If you’ve got a cat backpack carrier, you’re probably wondering how long your cats can stay inside the backpack. The short answer for that is not for very long. Traveling with cats is never easy for anyone. There’s a lot to think about; How long can I leave my cat in a carrier? How comfortable is he inside the backpack? Will he overheat if I keep him in for too long? What can I do to make him more comfortable? Hopefully, I get to answer most of your questions in this article. Let’s talk a little about what a cat backpack carrier really is.
What Is A Cat Backpack Carrier?
A cat backpack is a pet carrier for cats that look like and are essentially backpacks you place your cats in when traveling. Most of these backpacks are made from acrylic plastic covers that have multiple airholes that promote airflow inside the backpack. Although some backpacks are made of soft material and mesh windows. Not all of them are the same but all serve the purpose of carrying your cat. As with any carrier, there are some problems we might encounter while using them
Common Problems of Cat Backpack Carriers
Being responsible pet owners, we want to make sure that our cat is safe and comfortable inside the backpack. As backpack carriers grow famous throughout the years, we find a lot of people either love or dislike these backpack carriers. I have gathered a list of problems that users are noticing about cat backpack carriers.
- It gets too hot – Seeing as some of these backpacks are made with acrylic, sometimes the heat gets trapped inside the carrier. Although there are air holes, sometimes it’s just not enough and the heat gets to your cat and he overheats.
- All cramped up – Cat carrier backpacks are generally made for smaller cats. Larger cats sometimes have a hard time inside the backpack and become uncomfortable so you will need to find large cat carrier or a fat cat backpack. Always try to find a cat backpack that is the perfect size for your cat. You’d want them to have enough legroom to move around inside. Furthermore, if you are traveling on a plane, make sure you find airline approved pet carriers in cabin, more specifically, an airline-approved cat carrier.
- Need to Hydrate – Cat backpacks are smaller than normal cat carriers, trying to give your cat water inside the backpack will be a dangerous feat. The water might spill and you would have to take your cat out and clean your carrier. That’s something you wouldn’t have time for while traveling.
Be careful that you don’t overheat your cat. This video is a great resource for identifying heat stroke issues with cats:
Most of the best cat carrier backpacks on the market are made to only carry your cats around and nothing more. Rest assured, these are designed thinking of the safety of your cats. Most of them are also airline approved. To find out if cat backpacks are good for cats, click here.
How Long Can Cats Stay In A Backpack Carrier?
So, to answer the question of how long cats can stay inside the cat backpacks carriers – There is no specific time limit to how long cats can stay inside. They can stay inside for as long as they can. The key here is to be a responsible cat owner and take care of your cat. While using cat backpacks, always check on the state of your cat. Just make sure that your cat gets used to a cat carrier backpack before you place them in a cat carrier for an extended period of time.
A lot can happen while traveling. As stated above, cats can overheat inside these backpacks. If they get fussy and you don’t know what is happening, the best thing to do is to take them out of the backpack and check on them. Make sure that they have the best time while traveling with you.
Tips for Using A Cat Backpack Carrier
There is a lot you can do to make your adventure fun. It is up to you to make sure that your cat is having an amazing time on your trip. This is a helpful video that talks about how to reduce the stress levels in your cat while traveling. These tips can apply equally as well to traveling with your cat in a cat carrier backpack:
Here are a few tips you can use while on your trip:
Bring her favorites
Bringing your cat’s favorite toys or favorite treats can definitely calm your kitty down on a trip. When things get a little stressful, you can try to make your cat a little more comfortable by playing with them a little. Just to take their minds off the trip. Cat treats are also a way you can reassure your cat that everything is ok.
Familiarity
If you are using your cat backpack for the first time, it is best that you have someone your cat is familiar with. Seeing that familiar face while in the backpack will surely calm your cat down. Be sure to ask your companion to walk behind you so your cat can see who she is with.
Not too long
Shorter trips are best when using cat backpack carriers. They can feel a little restless when traveling so it is best that you don’t plan trips that are too long. Long trips can cause stress to your cat and can make them dislike the cat backpack.
Health is Wealth
Before planning a trip with your cat, always make sure that your cat is healthy and they have no problems physically. A visit to the vet before a trip can be beneficial for you and your cat.
Final Thoughts
As long as your cat is healthy, you can take your cat out in their backpack or mesh cat carrier. There are a lot of problems that may arise while using a cat backpack carrier but all can be prevented. No matter how long you keep your cat inside the backpack just always make sure they are safe and sound while using the cat backpack carrier. Also make sure you find the best cat backpacks on the market and out of all of them, find the best one for you and your feline friend.
