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Best Portable Litter Box (2024): Choosing A Top Travel Litter Box

Posted in: Cat Litter, Litter Box - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter, Litter Box 
Last Updated: February 8, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the best portable cat litter boxes on the market. We’re reviewing, comparing, and evaluating a host of different products, designed to ensure you have everything you need to keep your kitty comfortable while traveling or on car rides.

portable cat litter box

After all, if you spend a lot of time on the move, and like taking the occasional trip with your pets, you need a lot more than just a cat carrier and treats for your feline friend.

Even if you’re only leaving home for a few days, your cat will still need a safe, sturdy bathroom spot. 

The challenge for most pet parents is finding the best cat litter tray that’s compact and transport friendly, as well as durable, and comes with guaranteed leak-free usage.

With a little help from our very own furry companions, we’ve sorted through some of the top portable litter box for cats options on the market, to bring you this handy list. 

Best Portable Litter Box: Overall Choice 

The Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box is our best overall choice and is the type of cat litter box designed for easy portability and convenience. It has a compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for use while traveling or for small living spaces. 

The litter box features a high-sided design to help contain litter and prevent pee or spray, and it is made from durable materials to ensure it lasts. And it's reliable!

3 Top Travel Litter Box Picks – Best, Premium & Value

The good news for today’s traveling animal lovers, is there are plenty of different portable travel litter box options available for your cat. 

To help you make a decision quickly, we’ve selected our top three options, for consumers in search of practicality, affordability, or overall performance:

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cage Carrier and Litter Box, Indoor & Outdoor, Travel (Black, Litter Box)

Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box

  • Lightweight and easy-to-transport design
  • Folds flat and snaps closed
  • Seamless and durable waterproof liner

Best Value

Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box for Medium Cats & Kitties,Leak-Proof, Lightweight, Foldable (Black(with lid), 17' Lx13 Wx12.5 H)

Petsfit Travel Cat Litter Box

  • Flexible, lightweight, and versatile
  • Waterproof material with a machine-washable base
  • Hooded design to reduce mess

Premium Choice

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box (16'x12'x5') - Foldable and Packable Travel Litter Box for Cats - Includes Bonus Water Bowl - Blue

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box

  • Waterproof middle to reduce leaks
  • Folds down small enough to fit in a glovebox
  • Easy to use, with a simple structure

So, that’s a quick overview of your options if your cat needs a toilet break whilst travelling.

Now let’s take a deeper look at those top 3 best portable litter box picks.

1. Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box - Best Overall

Necoichi Portable Stress Free Cage Carrier and Litter Box, Indoor & Outdoor, Travel (Black, Litter Box)

The Necoichi Portable litter box solution is a fantastic all-in-one option for pet parents on the go.

Both stylish and convenient, this lightweight product ensures your cat will always have a reliable place to do their business, wherever you are. 

The foldable system can collapse down flat, so it’s easy to pack into just about any backpack or boot. The snap button closure prevents this tray from popping up when you’re on the move too. 

With an attractive pattern on the outside, this item will look great sitting alongside your luggage.

 It also comes with a handy waterproof liner, to minimize the risk of leakage and extra mess.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy-to-transport design
  • Folds flat and snaps closed
  • Seamless and durable waterproof liner
  • Simple polyester structure

Cons

  • Maybe a little small for some cats
  • The outside material may be difficult to clean

2. Petsfit Travel Cat Litter Box - (Best Premium)

Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box for Medium Cats & Kitties,Leak-Proof, Lightweight, Foldable (Black(with lid), 17' Lx13 Wx12.5 H)

The Petsfit Travel Cat Litter box is ideal if you’re looking for a convenient accessory for traveling with your cat. This spacious litter box comes with a hood cover, to give your kitties more privacy, and help reduce the risk of litter getting everywhere. 

The solution can even double up as a cozy resting space for your kitty when it isn’t filled with litter. 

Versatile and flexible, this lightweight box can be folded down to fit into any luggage for travel. It also comes with waterproof fabric throughout, as well as a removable and machine-washable bottom. 

