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Considering a road trip with your cat? Traveling with felines in tow can be logistically challenging. But bathroom breaks, at least, don’t have to be an issue, thanks to a wide range of travel litter boxes on the market. There are foldable, odor-proof, and heavy-duty options—so the only tricky part is making an educated guess about what will feel like home away from home to your kitty.
Different models of travel litter box cater to different needs. There are portable litter boxes made of stiff, waterproof fabric that fold flat for easy storage. And hardier collapsible plastic models ideal for larger cats. Many of the fabric models come with zippers to help contain the mess—some even come bundled with accessories to help with clean-up.
We spoke to Dr. Abel Gonzalez, DVM, a veterinarian with Dutch.com, about the qualities of a good travel litter box and tips for encouraging a cat to use one. Guided by this expert insight, we’ve rounded up the best travel litter boxes on the market.
Overall Best: Pet Fit for Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box
Travel can be stressful for some cats, so they may avoid using the litter box. Dr. Gonzalez recommends taking “short practice trips to nearby places using the travel litter box to get your cat used to using it in different locations.” No matter the length of your trip, portability is key.
Dr. Gonzalez suggests “a travel litter box that is collapsible or foldable, making it easy to store and carry.” This portable litter box from Pet Fit for Life is specifically designed for travel-friendly convenience.
Sturdy nylon materials help this litter box keep its shape while a poly-plastic liner prevents leakage. Cleanup requires little more than a quick wipe with a damp cloth. When you’re done using it, it folds flat for storage under a car seat or in a suitcase.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions are 15 x 11 x 5 inches
- Sturdy nylon fabric helps maintain shape
- Poly-plastic linter to prevent leaks
- Folds flat for easy storage
Best for Road Trips: Necoichi Portable Stress-Free Cage + Travel Litter Box
When you’re on the road with your cat, it’s important to take breaks so your cat can stretch their legs and use the litter box. Dr. Gonzalez recommends getting your cat acclimated to a travel litter box before your trip so they’re comfortable using it as needed. “Cats are creatures of habit,” he says, “and sudden changes may be stressful for them.”
This portable stress-free cage from Necoichi provides a safe space for your cat to stretch during breaks. The included travel litter box features a waterproof liner, and it folds flat for easy storage. When it’s time for a break, unfold the cage and place the litter box inside for your cat to use.
Keep in mind that the cage is not intended for use as a carrier or recommended for car travel. Your cat will be safest in a carrier designed for that purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Great for breaks during car trips
- Collapsible travel litter box included
- Waterproof liner prevents leaks
- Litter box dimensions are 15 x 11 x 5.1 inches
Best for Hotel Stays: PetSafe Disposable Covered Cat Litter Box
Collapsible litter boxes work well for car trips but, once you reach your destination, your cat may prefer something a little more substantial. This PetSafe disposable litter box is made from cardboard, so it’s lightweight and easy to transport but folds out into a covered litter box.
Not only does this PetSafe litter box offer a compact and convenient solution for travel, but it comes with disposable litter scoops as well. Purchase it with a bag of PetSafe’s long-lasting crystal cat litter or choose your own. The benefit of crystal litter is that it absorbs liquid on contact, dehydrating solid waste to reduce odor. You may appreciate a little extra odor control when sharing a hotel room with your cat.
Key Takeaways:
- Lightweight but sturdy cardboard materials
- Folds up into a covered litter box
- Dimensions are 14.5 x 12.6 x 16.4 inches
- Includes disposable litter scoops
Top Entry Pick: Petleader Portable Cat Litter Box
While some cats may be comfortable with an open litter pan, others prefer a little privacy. This top-entry litter box gives your cat a little extra privacy, but they can peek their head out the top, so they won’t feel too confined.
Shaped like a travel carrier, this portable cat litter box is made from durable 600D Oxford fabric. A waterproof PVC lining prevents leaks and makes cleanup quick and easy. Because the litter box is separate from the case, it’s easy to remove for scooping.
If your cat is hesitant to use a travel litter box, Dr. Gonzalez suggests “creating a positive association with the new litter box by providing rewards and praise when your cat shows interest in it.” Plan ahead and start working with your cat a few weeks before your trip.
Key Takeaways:
- Durable 600D Oxford fabric materials
- Waterproof PVC lining prevents leaks
- Dimensions are 17.7 x 11 x 11 inches
- Top-entry design with zippers for security
Best for Small Cats: IRIS Travel Litter Pan
Space is often at a premium during travel, but Dr. Gonzalez cautions against selecting a portable litter box that’s too small. “A travel litter box should be appropriately sized for your cat’s comfort,” he says. “It should be big enough for your cat to turn around and dig comfortably.”
