If you’re a cat owner, you surely understand how important it is to potty train your whiskered friend and provide him with an effective litter box. Let’s be honest. Cat poop stinks regardless if you have a pedigreed cat or a Moggie! But what if you need to travel and had to take your little mouser with you? It could be a cross-country trip for the holiday, an immediate house relocation, or just a weekend joyride with your friends.
On average, traveling with a cat is quite tough. If your cat is typical, his anxiety will go full throttle when he’s away from home. He’ll poop and pee many, many times in your car or in the passenger vehicle. So, what’s the solution? Take along a portable litter box so your feline companion has a clean, comfortable spot to do his business. If possible, you can take your cat into the washroom and set up his travel litter box.
Without further ado, let’s check out what major points you need to consider while choosing a travel litter box to ensure you get the one that suits your needs. We’ve also rounded up 10 of the best travel litter boxes for your kitty to make your shopping experience quick and smooth.
Factors to Consider
Purpose
The first strategy to success is making sure the product you choose serves the purpose to which you need it for. For instance, if you’re a gallivanter with a cat for a sidekick, you should consider getting a portable litter box that can be re-washed and re-used multiple times. Fabric-based litter boxes are perfect for travels that would span for a couple of days. For shorter travels and emergencies, a disposable litter box would be a good option, particularly if you aren’t fond of poop scooping and washing.
Construction
The materials used to make the travel litter box are an important criterion. Lighter materials have less rigid walls and have more chances of bending. The best fabric-based litter boxes are usually made of heavy canvas, nylon, and Oxford cloth. These fabrics can withstand some clawing by your cat.
Water-resistance
The portable litter box should offer water-resistance; otherwise, what’s the point of getting one in the first place? A water-resistant liner simplifies cleaning and prevents leakage, too. You can simply wipe the walls using a damp cloth or a wet wipe for spot cleaning and sanitize it with a disinfectant spray. The quality, however, should be topnotch. If not, your cat could easily tear it down and cause the entire product to lose its purpose. When it comes to disposable portable litter boxes, choose one that is finished with a waterproof coat to prevent urine from seeping through the bottom.
Size
Travel litter boxes are typically smaller compared to standard cat litter boxes used in homes. Still, you need to find a product that is comfortable enough for your pet to do his business. So, check out the product dimensions. A good rule of thumb is to choose a portable litter box that is 1.5x bigger than your whiskered pal.
Packaging size and design
Fabric-based litter boxes are lightweight and extremely compact, as you can fold it into half its size or even smaller. If you don’t mind packing bags of litter and emptying contents out of the litter box, choose an open design. Otherwise, choose an enclosed model that can store waste. Enclosed models have a zipper cover and once sealed, it prevents litter and odor from leaking out.
10 Best Portable Litter Boxes for Cats
1. Necoichi Pop-up Travel Litter Box for Cats
The Necoichi Pop-up Travel Litter Box is a lifesaver for hardcore backpackers and their feline companions. This Japanese-designed litter box is made with premium-quality Oxford canvas cloth, making it dustproof and scratchproof. The box measures 15” x 11” with high sidewalls that measure 5.1 inches. This product works with various litter types – crystal litter, clumping and non-clumping, sand, and pine pellets.
Additionally, this portable litter box folds up quite neatly and has a snap-in strap. When folded, the dimensions are reduced to 7.5″ x 2.8″ x 4.5″. The product is reasonably priced and so if you have extra money, you can buy its polyurethane waterproof liner to give the litter box an added layer of protection.
pros
- Superior construction using scratchproof Oxford cloth
- 5.1” sidewalls mean a lot less litter gets thrown out by your cat
- Fits small to medium cats
- Cleanses easily by hand
- Collapses into a tiny rectangle and has a snap-in strap
- Compatible with all litter types
- Reasonably priced
- No assembly required
- Cute black-and-white gingham pattern
- Has garnered extensive reviews on Amazon
cons
- Waterproof liner is sold separately
- Only has one size and style option
- Has no cover or zipper to close the box containing waste
2. Petsfit Fabric Portable Litter Box for Cats
Don’t be shocked when you’ll receive something as small as an envelope when you order the Petsfit Travel Litter Box. It’s a great choice if you are on a lookout for a decently sized cat potty for one fat cat or for two small feline companions. The dimensions of this portable litter box are 16" x 12.5” x 4.4” but when folded, it is reduced to 8” x 5” x 2.”
