Does My Cat Need a Litter Box When Travelling?

by Britt

Published: July 19th, 2024

Photo credit: Andrey_Kuzmin / Shutterstock.com

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.

Photo credit: Strigana / Shutterstock.com

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.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Between 2019 and 2023, dogs and cats identified as cause for missing jewelry, broken electronics, and property damage.

Can A Dog Be Autistic?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects humans and can be manifested in a variety of ways, most of which are related to challenges with social skills, communication, and interaction with the world itself. While the many sides of the autism spectrum are well understood and documented, there’s a lot that remains a mystery, such as the question if autism is specific to humans – or more precisely: can a dog be autistic?Canine autism is still not officially recognized in veterinary medicine in the same way it is in humans, however, there are some behaviors in dogs that can resemble traits associated with autism in humans, leading some pet owners and veterinarians to use the term "autistic" in order to describe them more specifically. Here is all that you need to know about this complex topic.Can a Dog Be Autistic?Some dogs may exhibit behaviors that are similar to those seen in autistic individuals. For example, some dogs may exhibit repetitive behaviors. This might include excessive licking, tail chasing, pawing, or pacing. In fact, they get so repetitive that it quickly becomes abnormal. Besides all this, some “autistic” dogs can have difficulties with social interactions. In these cases, they might be less responsive to social cues, avoid eye contact, or prefer being alone. Similarly, some dogs can have overwhelming sensitivity to various stimuli. This means that certain dogs might be overly sensitive to sounds, lights, or touch – things that seem ordinary in most cases. These behaviors could be due to various factors, including genetic predispositions, developmental issues, or environmental influences. Some dogs may also be affected by canine-compulsive disorder (CCD). Similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans, dogs with CCD engage in repetitive behaviors that are difficult to interrupt. This can contribute to autistic behaviors. The same goes for dogs with sensory processing disorders. In such cases, they might have abnormal sensory processing, making them overly reactive or unresponsive to certain stimuli. Ultimately, though not well-defined, certain neurodevelopmental issues could lead to behaviors reminiscent of autism. Either way, in the case that your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Working with a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist can help you address problematic behaviors and deal with them efficiently. After all, autistic dogs can be as happy and normal as all other pets. Providing mental and physical stimulation through toys,  puzzles, and regular exercise is very important, however, as it ensures that they remain happy and active. 

Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Is My Dog Shaking?

Shaking and shivering in dogs is something that most owners notice at least once in their dog’s lifetime. It can seem like a random thing, and in most cases, people dismiss it as a simple “side effect” of colder temperatures. However, chilly weather isn’t always the culprit for dog trembling – sometimes there are other reasons for this, ranging from expressing emotions to signaling health issues. So how are you to know what exactly is causing your dog to shake – is there a way to discern between harmless causes and those that could mean it’s time to visit a vet? Here’s everything you need to know about possible reasons for shaking in dogs and how to react when your dog starts shivering and trembling out of nowhere.Why Is My Dog Shaking?Dog behavior is a vast topic – so is their body language. If you were hoping that when a dog shakes, it means one particular thing, you’ll be disappointed. Dog shaking can communicate a range of different things and there are various possible explanations for this behavior – here are just a few of the most common ones.#1 Your Dog is ColdAs we said, cold and low temperatures can cause shivering and shaking. Just like humans, dogs may shiver when cold. If they're exposed to chilly temperatures, they might shiver to generate heat. This is a natural response. Of course, if you live in an area with a colder climate and your pet doesn’t have a thick double coat, you should get them a warm winter coat that will keep them insulated and prevent loss of body heat.

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