Which is Best: A Cat Backpack or Stroller?

When taking your cat out for adventures*, it’s important to have a “safe space” they can ride in or retreat to at any time. The two best options for adventure safe spaces are either a cat backpack or stroller. Not only do these spaces make bringing your cat along to new places easier, they also give your cat a place to rest if they get tired or a place to hide if they get scared or overwhelmed. 

I learned this lesson the hard way.

Picture this: Woman and Man take Cat for a hike in the woods. Woman and Man didn’t know any better and did NOT bring a backpack carrier. Woman, Man, and Cat get a mile or so into the woods, and they’re all having a great time. Until Cat decides he’s had enough and lies down in the middle of the trail. No amount of coaxing will get him to move, and any attempt to pick him up makes him angry. Woman and Man have no choice but to pick Cat up. Man has to carry now-very-angry Cat a mile through the woods back to the car, as Cat hisses and growls the entire way. 

I am Woman. Woman is me. All I can say is the above situation was NOT pleasant for anyone. Lesson learned: ALWAYS bring a cat backpack or stroller, for the good of all involved.

But which one? Cat backpack or stroller? 

Though both backpacks and strollers are excellent options, they each come with their own sets of pros and cons and work best in different situations. By the time you read this article you will:

• Know when and where to best use both a cat backpack and stroller
• Have the information you need to make your backpack and/or stroller purchase 

*Though not absolutely required for backpack or stroller rides, I do recommend harness and leash training your cat before taking them out in either. Check out my tips for harness and leash training, as well as my cat harness guide for more information.

Cat Backpack Overview

A cat backpack is essentially what it sounds like – It is a carrier that fits over your shoulders like a traditional backpack that you might use to carry books or camping gear, except the cargo within the backpack is now going to be your cat!

Cat backpacks vary in design and functionality. They also require some training to get your cat used to riding in them. But they are an invaluable piece of equipment that I personally use on every adventure (unless I’m using a stroller instead). I recommend them to everyone!

Cat Backpack Pros & Cons

As with anything, cat backpacks come with their own set of pros and cons. Knowing what they are will help you decide if a backpack carrier is a good fit for you and your cat, so let’s jump right into the nitty gritty!

Cat Backpack Pros: 

• Leaves your hands free to carry other necessary items (like your phone or water bottle) or to manage another animal on a leash
• Allows you to take your cat pretty much anywhere your feet can carry you, no matter the terrain – including on hikes, to pet-friendly businesses, etc. 
• Most have extra compartments, zippers, and pockets that make good use for carrying your phone, water bottle, poop bags, etc. 
• Serves as a safe space for your cat, no matter where you go
• Some double as a carrier for your kitty on vet visits or even on an airplane (I do not recommend using them as a car carrier unless they have been crash test certified by the Center for Pet Safety)

Cat Backpack Cons: 

• Can be heavy and hot to carry, especially if your cat is on the larger/heavier side
• Some can be quite small, creating a cramped environment for your kitty (be sure to weigh and measure your cat before purchasing to make sure they will fit)
• Requires training to get your cat used to riding in
• Some cats have a hard time getting used to the confined space
• Can sometimes be uncomfortable (uncomfortable straps, can dig into your back, etc)

Of course, these pros and cons can vary depending on the type and brand of backpack you’re using. For more information on what features to look for in a backpack, check on my Cat Backpack Carrier Ultimate Guide.

When to Use a Cat Backpack

As mentioned, a backpack carrier for your cat allows you to take them anywhere your feet can go and pets are allowed. This means that exploring almost any environment is possible, from hiking trails to parks, from the pet store to the vet, from paved to unpaved paths. The possibilities are just about limitless.  

Cat backpacks are especially well-suited for the following places and situations:

Hikes and off-road, wilderness adventures – One of my favorite situations to use our backpack carries is on nature hikes that don’t have paved paths or sidewalks. In fact, if the place you’re hiking doesn’t have paved paths, then a backpack carrier really is a must. It’s way too difficult to try to push a stroller on unpaved hiking trails. Trust me… I know from personal experience!

When you need your hands – Since the backpack allows for your hands to be free, it sure is handy (pun intended) when you want your kitty to be with you but also need your hands. For example, when you might be hiking with another leashed pet, like a dog. Your dog can walk beside you on their leash, and your cat can ride along in their backpack. You may also want to have free hands for other reasons like using your phone to navigate or using a walking stick for stability.

