Best Cat Backpack (2024) – 14 Urban Or Hiking Cat Carrier Options

1. Pecute Expandable Cat Backpack Carrier - Best Overall

I’ve already said above that this Pecute Cat Backpack Carrier is my current best cat backpack overall choice, and this is backed up by our community, who also voted it the best all-rounder.

In my video review, you’ll see that I tested the large size with the acrylic front and side windows. Pecute now also make this design in an XL version and you can get it with either the mesh windows or acrylic windows in both sizes. The size I have tested here is the large and that was already plenty big enough for my large cat.

Common to all the versions is a set of features that we think make this an excellent all-rounder. 

It is made to be durable by the use of strong Oxford Cloth and I have found that it stands up to repeated use very well. The sturdy base is good for my cat’s comfort and safety and also helps keep it stable when I’m carrying it.

The ventilation and visibility for your cat is excellent. On the acrylic version, they have a large window at the front to watch the world go by and the acrylic side windows both have ventilation holes, and the top access panel is ventilated mesh. On the mesh version, these are all mesh panels and in addition, the front bottom panel opens for easy access for your cat.

A soft removable plush cushion caters for your cat's comfort. And a strap with a buckle secured to the inside that you can clip to their harness or collar ensures their safety.

One of the special features of this cat backpack carrier is the extendable section. This can only be used when you are not carrying the backpack, but it almost doubles the area in which your cat can relax. It is not something you see in most of the competition and means that this Pecute backpack becomes a home-from-home for your pet.

I also like that even the large version is wider than most backpacks and has a floor area more like that of a standard cat carrier, and this allows my admittedly large cat to lie down sideways with a little bit of room to spare. The height is perhaps a little shallower than I would like, but my cat is rather tall.

There are good storage options on the outside of the pack with two zippered pockets and one pouch pocket into which you can fit a small water bottle (but not a large one).

The instructions point out two of the possible downsides of this backpack. One is that you are warned it may carry a smell when you first get it (but mine didn’t) and you are advised to remove the protective film from the acrylic windows. I found this very fiddly to do, but it is a one-time thing, and of course, this is not the case with the mesh option.

I found this pet backpack to be very comfortable for me to carry with a padded back section and adjustable chest and waist straps. My cat snuggled in easily and was very comfortable too.

The price of this Pecute expandable cat backpack carrier is slightly above the mid-range for all cat backpacks. My view is that its particular blend of quality, durability, ease of use and features make it a very good choice for regular outdoor trips with your cat or as a ‘do it all’ cat carrier for things like taking them to the vet, but perhaps not for the most rigorous adventure hiking.

My personal preference is for a front-opening access for your cat (which is present on the mesh version) rather than a top-only access. With the Pecute, you do have the option of allowing your cat to walk in through the expanded section and this is nice to have.

Although I have the original acrylic window version, my choice today would be to buy it in the mesh window version with the front access opening.

Watch my video to see how much I rate this and why it’s our overall best cat backpack pick.

2. Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack – Best Value

The Apollo Walker cat backpack was actually the first one that I bought when I wasn’t sure whether my cat, Meister, was going to take to a backpack or not. I wanted it to be good enough to find out if he would use it, but also not so expensive that I would feel I had wasted my money if he didn’t.

I was pleasantly surprised that this is not just good value, but is, in fact, a really good starter cat backpack.

The first thing I noticed about this backpack is that it’s very sturdy and the bottom, where your cat sits, is a sturdy base that does not sag down when you are carrying them. It’s also a very rectangular shape, giving your cat plenty of overall room, although Meister didn’t have enough room to lie down. That’s because the internal space is a little narrower than our overall pick, the Pecute.

I did notice, though, that the edge of the pad on the bottom of the backpack sometimes dug into my back after wearing it for a longer period. No such worries for your cat though. There is removable soft padding on the floor to make it comfortable for them!

There is plenty of ventilation with two side mesh windows and a rolldown mesh top. Both the side sections are fully openable (with zippers), so your cat can enter from either side or the top. This also makes it easy to open out and fold flat for storage.

