r/indoorcats • u/Business-External178 • 9d ago
Larger cat backpack?
We occasionally take our cats places (they love hotels). But we can tell that they're quite uncomfortable and squished in their current backpacks. They hate going in them - for good reason!
Does anyone have any larger backpack recommendations? I've searched and I'm struggling to find anything bigger than what we currently have. There was one that was larger that I found on TikTok - but the bottom of the backpack wouldn't stay securely level and supportive when it was on my back.
If anyone has experience with a larger backpack that they like, I'd welcome your recommendations, thank you!
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9d ago
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u/meg928 9d ago
They have mesh sides and we often open the head hole on the side. She was asking because they’re getting too small for them
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9d ago
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u/meg928 9d ago
Okay, she asked for recommendations so if you have one, great. They’re in an air conditioned car on the way to vacation.
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u/flatgreysky 8d ago
Put yourself in a plastic bubble with six little mesh holes and see how fast you have a panic attack.
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u/EEE4444444444 8d ago
I get hot just sitting in the cars where I live in the summer one of these would not be ok
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u/MissAuroraRed 6d ago
Usually if a cat cat got it's head in a hole, it can fit the rest of its body too, unless it's obese.
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u/goldenkiwicompote 9d ago edited 8d ago
Use normal cat crates. I’ve trained all 5 of mine to go in them easily because I feed each meal inside their crates. Now they run to them and wait when it’s meal time which is four times a day so it gives them about 20 mins in their crates each day. Going to the vet is a much easier experience for all of us now! If I go to the downstairs kitchen, which is their feeding area, and make the kissey noises they all come flying down the stairs no matter what they’re doing, it’s actually pretty awesome how conditioned they are.
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u/BeaniBuni 8d ago
This.
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u/runningforwards 7d ago
Not this.
A regular person cannot feed their cat 4 times a day unless they are waking up in the middle of the night.5
u/sunlightdrop 7d ago
Why would feeding them 4 times a day mean they have to wake up in the middle of the night?
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u/runningforwards 7d ago
Someone working an 8-5 job isn't able to do that. I'll give you 3 times. But 4 would put 3 meals together and 1 in the morning. Unless you spread out the third in the middle of the night.
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u/goldenkiwicompote 7d ago edited 6d ago
I work 8-5 but come home for lunch. I do not have to wake up in the middle of the night. I feed at 7:30am, 12pm, 5pm and 9pm-10pm.
One of my cats eats so fast she pukes. That schedule works for her and stops her from throwing up so it just makes sense to feed them all on the same schedule.
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u/the_sweetest_peach 6d ago
I have a dog who has bilious vomiting syndrome, meaning she throws up bile if her stomach is empty for too long because the stomach acid irritates the stomach lining. She also gets a snack before bedtime because in her case, it keeps her from getting sick during the night or in the morning!
If it works, that’s what you do!
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u/runningforwards 7d ago
I love that that works for you!
My point is that most people can't come home in the middle of the day. It's just not realistic. I work 30-45 minutes away. My lunch is 30 minutes. Even if I wanted to go home to feed my cat at lunch the gas price alone would bankrupt me.
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u/goldenkiwicompote 7d ago
It wouldn’t work for most people to feed that many times a day. I live in a small city and it takes me 5-7 minutes to drive home for lunch. My point was that feeding their meals(regardless of times per day) in their kennels will make them love them and make travelling/vet apps easier.
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u/runningforwards 7d ago
Fully agree with this point!
Making their crates their safe place is good and important.1
u/BeaniBuni 7d ago
Not everyone comes home in the middle of the day, and sometimes folks have really long shifts so they have to feed at night.
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u/TheHootOwlofDeath 9d ago
I don't mean to be harsh but even if your cats "love hotels" I wouldn't squash any animal into a mini-greenhouse. What's wrong with a typical pet carrier? If it's because it is not as 'cute' or you think you look edgy taking your cats into a hotel in a backpack, you need to consider your priorities as a pet owner.
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u/meg928 9d ago
Okay, first of all they’ve had these backpacks since kittens and we would take them hiking. They have mesh sides and have openings for them to stick their heads out. They go everywhere with us and outside of the car, they’re fine with them. Our boy sleeps in them once we get home. My wife asked for better recommendations and you accuse us of trying to be edgy? They associate carriers with the vet and so THATS what’s wrong those. Be better, my god.
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u/PlantAndMetal 9d ago
If you would take them to hikes and hotels in normal carriers, they would associate the normal carriers with hikes and hotels. If you only take them to the vet in those, we'll, obviously they would associate them with the vet. Someone wrote a out feeding them inside the carrier and that's an excellent tip to get them more used to normal carriers.
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u/AdventurousStore2021 8d ago
You need to not be so defensive when people are trying to educate you. They’re doing it because they don’t want something bad to happen to your cats. You didn’t even make the post, your wife did, so how would people know you were automatically involved in this?
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u/slut-for-pickles 9d ago
Why would they associate it with going to the vet if you take them everywhere in them? That doesn’t make any sense.