There’s even a D-shaped buckle on the side where users can hang a scoop.

Pros

  • Flexible, lightweight, and versatile
  • Waterproof material with a machine-washable base
  • Hooded design to reduce mess
  • Included is a handle and hook on the side for the scoop

Cons

  • Odors can sometimes linger
  • May not hold its shape very well at times

3. Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box - (Best Value)

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box (16'x12'x5') - Foldable and Packable Travel Litter Box for Cats - Includes Bonus Water Bowl - Blue

Another excellent choice for life on the move, this eye-catching collapsible litter tray folds down flat for simple transportation. 

You can quickly pop up the sides and fill the middle with litter whenever your companion needs a bathroom break. The inside also has its own waterproof poly-plastic liner, to reduce the risk of stains and leaks. 

The flexible, versatile litter box is around five inches high, which means there’s plenty of space for as much litter as your kitty needs. It also folds down small enough to fit in your car’s glove box. 

With two color options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that matches your style, and there’s a collapsible water bowl included too!

Pros

  • Waterproof middle to reduce leaks
  • Folds down small enough to fit in a glovebox
  • Easy to use, with a simple structure
  • A foldable water bowl is also included

Cons

  • Quite small for some larger cat breeds
  • May not hold itThe sides are quite flimsys shape very well at times
Portable litter box

The Best Portable Cat Litter Box: Alternative Options

We picked the options above to suit the needs of all kinds of pet owners, from budget-conscious individuals to those who want a more premium solution for their kitty. 

However, if none of those picks work for you, there are still some great alternatives to consider.

Here are some of our other top choices, selected for their performance, design, and ease of use.

4. IRIS USA 15.5" Travel Cat Litter Box

IRIS USA 15.5' Travel Cat Litter Box with Zipper Top and Handles, Mess-Free, PVC Coated to Prevent Leaks, Portable and Foldable, Cat Litter Pan for Roadtrip, Travel, Hotels, and Cars, White/Yellow

An interesting alternative to most portable litter trays, this IRIS USA product comes with its own zipper top, to help minimize mess and a fantastic set of convenient handles. 

The lightweight and foldable product has a durable PVC coating, to make it easier to clean and eliminate the risk of leaks. 

The materials are also recycled, and BPA-free, so you know you’re making an eco-friendly purchase. 

This convenient round litter tray can be stored with or without litter in it already, for quick access when you’re on the move. 

Plus, the product is relatively easy to clean using warm water and mild soap. No excess scrubbing is required.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Convenient handles for transportation
  • Zipper lid to minimize messes
  • Waterproof and easy to clean

Cons

  • Very small for some larger cats
  • Heavy litter granules might not be suitable

5. Petisfam Portable Cat Travel Litter Box with Zipped Lid

Portable Cat Travel Litter Box with Zipped Lid, No Leakage, No Smell, Easy to Carry, Easy to Use in Hotels, Car Medium Black

Built with a focus on portability, the Petisfam travel litter box comes in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any pet parent’s needs

This durable and sturdy litter tray option comes with its own small litter scooper, and a collapsible bowl, to ensure you have everything you need for life on the move.

There’s a set of handles included, to make carrying the product a little simpler. Plus, the waterproof and leak-proof design is great for minimizing messes. 

The simple but effective product has a zipper lid, so you can hide away any messes you don’t have a chance to clean up. Plus, the product can double up as a suitcase for your pet, storing snacks and toys.

Pros

  • Discrete and attractive design
  • Easy to carry with its own handle
  • Multifunctional performance with its own zipper lid
  • Sturdy yet flexible materials

Cons

  • The zipper section can occasionally leak
  • The medium-sized options may not be large enough for some cats

6. HiCaptain Travel Cat Litter Box with Lid and Handle

HiCaptain Portable Litter Box for Cats, Cat Travel Litter Box with Lid and Handle Standard Portable Collapsible Litter Carrier for Cat (M,Black/Gray)

Available in both medium and large sizes, as well as a variety of different color options, HiCaptain Travel Litter Tray is brimming with useful features. 

