Cat backpack as an alternative to the transport box? A test

test

Up to 8 kg
Expandable cat backpack in the test: A sensible alternative to the transport box?

Every cat owner knows this: If the next vaccination or deworming is just around the corner, the house cat has to be taken to the vet. Usually in an animal transport box. But there are also more modern solutions – such as the cat backpack. But is it a really good alternative? We tested it.

Little Kurt is just five months old. The European shorthair cat has had to undergo a corresponding number of visits to the vet in the past few weeks in order to be adequately protected from dangerous diseases and pathogens. After it was transported in a classic plastic box the first two times, ours decided star-Editor without further ado for switching to a cat backpack. It is intended to offer a house cat more comfort (especially on longer journeys), but also the person wearing it. You can find out whether this is really true in the following practical test.

This is what the manufacturer promises

The Cat backpack from Morpilot is – according to the manufacturer – suitable for velvet paws that weigh up to eight kilograms. It is 35 centimeters long, 30 centimeters deep and 42 centimeters high. The special thing about the model is that it can be expanded: the backpack can be unfolded using a zipper on the back, making it over 30 centimeters longer. A big advantage for cats who want to lie down and stretch out. At least that’s what the manufacturer says. According to Morpilot, the Oxford fabric material is waterproof, scratch-resistant and wear-resistant. The ergonomically shaped cat backpack should also offer many other advantages because it has:

A notice:
The scope of delivery already includes a foldable drinking bowl (including a carabiner hook), which can be optimally stored in one of the side pockets.

Tip: At Fressnapf you will also find a large selection of cat backpacks.

The cat backpack in practical testing

I don’t know about other pet sitters, but my cat generally doesn’t like being locked up. This applies to the animal transport box as well as to the cat backpack. Nevertheless, I was convinced that over time my cat would get used to the new transport option – and maybe even like it. Because I was completely thrilled from the moment I carried the backpack and cat for the first time. On the one hand, because it was much easier for me to take the increasingly heavy cat to the vet. On the other hand, I suddenly had both hands free again. The adjustable shoulder straps and front chest buckles made it easy to adjust the backpack to my back.

As for my cat, he wasn’t initially enthusiastic about being carried around in a backpack. He meowed with all his might and didn’t want to get used to his new surroundings – even when I put the backpack on the floor at the vet and expanded it so that Kurt could lie down in it. But this was certainly not due to the transport option itself, but rather the fact that he doesn’t like being locked up. Because as soon as we got back home and I opened the backpack, my cat had nothing better to do than sit right back in it. In fact, he even sleeps and plays in it now. For me, this is an important signal to simply practice with my pets. Without further ado, I locked him in it for a few minutes every day and rewarded him with treats when he stopped meowing. And lo and behold: after a short time it was no longer a problem to carry Kurt around in the cat backpack.

But then came the first car ride. Unfortunately, the trip to my in-laws turned out to be a hellish trip: for me, my husband and Kurt. Because our cat had great difficulty staying calm in the (unfolded) backpack. He meowed the entire time and tried with all the strength he could muster to free himself from his prison. Fortunately, he didn’t succeed – the manufacturer hadn’t lied about the break-out safety. Nevertheless, it was of course anything but pleasant to see how our pet suffered the whole way there and back. Here, too, it would certainly have been advisable to practice driving with a backpack before setting off on a trip with a hangover.

Conclusion: Is the change really worth it?

For me that fulfills Backpack from Morpilot fully serves its purpose. It is stable, escape-proof and very comfortable to wear. As for my cat, it was actually a matter of time and practice until he got used to the new transport option. My advice to other pet owners would be very clear: approach it slowly over days (or weeks, if necessary) and give your cat the opportunity to get used to the cat backpack step by step. Don’t just put it in and lock your pet in it, but entice it with toys or treats and wait until your furry friend goes in voluntarily and alone. The fact is that the backpack offers both the wearer and the cat a comfortable way to cover short distances by car, but also on foot or by bike – or even travel together. It’s all just a question of patience.

Tip: At Otto you will find further alternatives to the Morpilot cat backpack.

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