Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

3 cat travel supplies you can’t leave home without

Traveling with your cat can be fun, but it’s also important to be prepared for some of the challenges that a car ride or other adventure can bring. Being stocked up on the right cat travel supplies, including a cat car seat and portable litter box, makes it easier to care for your cat while you travel. If your cat’s never been on a big trip before, start off with little ones around the neighborhood to get him used to being in the car and going places. Over time, you can expand your trips, going farther for longer. The following cat travel supplies can help ensure you’re well equipped for your trip.

SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate

A must-have for longer car trips, the SP Dog & Cat Car Seat Crate gives your cat plenty of room to stretch his legs, lounge around, and move about during the ride. This crate is designed to fit in your car’s back seat. It features two openings and helps keep your cat secure during the trip, while still being much larger than a traditional cat carrier. The enclosed crate gives your kitty plenty of visibility, thanks to a front mesh panel, so he can enjoy the view. Headrest straps and seat belt loops keep the crate securely anchored. It measures 45.25 inches long by 18.75 inches high by 17.25 inches wide for plenty of space. It folds flat for convenient storage.

Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box

The Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box makes it easy to go anywhere with your kitty. Ideal for long road trips or vacations, the box folds flat when it’s not needed, and it snaps shut to keep it secure during transportation. The waterproof liner is seamless and easy to clean, and helps prevent leaks. When you need to use the box, just pop it open and fill it with litter. It measures 15 by 11 by 5.1 inches and weighs just 1.17 pounds, so it won’t add bulk or weight to your luggage. When you’re not on the road, this box can act as a backup litter box.

Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Capsules

Traveling can be stressful for any cat, and motion sickness can really put a damper on your trip. Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Capsules are designed to help your traveling pet better navigate the stress. The capsules feature all-natural ingredients, including German chamomile, L-tryptophan, and valerian, to create calming support for your anxious kitty. They’re non-habit forming and have no known side effects, so you can promote a calm demeanor in your cat during your travels with no fear he’ll start to crave them. This supplement is made in the U.S., and it’s free of corn, soy, wheat, and artificial colors and preservatives. In addition to being useful for travel, the capsules are ideal during thunderstorms, fireworks, and trips to the vet.

In addition to these travel supplies, don’t forget other necessities like plenty of your cat’s food and any medications he might be on. If you’ll be boarding your cat at any point during the trip or plan to fly, then be sure to talk with your vet to get your cat’s vaccines updated. You’ll probably also need a health certificate, but verify the requirements with the airline or boarding facility. No matter where you’re headed, don’t forget to pack your cat’s favorite bed, blanket, toys, and other supplies, so you can make your destination — and the road — feel a bit more like home.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
How you can communicate with your cat by blinking slowly
Why do cats slowly blink? It communicates a very specific message
Cat lying on its side with soft, sleepy eyes

It happens almost daily -- you're binge-watching your favorite show with your cat on your lap, and she gazes up at you, blinking slowly. Maybe she even squints her eyes or looks at you through half-closed eyes. While you've undoubtedly seen this behavior before, you may wonder, "Why do cats blink slowly?"

As it turns out, cats slowly blinking is a behavior you don't want to overlook. It could actually mean something! Not only will understanding the reason for your cat's lazy blinks help you understand her, it may even help you learn how to communicate back.

Read more
When can kittens leave their mom? Don’t separate them too early
How soon is too soon to separate kittens from their moms?
A mama cat snuggling her three kittens.

All parents know that rearing a family is hard work, and the same holds true for mama cats. Between regularly feeding and bathing her kittens to providing a constant source of warmth and snuggles, mother cats have their work cut out for them when they're taking care of newborn kittens. However, just because Mama Cat is exhausted from caring for her litter, that doesn't mean you should separate the kittens from their mom too early. Have you ever wondered, "When can kittens leave their mom safely?"

We'll share everything you need to know about helping your cat take care of her little ones, from how to avoid kitten care becoming a second job to when kittens are old enough to safely leave their mom.

Read more
The kind of nutty behavior to expect if you don’t neuter your cat
Will neutering your cat prevent destructive behavior? Here's what you need to know
Tiger cat meowing while walking across a patio

If you've adopted a male cat from a shelter or rescue, chances are your cat is already neutered. But if you've gotten your cat from a private breeder or seller, then you might be struggling with the decision to neuter your cat. When making that decision, it's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of that procedure. Neutering can have a strong effect on your male cat's behavior, so make sure you know what to expect from un-neutered male cat behavior when deciding on the best option for you and your cat.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?
According to VCA Hospitals, un-neutered cats might contribute to the cat population control issue. Millions of cats are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them, and an un-neutered male cat who comes into contact with an unspayed female can contribute to this ongoing issue.
Un-neutered male cat behavior can include several undesirable habits. Many un-neutered cats spray urine as a way of marking their territory, and they might do this within and outside of your home. An un-neutered cat is also more likely to be aggressive toward another un-neutered male. This is caused by competition between males who are trying to protect their territory, and these fights can result in serious injuries.
Cats that have not been fixed are also more likely to roam and travel great distances, particularly during mating season. This sexual interest may drive your cat to leave home and can increase the chances of his getting lost or injured while traveling.

Read more