How to Get a Cat Used to a Backpack: A Step-by-Step Guide for Large Cats

So you bought a cat backpack, zipped your cat inside, and… it did not go well. Don’t worry — that is completely normal. Almost no cat loves a carrier on day one. The good news is that learning how to get a cat used to a backpack is mostly about patience and a few simple steps, and it works even with stubborn, larger cats.

This guide walks you through a calm, no-drama training plan. It works best when your carrier is roomy and well-ventilated to begin with — a cramped bag fights you the whole way — so we will also point you to the carrier that makes this dramatically easier.

Start With the Right Carrier

Before any training, set yourself up to win. A backpack that is too small, stuffy, or flimsy will scare your cat no matter how good your technique is. For big cats especially, space is everything.

We use and recommend Travel Cat’s “The Fat Cat” backpack for this exact reason: it is built for cats up to 25 lbs, has a soft removable mat your cat can settle on, and offers strong ventilation with a swappable bubble or mesh window. A roomy, airy carrier feels less like a trap and more like a cozy den — which is half the battle. (For the full breakdown, see our Fat Cat review.)

Step 1: Make the Backpack a Normal Object

Leave the backpack open on the floor in a room your cat already likes. Do not force anything. Let it sit there for a few days so it becomes part of the furniture, not a scary new thing that only appears before vet trips.

Drop a few treats and a familiar-smelling blanket inside. Curiosity does the rest.

Step 2: Reward Every Approach

Each time your cat sniffs, touches, or steps near the backpack, reward it — a treat, a kind word, a bit of play. You are teaching one simple lesson: good things happen around this object. The washable mat in a quality carrier helps here, because your cat can lie on a soft, familiar surface instead of bare plastic.

Step 3: Encourage Going Inside

Place treats just inside the opening, then a little deeper over several sessions. Never push or shove your cat in. The goal is for your cat to choose to step inside on its own. With a spacious carrier, this is far easier — a big cat will not enter a space it can’t comfortably fit into.

Let your cat come and go freely. Keep these sessions short and positive.

Step 4: Close It Briefly

Once your cat is comfortable sitting inside, gently close the backpack for just a few seconds while you feed treats through the mesh. Then open it. Slowly build up the time over days — ten seconds, then thirty, then a minute. If your cat panics, you went too fast; back up a step.

This is where ventilation matters: a cat that can see out and breathe easily settles far faster than one in a sealed, stuffy bubble.

Step 5: Lift and Move Gently

With your cat calmly inside, lift the backpack a few inches, then set it down and reward. Next, put it on your back for a short, smooth walk around the house. Padded straps and a chest strap (like on the Fat Cat) keep the ride stable — a wobbling, lopsided carrier will undo your progress fast.

Step 6: First Trip Outside

For the first real outing, keep it short and quiet. A walk around the garden or block is plenty. Always clip your cat’s harness to the carrier’s internal leash clip before you unzip anything outdoors — this is the single most important safety step, because a startled cat can bolt in an instant.

Keep early trips brief and end on a good note, then gradually build up.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do:
– Go at your cat’s pace — days or weeks, not minutes
– Pair every step with treats and praise
– Use a harness + the internal leash clip outdoors
– Keep first outings short and calm

Don’t:
– Force or shove your cat inside
– Skip steps to rush the timeline
– Use a cramped or poorly ventilated carrier
– Make the carrier appear only before stressful vet trips

How Long Does It Take to Get a Cat Used to a Backpack?

Some confident cats adjust in a few days; nervous or older cats may take a few weeks. Both are fine. The key is to never push past the point where your cat gets scared. Consistency beats speed every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my cat to stop crying in the backpack?
Crying usually means the experience moved too fast or the carrier feels cramped. Slow down, go back a step, reward calm behavior, and make sure the carrier is roomy and well-ventilated. A bigger cat in a tight bag will protest no matter what.

Should I use treats or food to train?
Yes — high-value treats or a bit of your cat’s favorite food are the fastest way to build a positive association. Reward every small win.

Is a backpack better than a regular carrier for training?
For many cats, yes. A backpack with a clear or mesh window lets your cat see out, which is reassuring, and it keeps your hands free. The main requirement is that it is large enough — which is why we recommend a roomy model for big cats.

What if my cat never likes it?
A few cats simply prefer not to travel, and that is okay. But the vast majority warm up with patience and the right-sized carrier. Give it real time before giving up.

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Setting up for success? Start with our best cat backpack for large cats guide and read the full Fat Cat backpack review before your first trip.