How to Get Your Cat Used to a Backpack Carrier (10-Day Plan)
Quick answer: to get your cat used to a backpack carrier, leave it open at home with familiar bedding and treats inside, let your cat explore it on their own terms, then slowly add zipping, lifting, short walks around the house and finally short trips outside. Most cats need one to two weeks of short, happy sessions. Never rush or force them in.
From the Cutier Store team: "how do I get my cat to actually like the backpack?" is one of the questions our customers ask us most. So we put together the calm, step-by-step routine we share with them, plus the bits most guides skip: a sizing check, a heat check and what to do if your cat panics.
Why backpack training matters (especially before the holidays)
A backpack carrier is a small, enclosed space that moves, swings and makes zipper noises. To a cat, that can feel a lot like being trapped. Training turns it into a familiar, safe den instead.
Timing matters too. If you're planning holiday travel, a family visit or a winter vet check, start now. Two calm weeks of practice in October or November beats one stressful scramble in December.
Before you start: pick the right size
A carrier that's too small is uncomfortable. One that's far too big lets your cat slide around. Your cat should be able to sit, lie down and turn around easily.
Here's the weight guide we use for our bubble cat backpack:
| Size | Cat weight | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| S | 0.5–2 kg | Kittens and very petite cats |
| M | 2–3 kg | Small adult cats |
| L | 3–4 kg | Average adult cats |
| XL | 4–5 kg | Larger cats |
| XXL | 5–6 kg | Big, fluffy cats |
Between two sizes? Go one size up. Weigh your cat on a home scale by weighing yourself holding them, then subtracting your own weight.
How to get your cat used to a backpack carrier: the 10-day plan
Keep every session short, around five minutes, and stop while your cat is still relaxed. If your cat seems worried at any step, go back to the previous one for a day or two.
Days 1–2: make it part of the furniture
Unzip the backpack fully and place it on the floor in a room your cat already likes. Put a blanket or T-shirt that smells like home inside. Drop a few treats near it, then inside the entrance. Let your cat sniff and walk away. That's a win.
Days 3–4: meals and naps inside
Move a small part of your cat's meal just inside the opening, then a little deeper each time. Many cats start napping in the bag at this stage, especially if it's somewhere warm and quiet. UK charity PDSA recommends this kind of gradual, food-based approach in its guide to getting cats used to carriers.
Days 5–6: zips and short closures
While your cat is eating inside, zip the opening halfway, then open it again and give a treat. Next, zip it fully for a few seconds. Build slowly to a minute or two. Stay close and talk softly.
Days 7–8: lift and move
With your cat zipped in, lift the backpack a few centimetres, then set it down and reward. Then carry it across the room. Finally, put it on your back and walk slowly around the house. Keep your movements smooth, with no swinging.
Days 9–10: the first trip outside
Start with a doorstep or balcony visit for a couple of minutes. Pick a quiet time with no dogs, traffic or loud noises. Come home, open the bag, and let your cat decide when to come out. Then build up to short walks.
Signs your cat is ready (and signs to slow down)
| Ready to move on | Slow down |
|---|---|
| Walks in on their own | Flattened ears or a tucked tail |
| Eats or grooms inside | Wide, dilated pupils |
| Slow blinks and a loose body | Heavy panting or drooling |
| Looks out the window with curiosity | Scratching at the zip or loud crying |
The animal welfare charity Battersea gives the same core advice in its carrier training guide: go slowly, reward calm behaviour and never force your cat inside.
The heat check most guides skip
Clear bubble windows look adorable, but they can warm up quickly in direct sun. Before and during every outing:
- Use the backpack in shade or mild weather, and avoid hot afternoons.
- Keep all mesh panels uncovered so air can flow.
- Put your hand inside after a few minutes. If it feels warm and stuffy to you, it's too warm for your cat.
- Watch for panting. Cats rarely pant, so treat it as a sign to stop, cool down and head home. If you're worried, ask your vet.
Safety basics for walks
- Clip the inner tether to a well-fitted harness, never to a collar, so a surprise jump can't become an escape.
- Open the bag indoors only, or in a closed car, until your cat is very confident.
- Stay away from dogs, crowds and busy roads during early trips.
- Keep outings short, especially at first.
- Bring wipes and a spare towel for any little accidents.
What to do if your cat panics
- Stop walking and stay calm. Your cat reads your energy.
- Move to a quiet, shaded spot and set the bag down on a stable surface.
- Cover part of the window with a light cloth, leaving the mesh open, so your cat can hide.
- Don't open the bag outdoors. Head home when your cat settles.
- Next time, go back two steps in the plan and make sessions even shorter.
Patience works for other "scary" routines too. Our calm plan for trimming cat nails uses the same small-steps idea.
How to choose: backpacks we love
A quick, honest note: for vet visits, many shelters still prefer a sturdy hard carrier with a removable top. Backpacks shine for walks, short trips and hands-free days out. Here's how our carriers compare:
- Bubble Cat Backpack Carrier: clear window, mesh airflow and an expandable back for extra room at rest stops. Five sizes from S to XXL, with an inner safety tether.
- Front Chest Cat Backpack Carrier: keeps your cat snuggled against you, which can help clingy cats feel safer. Suitable for cats up to 5 kg.
- Pet Travel Backpack with Pocket: a simple shoulder-strap style with a chest strap to spread the weight.
- Cute Cat Harness: pair it with any carrier tether for extra peace of mind.
Want more cat travel essentials and cozy finds? Browse the full Cutier Store collection.
Your printable checklist
Save this list to track how to get your cat used to a backpack carrier, one calm tick at a time.
- ☐ Weighed my cat and chose the right size
- ☐ Backpack open at home with familiar bedding
- ☐ Treats and meals moved inside, step by step
- ☐ Practised zipping, lifting and walking indoors
- ☐ Harness fitted and tether clipped
- ☐ Heat check done, shade planned
- ☐ First outing kept short and quiet
Ready for cozy adventures together? 🐾
Find your cat's new favourite window seat in our bubble cat backpack. Free shipping on every order. Orders are dispatched within 24–48 hours and usually arrive in 2–12 days.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a cat used to a backpack?
Many cats need one to two weeks of short daily sessions. Shy or older cats may need longer. Follow your cat's pace, not the calendar.
Are cat backpacks cruel?
Not when the size is right, the bag is well ventilated, trips are short and your cat has been trained gently. A cat who shows ongoing stress may simply prefer staying home, and that's okay.
Can I use a cat backpack for vet visits?
You can, but many vets and shelters prefer a hard carrier with a removable top for exams. Ask your vet what works best for your cat.
Should I put my cat's harness on inside the backpack?
Yes. Fit a comfortable harness before your cat goes in, then clip the inner tether to the harness, not the collar.
What if my cat cries in the backpack?
Go back a few steps and keep sessions shorter. If crying continues or comes with panting or drooling, stop and ask your vet for advice.
