Litter boxes for traveling with cats

Traveling with your furry feline can either be a walk in the park, or a living nightmare. Compared to man’s best friend, cats are pretty nervous when it comes to traveling outside of their familiar environment so a travel litter box can be a great idea.

And while dogs may have an easy time going to the bathroom wherever they are, cats value their privacy. Not only that, some cats might only be used to using a litter box and won’t understand the concept of doing their business outdoors.

As cat owners, the last thing we want to do is stress out our kitties. The best way of avoiding unnecessary stress is to ensure your furry friend has a safe space to excrete.

Here’s your complete guide to travel litter boxes, including how to use them and which one to choose.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

Contents

  • 1 The Importance of a Travel Litter Box
    • 1.1 Who Needs a Travel Litter Box
    • 1.2 When to Use a Travel Litter Box
  • 2 4 Best Travel Litter Box Options for Your Furry Friend
    • 2.1 1. Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box
      • 2.1.1 What to expect?
    • 2.2 2. Pet Fit for Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box
      • 2.2.1 What to expect?
    • 2.3 3. Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box
      • 2.3.1 What to expect?
    • 2.4 4. IRIS Travel Litter Pan
      • 2.4.1 What to expect?
  • 3 Final Thoughts on Cat Travel Litter Box Options

The Importance of a Travel Litter Box

We live in a time where travel is the most accessible it’s ever been. Many travel as a whole family, including their unusual travel buddies – kitties. This possibility does, however, all depend on your cat’s personality and you’ll need to keep this in mind if you’re planning a worldly adventure with your feline.

Cats are very susceptible to change. You may have noticed that when you’re traveling, your kitty doesn’t use the litter box as often as they do at home.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

But that doesn’t mean you should be paying less attention to litter box care; you’re still responsible for scooping out the litter daily, regardless of whether you have a portable litter box or not. Odor, filth, and mold aren’t going to cut it when it comes to providing a comfortable ablution spot.

We love our cats, and we want them to feel secure with us on their new adventure. And part of a successful traveling trip with your cat involves the perfect litter box.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

Who Needs a Travel Litter Box

First-time cat travelers may find travel litter boxes a mystery. What if it’s only a short vacation? Won’t a garden be just fine? How often will my kitty need to go?

Regardless of these questions, a travel litter box is needed for all kinds of globetrotting adventures. While cats are known to be highly self-sufficient, their bodies still work like every other animal. Meaning a travel box is needed whenever you are traveling with your cat.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

If your cat hasn’t urinated in 24 hours, it’s considered a veterinary emergency. This comes down to infections or stress that may have been induced from travel.

As cat owners, it’s up to us to use our discretion to understand how our cat is dealing with travel, particularly if they are lengthy stays.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

When to Use a Travel Litter Box

If you plan on traveling for under 8-hours, your cat will most likely be able to manage the journey without needing to urinate or excrete. Most cats choose not to eat or drink on the road, which means less food and water will be affecting their tummies.

A litter box may then be used as soon as you’ve arrived at your destination. Find one place you know your cat is going to love and keep the box there, making sure you let your little friend know where it is.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

When it comes to flying, pee pads work to eliminate the need for urinary breaks – they absorb urine and prevent odor build-up. A double-layer works excellently when cats have no choice but to excrete in their travel cage.

4 Best Travel Litter Box Options for Your Furry Friend

Every kitty is unique in its own way. Depending on your cat’s temperament, they may take a liking to being in new environments or journeying in the car. How you bring up your cat plays a large role in this.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

In other cases, the car and new surroundings can be quite daunting. To make life easier for your kitty, you’ll need to consider a few factors. How much privacy does your cat need? How long will you be traveling with your cat? How fussy is your kitty?

Below are 4 fantastic choices for all kinds of kitty cats.

1. Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box

The first litter box to make my list is one that is designed for short stays and a hassle-free traveling experience. Nature’s Miracle litter box allows your feline friend to go when they need to go.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

What to expect?

  • An affordable alternative to portable litter boxes
  • Regular and jumbo size litter boxes to suit all cat sizes
  • Protection against foul odors
  • Convenient to dispose of

Not only is this a hygienic option, but it’s also environmentally friendly. The box is made from recycled material and is land-fill safe. Despite this, it’s still shred and leakproof. Materials include baking soda, which plays an active role in fighting odor. Odors which neither you and your cat enjoy.

Each pack comes with 2 or 3 boxes, making it an ideal option for use on road trips or weekend stays – although they can last up to 5 weeks. Overall it’s an affordable option, can be used for a variety of litter types, and for cats of all ages.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

One minor thing to take note of is that it’s not the greatest option for shy kitties who like their privacy. With no roof, your cat might not enjoy feeling exposed.