Although there is a secure leash to connect to your cat’s harness or collar for safety, because this is at the top of the pack, I found that my cat could still climb out even with this secured. Albeit he couldn’t go anywhere as he was still attached!

There are pockets, but they are mesh and not zippered, so they are not fully secure. Nonetheless, you can cram quite a bit of stuff into them.

Because of its large oblong size, this backpack is not airline-approved but will pass some airport checks if tilted on its side.

If you want to save a little money on our overall pick, then the Apollo Walker makes an excellent first cat backpack or a solid choice for somebody who is going to use it just now and again.

3. Travel Cat Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack – Best Premium

The Travel Cat Navigator is my personal favorite cat backpack and the one that Meister and I use all the time.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Navigator is that it looks more like a normal backpack - one you would use to carry your own stuff in. It also has the quality of shoulder and waist straps you’d expect of a hiking pack.

The design might make you think that it has less room than some of the competition, but in fact, it’s very spacious and you can theoretically fit two normal-sized cats in it side-by-side. They would be snug, but when you’re carrying just one cat, it is very roomy, stable and sturdy. Meister can lie down easily because it is wide. In fact, I find that it is more spacious than the Fat Cat (also reviewed below) from the same brand, with more usable floor space.

The Navigator has mesh panel windows on the front, the top and the sides for excellent ventilation. The mesh is very strong and resistant to cats scratching. The front can roll up and the top can roll back so that your cat has more air and a better view.

As I said above, one of my preferences is for a backpack to have a front opening so that your cat can walk in easily, and that is what your cat gets on the Navigator. Not only does this make it very easy for them to get into it when they’re used to it, but you can also just leave it on the floor with the front open when you first get it to acclimatize them.

One side has mesh expandable pockets that will take large water bottles or other adventure cat accessories (extra harness etc), and on the other, you’ll find a secure zipper side pocket which has further pockets inside, including one with a key hook.

There are two safety leashes onto which you can clip your cat's harness, meaning that you can secure two cats. I find them to be just right for Meister, but I have heard from some people that they feel they are a little high in the pack to feel perfectly safe.

There is a removable mat for your cat to lie on which is well padded and comfortable.

The pack can also be rotated and used with an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap (which comes with it) so that you can carry it more like a duffel bag or traditional standard cat carrier.

The overall quality of the materials in the construction and the thought that has gone into the Navigatorn are what makes this so usable for me and Meister.

Really, the only downside is the cost which is significantly more than many of your other options. That said, if you’re looking for the absolute best, most comfortable, long-lasting cat backpack, that your cat is likely to love, then this is your go-to choice.

It’s the best choice for people who are going to do some serious hiking with their cat or those who want the versatility to include using it as their main cat carrier.

4. Lollimeow Bubble Expandable Transparent Cat Backpack

There is a section of the cat carrier backpack market which is a little more focused on the style of design than the out-and-out ruggedness for hiking.

One such style is often called the ‘cat bubble backpack’ (which some people also refer to as a ‘cat astronaut backpack’) Most people use this term to refer to a backpack that either has an entirely clear, transparent front window or at the minimum a bubble style porthole window.

If you are planning any amount of serious hiking, then I would not suggest a bubble backpack for cats.

However, if you are looking for a way to carry your cat on shorter trips around town or a way of carrying them to the vet or with you when you travel, then a bubble cat backpack is fine.

I have found this one from Lollimeow to be my favorite of this particular hard shell bubble style, mostly because it gives you that look at a very good price and I can’t argue with that (but do scroll down to see the Fat Cat bubble backpack below if you’re prepared to splash out!)

The sides of the Lollimeow backpack are made from waterproof canvas with vents, but the front is a single acrylic bubble, also with vents. This means your cat is sure to get enough air from the ventilation, but I am always a little concerned if it’s a sunny day that the large clear window will let in a lot of sun and heat up the backpack. Obviously, if you’re using this for shorter trips, then that would not be too much of an issue.

