Best Portable Litterboxes for Traveling

Traveling with pets, especially cats has its unique challenges. While dogs might eagerly hop into a car or take a walk in a new location, cats often lean more towards routine and familiar surroundings. This makes trips, whether for leisure or necessity, a potential source of stress for our feline friends.

One of the main concerns when on the move is ensuring that cats have a proper place to do their business.

Portable litterboxes are a solution that bridges the gap between a cat's need for routine and the unpredictability of travel. These boxes are designed to be compact, easy to transport, and provide cats with a semblance of their home environment.

In this article, we will delve into the world of portable litterboxes, exploring the various types available, their benefits, and tips on using them effectively across different travel scenarios. However, if you don't have time to go through all the article, this is our favorite litterbox of all:

Whether you're an avid traveler hoping to bring your cat along on adventures or simply someone moving to a new residence, understanding the importance and utility of portable litterboxes can make the journey smoother for both you and your pet.

Why a Portable Litterbox?

Cats do their needs in the litter (I'm sure you already knew that). Taking your home litterbox on your trips is probably unimaginable, they are bulky, dirty and probably very heavy.

Portable litterboxes are an easy and convenient way to create a receptacle in which to put the litter for your cat while you are on the move.

Some examples in which portable litterboxes are useful are:

1. Convenience for Traveling with Cats: Portable litterboxes ensure that your cat doesn't have to wait for hours or go through discomfort during lengthy journeys, making travels smoother and more humane for them. I use them when I travel by plane or by car.

2. Emergency Situations or Temporary Setups: Imagine scenarios where there's an unexpected delay in reaching your destination, or you're moving houses, and the new place isn't set up yet. In such instances, it gives your cat a temporary place to relieve themselves until a more permanent solution is available.

3. Maintaining Routine in Unfamiliar Surroundings: Cats are creatures of habit. They find comfort in routines, and a change in their environment can be unsettling. A portable litterbox can offer a touch of normalcy in unfamiliar surroundings, be it a new home or a vacation spot, allowing them to adjust more easily. When you arrive at your destination, having their portable litterbox will also give your cat peace of mind and save you a trip to the pet store.

In essence, portable litterboxes are not just about convenience for the cat owner, but more about ensuring that our furry companions have a consistent and comfortable experience, irrespective of where they are.

Types of Portable Litterboxes

As the demand for pet-friendly travel solutions has grown, so has the range of portable litterboxes available on the market. These designs cater to various needs, durations of travel, and preferences. Let's explore the main types:

Covered Portable Litterboxes:

They're usually made of cloth or strong plastic and can be folded down, saving space.

• They're simple to pack because they can collapse.
• But they have a covered area that discrete cats might appreciate.
• They last a long time, good for short or long travels.

Foldable/Pop-up Litterboxes:

These are lightweight boxes often made from fabric or durable plastics. They can be folded or collapsed when not in use, making them highly space-efficient.

• Easy to pack and carry due to their collapsible nature.
• Typically comes with a waterproof lining to prevent leaks.
• Suitable for both short and long trips given their durability.

Disposable Litterboxes:

Made primarily from biodegradable materials like recycled paper or natural fibers, these are intended for short-term use and can be discarded after.

• Hassle-free cleanup; simply dispose of the entire box after use.
• Eco-friendly options reduce environmental impact.
• Ideal for short stays or emergencies where cleaning isn’t feasible.

Travel Litterbox Kits:

These are all-in-one kits that come equipped not just with a litterbox but also other essentials like scoops, liners, and sometimes even a small amount of litter.

• Convenient for travelers, ensuring they have all essentials in one package.
• Typically designed with travel constraints in mind, such as airline regulations.
• Great for those new to traveling with cats as it provides a comprehensive solution.

Compact Plastic Litterboxes:

These are essentially scaled-down versions of traditional plastic litterboxes. While they maintain a solid structure, they're designed smaller for ease of transportation.

• Durable and can withstand the rigors of travel.
• Familiar design may be more acceptable to cats used to plastic home litterboxes.
• Easy to clean and maintain, much like their full-sized counterparts.