When your cat needs a safe space – Once your cat becomes accustomed to the backpack, they will hopefully view it as a safe place to be. Then you can use the backpack to give them a safe space to retreat to if they become overwhelmed or stressed when you’re out adventuring together. Or even just when they need a break.  

Thankfully, our little adventure kitty Kylo Ren always sees his backpack as a safe place. Whether we are at the vet or on an adventure encountering a loud group of people, Kylo knows he can escape to his backpack carrier for safety and security. 

When introducing your cat to new situations – Taking your cat somewhere new, whether it’s a park, pet store, or anywhere really, can be overwhelming. So many new sights, smells, and sounds, not to mention the insecurity of being out of their comfort zone. It is vitally important to introduce your cat to new situations or environments gradually so as not to stress them out and create a negative experience for them. A cat backpack is the perfect tool for this job!

Here’s how to do it:

1. When visiting somewhere new, I always recommend keeping your cat in their backpack carrier at first. Find an out-of-the-way, quiet spot and sit for a few minutes. Maybe give your kitty a treat or two. 
2. If they don’t seem too stressed or scared, open the backpack and give them the opportunity to pop their head out. Make sure their leash is attached in case they decide to jump out. And again, reassure and reward with treats and praise. 
3. If they decide to jump out of their backpack to explore, you can absolutely let them. However, don’t force them out of their backpack. You want it to be their choice. 
4. If they don’t want to come out, that’s okay! Go with whatever they’re comfortable with and whatever they choose to do.
5. If your cat seems too stressed or scared at any point, close the backpack back up and try again another time. 

NOT as a Car Carrier – It is not recommended to use backpacks as car carriers unless they have been CPS certified (crash test certified from the Center for Pet Safety). For an in-depth understanding of car safety for your cat, read my article “Do I Have to Use a Cat Carrier in the Car?”. Also, listen to my podcast interview with Lyndsey Wolko, the founder of the Center for Pet Safety. 

My Favorite Cat Backpacks

We’ve used a lot of different cat backpacks over the years. Some we’ve loved, some have been okay, and some we’ve hated. And sometimes the humans and the cats don’t agree on which ones we love or don’t love. We are always testing, always searching for the perfect backpack.

However, we have landed on a few that both the humans and our cats like best and use the most:

1. PetAmi Deluxe

Pros: sturdy bottom, plenty of mesh windows, pocket storage on front and sides, has multiple points of entry (front or either side), safety buckles on all zippers

Cons: it doesn’t have a flat top so not suitable for cats who like to ride on top of the backpack, base in bottom of the backpack digs into your back and can become uncomfortable after long periods of time

>> Shop the PetAmi Deluxe on Amazon <<

2. Petsfit

Pros: sturdy bottom and frame, flat top, easy front entry for cat, comfortable for the human

Cons: not as many mesh windows, not enough pocket storage

>> Shop the Petsfit on Amazon <<

3. Travel Cat Fat Cat Backpack

Pros: sturdy bottom and frame, flat(ish) top, bigger size to accommodate larger cats, decent pocket storage, plastic bubble front can be switched out with a plastic ventilated piece, comfortable for the human

Cons: only has top entry, not as many mesh windows

>> Shop the Travel Cat Fat Cat on Amazon <<

When making your selection, consider your needs as well as your cat’s, and balance them against the features of the backpack. Also keep in mind what situations you’ll be using the backpack in. Your needs and wants will probably be different if you plan to take long hikes versus short trips to a pet-friendly store. 

Cat Stroller Overview

Cat strollers are just like human baby strollers, except they’re for cats and/or small dogs. They vary in design and functionality, but generally they consist of a larger compartment that zips closed with enough room for at least one cat, sometimes two depending on the size of the cat(s). They have wheels and can easily be pushed on pavement and other hard surfaces. 

Sometimes the bassinet compartment can detach from the wheel base, sometimes not. Some have four wheels, some have three. Some can even be attached to the back of a bicycle. Most have extra room underneath for storage of various elements you may need on adventures, like water bottles, treats, poop bags, etc. 

Cat Stroller Pros & Cons

Just like with the backpacks, strollers come with their own set of pros and cons. Let’s discuss so you can decide if they are a good fit for you and your cat family!