⇒ Shop for US Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box

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2. Pet Fit for Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box

Cat owners who are regularly on the move will benefit from this collapsible, portable litter box that includes a travel-sized water bowl – also collapsible.

Because it can be packed up and brought out whenever it’s needed, it’s a fantastic option for camping trips, family vacations, or long drives.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

What to expect?

  • Easy to clean – wipe with a damp cloth and you’re good to go
  • Waterproof poly-plastic inside and supportive nylon lining on the outside
  • Bonus travel bowl included
  • Effortless travel storage

While travel litter boxes tend to be on the smaller side, this one is particularly spacious – with enough space to fit two cats. There is plenty of room for your kitty to feel safe and have their own privacy.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

⇒ Getting a new kitty? Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten, 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options

With elongated sides, litter is prevented from spilling over the side and making a mess. The nylon and poly-plastic are easy to clean; use a damp cloth or wipe and you can easily return the box to its storage spot.

⇒ Shop US Pet Fit for Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box

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3. Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box

If you have a cat who values privacy, a snug travel box with protected sides can provide that extra bit of privacy and a feeling of safety. The Petleader cat litter box has a skylight, so your kitty can easily hop in and out when needed.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

What to expect?

  • Innovative design for traveling
  • Designed to avoid leaks, spilling, and odor leakage
  • Dual pockets for an easy cleanup
  • Can also be used as a carry bag

With a study design, yet still easy enough to use as a travel litter box, this product is designed to last. The inner space is wide enough for cats of all sizes. And with the litter box able to be pulled out of the bag, cats with all personalities can use the box comfortably.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

With elegant fabrics, the inner and outer surface is breathable, soft, and dries well. Attached to the bag are multiple pockets that can fit your poop scoop, water bowl, and cat toys. Your little baby will feel as though they have a little home away from home.

⇒ Shop internationally for Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box

4. IRIS Travel Litter Pan

Lightweight, a foldable canvas, and a handy zipper for easy access makes the IRIS litter pan ideal for kitties on the move. It provides a fuss-free setup, so you can easily move the box around when needed and fold it up for longer vacations and camping trips.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

What to expect?

  • PVC-coating which helps prevent leaks
  • Zipper contains litter and prevents a mess
  • Compact size
  • Easy to transport and setup

Being able to hold clean litter inside with a sealable zip makes transporting your litter box a thousand times easier. When your kitty needs to go, or you’ve stopped over somewhere, simply unzip the top and let them do their thing.

Waste can easily be scooped out, leaving you with a clean box that can be stored away until it’s needed next. The PVC material is waterproof and makes cleaning up a breeze.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

When the box is filled, the straps on the side allow for easy transport and storage. And with no rigid corners or framework, it can be tucked away and used for the next adventure.

⇒ Shop US IRIS Travel Litter Pan

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Final Thoughts on Cat Travel Litter Box Options

Leaving behind your kitty for a day out in the woods, a camping trip near the river, or a weekend in a bustling city might be stressful for many cat owners. Others simply want to include kitty on their magical adventure.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

⇒ Keen to get your cat out and about? Check out my posts on Is Cat Walking Possible?, 7 Best Escape Proof Cat Harness Options, 5 Best Carrier for Cats choices, 14 Best Cat Carrier for Car Travel options and 4 Top Travel Litter Box options.

Perhaps some owners have to move and don’t have a choice when it comes to traveling with their furry feline.

Either way, a travel litter box is an essential part of traveling with your kitty. Find one that’s comfortable for your feline, easy to set up, and perhaps disposable.

You’re on your way to finding out how your cat does with travel, and if you’ll be having more happy adventures together.

Litter boxes for traveling with cats

Please Note: This travel litter box post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.

Can cats smell their litter box a mile away?

You may have even heard that your cat can smell their dirty litter a mile away. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that a cat can smell their litter box from that far away. More realistically, they might be able to smell it up to a few hundred feet away (depending on wind and weather conditions) and often a lot less.

What do you do with your litter box when you go on vacation?

Litter Box If I'm gone for more than 1 week, then I put out 2 clean, full litter boxes before I leave. I fill each one with non-clumping litter, and then just dump both boxes when I get back. This is my litter box setup for trips longer than 1 week. I fill both up with fresh litter before I leave.

Can I temporarily move my cats litter box?

Low-Stress Relocation When your cat is comfortable with the new location and is using it consistently you can gradually move the old box a few feet a day until it's right next to the new box. Once they're close together you can then dispose of one of the boxes.