This proud American product is made with 600D canvas fabric and so, it’s heavy-duty yet it folds up so tiny without being flimsy. Besides that, it is water repellant and abrasion resistant. You may line this box with a plastic bag so that you can fold it back again for transport.
pros
- Made with heavy-duty 600D canvas fabric
- Water repellant and abrasion resistant
- Available in large and extra large
- No assembly required
- Folds up flat and neat like an envelope
- Compatible with many litter types
- Upkeep is straightforward
cons
- Doesn’t come with a waterproof liner
- The edges aren’t too rigid and may bend eventually
- Has no cover or zipper to close the box containing waste
3. IRIS USA Yellow Travel Litter Pan for Cats
The IRIS USA Travel Cat Litter Pan is ideal for long cross-country trips and many hotels stay because once zippered, no funny smells coming out of the box. It highlights a canvas body and a PVC-liner interior. Inside, the PVC-liner provides waterproofing to make cleaning hassle-free after use. It also has side straps and so, you just zip it up and grab it along with everything else.
The pan has a diameter of 15.5” and a rounded wall measuring 4.” Some owners complained that the wall is too low but it is designed as such to cater to kittens and small cats. Additionally, this product works best with lightweight cat litter such as clumping formulas and pine shavings. It is available in warm white with vibrant yellow linings.
pros
- Made with sturdy canvas fabric
- Stores waste effectively
- Totally sealed once zippered (no leaking or smells)
- Waterproof interior
- Lightweight and comes with 2 side handles
- Can be wiped clean after use
- Decent quality at an affordable price
cons
- Soft sidewalls are prone to collapse
- Only has one size and color option
- Suitable only for small cat breeds and kittens
4. Misyue Green Portable Litter Box for Cats
The Misyue Green Portable Litter Box is one of the roomiest portable litter boxes on the market. With two size options, pet owners with a large cat can now travel with ease with their feline companions. The exterior is made of durable and lightweight nylon fabric. The interior, on the other hand, is made of eco-friendly waterproof PEVA. Therefore, this product withstands daily abuse caused by smalls paws and claws. Likewise, it does a good job at preventing leaking accidents.
The dimensions for medium are 15.6” x 11.8” x 3.9” while the dimensions for large are 7.7” x 13.8” x 4.9.” Thanks to its excellent waterproofing, the box is such a breeze to clean. It also folds up nicely.
pros
- Made with durable and lightweight nylon fabric and eco-friendly waterproof PEVA
- Water repellant and abrasion resistant
- Available in medium and large
- Compatible with many litter types
- The waterproof interior makes cleaning quick and easy
- Easy to carry and folds down really small
- No assembly required
cons
- Has one color option only
5. Pet Peppy Portable Litter Box for Cats
The Pet Peppy Portable Litter Box makes it easier for any pet owner to travel with their big fat cat. This litter box is made with heavy-duty nylon fabric that is lightweight, resilient, and built to last. Likewise, it features a smooth poly-plastic interior with added waterproofing. Product dimensions are 16” x 12” x 5” and 8” x 5” x 1” when folded. The sidewalls measure 5” and so, your cat is kicking out a lot less litter.
Moreover, this portable litter box is designed to minimize odor and spillage by simply zipping its cover shut. You can even carry it on its side and still not leak. Because of its waterproof interior, cleaning is done with minimum effort. You can also use this product as a portable pet bed, instead.
pros
- Heavy-duty construction using nylon fabric
- Waterproof interior
- Smooth poly-plastic liner makes cleaning a breeze
- Sealable with a zipper cover to reduce odors and prevent leaks
- 5” sidewall reduces litter spillage
- Lightweight and resilient
- Compatible with many litter types
- Collapses into a small wallet
- Can be used as a portable cat bed
- No assembly required
cons
- No Velcro to the lid and bottom to keep the box open
- Has only one color option
- Would be nice if it had side straps for easy carrying
6. Pet Fit for Life Travel Litter Box
The Pet Fit for Life Travel Litter Box is a must-have if you always travel with your feline companion, especially on airplanes. It is a pop-up travel litter box featuring a strong nylon fabric exterior and a water-resistant poly-plastic interior. As you can see, it has a striking blue gingham pattern and an open design with high sturdy walls.
