Best Cat Backpacks for 2020

If your cat is on the hefty side then this rucksack can actually hold the most weight out of the majority on the market. Specially designed for larger cats, around 11.5 kilograms can be held at any one time, which is just over 25lbs.

There is a little clip on the inside which can attach to a harness or collar, and two side pockets on each side will ensure you can keep treats, water bottles and other accessories to hand without it taking up your luggage space.

A little bubble allows your cat to see the world when they are in the bag, so they won’t feel too enclosed but will still be fully safe. If you do trust your cat 100% for a bit of fresh air, however, a smaller opening on the top of the backpack can be rolled open so they can pop their head out.

Enough airflow will get into the bag if not though, with mesh sections and air holes. It is one of the best-selling pet rucksacks over in America and internationally so we are thrilled to see it in the UK now too.

If you want something which is a hard case to ensure no damage when you’re on your travels, such as scratches from branches or when you’re in the car, this backpack is a sturdy yet accommodating option for any cat.

It is a great pick if you are planning on having little breaks on your trip, as it can open out and extend slightly, acting as a bit of a bed or rest area. It also means that there is enough space at the base to give them a choice of whether to lie down or sit, depending on how they feel best.

The soft washable pad in the base will keep them comfortable, and there are also mesh panels and ventilation holes because airflow is vital. The leash attachment on the inside will keep them secured, and the cat can get into the backpack from the back, side or top so they can remain comfortable and calm.

A benefit of most of the build being the hard case is that you can just give it a wipe if it gets dirty. It is a little pricier than some others on the market, but uPet actually have the patent for the revolutionary bubble design so high quality and ease are guaranteed.

A sturdy space design backpack for any smaller, calm cats who like to live the life of luxury.

Made of high-quality oxford cloth & high-density acrylic material, it is scratch-proof, dirt proof and solid to protect it from any slight bashes. There is breathable mesh on the back, front and sides, as well as two pockets either side so you can keep cat treats and food to hand.

It can be worn either on your front or back (although is designed mostly for the back). And while no pet should be a fashion accessory, it doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with the accessories – this pack is available in a choice of six colours, so could complement your coat, your cat’s harness or just be your favourite pick.

We will say that the large mesh lining could get ripped ever so slightly if your cat is a little scratchy, and the plastic dome also seems to not be the best quality, but for the big price saving, it will be enough for calmer cats.

When you go on a trip with your cat, do you have little breaks or pauses so everybody can stretch their legs? Maybe you take Fluffy to the park, but need to keep her relatively closed in until she gets used to the environment?

This is an expandable backpack, which does the job of both carrying and leg stretching very well. It goes over twice as long when opened up, so they can have a snooze or a dinner break in comfort.

Venting mesh panels let in plenty of fresh air, and the extendable section is entirely meshing material so you can keep an eye on what they are doing as well as letting them breathe. Anti-pop-up metal fittings on the inside and a non-slip rubber base will keep your cat secure and safe, and it can be folded down to store it when not in use.

We love that it is waterproof, so if you are out and about and a sudden rain shower comes on, there is no issue. The top can open up to allow them out, or just zipped open to reveal the mesh part if they need to be kept secure.

Carrying your pet on your front is a good idea if you have to either keep a continuous eye on them or if you will be on public transport and don’t want to have to keep taking them off and on your back.

The material is water-resistant and has reflective elements which will help if it starts to go dark when you’re still out. Despite being primarily for a dog, it will happily suit any cats which are on the larger side.

A short lead on the inside can clip onto the collar or harness to prevent escape attempts, and the shoulder straps are adjustable for you so the pet can sit as best as required.

The idea is that their head will stick out of the opening of the carrier for air and visibility, so it isn’t a model for everyone. If your cat is quite lively or uncomfortable with being carried, you don’t want to risk any escapes even if they are secured with the lead.

Don’t like the idea of popping your precious Princess in a bag where they are mostly cut off from the world? This is a leg out, tail out design which sits at the front of your body for those inquisitive cats who still need a bit of security.

The breathable mesh panels around the bag allow for air to the cat’s whole body, which is good if you are concerned about them getting too hot. There is also sponge padding around the back, so they aren’t going to be uncomfortable up too close to you.

We love how it is available in small, medium, large and extra-large – for a cat, small or medium is probably the pick but ensure you measure well first, including for leg girth and height.

If you will be riding a bike or being quite active while carrying your cat, you will want something relatively sturdy and spacious so they can perhaps lie down but still see out.

This is quite a bulky backpack, but good if space is the priority. There are four mesh windows for both visibility and airflow, which is good if you feel the plastic bubble style may not suit your cat or your lifestyle.

There are footpads on the base to keep it stable if set on the floor, and the adjustable shoulder straps and waist strap mean you can get it sitting at just the right angle around your body. A soft fleece mat in the base will both provide warmth and comfort, and when it isn’t in use, the whole lot can be folded down for easier storage.

A clip inside will keep your animal inside the rucksack if it is unzipped, and the top can be opened if you trust them not to bolt when strapped in.

Does your cat seem to get a bit anxious if they can’t entirely see out when being transported? Rather than the spaceman design, this carrier has an entirely clear front, so they can fully interact with the outside world.

There are large ventilation holes all around too, which gives good airflow and also a bit of the feel of the outdoors. It will either fit in front or behind you, whichever you feel safest and most comfortable doing.

The clear front doesn’t just let your cat see out of course, but also allows for easier checking up on them, especially if they feel comforted by your presence. There are two pockets on the outside, which allow you to keep valuables or treats to hand.

If you feel you could struggle to get your kitty into a carrier, the entire front panel opens out for an easier job until they get used to it. There isn’t a huge amount of space on the base, so measure up first.

Your cat may need something a bit higher than those featured above, so they have the choice to sit up as well as lying down, or if they don’t like feeling too enclosed above their head.

This one is one of the largest in terms of height, with nice soft padding on the base to also keep them comfortable. If you want to just limit yourself to carrying one bag it is also one of the better options for storage, too.

A large pocket at the side can carry a bottle of water for either you or your kitty, and there’s also smaller pockets for your keys, any food or bags. Large breathable mesh panels either side allow your cat to lookout as well as keeping it nice and airy in there.

There’s a front mesh entrance, and both the top and bottom can be opened up too depending on the preference of your cat. When not in use, the whole lot collapses down for simpler storage when you’re low on space.

Importantly for some, the oxford fabric is waterproof too, which is good if you often get caught in the rain. The firm base will also ensure your cat can stay relatively still. Despite being a bit taller, check for the dimensions as it won’t be suitable for bulkier cats.

This is a long rucksack, great if your cat always wants to lie down and are also on the longer side. It would be a good alternative to a carrier for when you want to free up your hands, and there are also handles for any time you need to take it off your back.

Able to open at the front and side, your cat has a choice of how they make their entrance, and there is a nice short lead which can be attached to the collar or harness of your cat to keep them safe and in place.

Adjustable shoulder straps ensure you are comfortable too, and there is a small pocket so you can keep any extras for the day to hand. If you will be transporting your animal in the car, there are flaps at the back so you can safely strap them in with the seatbelt.

The floor is fairly sturdy, and you just need to pop a blanket or towels in there to make them more comfortable. As well, the top can be rolled open slightly in case your moggy likes to be inquisitive.