FERMAO Cat Backpack Carrier Review — breathable, foldable medium carrier

Intro

I’m The Pet Dude — a pet parent and gear nerd — and this is my long-form take on the FERMAO Cat Backpack Carrier (model 2335). It’s sold as a foldable, breathable backpack-style carrier sized at 12.9" L x 10.62" W x 15.5" H and rated for pets under 15 pounds. The listing highlights a washable mat, multiple entrances, a steel support frame, and breathable mesh panels; owner experience notes echo those strengths while flagging a couple of real-world trade-offs to watch for.

What it is / first look

Out of the box, this is a medium-sized, casual-style pet backpack designed for short trips, hiking, walking and general travel. The listing gives the dimensions (12.9 x 10.62 x 15.5 inches) and an item weight (listed as 0.02 kg / 0.63 ounces). The material called out in the specs is Cationic Oxford Cloth with what the listing calls a "lullaby net" for the breathable mesh areas. It also lists a zipper closure, reflective strips, side zipper pockets and a water bottle pocket. The carrier is described as foldable and portable, and it ships with a removable, washable mat.

What stands out on first glance is a strong emphasis on ventilation and visibility: mesh panels cover large areas so your pet can see out. The top mesh can be opened so a pet can poke its head out, and there are three entrances overall. I also noticed the listing calls out a steel frame inside for support and a prevent-escape clasp paired with an interior tether clip.

In daily use

Based on the combined product details and owner experiences, here’s how the FERMAO carrier performs for everyday travel, errands, and short hikes.

Putting your pet in / getting them out

The backpack opens in multiple ways: both sides zip open and the front panel can unzip and roll down to create a roomy opening. Owners report the front opening is wide and makes it easier to load a reluctant cat or a wriggly kitten. There’s also a top mesh that unzips if you want your pet to stick their head out for fresh air and view. The carrier includes an interior strap/clasp to tether your pet; owner notes describe that clip as having a full-spin feature so the tether is less likely to tangle.

Ventilation and visibility

Breathability is one of this carrier’s biggest selling points. The listing repeatedly highlights the breathable mesh design and wide views, and owners confirm that the airflow and visibility inside are very good. That makes it a better choice for warm-weather walks and short outdoor adventures where air circulation matters.

Carrying comfort and support

The listing says the backpack has a steel frame for support and reflective strips for evening visibility. Owners consistently report the pack feels well-supported and doesn’t flop; the reinforced bottom stops pets from sliding. Straps are described as wide and padded enough for comfortable shoulder wear during typical use, though some owners note that when a pet is heavier the shape of the pack makes the load feel farther from the body than other ultra-close-fitting designs.

Storage and organization

You get side zipper pockets and a water bottle pocket for essentials — treats, a leash, or a fold-up bowl. The listing positions those as travel-friendly features for short trips and hikes.

Cleaning and care

The included mat is removable and washable per the listing, and owners appreciate that for easy cleaning after visits or outdoor trips. The pack folds compactly for storage and ships partly folded, which is handy for small homes and apartments.

Materials & build quality

The spec sheet names Cationic Oxford Cloth as the primary material and references "lullaby net" for the mesh panels. The carrier has a steel frame inside to provide structure and a zipper closure. From these pieces and owner feedback, the construction reads as intentionally robust for a fabric backpack.

• Shell and mesh: Cationic Oxford Cloth body with broad mesh panels. The mesh gives breathability but is still fabric-based rather than hard plastic.
• Support: Steel frame material inside provides a firm bottom and corner support so the bag holds its shape.
• Closure and hardware: Zippers are the listed closure type; multiple owner notes praise zipper strength and durability.
• Extras: Removable washable mat, side zipper pockets, water bottle pocket, reflective strips, interior tether clip.

Overall, the package of materials and the steel support frame explain the widely reported sense that this carrier is sturdier than many ultra-light soft carriers. That said, the materials are largely fabric and mesh — durable but still susceptible to sharp claws over time.

Safety considerations

Pet safety has to come first. The listing and owner notes together surface several safety-positive features as well as a few things to watch for.