This litter box measures 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5″ and 8” x 5” x 2” when folded. It can hold up to five pounds of cat litter and is compatible with many litter types. As a bonus, you get a collapsible blue food/water bowl to match with your cat’s royal blue litter box.
pros
- Features a sturdy nylon fabric body and a smooth poly-plastic interior
- High sidewalls reduce litter thrown by your cat
- Holds up to 5 lbs. of cat litter
- Upkeep is quick and easy
- Fits small to medium cats
- No assembly required
- Royal blue gingham pattern
- Folds to fit in a suitcase
- Comes with a free collapsible water/food bowl
cons
- Only has one size and style option
- Has no cover or zipper to close the box containing waste
7. Petleader Portable Litter Box
The Petleader Portable Litter Box is a lightweight and collapsible litter box made with heavy-duty nylon fabric. It has a plastic liner that folds up at the edges so there’s no seam that leaks on the bottom. Strong and durable, it has a weight capacity of 30 pounds. The large size measures 15.7” x 12.6” x 4.9” while the smaller model measures 13.98” x 3.94” x 10.1.” The walls stand up reasonably and it folds up neatly, taking only a little space when tucked away. The shovel that comes with the litter box is also quite decent. It is very convenient to use after your cat does his business.
pros
- Features a strong and resilient nylon body
- Sturdy EVA bottom
- Plastic liner makes cleaning quick and easy
- Claims to have a 30-pound capacity
- Available in small and large
- Fits small to medium cats
- Comes with a free poop scooper
- Collapsible design
- Compatible with all litter types
cons
- Low sides may cause litter fly right out of the box
- The plastic liner can’t withstand scratching or digging
8. A4Pet Enclosed Rounded Litter Box
Its design is conveniently discreet; who would think it is a kitty potty? The A4Pet Enclosed Rounded Litter Box is a great choice if you are looking to travel with your cat for long hours. It features a round body made of solid Oxford fabric, making it strong and resilient against small paws and claws. That aside, upkeep is hassle-free as you can toss it into the washing machine. Our only gripe is the walls as they are soft and bendable, making it unideal for a heavy cat who likes to kick and move around while doing his business. Therefore, this product is ideal for a kitten or a small cat.
Product dimensions are 15” x 15” x 4” and 6” x 5.5” x 3” when folded.
pros
- Solidly made with high-quality Oxford fabric
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Stylish and discreet appearance
- Compact and lightweight
- Can be zipped closed
- Can be used as a portable cat bed upon purchasing
cons
- Not suitable for large, heavy cats
- Comes only in one size and color
- Walls are flimsy
9. Ace Innovations 10-Second Litter Boxes
Made with 100% recycled materials, the Ace Innovations 10-Second Litter Boxes are completely biodegradable. It works with various litter types but it is ideally combined with eco-friendly cat litter such as pine shavings and sawdust. This product comes in a set of 10, which is enough to last for a week’s travel. As its name suggests, it only takes 10 seconds to assemble each cardboard litter box. When your cat is done with his business, you just fold it in half and make a closed box for disposal. No scooping. No washing. Each box measures 15” x 11” x 5.1” and is finished with a water-resistant coating to prevent leakage.
pros
- Made with biodegradable materials
- The interior is finished with a water-resistant coating
- Comes in a set of 10
- 10-second assembly
- No scooping, no washing
- A cheap, ethical purchase
- Easy to discard
cons
- Bulky
- Takes more litter than other options
10. Petsfit Round Portable Litter Pan for Cats
Another great alternative to a large bulky cat litter box is the Petsfit Round Portable Litter Pan. It is extremely durable and lightweight as an iPhone. The exterior is made of heavy canvas while the interior is made of water-resistant PEVA. The product measures 15.3” x 15.3” x 3.9” and it collapses down 8” x 3.5” x 2.”
You won’t have any trouble with this portable litter box as long as you empty out used litter every day. However, be aware that the walls are flimsy and you may need to put it inside a cardboard box for reinforcement; otherwise, the litter could be thrown by your cat if he decides to kick some of the stuff.
pros
- Interior is made of water-resistant PEVA and is a breeze to spot clean
- Can be washed in the washing machine
- Quick to store
- Can be used as a portable cat bed upon purchase
- Compatible with various litter types
- Covered and discreet design
cons
- Would be better if it had stronger and higher walls
- Litter may fall out if the zippers face the ground
References
- Bustle, 8 Things About Traveling With A Cat
- All Feline Hospital, Traveling with your cat
- Pet Travel,Pet Travel with a Cat