Does My Cat Need a Litter Box When Travelling?

Traveling with your best furry friend by your side can be an exciting adventure. It’s a great opportunity to make lifelong memories while strengthening that special bond. However, some questions about their essential needs will naturally arise as you start planning…

One of the biggest concerns for cat owners is whether or not to bring a litter box. It’s a valid question!

This article will explore the pros and cons of traveling with a litter box. I’ll also discuss the different litter box types available and which may be best suited for different forms of travel, including road trips, camping, hotel stays, and more.

Ensure a smooth journey for both you and your cat by checking out these tips and recommendations:

Do Cats Need a Litter Box When Traveling?

Whether or not your cat will need a litter box during your travels will depend on the style of travel you plan. Setting your cat up comfortably in your vehicle for a long road trip makes it much easier to provide access to a litter box during travel than flying with a cat.

You must also consider the length of your travels, where you will stay overnight, and other factors related to your vacation plans. While your cat can take a flight safely without access to a box (assuming they have been given a chance to do their business before boarding the plane and after you have landed), the same can’t be said for an overnight stay at a pet-friendly hotel.

Let’s break it all down a little further…

How Do You Travel with a Cat Without a Litter Box?

Some travel plans simply can’t accommodate the use of a litter box. The most common example of this is flying with a cat. However, litter boxes are also off the table when taking your cat on other forms of public transit, like a bus or train.

If you know your cat will be without their litter box for an extended period, allow them to “do their business” right before your travels begin. Many airports have dog bathroom stations, where you could also go to let your cat relieve themselves. Alternatively, you may choose to let them have their last bathroom break before leaving your cat to enter the airport.

One way to handle this is to bring a disposable litter box with a small amount of litter when you leave the house. Alternatively, if your cat is a frequent traveler, you may be able to train them to do their business on a puppy pee pad. This is easier to bring along in these situations and easier to dispose of when they are finished.

It is also recommended to not feed your cat at least six hours before any travel where a litter box won’t be available. This allows any food in their system to hopefully pass, reducing the risk they will need to go and, in turn, preventing accidents. Although, I still recommend lining their carrier with a pee pad as an extra layer of protection.

How Long Can Cats Go Without a Litter Box?

Will your cat be without a litter box for a while during travel? Don’t fret! While you shouldn’t encourage your cat to “hold it” on a regular basis, cats have been known to go 24-48 hours safely without going to the bathroom. This is, of course, the extreme. However, it does mean that a 6-hour flight isn’t a significant concern.

Of course, every cat is different. Some cats will be able to wait this time without a problem. Others, however, may need to go to the bathroom more frequently. This is especially important to note if you have a kitten, a senior cat, or a cat with a medical condition that could impact their bathroom needs.

What is the Best Type of Litter Box for Your Cat-Friendly Travels?

There are several different types of cat litter boxes to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s look at the options available and which may be the best choice for your next vacation (and why):

Standard Plastic Litter Boxes

If you are traveling in an RV or travel trailer, you may be able to bring your cat’s usual litter box. Some common places to place a box include inside a floor-level cupboard, under a bench seat, or in the shower area when the shower isn’t in use.

The biggest benefit of bringing your cat’s litter box from home is familiarity. Your cat knows that box, and it already has their scent. While the box's location is obviously going to change, having so many familiar elements may make it easier for your cat to adjust, reducing the risk of accidents.

Cloth Travel Litter Boxes

These travel litter boxes are constructed from a durable material with a leak-proof lining, creating a lighter-weight solution for travel. I recommend choosing a cloth box with a lid. This allows you to seal off the box, keeping the litter (and odor) contained and allowing you to make a litter box accessible when needed without having to empty and refill it each time. Cloth boxes also usually have some form of carrying handle.

The HiCaptain Portable Travel Litter Box is an excellent example of a standard cloth travel box. However, if your cat is used to a covered box at home, you may want to splurge on the Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box.

Nylon Travel Litter Box

A favorite of mine for travel due to how small it folds up, the OutdoorBengal Travel Litter Box for Cats is a portable and fully collapsible litter box option that folds up smaller than any other box on this list. We often use this box when backpacking or backcountry camping, where we are extremely limited on space for our gear.

