Do you take your cat with you on trips? If you do, travel with a cat litter box to make things easy and comfortable for everyone. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, taking a road trip, or going camping, keeping everything, including potty time, routine for your cat is essential.
Keep reading to learn how to do car trips with your feline friend. And we reveal the five best litter boxes for traveling with cats.
Let’s dig in!
Can You Travel With Cats?
Traveling with cats is relatively straightforward when in a vehicle. Cats can relax in a car seat and enjoy the ride. If your cat gets anxious, you can use a pet carrier or cat car seat to keep it calm and contained so it doesn’t disrupt the driver.
If your cat becomes severely anxious, even after a test ride in a vehicle, we recommend consulting your vet about the possibility of calming medication.
Air travel is also possible with cats, as most airlines allow pets of a certain size in the cabin. Cats typically fit the requirements. They’ll need to remain in an enclosed airline-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you.
You can also find cat-friendly hotels. Traveling with your fur baby is quite easy when they can stay in the same accommodations as you. Just be sure to pack the essentials, including food, toys, and even a litter box.
Do Cats Need a Litter Box When Traveling?
When cats are on a trip or vacation with you, they definitely need a litter box. Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s best to take a litter box along and use it so that your cat doesn’t make a mess on someone else’s property.
We recommend taking a litter box in the car if you’ll be traveling with your cat for more than six to eight hours. Typically cats can hold their bladder and bowels for that long. However, be aware of your cat’s water and food intake. You may want to err on the side of caution and have a litter box on board anytime your cat is in the vehicle.
It is possible that your cat will be just anxious enough by the car travel that they don’t feel comfortable going while in motion.
How Do You Car Travel With a Cat Litter Box?
Car travel with a cat litter box may take some getting used to and many people have questions when they are just starting out. Will your cat use it in motion? What if it smells and needs cleaning? We’ll answer all of these and more.
But, overall, it’s quite easy once you have the basics. One of the key things is to make sure to position the litter box securely in the car so it doesn’t tip over. You’ll also want to keep things as similar to home as possible for your cat to feel comfortable. For example, bring a blanket or pet bed from home so your cat will recognize the smell.
Should You Leave the Litter Box Accessible to Your Cat When the Vehicle Is in Motion?
If the litter box for traveling cats in the vehicle is secured to a level and sturdy surface, it’s fine for your cat to use it when in motion. But if your cat is crated or in a car seat, there’s no reason for the litter box to be accessible. Some cats do better traveling free-range in your vehicle while others prefer the security of an enclosure. If your cat is the latter, take a few stops to let it out and offer it a potty break.
How Do You Keep a Cat Litter Box From Smelling?
Keeping the litter box fresh is the best way to reduce odor. Bring some spare bags and a scoop for regular cleaning. A covered versus open litter box can also help keep any smells under control.
Where Can You Dispose of Cat Litter When Traveling?
Cat litter can be disposed of in a dumpster at a rest stop, campground, hotel, or restaurant. Make sure the dumpster is accessible to the public; if not, ask permission to use it. Also, put the litter in a bag you can tie tightly so none spills out.
The 5 Best Litter Boxes for Traveling With Cats
Let’s check out the five best litter boxes for traveling with cats.
Portable Cat Litter Box 2 In 1 Travel Litter Box
The Portable Cat Litter Box 2 in 1 is an innovative design. It’s enclosed with a skylight for the cat to enter and exit. Or you can open the side door and pull out the litter box.
The litter box stays inside with zippers, which also helps reduce spills. It’s perfect for traveling in a vehicle. Its dimensions are 17.7 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches. The portable cat’s litter box has a strong handle for carrying. It’s also waterproof and easy to clean.
Cost: Approximately $30
HiCaptain Travel Cat Litter Box with Lid and Handle Standard Portable Collapsible
The HiCaptain Travel Cat Litter Box with Lid and Handle is ideal for cats who need easy entry and exit. It has a zippered lid that helps keep odor in. And the litter box is stain-resistant with a firm plastic panel.
The litter box is polyester, and its dimensions are 15.7 inches by 11.8 inches by 4.7 inches.
Use biodegradable bags as a liner to easily dispose of the litter while traveling. The product also comes with a tiny shovel for scooping litter and a travel bowl for food or water.
Cost: Approximately $22
FLARUZIY Cat Litter Box, Foldable
The Flaruziy Cat Litter Box is foldable and made of silicone. It’s the most expensive litter box for traveling with cats on our list, but it’s very robust and easy to clean after a trip. The box is fully sealed, so no litter or urine can leak into your vehicle or hotel room.
The foldable litter box can become as big as 22 inches by 17.7 inches by 15.7 inches. It also has a built-in storage space to hold litter shovels and garbage bags.
Cost: Approximately $109
Fhiny Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten Potty Pan Semi-Enclosed Foldable Waterproof Travel Toilet
The Fhiny Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten Potty Pan Semi-Enclosed Foldable Waterproof Travel Toilet is 14.6 inches by 10.6 inches by 2 inches. It takes up little space when folded, so you can store it away when not in use. There’s no lid on this travel-friendly litter box.
The large opening and easy entry make it ideal for kittens and adult cats with reduced mobility. And the bottom of the litter box has padded feet which help secure it to the floor of your vehicle with limited movement.
Cost: Approximately $29
Iris Travel Litter Pan
The Iris Travel Litter Pan is the most lightweight and simple option on our list. It has a zipper lid to keep waste and litter from spilling out when not used and for transport to and from the car. The interior is PVC-coated to prevent any leaks. It can be wiped clean.
The Iris Travel Litter Pan dimensions are 15.5 inches by 15.5 inches by 4 inches.
Cost: Approximately $18
How Do You Make a Portable Cat Litter Box?
You can make a portable cat litter box for travel by using a cardboard box. Get a cardboard box with short sides or sides you can easily cut down so your cat can walk over them. You’ll also need scissors, duct tape, potty pads, and cat litter.
Cut the box to the size you want and cover the sides with duct tape, so they’re upright and stable. Then, cut a potty pad to fit in the box. Finally, cover the potty pad with a layer of kitty litter.
You can also purchase a simple plastic bin with a cover. It can serve as a litter box and you can put the lid on when not in use to keep in the smell.
Does Taking a Litter Box Along Make Travel With a Cat Easier?
Traveling with a cat litter box can make your trip much easier. Your cat will thank you for having the essentials along, especially their food and bathroom. Having to go somewhere different may cause your cat anxiety. So, taking a litter box along will make it feel right at home.
Do you have a litter box for travel? Let us know which type works best when you and your cat are on the go.
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