Cat Travel Essentials: 15 Things to Pack When Traveling with Your Pet
In this article
If you've opted to take kitty along on your next adventure or you're preparing for a big move, you're no doubt anxious to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. We've been there and know how stressful it can be, but having a checklist of everything you'll need to make sure your cat feels as comfortable as possible can make a big difference. To help you feel more in control, we've put together this list of essentials for traveling with your cat. We've also included our top product recommendations in case there's something you've yet to acquire, and we hope you find this helpful!
The 15 Vet-Approved Cat Travel Supplies
Carriers & Accessories
1. Cat Carrier
Whether you're heading off on a road trip or jetting to faraway lands, you'll need a carrier to keep your cat comfortable and safe. If you're flying somewhere, it's essential to make sure the carrier you choose is airline-approved and suitable for how your cat is to travel.
For example, if your cat is set to travel in the hold, the airline will likely stipulate that you need a hard carrier for safety reasons. On the other hand, soft carriers are more common for cats traveling in the cabin as these are easier to fit under the seat in front of you. Requirements may vary by airline, so it's crucial to check thoroughly before you buy a carrier.
We recommend checking out the Sherpa Deluxe carrier—which has a soft, fleecy liner, a security strap, zippers, and top and side entry holes—to get an idea of what a cabin-suitable carrier looks like.
2. ID Tag
It's wise to kit your cat out with an ID tag to attach to a collar when you travel just in case they manage to escape or get lost. With a personalized tag like our top pick by Frisco, in addition to your pet's name, you can have your address and phone number engraved or just your phone number if you're more comfortable with that—it's up to you what information you include.
If you're traveling on an airplane, bear in mind that it may be a hard requirement that your cat wears a collar and ID tag. It's also a good idea to ensure your cat's microchip details are up to date before you travel.
3. Harness & Leash
- Our Pick: Hepper Harness and Leash Set
Pit stops are half the fun when you're on a long road trip, and they're necessary for any pets you're traveling with to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. A comfortable harness prevents your cat from wandering off and potentially getting lost or injured once you open the carrier.
If you don't already have a harness and leash, take a look at this set by Hepper. It's adjustable, made with breathable mesh, and comes in various sizes from XXS to L. This set also gets bonus points for its reasonable price.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Food & Feeding Supplies
4. Cat Food
Of course, your cat's regular food formula is something you'll want to take with you. Every cat is different and has unique needs depending on age and overall health but if you need suggestions, Purina Pro Plan is a popular brand, and its Complete Essentials formula has received rave reviews from the majority of customers.
We picked this formula because it's a good example of what to look for in quality dry cat food. Real chicken is the first ingredient and it's complete and balanced, meaning it caters to all your cat's nutritional needs.
5. Food & Water Bowls
- Our Pick: Hepper NomNom Bowl
Sometimes, the most basic items are the easiest to forget! Double-dish bowls are a good option for traveling with your cat because these save you from taking multiple separate bowls. On that basis, we think Hepper's NomNom bowl is a great choice.
This double-dish bowl made of stainless steel and PP plastic has raised sides to catch spilled water and bits of food and is designed to be gentle on your cat's sensitive whiskers.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
6. Food & Water Bowl Mat
If you plan to stay in an Airbnb or visit friends or family, you'll want to make sure your feline travel companion stays in everyone's good books! If you're worried about your cat making a mess, consider taking along a mat that sits underneath food bowls.
Not only do these mats keep bowls from moving about (ideal for especially enthusiastic eaters), but they're great for keeping the floor nice and clean. This silicone mat by PetFusion comes in three sizes, has raised edges to catch spillage, and is easy to clean.
7. Treats
Traveling is never easy on cats, but it may sweeten the pill a little if they get some tasty snacks along the way. Treats can also be useful for encouraging your cat to go into their carrier and reward them for doing so—this creates positive associations. It's best if you get your cat used to their carrier several weeks or even months before traveling.
Of all the treats we checked out, these Feline Greenies dental treats were among those with top-tier reviews. They're also pretty cheap, which is always a bonus.
Hygiene Supplies
8. Collapsible Litter Box
When you travel, it can be a pain to lug your cat's huge, plastic litter box along with you. Instead, think about getting a collapsible, portable litter box like this one by Pet Fit for Life. It folds up neatly into a little rectangle that takes up very little room and is made of nylon fabric and poly-plastic for flexibility and easy cleaning.