Cat Stroller Pros

• Bears all the weight of your cat, as well as the items you may be carrying with you, so they’re good for people with back problems or those with heavier cats
• Usually roomier than a backpack carrier – depending on the stroller and the size of your cat(s), sometimes there’s even enough room to carry more than one cat at a time. We have certainly been on adventures with as many as 3 cats in our stroller at one time. (Of course, all the cats had to be pretty good friends and get along well for this to work.)
• Serves as a safe space for your cat, no matter where you go
• Typically has more storage space than a backpack carrier

Cat Stroller Cons 

• Requires a hard surface like asphalt or pavement to be able to roll with ease, so you’re more limited on where you can go
• Can be more difficult to pack since it takes up more space than a backpack (our stroller takes up almost the entire trunk of my husband’s Honda Civic) 
• Can be more difficult to train with because it requires your cat to jump up into it rather than being able to step into it like with most backpacks

When to Use a Cat Stroller

Though strollers are great for taking your cat out, they do have more limitations as far as where you can go, since they typically require a hard or paved surface. Dirt trails and off-road adventures are difficult to navigate with a stroller and sometimes even impossible depending on the environment. 

We have taken our stroller out on a dirt hiking trail before, but we had to pick it up and carry it anytime we came upon looser ground or sand. Though we made it work, it was cumbersome. 

Cat strollers are best suited for the following types of adventures:

Visiting cat-friendly stores – A stroller is great for taking your cat to a store, restaurant, or other cat-friendly business. Your cat will likely feel safe and secure while enjoying the smooth ride. 

Walking in a public park – As long as the park has paved roads and sidewalks, a stroller ride is a great way to get some fresh air (for the kitties) and a little exercise (for the humans). 

When Taking Multiple Cats Out Together – Many strollers have more riding room than backpacks, which makes it possible to fit multiple cats in the bassinet. As mentioned before, we have personally fit as many as three cats at a time in our stroller. If your stroller does not fit multiple cats, you could use both a backpack and a stroller – one cat rides in the backpack, another rides in the stroller. 

When You Have Back Trouble or a Heavier Cat – Carrying a cat in a backpack can be difficult and exhausting, especially if you have back trouble or if your cat is on the larger side. A stroller will relieve the physical burden of carrying your cat yourself. 

When your cat needs a safe space – The same reason given above for backpacks applies for strollers as well. 

When introducing your cat to new situations – The same reason given above for backpacks applies for strollers as well. 

My Favorite Cat Strollers

I have personally only ever used one stroller so far – the VIVO Pet Stroller. I have included details about it below. To help fill in the gaps here, I reached out to the KittyCatGO Trailblazers community for their top stroller recommendations, which are included below:

1. VIVO

Pros: large enough to fit 2-3 of our cats (though our cats are all on the smaller side), plenty of mesh window space, can be opened in various ways, has cup holders, has ample storage space underneath the bassinet, easy to pop up and break down, lightweight

Cons: zippers can be finicky so not the easiest to open and close, bassinet cannot be detached from the wheel base, not the easiest to maneuver because of the 4-wheel configuration

>> Shop the VIVO on Amazon <<

2. Gen7

Pros: well made and sturdy, plenty of mesh window space, can be opened in various ways, has cup holders, has ample storage space underneath the bassinet, easy to pop up and break down, lightweight, easy to maneuver thanks to the 3-wheel configuration

Cons: only has zipper closures so can be finicky to open and close, bassinet cannot be detached from the wheel base

>> Shop the Gen7 on Amazon <<

3. Pet Gear

Pros: well made and sturdy, has quick snap closures instead of zippers, plenty of mesh window space, can be opened in various ways, has cup holders, has ample storage space underneath the bassinet, easy to pop up and break down, lightweight, easy to maneuver thanks to the 3-wheel configuration

Cons: bassinet cannot be detached from the wheel base, expensive

>> Shop the Pet Gear on Amazon <<

So… Which is Best?

When deciding whether to go with a cat backpack or stroller, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each and consider the types of adventures you plan to go on. Both are great for different reasons and in different situations. 

We personally use both a stroller and a variety of backpack carriers. We enjoy the benefits of both and make our decision on which to use depending on the circumstance. We do tend to use the backpacks more frequently than the stroller, but only because we mostly take our cats hiking in the woods. Having both options is ideal. 

I hope this article helped you to decide which might work best for you while also giving you ideas on how you might use them to enrich your cat’s life with adventure!