulders. There is an interior tether for security and multiple pockets for storage. There is a built-in poop bag dispenser and plenty of ventilation for great airflow. This bag can fold flat when not in use, making for easy storage. It includes a reversible cushion that is Sherpa-lined on one side and covered with the same material as the backpack itself on the other. This bag has a weight limit of 10 pounds, so it is ideal for kittens and small adult cats only.

    Pros
    • Three color options
    • Padded back and straps with waist strap for comfort
    • Interior tether and reversible cushion
    • Multiple pockets and built-in poop bag dispenser
    • Multiple ventilation windows
    • Folds flat

    Cons
    • Weight limit is 10 pounds


    6. Pet Gear I-GO2 Escort Cat Carrier Backpack

    Pet Gear I-GO2 Escort Cat Carrier Backpack (1)

    Size: 14” x 9” x 19”
    Color: Ocean blue, copper
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 1

    The Pet Gear I-GO2 Escort Cat Carrier Backpack is available in two colors and is airline-approved. This backpack can also be used as a roller bag, car seat, and tote. It has a telescoping handle and expandable sides that add an extra 3 inches of space each. It has a fleece lining and interior tether for comfort and security. There are two storage pockets for you to transport your kitty’s belongings. The included pad is removable and washable. The weight limit of this bag is 15 pounds, and some people report having discomfort from the wheels digging into their back or hips while carrying this bag.

    Pros
    • Two color options
    • Can be used as a roller bag, tote, or car seat
    • Telescoping handle and expandable sides make this a travel-friendly bag
    • Fleece pad is removable and washable
    • Interior tether
    • Two storge pockets

    Cons
    • Weight limit is 15 pounds
    • Wheels may be uncomfortable when pack is used as a backpack


    7. Kurgo K9 Cat Carrier Backpack

    Kurgo K9 Cat Carrier Backpack (1)

    Size: 5” x 9” x 18.5”
    Color: Heather grey
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 1

    The Kurgo K9 Cat Carrier Backpack has a 100% waterproof base with a removable, machine washable pad. This bag can support pets up to 25 pounds, making it a great option for large cats. It has padded shoulders and a chest strap to help distribute the weight of your cat. It has an inner tether to keep your kitty secure and features a laptop pocket inside the bag. This bag is very chic but does have less ventilation than many other cat backpack options when the top cover is rolled down. It is also only available in one color and sells for a premium price.

    Pros
    • 100% waterproof base
    • Included pad is removable and washable
    • Weight limit is 25 pounds
    • Inner tether
    • Laptop pocket inside
    • Fashionable and attractive

    Cons
    • Less ventilation than many other options
    • One color option
    • Premium price


    8. K9 Sport Sack Trainer Cat Backpack For Hiking

    K9 Sport Sack Trainer Cat Carrier Backpack (1)

    Size: 9” x 8” x 15”, 10” x 9” x 17”, 11” x 10” x 19”, 12” x 11” x 22”
    Color: Coral, turquoise, black, green
    Airline Approved: No
    Openings: 1

    The K9 Sport Sack Trainer Cat Carrier Backpack is the best cat backpack for hiking, if that’s your goal. This bag allows your kitty to stick its head out of the top but, thanks to a drawcord, shouldn’t allow it to escape. However, if not tightened properly, a cat could escape this bag. It is available in four colors and four sizes, which can support cats up to 30 pounds. It has lumbar support straps and padded shoulders for your comfort, and it has great ventilation for your cat’s comfort. This bag is minimalist, so it doesn’t have as many features as most other cat backpacks and only has one pocket. This bag retails for a premium price for the minimalist design.

    Pros
    • Best option for hiking
    • Cat can have head outside the bag without escaping
    • Four color options and four size options
    • Weight limit is 30 pounds
    • Lumbar support straps and padded shoulders for comfort
    • Lots of ventilation

    Cons
    • Might allow for escape if not tightened properly
    • Minimalist
    • Premium price


    9. KOPEKS Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier

    KOPEKS Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier (1)

    Size: 13” x 17.5” x 20”
    Color: Black, pink, grey
    Airline Approved: Yes
    Openings: 1

    The KOPEKS Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier is available in three colors and can be converted into a rolling bag or used as a backpack. It has a weight limit of 18 pounds, making it a good option for larger cats. It has three mesh panels for ventilation and a large storage pocket for your kitty’s supplies. It has padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable while wearing the backpack. The handle is not padded, however, and there are no support straps. This bag requires some assembly, which many people have reported having difficulty with. Although this bag is listed as airline-approved, it is too large for the requirements of some airlines.

    Pros
    • Three color options
    • Can also be used as a rolling bag
    • Weight limit is 18 pounds
    • Three mesh panels for ventilation and a large storage pocket
    • Padded straps for your comfort

    Cons
    • Handle is not padded
    • Assembly may be difficult
    • May be too large for many airlines

    hepper-cat-paw-divider
    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Backpack

    How to Pick the Right Backpack for Your Cat

    Choosing your cat’s backpack should be primarily dependent on the size of your cat and the intended use of the bag. A bag for hiking can have different specifications than a bag you’ll be using for in-cabin airline travel. Remember, when choosing a bag, it should not only be appropriate for your cat’s weight, but your cat’s weight plus the weight of the items you’re planning to pack with the cat. Choose a bag that is supportive and will help your kitty feel safe while being carried.

    It’s also important to make sure the backpack you choose is comfortable for you to use. This is especially important if you have a heavy cat or will be carrying the backpack for long periods of time. Padded straps aren’t the only addition to a backpack that will make it more comfortable for you. Finding a backpack that will fit your body properly will ensure you’re comfortable, especially with cat backpacks that can double as rolling bags and have solid frames and wheels. Chest and waist straps can help to offset weight and padded handles can make it more comfortable for you to carry the bag by hand if needed.

    hepper-cat-paw-dividerFinal Thoughts

    Using these reviews, hopefully, you’ll find the perfect cat backpack to keep you and your kitty comfortable and safe. The overall best cat backpack is the Jespet Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack, which has plenty of space and ventilation. For tighter budgets, the best pick is the Pet Gear I-GO2 Sport Cat Backpack & Rolling Carrier, which is multi-functional and affordable. If you have the bonus budget to prepare for any emergency, the best cat backpack is the Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier.

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    Featured Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

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