Top 5 Must-Haves for Traveling with Your Cat
Thinking of hitting the road with your feline friend? Whether you're planning a quick vet trip or an epic road adventure, traveling with a cat takes a little extra prep. But with the right gear, you can keep your cat safe, calm, and comfy every step of the way.
Here are our top 5 must-have essentials for traveling with your cat:
1. A Safe, Comfortable Cat Carrier with Expandable Space
A secure, cozy carrier is a must for any cat on the go—but what really sets a great travel carrier apart is extra space when your cat needs it most. That’s why we love carriers with an expandable design that gives your cat room to stretch, relax, or even use a built-in travel litter area on longer trips.
The expandable compartment can transform into a small litter space or lounge zone, making it perfect for road trips, hotel stays, or rest breaks. It reduces stress by giving your cat a familiar, private area to use the bathroom or simply unwind mid-journey.
Look for features like:
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Breathable mesh panels for airflow
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Soft, washable padding
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Secure zippers and durable handles
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A fold-out expansion for added comfort or litter box use
Our Pick: The Expandable Travel Carrier — comfy, secure, and designed with built-in flexibility for longer adventures.
Pro Tip: Leave the carrier out at home before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Add a blanket that smells like them to help ease anxiety.
2. A Comfortable Harness & Leash
Even if you’re not planning to let your cat roam far, a harness is essential for safety. It lets you keep control during bathroom breaks, hotel stops, or even short walks.
Choose a harness made for cats (not dogs!)—something escape-proof, adjustable, and padded for comfort.
Our Pick: The Adventure Cat Harness Set — designed to fit snugly and stay put without restricting movement.
3. Travel-Friendly Food & Water Bowls
Staying hydrated and fed on the road is just as important for cats as it is for us. Collapsible silicone bowls or compact travel sets are ideal—lightweight, easy to store, and mess-free.
Our Pick: The On-The-Go Pet Bowl Set — leak-proof and collapsible and clips to your bag or carrier.
Pro Tip: Offer water at every stop, and keep familiar food on hand to avoid tummy troubles.
4. A Portable Litter Box
Yes, you can bring a litter box with you—and it doesn't have to be messy. Travel litter boxes are lightweight, easy to clean, and perfect for long trips or hotel stays.
Our Pick: The Foldaway Travel Litter Box — pop it open when you need it, zip it up when you don’t.
Don’t forget to pack litter, a scoop, and waste bags!
5. AirTag Holder for Extra Peace of Mind
When you're on the move, one of the smartest things you can do is add a Bluetooth tracker like an Apple AirTag to your cat’s gear. It’s a small investment that adds big peace of mind—especially if your cat is an escape artist or you're traveling through unfamiliar places.
Attach an AirTag holder to your cat’s harness, carrier, or travel bag so you can track their location with ease using your phone. It's a simple way to stay connected and feel confident, even in busy environments like airports or rest stops.
Our Pick: The Little Wolf & Lion AirTag Holder — lightweight, secure, and designed to fit snugly on any collar, harness, or bag loop.
Bonus Tip: Make sure your AirTag is fully charged and labeled with a name like “Nala’s Carrier” to avoid confusion in the app.
Ready to Hit the Road?
With a little prep and the right gear, traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful. It can actually be a fun bonding experience—just take it slow, be patient, and make sure your cat feels safe every step of the way.
Shop all travel must-haves from our Adventure Cat Collection
Every purchase helps pets in need through Greater Good Charities.