Best Travel Litter Box: 4 Options Your Cat Will Love

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

Cats love to know their environment. For that reason, they may seem out of sorts when they’re not in a familiar space, and so they are not usually thought of as good travelers, especially when it comes to bathroom routines.

As cat owners, the last thing we want to do is stress out our kitties. Most of us think primarily about acquiring a good cat carrier, especially if your travel involves mainly short car trips. For long hauls, however, 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.

4 Best Travel Litter Box For Cats

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

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?

Side note: Remember to practice safety first when driving. If your cat is fussy and hyperactive within the car, make sure it does not unnecessarily distract the driver. 

Below are four fantastic travel litter box options for cat friends:

1. Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box

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

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 landfill safe. Despite this, it’s still shred- and leakproof. Materials include baking soda, which plays an active role in fighting odor. Odors that neither you nor your cat enjoys.

Each pack comes with two or three 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 and can be used for a variety of litter types and cats of all ages.

On a side note, these may also be a particularly practical option as a cat litter box for car travel, as they are easily disposable.

One minor thing to note 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.

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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 for cats that includes a travel-sized water bowl – also collapsible. Because it can be packed up and brought out whenever needed, it’s a fantastic option for camping trips, family vacations, or long drives.

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.

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

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 sturdy design, yet still easy enough to use as a travel litter box, this product will 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.

With elegant fabrics, the inner and outer surface is breathable, soft, and dry well. Attached to the bag are multiple pockets that can fit your poop scoop, water bowl, and cat toys. Your little baby will feel like 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 make 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.

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, 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 needed. The PVC material is waterproof and makes cleaning up a breeze.

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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Should Cats Travel With You?

It’s worth asking this question. Cats aren’t known for their traveling desires, in fact, many cats seem to detest leaving their home territory. But you get a few (especially those who are exposed to travel from young) who are perfectly fine being nomads.

Even so, you may have no choice but to travel with your cat — if you’re moving or can’t leave them alone for long hours. For any time you have your cat outside of its typical home, a travel-friendly litter box is a wise investment.

Whichever the case, items like cat boxes and litter boxes are essential when it comes to preparation. In fact, the preparation itself is truly the key to managing travel with a cat.

So, should a cat travel with you? It definitely can, provided you prepare well. That includes planning the stops and noting whether they are cat friendly. Staying with sympathetic cat venues really can make a huge difference to your travel experience.

The Importance of a Travel Litter Box

We live in a time where travel is the most accessible it’s ever been. Many people travel as a whole family, including their furry family members.

Cats are very susceptible to change, and any change may even affect how often your cat pees. You may have noticed that when you’re traveling, your kitty doesn’t use the litter box as often as they do at home. This isn’t necessarily a cause for panic.

But that also 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 for travel. By the way, that litter box shouldn’t be too different from the regular litter box, including the litter.

You may also notice that you cat won’t actually be comfortable unless your car is stopped. Keep this in mind when you plan your breaks, especially if your cat is prone to bolting. If your cat is travelling inside a cat box, for example, try to strategize the safest way for kitty to feel relaxed enough to go.

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 generally needed for all kinds of globetrotting adventures if you travel at all regularly. While cats are known to be highly self-sufficient, their bodies still work like every other animal. Meaning: a travel box is probably needed whenever you are traveling with your cat.

Here are some basic guidelines you may want to follow. Bear in mind that every cat is different, and in all cases, it is better to err on the side of caution and safety.

1. Generally, a journey of eight hours or less might be ok in terms of not needing a litter box (more on that below). That said, some cats do need to go more often than others.
2. It’s a good idea to restrict your cat’s eating before a journey. About four hours prior should be the last time it feeds.
3. Make sure the litter box is secure, or stable, within the car. Chances are you won’t want to “walk” your cat on stop breaks. You don’t want litter spilling all over the car, either.

A Quick Note on Travel Precautions and Health Alerts

If you plan to travel with a cat, pay closer attention to its habits just before you travel. It’s good advice in general but it applies especially when road trips are imminent. Sometimes, your cat will stop its normal functions due to stress or other factors like an infection.

If your cat has stopped urinating for more than 24 hours, it’s considered a veterinary emergency. Consult a vet immediately to seek treatment. In this regard, it’s a good idea to make a note of any vets in your intended destination or near any stops on your journey ahead of time.

As cat owners, it’s up to us to use our discretion to understand how our cats are dealing with travel, particularly if they are on lengthy trips. Some owners have taken to using calming diffusers and comfort sprays  in the cat box or vehicle.

When to Use a Travel Litter Box

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

Road Travel (Car)

In the best-case scenario, your cat may simply prefer to go to sleep while in transit. It’s not particularly likely, but we can wish.

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

If you’ve done your homework and know beforehand what spaces and facilities are available at your stop, this should be stress-free on your part, at least.

Air Travel

There are some potentially better options when it comes to using a portable litter box for air travel. A litter box may, in fact, be impractical in this case.

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.

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 want to include kitty in their magical adventure. 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. When doing so, remember that no one likes a dirty and smelly toilet, and that includes your cat. It will be essential to keep the travel litter box clean and smelling fresh, just as it would at home.

More than that, remember that your cat is not likely to enjoy change as much as a dog would. While dogs may have an easy time going to the bathroom wherever they are, cats value their privacy. Also, some cats might only be used to using a litter box and won’t understand the concept of doing their business outdoors.

The best advice is to find a portable litter box that’s comfortable for your feline, easy to set up, and perhaps disposable for your convenience.

Take that into account when considering the four amazing options presented here, and you’re on your way to finding out how your cat does with travel. You’ll be having more happy adventures together in no time.

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.