On the positive side, this bubble backpack does come with a leash to secure your cat and a two-sided floor mat to give them a comfortable spot (as well as a separate flannel blanket).

Your cat can enter through the whole of the front bubble when it is unzipped, or there is a zipper mesh side entrance as well. There is also a single elasticated mesh side pocket.

This bubble cat backpack also does the same trick as the Pecute backpack by having an expandable mesh area which can be opened when the bag is on the floor to give your cat more room to rest. That said, my large cat, Meister, cannot fully lie down in this backpack when being carried. He is comfortable enough, but can’t stretch out.

I found the shoulder straps to be adequately comfortable for short trips with some adjustability and overall I found it to be secure for my cat and light and easy to wear on my back.

This is not a serious hiking cat backpack because it doesn’t have all-day comfort for you, it’s short on additional features (pockets etc) and your cat may be too exposed. However, it is a solid choice, if you want something for taking your cat with you around town or even on longer travels in the city.

5. LEMONDA Space Capsule Pet Cat Bubble Backpack

If we’re talking about bubble cat backpacks, then we should look at what is many peoples’ favourite fully hard shell design from Lemonda. It’s definitely got that ‘space capsule’ thing going on.

I have had reservations about this because of the price, but I do like the way it looks, and I do like the fact it has the small porthole bubble, and so does Meister.

Like the Lollimeow backpack, this Lemonda bubble backpack has a canvas rear section that sits next to your back, which also has additional padding.

However, in this case, the front is a hard shell with a central opening into which you can simply screw an acrylic bubble for your cat to look out of or a flat mesh if you feel that your cat needs more ventilation. The pack has ventilation holes on both sides of the canvas section, the front of the acrylic hard shell, and in the bubble porthole, so most of the time I see people using these with the porthole option rather than the mesh option.

I do love the way this backpack looks. I think it is the archetypal hard shell bubble cat backpack design. The quality of the backpack itself seems good (particularly the hard shell and porthole), but I felt that the base of the interior was letting the product down. The velvet pad is very thin and there is no additional padding on the base (although, of course, you can always fix this by swapping in a different pad and/or blanket).

It’s worth noting that the hard shell does give your cat added protection over the soft bags, and that, of course, is exactly what some people will be looking for. Your cat can only enter this, however, by you unzipping the rear from the hard shell.

The other issue I have with this backpack is that Meister finds it too small. He can fit, but he doesn’t really have any room and certainly cannot lie down. Oddly, he nonetheless does like being in it! Although the dimensions suggest that larger cats should fit, there seems to be something to do with the oval shape that makes the interior space limited.

I would recommend the Lemonda for people looking for a bubble cat backpack, but only those who had a smaller cat and were aware of the interior quality issues.

Oh, and this is also really quite expensive.

6. PETKIT Breezy Dome 2 Smart Ventilated Cat Backpack

You know how I said that the Lollimeow was my favourite of the cat bubble backpack style? Well, that was true until I tested this PETKIT Breezy Dome 2!

As you can see in my video review, I was somewhat surprised by how much I liked this cat backpack.

PETKIT has decided to label this as a ‘smart cat backpack’, but all that really means is that it has a fan for additional ventilation and a light, both of which are powered by a (not included) power bank.

I did like the idea of these, although I found that the fan didn’t appear to be very strong. I guess some extra ventilation is welcome, no matter if it is a bit feeble. There is plenty of other ventilation in any event, both in large side vents, a front vent and ventilation in the clear acrylic front window.

What I like the most is that the PETKIT is, in my eyes, a little better constructed and of better quality than the other two hard shell bubble backpacks I’ve tried. Plus, I love the way it looks, especially in the ombre pink and blue of the one I bought to test.

It’s the same deal as the other bubble backpacks with an acrylic hard shell for the front, in this case, one with an even more ‘spacey’ rectangular clear window, and a fabric rear. Again, your cat can only gain access by you unzipping the front from the rear.

Although I was not expecting it, this backpack is a lot larger than it might look and Meister did fit in the PETKIT. He still couldn’t lie down fully as he can in my two favourites (the Pecute and the Travel Cat Navigator), but he was comfortable.

