With the boom of pet parents wanting to take their furry friends with them on all kinds of adventures, cat backpacks have become popular amongst the kitty-loving community. While there’s been a lot of discussion and debate on whether cat backpacks are safe or not, I believe they can be with the right features and precautions.
My Top 3 Backpack Tips
My own kitty enjoys our trips together in her backpack, so I understand the enthusiasm for taking cats everywhere you go. But it’s important to pick a backpack that is designed perfectly for your cat. Let’s look at the top three safety tips for the kitty backpack!
Plenty of Ventilation
When shopping for a backpack to transport your cat, ventilation should be your top priority. Not only will lots of air holes ensure that your furry friend has enough breathable oxygen during their ride, but it will also reduce stress and fear by giving them a sense of comfort.
Air holes can also help prevent overheating on warmer days, keeping your cat safely cool inside their home away from home. Even if you have the thickest padding lining the inside of the bag, having plenty of healthy airflow is essential for a safe — and enjoyable — journey.
Short Trips Only
It's important to remember that cat backpacks aren't designed for long trips and can easily get very hot in summer months. When the temperature outside rises above 80 degrees, it's best not to use them at all.
Cat backpacks heat up quickly since they often have an open window for viewing, and cats have a harder time regulating their body temperatures than people do. In warmer climates or during summer months, using a cat backpack may even be dangerous for your four-legged friend if used too long or in excessively high temperatures. Being aware of these issues will help you protect your pet while out enjoying nature together!
Wear it on the Front
Wearing your cat’s backpack on the front like you might a baby carrier has its advantages. Not only are you able to more easily determine your cat's level of comfort while out on an outing, but there’s also the added peace of mind that comes with having a direct line of sight as to what your pet is up to.
When cats are in unknown environments, body language can be difficult to read and watchful eyes are always best prepared for any situation. Even if your cat seems comfortable, being aware of its movements could help you identify an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation quickly - this could mean the difference between a happy adventure and making a trip back home early. Of course, there’s the added bonus of feeling closer to your pet which makes wearing their backpack both beneficial and comforting for cat owners alike!
Conclusion
If you are thinking of using a backpack to carry your cat, make sure that it is well-ventilated and only for short periods of time. In hot weather, it is best to avoid using a backpack altogether. For the safety of both you and your cat, it is also important to wear the backpack on your front so that you can keep an eye on your cat's well-being.