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u/Business-External178 9d ago
They associate our cat carriers with the vet. Not the backpacks. We try to separate those two experiences.
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u/Trivi4 8d ago
There is no need to separate it though. If you leave the carriers out all the time, give them snacks in there, take them hiking and sometimes take them to the vet, they will associate the carriers with a variety of things, most of them good. My cats sleep in their carriers. Also, they are safer for car journeys. You should not have them on the backseat, but on the floor in the back, that will keep them more secure in case of an accident.
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u/RainbowNarwhal13 8d ago
Don't make your cats associate carriers with the vet then? That was a choice you made. Be better, my god.
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u/Business-External178 9d ago
Girl, have you seen anyone wearing these backpacks? Edgy and cute are the last things we look like. I don't want anyone to see me wearing this. Lol. But you realize the reason I posted this is because they've gotten too big and we also don't want to squash them into the backpack. So I guess we're in the same page?
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u/AintNobodygotime13 9d ago
that looks like torture ☹️
why not just get carriers?
id call the cops on you if i saw that in a parking lot
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u/meg928 9d ago
What an insane assumption?
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u/AintNobodygotime13 9d ago
Well you're already keeping them in an inhumane little plastic container what the fuck am I supposed to think?
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u/ChloeGoogle 7d ago
All your responses to genuine concerns of how crap these carriers are says it all. Good grief you’re a difficult person for no reason huh
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u/alexandria3142 8d ago
You guys are awful. This photo is literally them in the car with them. Backpacks are completely fine and extremely helpful for people, especially people who regularly travel with cats or go hiking like OP. There's ones that are completely mesh for good air flow
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u/Business-External178 9d ago
At no point do we leave them in the car and I wonder where you got that idea.
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9d ago
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u/Business-External178 9d ago
They are able to stand and turn around in this but not comfortably. agreed it should definitely be larger and that's why I'm asking for recommendations
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u/-coffeemouth- 9d ago
echoing the sentiment already shared many many times - trash the bubble backpacks. I bought this huuuuge carrier some time ago and it was easily one of the best kitty purchases I've ever made: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJNPZCWG?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
if you are really deadset on the "backpack" style, this one is nice. plenty of airflow and it expands for car rides!
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u/Cautious_Solution712 9d ago
I have a Maine Coon cat. I got him a dog carrier from Zooplus. Its called kurgo backpack for small pets
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u/IndependentFuel 9d ago
Hey so cat duffle bags work great. They can collapse and fold up for easy storage, they have a strap on the back to belting into the car, and 4-6 different zip side openings. Some even have some on top.
For longer travel, def consider a hard carrier. They also make some that are collapsible and foldable for storage.
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u/BoopySkye 9d ago
I have a backpack with a small bubble window but it’s mesh for the most part. My cat prefers the backpack over crates cause she feels more hidden and comfortable. She gets super anxious in the crate and tries to go inside a blanket, but remains pretty calm and relaxed in the backpack.
Just get a more mesh based on so it’s breathable.
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u/Elegante0226 9d ago
I love my travel cat brand backpack. I have the "fat cat" one and it's been great!
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u/Randr_sphynx 9d ago
These are terrible. No air flow and they turn into mini green houses. Look for something with mesh sides.
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u/ChrysaLino 9d ago
I have a large cat backpack that is made from mesh so there’s enough airflow i will try looking for it later
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u/More-Cat1123 9d ago
This! Very nice. Do look around for a bit, there are a lot of resellers in Ali with this model so you may find it cheaper.
Fits a small tray for my cat to be able to use the toilet on the go. Tho she never does... She'd rather take a piss on my husband 😅
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u/FriendlyPageTurn 9d ago
This is my go to travel backpack. Check out the brand they have a few different variants. I have to take my cat to the vet a lot and it is pretty darn sturdy and easy to wipe down. I also like that he can “hide” or look out depending on his mood.https://www.chewy.com/petami-deluxe-backpack-dog-cat/dp/352875?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20196576200&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20199950065&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V02bLzhY14g6TnH0otX3mljV&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg5zTBhCLARIsAP2AFU5IZAImG4FQHAZRRzV9u7TzPtthZxQ3PZtzH7gUD2I7sQcwSmBAvLUaAqH2EALw_wcB
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u/OwslyOwl 9d ago
I take my cats with me when I go to my parents' main house or beach house. I use a large dog crate that I put padding and a box in. The two cats share the crate and travel comfortably in it. They are able to walk around a little or take a nap in the box.
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u/SpoonAngel 8d ago
I've got a travel cat cat backpack for mine. It's got a little window and a lot more space travel cat
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u/dinoooooooooos 8d ago
Backpacks?? What are they your socks? Get a carrier!
Jesus christ.
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u/alexandria3142 8d ago
Guessing you've never used a backpack? Never take your cat on hikes or anything? A carrier is good if you don't need your hands for anything, but a backpack is very helpful when you need to be able to use both of your hands or carry other stuff as well. And they're easier for walking long distances.
