We hope you like the products we recommend! Just so you know this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking our links.
Traveling with a cat in the car isn’t always easy, especially if you’re driving for a long distance or if your cat has a history of illness or anxiety.
If you’re only going a few miles down the road or stopping regularly, your cat will likely prefer to wait and use a litter tray when the car is stationary or when they’re in a more comfortable environment.
Humans are the same.
It’s why people cross their legs on aeroplanes and buses, preferring to wait for the terminal or gas station to go. We’d all rather do our business in private, ideally not when we’re racing down the highway.
And most cats aren’t big fans of the car anyway. They’re more sensitive to things that we may overlook: the motion, the scenery whipping past the windows, the noise, smells, and a general lack of familiarity. Depending on the cat, it can make them more or less likely to go to the bathroom. The trick is to ensure they have the option either when the car is moving or during regular rest stops. This is why having a litter tray in the car is so handy.
(If you already have a cat carrier, you can also buy disposable litter trays)
You’re probably super eager to explore some of the carriers below. Feel free to scroll down, but we’d like to offer a few short suggestions that might be useful ahead of your trip. These are based on our own experience of traveling with a cat in the car.
- Take your time picking the carrier. It should be well-ventilated, secure, durable, and large enough for your cat to turn around easily. Some people prefer hard-sided carriers because they’re easier to clean and are sturdier. Most cat carriers for longer journeys are soft-sided because they have to fit inside a car (with a litter tray), and they’re more comfortable for the cat. If you have an especially aggressive cat, then a hard-sided carrier may be more suitable, but there’s no right or wrong option – just what works for you and your cat.
- Use clumping litter, as it’s less messy and easier to dispose of. However, this is a personal choice.
- Puppy pads are a godsend! Put these underneath to prevent any accidents.
- If your cat hasn’t travelled far before or isn’t accustomed to the litter box, leave the carrier out in the open before you travel, preferably in an area of the house where they spend a lot of time. Put toys, blankets and treats inside and encourage them to leave their scent on them. You may also choose to feed the cat inside to help alleviate any fear it may have. You want your cat to feel comfortable or at least familiar with the carrier before driving.
- Give your cat its last meal at least 3 hours before leaving to help prevent motion sickness. You can give them a little bit of food or snacks on the journey, but save anything heavy for when you arrive at your destination (or an extended stop)
- Cat calming spray could help reduce anxiety. Feliway make a calming spray that replicates pheromones.
- When you’re driving, drive smoothly and try to minimise noises like slamming doors or loud music. Monitor the temperature; pets like it cooler, but the car shouldn’t be cold.
- You should stop every 3-4 hours for a break, offering water and encouraging the cat to use the litter box. Don’t open the carrier unless the doors and windows are shut.
- Remember to pack a litter scoop and waste bags. Paper towels or wet wipes can also be extremely helpful. Putting your cat’s favourite toy or bedding with them (something that smells like them) can also help make them more comfortable.
We will list some options below that are available on Amazon. We’ll also share some travel litter boxes that you may be able to add to an existing carrier or have in the car, ready for when you stop.
- Quality Material & Comfort: Made of oxford cloth, polyester net, and high-quality steel frame, the pet carrier is breathable and stable for long-lasting use. The hammock and soft cushion on the bottom offer extra comfort.
- Foldable & Extra Security: With foldable design and a storage bag, this cat car carrier is easy to transport and store when not in use. The fixed belt on the back can combine with the car seat belt to affix the carrier, making the unit and pets secure while driving.
- Easy in & Out: 2 zippered netting doors on each pet carrier bag allow for easy accessibility. The double cat carrier has 2 mesh windows allowing for air circulation and easy breathing for your loved ones.
- Fully Detachable: This pet travel carrier features a twin system. You can use it as a large enclosure. Furthermore, if you so desire, you can separate it for 2 individual crates, depending on your needs.
- Dimension: Overall Dimensions: 39" L x 20" W x 20" H, Individual Dimensions: 19.5" L x 20" W x 20" H, Folded Dimensions: 19.75" L x 20.5" W x 2" T. Note: Please measure the body length and body height of the your dog before purchasing.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【EXTRA LARGE SPACE 】The carrier size:24"x17"x17", Suitable for pets up to 55 pounds. perfect for a large cat or several small cats.
- 【EASY TO CARRY】The carrier can be folded for easy storage with extra pockets for storing folded litter boxes and bowls.
- 【FOR CAR TRAVEL 】The best car travel experience for you and your pets. The cat travel carrier could be strapped in the front car seat firmly by seat anchors and shoulder strap to keep your pets restrained for safety while driving; The product includes A travel litter box and a collapsible water bowl for easy feeding and poop disposal while traveling.