Criteria for a Good Portable Litterbox

When selecting a portable litterbox, one should not only consider its convenience for transport but also how comfortable and practical it will be for the cat. Here are essential criteria to help make an informed decision:

1. Durability: Ensuring the litterbox can withstand the rigors of travel and use. Look for sturdy materials and quality construction to prevent wear and tear.

2. Ease of Cleaning: Simplifies maintenance on the go. Seek smooth surfaces for minimal clumping and removable liners for quick changes.

3. Size: Balancing feline comfort and portability. The box should be spacious enough for your cat but compact enough for easy transport.

4. Leak-Proof: Vital for avoiding unpleasant spills. Waterproof linings and high walls are beneficial for containment.

5. Odor Control: Keeping the air fresh, especially in confined areas. Consider boxes with ventilation systems or those compatible with odor-controlling litter.

6. Material: Prioritizing cat safety and comfort. Favor non-toxic, biodegradable materials and surfaces gentle on feline paws.

7. Stability: Preventing messes from accidental tip-overs. Features like non-slip bases or weighted bottoms can be crucial.

8. Portability: The core feature. A good portable litterbox should be lightweight, easy to set up, and convenient to pack away.

Best Foldable Litterboxes on Amazon

Petisfam Portable Litterbox

This is a foldable travel cat box with a zip-up lid. It's good if you want something compact but that can be used as well to carry the litter around.

As a cons, when carrying litter the bag is quite bulky.

This is currently the travel litter box that I am using for Mia when we travel. It works exactly as you expect it to.

IRIS Travel Litterbox

This is a foldable travel cat box with a zip-up lid. It's good because it can self contein the litter. It's also very big so it will work well with large cats.

As cons, I don't like the fact that it's too large and takes a lot of space both when folded and when in use.

If you have a large cat, this might be the best portable litter box for you.

Barrpet Portable Litterbox

Similar to the IRIS litterbox, the Barrpet litterbox is round, self containing and large. This one has a more robust design and it comes in black color that I personally like best.

If you are traveling light, might not be for you. However, if you have a large cat, this is probably your best bet when it comes to portable litterboxes. 

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Litterbox

Flexible and versatile - the foldable cat litter box opens to 16"x12"x5" (holds about 5 lbs of litter) and folds up to 8"x5"x2" to pack away efficiently.

I personally do not like the design but it's size is very convenient for medium and small cats.

Best Covered Portable Litterboxes

Petsfit Portable Litterbox

The portable litter box for cats can be used as an open cat litter box alone.

Mia, my 3-year-old cat, and I traveled for the first time from the USA to Spain. I bought a travel litter for her which worked well, but it had a fabric base that absorbed odors. I replaced it with a plastic dish pan, which resolved the issue. The product is good, but its base material should be improved.

When you need to solve the worries of cat litter splashing during the trip, you can use the zipper that comes with the product to fix the bottom and top lids to form a closed cat litter box.

Petleader Portable Litterbox

The portable litter box for cats can be used as an open cat litter box alone. 

I purchased this for our hotel trips, and she instantly preferred it. Surprisingly, she now favors it even at my mom's home! Despite her regular box being clean, she waits all day to use the new one at night, as it's also in her nighttime crate (she's not allowed to roam freely at night).

Necoichi Portable Litterbox

This travel cat box has a pop-up tent for less mess and cat privacy. It's great for places like cars or hotels to keep clean. But, the tent isn't strong enough to trap the cat inside.

The litterbox is not very big, but it's big enough for a medium cat Litter box size 15″ x 11″ x 5.1″.

Best Disposable Litterboxes for Travel

Kitty Sift Portable Litterbox

This travel litter box stands out – it's disposable and sold in packs of 6. Made from recycled cardboard without plastic, it's eco-friendly. It's great if you don't travel often, or if you'd like to toss it before heading home.

Aluminium Foil Disposable Litterbox

When I travel with Mia this is my go to if I forget my portable litterbox. 

I like it as a solution for travel because it's easy to find in a convenience store, it's easy to store, it's lightweight and easy to dispose!

I think that despite it's more sustainable than tossing plastic, it's best to not use disposable litterboxes so we only use it when it's strictly necessary.

I really hope this guide will help you find the best litterbox for traveling with your cat. If you have any questions, write them in the comments and I'll make sure to answer them!

Stay wild, stay safe and we'll see you outdoors!

Albert & Mia