When your cat needs to use the box, snap the four corners together, and this flat piece of material transforms into a square box. It is constructed with a waterproof Oxford liner that can be easily wiped clean with a disinfectant wipe for quick and effective cleaning.

Silicone Collapsible Litter Boxes

These boxes don’t fold down as small as the cloth or nylon options, but they offer a sturdy solution for cats that may be a little rough with their box. While our cats, Pippen and Jinx, can use the other options without a problem, I have a friend whose cat scratches so intently that he tears up the lining inside litter boxes like those. This option stands up a little better to his abuse.

The MUYG Collapsible Cat Litter Box folds flat for travel. When you press down on the center of the box, the sides pop up easily. These are great for cats that are a little more selective about their box as, when set up, they are similar to a standard plastic box.

Disposable Litter Boxes

These are a great option for those who don’t want to worry about cleaning during their vacation. The box itself is constructed from a disposable cardboard material. Simply fill it, allow your cat to do their business, and throw it out when you’re finished. They often come in multi-packs, accommodating longer trips.

The Kitty Sift Disposable Cat Litter Box is a great option. These water-resistant boxes can be used for multiple days before being disposed of. They are available as just a large box, or if you want to extend the life of the box while making clean-up easy, you can purchase a litter box sifting kit.

Another basic box option is the Pruuok Disposable Litter Boxes for Cats. These boxes fold down flat, making packing a little more convenient. When ready, fold up and secure the sides, and add your litter of choice. They also come with disposable cardboard scoops for cleanup.

Finally, if your cat prefers a covered box, the PetSafe Disposable Collapsible Covered Cat Litter Box is the perfect solution. It pops up like a standard cardboard box with a round front entrance. The company also includes its premium blue crystal litter.

How Do I Get My Cat to Use the Litter Box While Traveling?

One struggle you may face when traveling with a cat is convincing your travel buddy to use their box. Cats are often selective about what is and isn’t acceptable regarding their bathroom facilities. When talking about accidents and litter box mistakes, we usually refer to the fact that the box may simply be placed in the wrong location – but you don’t always have a lot of options when traveling.

If this is your cat’s first time traveling, they may find the situation overwhelming. A new litter box they have never seen before will only add to this stress. If you plan on using a travel box, consider purchasing it well in advance and setting it up at home. Allowing your cat to explore and use the box at home will help to make them more comfortable with it on the road (or at the campsite, at the hotel, etc.).

When possible, stick to using the same litter you use at home. Many cats are picky about their litter, including the smell, the feel under their paws, sensitivity to dust, and more. Changing the location, the litter box itself, AND the litter is a recipe for bathroom accidents.

Cat parents concerned about smell and odor may wish to consider using a litter box deodorizing product. Don’t wait to introduce this during your travels. In the weeks leading up to your vacation, start slowly introducing the product in the litter box at home so your cat can adjust to the new scent. You can use baking soda as an odor-free solution for cats sensitive to new smells.

Most importantly, be patient. Know that you are changing your cat’s routine and usual set-up and that it may not happen smoothly the first time (or the second, or the third). Your energy will only add to your cat’s stress if you become agitated or frustrated. Approach the situation calmly and offer praise when your cat uses the box as it should to encourage them to continue to do so in the future.

Final Thoughts: Litter Box Solutions While Traveling with a Cat

Returning to the original question, does your cat need a litter box when traveling? The short answer is maybe – it depends on your travel plans.

Providing your cat with access to a litter box isn’t overly challenging for cat-friendly road trips and pet-friendly hotel stays. For shorter travels where a litter box isn’t possible, plan strategically and prioritize bathroom breaks before and after travel.

Consider using a travel litter box option if space is limited when packing. Many of these boxes fold down surprisingly small, making it easy to slip them into your luggage or even into the exterior pocket of your cat’s carrier. Choose the litter box that meets your packing needs while closely resembling your cat’s usual box when possible. For example, if your cat is used to using a covered litterbox, they may be most comfortable using a covered cloth travel box or a covered disposable cardboard litter box.   

Ultimately, the key is understanding your cat’s individual needs and preferences. By preparing accordingly, you can look forward to an enjoyable and accident-free vacation with your best furry friend.  

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