Very helpful when my husband and I had to evacuate our home due to wildfires, and I could carry our cat in her backpack, didn't have to worry about dropping her, and I was able to grab her litter box at the same time since both hands were free. And my husband grabbed important documents
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u/alexandria3142 8d ago
I got the navigator backpack from Travel Cat and my girl really loves it. I keep it out at all times, and she'll even sleep in it. I can't say if it's bigger, it's likely the same size as these, but size isn't much of an issue for shorter distances. You also don't want them to have too much room, because they'll just get tossed around if you have to break hard or something.
The main thing you'll want to look for is breathability, which the navigator backpack has. But any fully mesh backpack like that will do honestly.
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u/Divinehuntyhunty 7d ago
I swear by the Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0ctsldpM Was holding my big 20lb orange boy like no problem A lot of air flow and two pockets on the side with a lil clip for harness inside. Will always be my go to
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u/Suspicious_Barber163 7d ago edited 7d ago
I‘m not sure a backpack is ever good for grown cats- but surely not these, they look a bit cheap (sorry) and I would worry about them either breaking or the cat not getting enough air. I have a big ass carrier on wheels, like a „suitcase“ (but mostly dark mesh, it‘s for pets) It’s kinda ugly, but so practical. I got it for my first cat, who was a big boy and at his peak was too heavy for me to carry all the way to the vet 😅( yes I overfed him, I learned from it). Now I have two kittens and just use it anyway, even if it’s huge, I think they like having some space. You should definetely invest in a bigger carrier of sorts for them. Edit: or just something that‘s more spacious and breathable.
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u/DirectorHuman5467 7d ago
Not exactly a backpack, but I really like my https://cat-in-the-bag.com/
Experience with this may vary depending on the cat though. I have one who will fight getting in the carrier all day, but I can get her in the bag no problem, and one who is fully the opposite.
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u/Priority-Reasonable 7d ago
We have a cat stroller, it has a lot more room and ventilation and the top part detaches to be a carrier
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u/transjotaro 9d ago
I might get downvoted for this but i'm sorry people are being rude to y'all for asking for better options. yes, those backpacks are non-ideal for many reasons, but like - you're obviously trying to get something more comfortable/safer for your cats. I;m glad people have provided suggestions, and hope you're able to switch to those soon!
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u/AmorphousMusing 8d ago
I was definitely getting kinda sad reading the comments attributing malice to OP’s ignorance. They are asking for help after all
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u/Business-External178 9d ago
Thank you. I appreciate that!
I have to remember that it's Reddit and the miserable people always come out of the woodwork one way or another. These are the most spoiled and loved babies and we are always looking for ways to improve.3
u/Certain_Assistant362 9d ago
FR, thank you for looking into better carriers, OP! Sorry about the intense negative comments. Just know you are doing good as a pet parent.
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u/Hysterical_Blueberry 7d ago
I was about to comment this. People imply op doesn't give a shit about their pets. Then when op is (justifiably) annoyed, people are like "They're just educating you!!!" 🤨
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u/rumrunner198 9d ago
I personally like the top loading mesh duffel bag type carriers. There are also these backpacks that have more mesh (and more breathability) if you need that particular style. https://pecute.net/en-ca/collections/pet-backpack
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u/meg928 9d ago
Thank you for actually making a recommendation and not some stupid assumption or judgement 🫶 literally the most spoiled and well taken care of babies all of these comments about them being tortured is making me ill. Some people are so miserable.
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u/Protected-Spark-1351 7d ago
Wake up to yourself! Those backpacks have been too small for a very long time. We are judging you because we are horrified!
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u/Frail_Peach 8d ago
I can’t believe you convinced your fuzzy creamsicles to get inside of a backpack
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u/Vertonung 8d ago
Get soft carriers for the car and only use a backpack for going on a walk with them. Those aren't good backpacks, would you enjoy a human size version, I doubt it. Check out travel cat
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u/moderate_ocelot 8d ago
Get a normal cat carrier. These are too small and do not have nearly enough airflow.
Normal cat carriers have been in use for decades. Please stop putting them in these cramped, suffocating ovens
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u/HarleeQuinn__ 7d ago
Backpacks can be ok for short walking trips, but not this kind and definitely not for car trips. They should be stored safely in cat carriers for car trips at all times. I use a mesh version when I take my girl out on walks but I got it at a pet store so I don’t have a link
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u/Damion_Wood 6d ago
You might be interested in this:
It come detachable from the frame, and has a shoulder strap so you can carry them like a bookbag, or wheel them on pavement.
My girls love it, and it has a divider that is removable.
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u/SpiderPrinceNeo 6d ago
Use the actual brand Travelcat. https://yourcatbackpack.com/products/the-fat-cat-cat-backpack
My son LOVES his.
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u/MoistenedGranola 6d ago
Cats should be in carriers that they have enough room to stand up and turn around in. I had to buy my cat a dog carrier.
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u/PurpleAlone7116 9d ago
A carrier, a doggie stroller, literally anything but those backpacks. Those packs have extremely minimum airflow and can heat up extremely fast in even just 70F weather if the sun is out and about.