- 【SAFE DESIGN】Soft cat travel carrier bag upgraded structural design of stainless steel and Fiber rod that makes our cat carrier bags will not be out of shape or sagged and the top does not collapse, large cat carrier bag preferable stability. Built-in adjustable rope buckle, easy to lock the collar. Customized Lock Zippers avoid pets to open or grab open the zipper
- 【DURABLE MATERIAL】Our pet carrier made of waterproof, non-toxic, scratch-resistant polyester fabric material, waterproof and wear-resistant; After comparing similar products, we upgraded the mesh material to effectively prevent pets from tearing the mesh with their nails and prevent pets from falling out of the carrier.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- [Spacious 2-in-1 Design] The carrier transforms into a secure playpen or travel crate, suitable for pets up to 35 lbs. Ideal for cats, dogs, and other small to medium pets, it offers comfort and flexibility.
- [Enhanced Travel Convenience] Comes with a collapsible travel bowl and a litter box. Perfect for car rides, vacations, or camping trips, ensuring your pet's basic needs are met.
- [Secure and Safe] Features locking zippers to prevent escapes, reinforced stitching, and a stable base to keep your pet secure during travel.
- [Easy Setup and Storage] Simple assembly with pipe connectors, designed to be safe and user-friendly. The foldable design allows for convenient storage when not in use, saving space.
- [Superior Ventilation and Visibility] Large mesh windows on all sides provide good airflow and visibility, helping to reduce stress for your pet.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【Expand to provide more space in car travel】 Size of carrier is 20(L) x 14(W) x 14(H) inches, size of expandable part is 16.5 x 12 x 12 inches ),the expandable part can provide a extra space as an activity/play zone for pet,you can put a small portable cat litter box in expandable part and let pet stay in body of carrier.
- This carrier is design for 1 small-medium cat under 12 lbs when expandable part hold a cat litter box,or 1 large cat under 20 lbs when cat litter box is used out of carrier(or not used)
- 【Included a small portable cat litter box】cat litter box is portable and with a cover,size is 15''(L) x 11.5''(W) x 3.7''(H),it is leakproof and easy to clean.
- 【keep safe and stable in travel】 All loading ports have a double zipper lock to prevent pet opening zippers and escaping.all breathing meshes are anti-scratched,an adjustable tether in carrier can be connected to a pet harness.shoulder strap and a extra safety-srtrap can be used as seat belt when it is connected to the headrest of seat. 2 metal frame are implanted into body of carrier to keep carrier stable and make sure no collapse on pets.A hard wooden board support the bottom.D-shaped buckle on carrier and hooks on shoulder strap are made of metal material instead of plastics.
- 【For long distance car Travel / short trip】 This carrier is used for long distance car travel.It also can be used for a short-trip,like vet visit.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【For 1 large cat up to 20-25 lbs with cat litter box in carrier,or 1 extra-large cat / 2 medium-large cat up to 35 lbs when travel without a cat litter box in carrier.】 Size of this carrier is 25''(L) x 17''(W) x 17''(H),it is roomy forcats.cats can turn around,walk,play or sleep in this carrier,it will be happy and relaxed for cats,and easy for you in a long distance car travel.
- 【Expandable for more space when cat litter box in carrier】 When you travel with cat in a long time car trip,you need a cat litter box.Cat litter box will occupy internal space of carrier and your cat have no enough space to move or sleep.Our carrier can solve this problem,this carrier have a accordion-style expandable part in right side,when expandable part opened,length of carrier is 41'', your cat still have enough space when cat litter box in carrier.
- 【Leakproof and tall-side cat litter box】 This carrier have a portable litter box,size of litter box is 16''(L) x 13''(W) x 12''(H),this litter box is leakproof,liquids will not leak out of it.tall side design will greatly reduce the probability of litters digged out by cat.
- 【Keep safe and stable in travel】 All loading ports have a double zipper lock to prevent pet opening zippers and escaping.all breathing meshes are anti-scratched,2 tethers in carrier can be connected to a pet harness.2 buckles can be connected to the safety-strap of seat. 2 metal frames are implanted into sides of carrier to keep carrier stable and make sure no collapse on pets.A hard plastics board support the bottom.D-shaped buckle on carrier and hooks on shoulder strap are made of metal material instead of plastics.
- 【For long distance car Travel】 This carrier is used for long distance car travel.It also can be used for a short-trip,like vet visit. 2 large pockets to store pet supplies.Hand straps with 2 different styles and a shoulder strap can help you carrying easily.
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Extra Items to Consider
Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API