PETKIT claim that there is some ultraviolet protection in the window, but, regardless, I like the fact that it only takes up the top half of the front, which means that your cat still has the bottom area should they wish to feel the security of being out of sight.

In use I found this to be surprisingly light and comfortable. I still wouldn’t use it as a serious hiking cat backpack, but for all other uses, it would do the job.

My final verdict on this PETKIT Breezy DOME 2 is simply that it’s cool! If I was looking for just an urban cat backpack, this would definitely be one to seriously consider.

7. Pecute Rolling Pet Carrier Backpack (With Detachable Trolley)

There are many good reasons why I chose Pecute as the overall best cat backpack in this group of tests, but their intelligent design and clear thinking about what cat owners want played a large part.

That’s why they get a second entry in this roundup. This time, because they make what I consider to be the best hybrid pet backpack/rolling carrier which will perfectly suit some cat owners.

What you have here is a high-quality fabric backpack (which I would use on easy-to-moderate hikes) that can be quickly converted into a wheeled trolley. This would obviously make it suitable for taking your cat on various travels, including on most airlines. It can also be used as a top-handle cat carrier.

When used as a backpack, I found this to be light and comfortable to carry on larger distances, with a lot (five) of usable pockets, and one good-sized cupholder.

Converting it to a trolley or rolling carrier is simply a matter of opening the trolley, sliding the backpack down the handle and then securing it with a couple of clips. When in use as a trolley, it was not as functional as a cat stroller but it does have acceptable multidirectional wheels, although you wouldn’t want to be pushing or pulling it on uneven ground. On good, flat surfaces, it’s excellent.

As a backpack, it has all the other features I like to see such as both side and front openings for your cat to get in, plenty of mesh for ventilation, comfort padding to the floor and a leash to secure your cat.

It’s also only slightly above the average cost of a good backpack, so the fact that it has the 3-in-1 functionality means this really is good value.

One note of caution on using this as an airline-approved carry-on with your cat. I haven’t tried this yet and from the measurements, I believe it will be suitable for most airlines (as PETKIT suggest), but as with all airline requirements, it is best to check first rather than risk not being able to get on the flight. Clearly, you’ll have to detach the trolley and stow it overhead, but the backpack itself should meet the measurement limits.

8. Pet Gear I-GO2 Plus Roller Pet Backpack

The I-GO2 needs to be included in this roundup test because it’s the rolling carrier/backpack hybrid I had before Pecute launched their one, and it’s still a really well-thought-out piece of kit.

It’s one big disadvantage that the Pecute has now drawn attention to is that its wheels are permanently affixed.

This never used to bother me, apart from looking a little ungainly, but now that I know there’s a solution, I prefer the competition.

That said, if you are looking for a carrier that can just occasionally be carried on your back (and one that I have used for short, untaxing hiking) but also functions as a car seat, then this is worth considering.

It comes with a tether to secure your pet inside as well as a bottom reinforcement board, and a fleece liner that uses hook and loop to stay in place. There’s also plenty of ventilation and easy access for your cat.

It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap so that you can use it as a carrier, but this is also needed to secure it when used as a car seat. This is done by looping the carry strap over a seat headrest and passing a seatbelt through two loops on the back of the carrier. I’ve always found this to feel safe and secure.

Pet Gear make the I-GO2 in a range of sizes. The one I have is called the ‘Plus’ and it is plenty big enough for my cat to lie down in. It’s also capable of carrying pets up to 25lbs which is more than most of the competition. However, despite it being claimed to be airline approved, I cannot see how something this large (especially with the external wheels) would be allowed as a carry on. Perhaps some of the smaller versions would be. 

I have found this comfortable enough when I have used it for shorter hiking trips, but because the extendable trolley handle is up against your back, this does start to become uncomfortable overtime.

If you’re looking for a multi-use cat carrier that can be used as a backpack day to day, then the Pecute does look like a clearly better option. Nonetheless, this I-GO2 rolling backpack has owned this little niche part of the cat carrier market for some time and still has plenty going for it.

