The Navigator Cat Backpack Carrier Review
When we first adopted our cat Colonel Mustard, I knew that I wanted to see if he would like being an adventure cat. My cat Felix that I had years ago was always down for anything, and I think that if I would’ve known about this awesome adventure cat life, that I totally could’ve done it with him. Colonel Mustard is probably one of the most chill cats I’ve ever had and is also always down for anything. He might be a bit nervous at first, but with a little bit of time he always warms up.
I discovered Your Travel Cat’s Navigator Cat Backpack a little while back and loved its design, features, and the ability to be able to take my cat with me on many of the adventures the dogs get to go on! In this post, I’ll be sharing my full review of The Navigator Cat Backpack plus some helpful tips for how I backpack trained my cat, Colonel Mustard!
The Navigator Cat Backpack Quick Info:
The Navigator Cat Backpack has a lot of really awesome features that allow you to take your cat on so many different adventures! Before I do a brief breakdown of those, below is some important information about sizing, dimensions and weight limit, so you know if this backpack will fit your furry friend from the start!
- Backpack Dimensions:
- 15 X 14.4 X 17.7 in. or 38 X 29 X 45 cm.
- Maximum Pet Weight:
- Cats: 25 lbs.
- Dogs: 17.6 lbs.
- Backpack Weight:
- 2lbs. (it’s very lightweight!)
The Navigator Cat Backpack Features:
Now for the features, starting with my favorites:
Breathable and sturdy mesh windows all the way around
- This is my top favorite since I live in Florida. Having a ton of breathability is extremely important so that Colonel gets as much air as possible. Each mesh window is also really durable and withstands his claws if he pushes on them as he readjusts since he likes to lay down and get comfy (you’ll see in the photos, ha!). Plus, since this is an awesome enrichment activity for him, I also want him to be able to take in as many smells as possible.
- This durable mesh adds security and breathability, making this my go-to pick for a cat backpack for hiking!
Two adjustable clips inside to attach harnesses or leashes
- This feature made me feel a lot more comfortable when we were first starting out because I knew he was strapped in and safe! Depending on your cat(s) size(s) too, you can fit a second cat in here making this a great cat carrier backpack for two cats!
Two optional windows for your cat
- The front mesh zip area and the top mesh area open and secure in place to give your cat extra good views (see photos above).
P.S. He’s always quite shy around our photographer since he doesn’t see her all the time, so he wasn’t ready to take a peek out of the top window in front of her, but that’s ok! He still looked super cute looking out the front window!
Two flexible side pockets and one zippered pocket
- The Navigator Cat Backpack gives you a TON of storage! I can bring a water bottle, treats for Colonel and any other supplies I need for our adventures.
Water reservoir pocket (water bladder not included)
- This is a feature I haven’t tried just yet because it’s a bit too muggy for the trails still (will update this when I do!) but I love that it has the option. I already have a water bladder from another hiking backpack that I know I can put in this one when we take Colonel with us to our local state parks with the dogs!
Adjustable waist, chest and shoulder straps
- You can really secure The Navigator Cat Backpack in place which I’ve found really helpful in preventing that “bounce” feeling when you walk!
Converts to a traditional cat carrier from a cat backpack carrier
- This comes with a detachable shoulder strap that hooks onto the two black hooks shown in the photos below, and you can switch around the removable mat to fit long ways or short ways for your cat!
How To Backpack Train Your Cat:
Since I was a total newbie to harness training a cat and backpack training a cat, I looked at all the helpful tips that Travel Cat shares on their blog, social channels, and in the package you get! First things first, you need to harness train your cat if you plan on using all of the features The Navigator Cat Backpack has to offer (like the windows and what not). Travel Cat has many helpful blog posts with tips here.
Once you’ve harness trained your cat, below are the steps that I took with Colonel that really set him up for success!
Step 1: Introduce The Cat Backpack Carrier
One of the first steps that Travel Cat recommended was to open the package with your cat backpack carrier in front of your cat so they could see it. I completely forgot to do this step because I was so excited to open the package, ha! However, he still came out and saw it afterwards which was good.
The second step is to leave it open and let your cat explore in it. Let them get comfortable around it and see that it’s a fun space to be in. This worked pretty good for Colonel because he always likes snuggling in his regular carrier if I leave it out after a vet visit for instance.
Pro Tip: You may or may not want to zip up the mesh windows before leaving it out. I know everyone’s cats are different, but Colonel is a very goofy one-year old cat who thinks the adjustable clips for his harness are toys and he can play with them and chew on them. To keep him from eating something he shouldn’t, ha, we keep it zipped up when we’re not supervising him or before bed.
Next, you can start playing with your cat in the cat backpack carrier, feeding them and giving them treats! Colonel’s favorite toys are wand cat toys with different attachments. He has this blue one with yellow catnip balls that he goes bonkers over. I recommend grabbing your cat’s favorite toy like we did and playing with them in it. Since the windows roll up and secure, you have tons of angles to play with them!
Step 2: Slowly Begin Your Adventures
Now that your cat has gotten more familiar with your cat backpack carrier, you can start to do some introductory trips!
I started by putting Colonel in his Navigator Cat Backpack and walked around the apartment with all of the mesh windows zipped up. I did this for a handful of days to get him acquainted with it.
Pro Tip: Reward your cat often! Anytime I put Colonel’s harness on, take it off, take him out of the cat backpack carrier, I always reward him with a treat. That way, it keeps everything a positive experience for him!
After that, I would take him downstairs out of our apartment and walk him around the building and come back inside. I did this as well for a handful of days to start getting him accustomed to going outside.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of the weather and your surroundings. For example, this post is initially being published in the hot August Florida summer. Anytime I take Colonel Mustard in his Navigator Cat Backpack, I try to do it either early, first thing in the morning after I’ve walked the dogs (around 7am) or in the evening when it’s cooler (around 7-8pm). I also try to go at times when I know there’s less commotion about with people and other dogs (even though he’s used to dogs, not all dogs are used to cats so I never want him to have an experience that makes him fearful).
From there I started taking slightly longer outdoor walking trips (like 10 minutes). We have a nice walking loop at our apartment complex that I walk Colonel around once or twice. It has a nice bench area which I like to use as a break for him where I open up the mesh top or front windows, give him some pets or treats and let him really take in all the smells and scenery.
From there, we started taking trips to PetSmart and other local pet-friendly places where he could get more exposure from people that were happy to see him (since he’s so cute, that’s pretty much everywhere, ha!). With time, Colonel’s gotten much more comfortable with his Navigator Cat Backpack and his Cat Harness in general. He sees it as a fun experience which is what I was hoping for!
Now, I know that not every cat will enjoy having their own cat backpack carrier or cat harness, but you never know until you try! I love that I can take Colonel Mustard on so many adventures by himself and with the dogs in his Navigator Cat Backpack. I personally think this is one of the best cat carrier backpacks out there, especially with all of the amazing features that it has.
If you loved reading my review of the Navigator Cat Backpack, definitely check out more posts below from my cat owner tips section to discover the coolest cat product reviews, cat enrichment ideas, and so much more:
Photography: Kate Kelley Collection
Thank you Travel Cat for sponsoring this post! All opinions in this post are mine.