• Weight limit: The listing specifies a maximum weight recommendation of 15 pounds. That’s the hard upper limit the manufacturer sets.
• Escape prevention: The carrier includes three entrances and one prevent-escape clasp, plus an interior tether clip that owners say has a full-spin function to minimize tangling. These features reduce escape risk compared with loose, single-opening carriers.
• Visibility/reflectivity: Reflective strips on the outside heighten visibility for evening walks.
• Ventilation: Extensive mesh provides airflow and visibility, which helps reduce overheating on short outings.
• Potential hazards to watch: Because the carrier has a lot of mesh, a determined, sharp-clawed pet can tear a hole in the mesh over time — owners flagged this as a real possibility for heavy scratchers. Also, when the front panel is rolled down into the window position, one owner noted it left just enough room for their cat to jump out; that’s why the listing’s prevent-escape clasp and interior tether are important to use.
• Air travel: The listing calls the pack "Airline Approved" at the given dimensions but also explicitly advises buyers to check airline requirements before traveling.
• Car travel tip: Owners have used the pack on car seats and one owner mentioned passing the straps through a seatbelt to secure the carrier in a vehicle. The listing itself notes compatibility with airplane travel but does not specify a car-seatbelt installation method; the seatbelt trick is an owner practice rather than a manufacturer instruction in the specs.

Bottom line: the carrier lists several built-in safety features and owners have validated many of them in real use, but keep a close eye on pets who are intense scratchers and always use the interior tether and prevent-escape clasp. Double-check airline rules and be conservative about the 15 lb maximum.

Who this is for / who should skip

I break this down by pet type and life stage since fit and temperament matter more than brand names.

Best fit — small cats, kittens, and small dogs

• The listing describes the bag as suitable for cats, puppies and small-medium sized pets and it specifies a maximum recommended weight of 15 pounds. Owners report it fits small adult cats and small dogs like chihuahuas comfortably; one owner uses it for a 12 lb chihuahua.
• If your pet likes to sit and look out, the top mesh window that unzips is a nice touch; the broad mesh panels mean good visibility and airflow.

Good for: travel, visits, short hikes, errands

• The carrier is billed for hiking, traveling and walking. Owners use it for professional trips, groomer visits and neighborhood walks. The side pockets and water-bottle pocket add convenience for short excursions.

Who should skip or be cautious

• If your pet is over 15 pounds, the listing’s maximum recommendation rules them out — don’t push the limit.
• If your pet is a frequent, determined scratcher, be cautious: the carrier has lots of mesh and owners warned that sharp claws can rip holes. That’s a durability and escape-risk issue over time.
• If your animal needs to lie fully flat and stretch out (larger breeds or some long-bodied cats), double-check the internal space — the listing dimensions and the 15 lb recommendation are the best sizing guide.

Verdict

I like this backpack as a practical, breathable, and surprisingly sturdy medium carrier for small cats, kittens and small-breed dogs. The combination of a steel internal frame, a removable washable mat, broad mesh ventilation and multiple openings makes it a versatile pick for professional runs, short hikes, and day-to-day travel.

Key positives: robust-sounding build for a soft carrier, very good airflow and visibility, practical organization pockets, and a removable washable mat that owners value for keeping things clean. The interior tether and prevent-escape clasp are also strong safety additions compared with single-opening soft carriers.

Key caveats: the heavy mesh presence means you need to manage scratching risk; if your pet is a claw-happy escapist you’ll want to either protect the mesh or choose a less-mesh, more-solid carrier. Also, keep the 15 lb maximum in mind — several owner notes point out that while the pack supports pets around 12 pounds comfortably, anything close to the 15 lb top end will make the load feel bulkier on the back because of the carrier’s shape and support placement.

Check before you buy (my quick checklist)

• Measure your pet and confirm they’re under the listing’s maximum weight recommendation of 15 pounds.
• Evaluate your pet’s scratching behavior — heavy scratchers can damage the mesh over time.
• If you plan to fly, check your airline’s carrier rules even though the listing calls it "Airline Approved" at the stated dimensions.
• Confirm you’re comfortable with a mostly-mesh backpack design — it’s very breathable but not fully solid-sided.
• Plan to use the interior tether and the prevent-escape clasp any time the front or top openings are used.
• Think about how you’ll secure the carrier in a car (owners have used seatbelt-through-strap techniques; the listing doesn’t specify a car-belt method).

Overall, for small pets that appreciate visibility and airflow and for owners who want a foldable, washable, and well-supported soft backpack, the FERMAO Cat Backpack Carrier is a compelling mid-range option — assuming you respect the weight limit and monitor scratch-prone pets.

Colors available

The listing includes these color options; available colors may include:

• Purple
• Black
• Pink
• Brown
• DarkGreen
• Gray
• Khaki
• LightGreen

Final thoughts

If you want a breathable, foldable carrier with good structure and a washable mat for a small cat or small dog under 15 lbs, this one hits many boxes. I’d recommend it most for owners who prioritize airflow, easy cleaning, and roomy visibility for their pet. If your priority is chew-proof, claw-proof security for an escape artist or a heavier animal, consider a different style or adding protective reinforcements to the mesh areas.