9. Lekereise Expandable And Foldable Cat Backpack Pet Carrier

I think if I had had this expandable cat backpack from Lekereise for longer, it might challenge my choice of Pecute as my overall favorite.

It’s similar in concept, having an expandable area that you can pull out when the backpack is not in use and sitting on the floor, and it also has that front access door which I think is a major plus factor in any cat carrier backpack. Your cat can also go through the top entrance (with a rollback weather cover above a mesh window) or (when extended) through a back door.

It also has a secure zipper side pocket on both sides, and a lot of mesh ventilation. The only thing it’s missing is a decent bottle pocket. There is a removable internal back pad and floor pad which makes the backpack have a very solid sturdy base that does not sag and an additional removable washable mat also provides plenty of comfort for your cat.

I like the main material which has a nice quality feel and I also really like the way it looks.

The construction uses high-quality materials and is sturdy and durable. I found it very comfortable in use with adjustable straps and a well-padded back. The Travel Cat Navigator is still my go-to for anything more than a moderate hike, but I would use this hiking if that wasn’t available.

I have the Large version and there’s enough room for my cat, but as with several other cat backpacks I’ve tested, he cannot really lie down and stretch out.

However, what I didn’t know when I got this is that there are two further sizes of XL and XXL, And there is no doubt that in those there would be more than enough room for Meister. I think the XL is the one to go for!

This is an excellent cat backpack with a very well-thought-out design, high-quality materials and all the features you need. After I’ve lived with it a little bit longer, it may even be grabbing the top spot!

And don’t forget that if you need a larger pack there are three sizes available.

10. Kurgo G-Train Pet Carrier Backpack For Small Pets

I had high hopes for this Kurgo pet backpack because I thought it would be similar to my premium pick from Travel Cat and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it (mostly from owners of small dogs, to be honest).

The thing that really appealed to me is that this is most like a normal human backpack mof all the ones I have tested, but it’s for carrying my cat. So I thought maybe I would use it as my daily backpack when I was going out without my cat (because it has a laptop sleeve and usable non-pet space).

However, although it has plenty of the features I like to see (a safety harness clip and usable water bottle pockets, in particular), I found it mostly unsuitable for carrying Meister.

The main reason this pack didn’t work for me is probably because I am so used to the style of all the other cat backpacks I’ve tested and reviewed here.

The big difference with the Kurgo is that it really is more like a human hiking backpack and this means that although the main area for your pet is large enough, they are essentially going to need to stay seated with their head touching up against the sole ventilated window. This window has a rollback cover so that it can be completely open or with just the rainproof cover rolled back and the mesh providing ventilation.

Although there is a safety harness clip to keep your pet secure in the backpack, my cat (and I think many others) feel too exposed with the single window open and too restricted with it closed.

I felt that I needed to test this backpack because it is unique in being so close to a normal backpack, but I think the other options are better for most cat owners.

With that said, I do really like the fact that it has both a top and front carry handle so that you could use it as a more standard cat carrier. I also think that this would be great for many micro dogs rather than cats, although I haven’t tested it with a dog, because in my experience, they are happier to be in this kind of smaller space and feel snugly protected.

I’m glad I’ve had this and tested it, but I think for most cat owners there are better options.

11. Petsfit Soft Pet Backpack Carrier For Hiking

Petsfit has recently updated this cat backpack design, so some of the reviews you may find online might mention two of the issues which they have now addressed.

This new version now has zipper side pockets on the outside and increased padding at the base of the back.

On the older version, the very sturdy construction of this quality backpack meant some people found it bumped against the bottom of their back, but since this update that back padding has been improved, and I have found it to be extremely comfortable and a really good hiking backpack.

This is another model that is competing with the overall best backpack, the Pecute, for my affections.

I was already aware of Petsfit’s Expandable backpack (see panel below), which is very similar to the Pecute and also a great buy, but I think this one is the best in the Petsfit range.

It’s made of a really good-looking and durable Oxford cloth, and it must be one of the most stylish cat backpacks available.