Bonus: You get two items in one when you buy the collapsible litter box. Kudos to Pet Fit for Life for the handy collapsible food/water bowl that comes with your purchase.
9. Litter Scoop
- Our Pick: Van Ness Litter Scoop
You'll need a scoop to take care of business after your cat has finished using their collapsible litter box. Luckily, you can get one for as little as a dollar or two, like this Van Ness scoop. According to many user reviews, this lightweight, inexpensive scoop made of durable plastic does just as good a job as more expensive scoops, though some remain firmly in favor of metal, non-stick scoops.
10. Poop Bags
No trip with your cat would be complete without the ultimate essential: Poop bags. If possible, it's best to go for eco-friendly bags like these compostable ones by The Original Poop Bags. They're made with plant fibers, starch, and vegetable oils, and the core is made from recycled cardboard.
11. Pet Wipes
- Our Pick: Hepper Wash Wipes
When traveling, it's wise to be prepared for potential bathroom-related accidents in the carrier. If your cat's fur ends up covered in something not-so-nice as a result, it can be useful to have some pet wash wipes on hand to aid in cleanup. These aloe and cucumber wipes by Hepper are alcohol-free, vet-recommended, and formulated to be gentle on your cat's coat and skin.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Comfort & Calming Supplies
12. Cat Bed
- Our Pick: Frisco Tent Covered Cat & Dog Bed
Being away from home can be very stressful for a cat since they're the ultimate creatures of habit. For this reason, your cat's favorite snoozing spot should be on your travel checklist. It's worth considering getting a covered/tent-style cat bed like this one by Frisco as these make great refuges for anxious cats. We like this cat tent in particular because it's not crazily expensive, has garnered excellent reviews, and is soft and cozy inside.
13. Calming Items
If your cat gets very stressed when traveling, a vet may recommend some calming supplements or items to help. Experiences with calming items can vary—some swear by them while others say they don't notice any change in their cat at all. However, if you want to give them a shot, you can find items like these Comfort Zone calming collars which release pheromones similar to those cats naturally produce. These pheromones are comforting and help cats feel safe.
Toys & Enrichment
14. Scratch Post
- Our Pick: Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher
Of course, if you're traveling by plane, taking along your cat's scratch post from home may not be an option (unless you have a large enough suitcase), but you should definitely try squeezing one into your vehicle if you're taking a road trip. This will help keep your Airbnb or host's home safe from scratched walls or furniture, and it ensures your cat can act out their natural scratching instincts as normal.
For us, this Hi-Lo scratcher by Hepper is a great choice because it's made of thick cardboard and can be arranged into three different positions to extend its durability.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
15. Toys
- Our Pick: Hepper Catnip Stick Toy
Last but certainly not least is your cat's favorite toy to keep them entertained wherever you're headed. If your cat's toy stock needs replenishing, Hepper's catnip stick toy is worth checking out. Though it's quite pricey for a cat toy, it's made to last with a double lining and contains pure, organic catnip from North America. You can pick from three shades: blue, white, or gray.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Extra Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
- Make sure your cat undergoes any procedures (like health checks, blood tests, etc.) that may be required for flying and entering other countries.
- Remember that to fly to some countries with a pet, you need to start preparing several months in advance. Australia is an example of a country with very strict and complicated pet importation rules.
- Make sure your cat is fully vaccinated and has had all the shots required by the country you're traveling to.
- Check that your cat's microchip information is up to date.
- Keep a neatly organized folder of all the paperwork you may need to travel with your cat.
- Never leave your cat in a hot vehicle. It can take just minutes for heatstroke to set in.
- Take bottled water to offer your cat throughout the journey.
- Speak to a vet for advice on traveling with your cat.
Conclusion
Traveling with a cat—unless you have a super chilled-out kitty—is rarely easy and takes a lot of thought and preparation. Preparing well in advance—especially if you're flying with your cat—is the best way to make sure things go smoothly. This means gathering all the supplies you'll need to ensure your cat's safety and comfort on the trip as well as any necessary paperwork. On a final note, we'd urge you to consult a vet before traveling to make sure your cat is healthy and get some tips on how to make the experience less stressful for all involved.
Featured Image Credit: Niik Leuangboriboon, Shutterstock
Expert cat care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Kit Copson is a freelance writer and lifelong animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented various furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
