I just took my cat for her first walk today! She went in it right away (of course, cats love small spaces), I zipped it up and walked her down to the street and around back up our winding path (fairly good distance). While she didn't outright purr while walking (but she did when I first put her in it), she was calm and attentive to everything outside. She was against my chest--I wore it to the front instead of the back--so could feel my body heat through the backing--and was soothed by it and the enclosed space. I'll now start taking her for walks with my dog, working her up to a full walk little by little.I've been looking for something that would be small enough to keep her snug, but large enough for her to move and see out of, trying to find something that was made for front carrying, but couldn't find anything. I didn't want the front carrier by Kyjen because it only had a draw string for the front which makes the top very small. And, I'm not positive she couldn't work her way out of the drawstring closure. I wanted a zippered carrier that maintained the top space as large as the bottom, and inescapable.As to the durability and style of the pack: It seems very well made, as well made as regular backpacks I've purchased for myself in the past. While I can't close the top strap that would ordinarily go across the top of the chest, as it's now going across the width of my upper back, the other straps are easily adjusted and work fine without using the chest strap. I can put the thick strap across the back of my waist and draw the straps in tightly, very easily. I like the pockets for carrying treats for her and my dog. So I have my hands free to walk my dog, hold the cat, hold whatever else I need in my backpack pockets, and take them both with me more often.My cat is about 12 lbs so weight is not an issue. Of course, cats are more flexible in their positions than dogs are so it really depends on the shape and maneuverability of your animal rather than just poundage. I think my cat would fit quite well with 5 extra pounds on her, but probably no bigger. Since I don't see her gaining weight, it doesn't matter. In my case, it works just as I'd hoped it would, is as well-made as I wanted and expected, arrived quickly and is perfect.First other place I'll try this is at Petsmart when I go for food, etc.