It has top and front openings with plenty of mesh ventilation and those useful secure side pockets. It’s big enough for my cat to lie down (surprisingly big, in fact) and I wouldn’t hesitate to take him on a long hike in this.

It has the all-important inner safety leash and a soft plush, comfortable floor mat, and this revised version is very comfortable to carry (especially against my back).

I’ll keep testing this with Meister, but I think it’s another great option that you should consider.

12. PetAmi Large Deluxe Cat Backpack Carrier

PetAmi have to be included in this group test because they do a really good job at the budget end of the cat backpack market.

Whilst I think the Apollo Walker is a worthy winner of our value pick, this is also well worth looking at, because it matches all the key features I’m looking for with a very reasonable price.

In this case, there isn’t a front opening, but it does have fully opening sides for easy access for your cat (and fold-flat storage) as well as a front top opening. The zippered sides also have a neat safety buckle to make sure they remain closed when your cat is inside.

Both the sides and the front have a sturdy mesh for ventilation and there’s a zippered front pocket and mesh side pockets that will take water bottles. Your cat also gets a sherpa floor mat to give him a comfortable spot.

There’s plenty of room in this backpack for larger cats and they should be able to lie down. A really significant benefit of this backpack is that it is airline and TSA approved whereas so many other cat backpacks may or may not be, depending on the airline.

My only issues with this backpack are that it simply doesn’t have the same quality of materials (because of its lower price) and I found it a little less comfortable to carry for an extended period. 

Although it doesn’t really sag when your cat is inside, it just doesn’t have that last degree of sturdiness. I also felt that the zippers were not as durable as I would like (although they didn’t give out on me!)

Don’t get me wrong - if you’re looking for a slightly larger cat backpack at a really good price, then this is definitely worth trying out.

13. Fat Cat Premium Pet Backpack Carrier

The Fat Cat backpack from Travel Cat would have been my premium pick a while ago - until I bought the Navigator from the same company.

As I said in my video review of that, I actually find the Navigator to have more usable space, even though the Fat Cat is supposed to be the cat backpack with the most room for the biggest cats.

The Fat Cat is a cat bubble backpack, and as such, it does not have the front opening that I find my cat Meister much prefers.

However, other than that, this backpack does tick all the boxes that I need (and I do love that large bubble window!). In fact, if you have the budget, this would be the bubble cat backpack to pick over those that I have mentioned above, simply because it’s such a high-quality product and is roomy enough for all but the biggest cats.

The bubble is swappable with a high-quality mesh grill for an alternative look and there are mesh pockets on both sides.

There’s plenty of ventilation through vents at the front and mesh on either side and underneath the top opening flap.

The Fat Cat’s claim to fame is that it is the most sturdy and can carry the most weight, up to 25 lbs. I found it to easily fit my big cat, Meister, but, as I’ve said before, he doesn’t seem to have as much space as in the Navigator.

The Fat Cat is very comfortable to carry with well-padded adjustable straps and plenty of cushioning on the back.

If you’re after the very best quality bubble cat backpack, then the Fat Cat is the one for you.

14. Texens Breathable Expandable Cat Backpack Carrier

Last, but by no means least, is this slightly different take on the expandable cat backpack from Texsens. 

If you’re considering the Pecute or the Petsfit because of their ability to be expanded when set down, then also do take a look at this from Texsens.

The expandable section is done as a hoop rather than a pullout rectangle, but it still gives your cat extra room when not being carried.

I like that it has two full-side openings for your cat to access, and it also has all the other features you’d want, from lots of ventilated mesh to a safety leash, zipper pockets, and a washable mat.

My instinct is that the quality is slightly less than the other expandable options (but then it is a little cheaper), and I found it to be perfectly comfortable, but perhaps not as suited to a full long day hike as the Pecute. 

It’s also a little smaller in total volume than the Pecute although my cat fits in it perfectly well because it’s quite wide and deep.

If you like the curved front design and are looking to save a little money, then this is still a perfectly good choice.