If your cat is on the smaller side, most standard travel litter boxes should work well. Dr. Gonzalez says, “A size of around 16 to 18 inches long and 12 to 14 inches wide is usually suitable for most cats.”
This IRIS travel litter pan features a round design. Its nearly 16-inch diameter makes it suitable for small cats and kittens. Made from foldable canvas, the litter box is lightweight and easy to transport. A leak-resistant PVC coating helps keep things dry and the top zips on and off as needed.
Key Takeaways:
- Suitable for kittens and small cats
- Dimensions are 15.5 x 15.5 x 4 inches
- Lightweight, foldable canvas materials
- Has a leak-resistant PVC coating
Best for Big Cats: petisfam Portable Cat Travel Litter Box
It may be hard to accommodate bigger cats with a travel litter box, but this model from petisfam is one of the larger options on the market. Measuring nearly 20 inches long and 16 inches wide, it features a rigid frame with a zip-up design. It also has a handle for single-handed carry.
This collapsible litter box features a leak-resistant lining and folds flat when not in use. Until you get to your destination, you can easily use it to store your cat’s belongings. It even comes with a collapsible travel bowl and a small litter scoop.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions are 19.7 x 15.8 x 5.1 inches
- Rigid frame with zippered design
- Leak-resistant lining
- Handle for single-handed carry
Best Disposable: Kitty Sift Disposable Cat Litter Box
Disposable litter boxes are great for travel, suggests Dr. Gonzalez. “Simply replace it with a new one and you’re ready to continue your trip.” This disposable litter box from Kitty Sift is particularly convenient because it features a sifting design. Sifting litter boxes are a cost-effective alternative to self-cleaning litter boxes.
The Kitty Sift system consists of one solid litter pan and five sifting liners. You place the sifting liners into the solid pan, then pour in your litter. To clean the litter box, simply lift the top liner and discard the sifted waste. Place the liner under the bottom tray, and you’re good to go.
This disposable litter box system is made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled cardboard. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for travel, and it takes the hassle out of scooping the litter box.
Key Takeaways:
- Sifting system makes cleaning the litter box easy
- Dimensions (Jumbo) are 20.5 x 17.75 x 5.5 inches
- Made from recycled cardboard materials
- Lightweight and easy to use
Best for Cats Who Fling Litter: Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box
Litter boxes tend to get messy, but Dr. Gonzalez says, “Travel litter boxes with splash guards or higher sides help prevent litter from spilling out.” This Petsfit litter box is an ideal solution. It’s a collapsible litter box with a zip-off cover, so there are multiple ways to use it.
Made from durable materials with a waterproof liner, this litter box really helps contain mess. For cats who like privacy, the cover zips open for easy entry. You can detach it completely if your cat prefers an open-style litter pan. Best of all, it’s machine-washable so you can clean it thoroughly after your trip to ready it for your next one.
Key Takeaways:
- Detachable cover contains mess
- Dimensions are 17 x 13 x 12.5 inches
- Lightweight but durable materials
- Waterproof liner helps prevent leaks
Best Litter Box Liner: Fresh Step Drawstring Cat Litter Box Liners
Litter box cleanliness is essential whether you’re at home or on the road. Dr. Gonzalez notes that you may need to clean the litter box more frequently during travel. “Removable liners or trays can make cleaning more convenient,” he says.
Fresh Step litter box liners make it easy to preserve the cleanliness of your travel box. Simply line your pan before filling it and, when it’s time for cleaning, tie it up for neat disposal. If you prefer to fold your travel litter box flat while on the road, a litter box liner offers convenient storage for the litter itself.
Fresh Step litter box liners come in a range of sizes in both scented and unscented varieties. Their heavy-duty 2 MIL thickness holds up under the weight of heavy litter. These liners work with a variety of different litter box styles, and you can always use the extras at home.
Key Takeaways:
- Heavy-duty 2 MIL thickness
- Scented and unscented varieties
- Available in several sizes
- Works on a variety of litter box styles
Recommended Add-On: Frisco Dog Training Pads
Whether you’re taking potty breaks on the road or settling into a hotel for the night, take precautions to avoid unnecessary cleanup. Dr. Gonzalez recommends placing absorbent pads or liners under the litter box to catch any spills or accidents during travel.
Frisco dog training pads come in a range of sizes and they’re perfect for travel. Though thin and lightweight, these pads are highly absorbent. Moisture-locking technology turns urine into a gel on contact and an anti-leak liner keeps the floor—or your car—clean and dry.
Key Takeaways:
- Highly absorbent for liquid messes
- Anti-leak liner keeps floor dry
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Scented and unscented versions available
How We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We prioritized portable litter boxes with leak-proof liners, durable materials, and travel-friendly features. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.
