Do cats like backpack carriers?

[Anonymous]

We just got our first cat. She’s 14 weeks and it’s going great. Our 14 year old promised to do most of the care and I fully expected to be picking up the slack but nope! She treats the kitten like she’s her baby, cleans the litter box, feeds her, etc. I’ve seen backpack carriers online that my daughter would probably like to go on hikes with the cat, especially during the pandemic. But do cats actually like those?? She doesn’t seem to mind her carrier except in the car. The carriers I’ve seen have a clear back so the cat can see out. Some of the reviews say their cats like hikes. Seems strange to me. Experience?

[Anonymous]

Mine told me it does like it.

[Anonymous]

I think it will depend on the cat, including its age. A fairly sedate older cat might enjoy it. A more active cat/kitten could get very frustrated with the confinement and with being able to see/smell all sorts of outside things they can’t get to.

With due regard for wanting to do all one can, I think based on experience that an inside cat needs to stay inside.

[Anonymous]

My kitty says No.

[Anonymous]

No absolutely not
If they tolerate it it's b.c they are frozen in fear.

[Anonymous]

Taylor Swift's do.

[Anonymous]

My cat is older, but she would not take this humiliation well. She would probably retaliate by biting me in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping.

What about getting her one of these instead of a cat backpack:
https://www.chewy.com/kh-pet-products-ez-mount-cat-window/dp/128081

[Anonymous]

My cat would hate it, but he’s an agoraphobe and freaks out if even part of his body breaches the doorway. But I personally would be extremely excited to see a cat in a backpack on a hike. Especially if carried by a 14-year-old. Please help make this happen because it sounds ADORABLE.

[Anonymous]

Please please please don't be a troll and come back and report about kitty hikes.

[Anonymous]

OP here: haha thanks. Yeah I suspect our kitty would not like it. But I also think she would let it be known right away absolutely if she didn’t. She’s a very expressive kitten - but it would be cute and fun. We don’t need a window seat because we have two large bay windows she can sit in to watch the outside.

[Anonymous]

Of course not!

[Anonymous]

I think if you expose them young, there is more of a chance to get use to the activity. I think one would need to work up to it in small steps.

It’s really cat dependent. Had a cat that LOVED going out in a stroller or on a leash, a cat that could freak out doing the same (thus not safe) and a cat that never leaves the house.

I’d say go for it. Even if it turns out they are not up for hiking - you can still use the carrier for vet visits. And yes updates on hikes are appreciated!

[Anonymous]

If she is an indoor cat, I think she would be terrified. If she is an outdoor cat, I think she would be irritated at being restrained because she would prefer to bound after moving things, eat grass, climb trees, or nap. It's a terrible idea all around.

Plus, if the cat gets out of the backpack and runs or climbs a tree somewhere out on a hike, you might lose her forever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she is an indoor cat, I think she would be terrified. If she is an outdoor cat, I think she would be irritated at being restrained because she would prefer to bound after moving things, eat grass, climb trees, or nap. It's a terrible idea all around.

Plus, if the cat gets out of the backpack and runs or climbs a tree somewhere out on a hike, you might lose her forever.

This.

I can't see why any animal, would want to be put in a confined space and then be bouncing around while I'm walking up and down hills, over rocks etc..

Good luck to OP if they want to try this but to me, it seems cruel and stressful for the animal.