The zippered lid helps with cat litter odor control and stops spilling when you’re transporting your tray. There’s a plastic panel to help the product keep its shape and improve stability. Plus, you get a handle for easy transportation. 

The water and stain-resistant materials are lightweight, and everything can fold up neatly when the item isn’t in use, to make storage even easier. 

This product even comes with a couple of extra gifts, such as a miniature scoop and a collapsible bowl.

Pros

  • Multiple color and size options
  • Compact and easy to transport with included handle
  • Dual zipper to lock away odors
  • Firm and sturdy structure

Cons

  • Can be difficult to fold down perfectly
  • It may be difficult to wash fully
travel litter box

Portable Litter Box Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the best portable litter box can be a little challenging for many pet parents. After all, you’ll need something that’s both extremely versatile and lightweight, but also strong enough to stay sturdy when your kitty is using the bathroom. 

What is a Portable Cat Litter Box?

Before we dive into discussing some of the key features and components you should be looking at when choosing a portable cat litter box, it’s worth defining what these products actually are. 

Portable litter trays or litter boxes are simply bathrooms you can provide to your kitty when you’re on the move. 

They’re designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, and can often fall down into compact shapes. They’re intended for use in hotels, temporary housing environments, and even in trucks and cars from time to time. 

What to Look for in a Portable Cat Litter Box

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for choosing the best portable litter box. You’ll need to think carefully about your specific situation, needs, and even your preferred style. 

However, there are a few core factors worth considering closely when making your choice:

  • Design: Portable cat litter trays often come in a range of styles and shapes to suit different needs. Some are “pop-up” trays that fold flat when not in use. Others are designed a little like suitcases, with either a hooded entry or a zippered cover. Case-style options can be useful if you want to avoid spills and messes when moving your tray. 
  • Size and Depth: The size of your litter tray is another important consideration. Most of these products are intended to be a little smaller and more basic than the standard litter box. However, they still need to provide your cat with plenty of room to move around. Make sure you check everything from the width to the depth before making your choice. 
  • Added Features: Alongside giving your feline companion a comfortable place to go to the bathroom, some portable litter trays will come with extra features, such as storage pouches or clips you can attach scoops to. There are options with zips, for reducing mess, as well as those with carry handles to make transportation even easier.
  • Cost: Most portable litter trays are relatively affordable, as they’re intended to be used as an emergency or short-term solution, rather than a full-time bathroom spot. However, the number of features your product has, its style, and the materials used can all contribute to the overall price. Avoid going for the cheapest option if it means compromising on durability. 
  • Materials: Most portable litter boxes are made with a combination of plastic, fabric, and waterproof components. The materials need to be lightweight for transportation, but also durable and sturdy. Ensure your chosen product is resistant to stains and leaks, so you can avoid any unnecessary messes when you’re on the move.

The Importance of a Travel Litter Box

Ultimately, travel litter boxes are really only necessary for certain situations. If you don’t plan on traveling with your feline friend (aside from taking quick trips to the vet), then you probably won’t need one of these products. 

However, if you’re planning any journeys that could last more than a couple of hours, a travel litter box could be a good investment. 

It ensures your cat has a comfortable place to go to the bathroom on the move, rather than just soiling their cage or carrier. 

It can also help to minimize the amount of mess you need to clean up after long journeys and keep your car and hotel rooms hygienic. 

FAQs:

Can cats poop without a litter box?

Absolutely! However, some might be uncomfortable pooping outside of a litter box when they’re used to using one of these trays.

Cats who go to the bathroom outside of the litterbox can also end up developing the habit, which means they’re more likely to defecate in various areas at home. 

What can I use as a temporary cat litter box?

A portable cat litter tray can be a good option if you’re looking for a temporary solution for your cat when you’re on the move.

However, you can also consider using throw-away litter trays (often made of cardboard), or plastic boxes. 

How do you use a litter box while traveling?

If you’re in a house, you’ll be able to lay the litter box out as normal for your cat to use whenever you like.

If you’re on the road, you’ll need to include the litter box in your cat’s carrier or cage, so they can access it whenever they need to. 

portable litter box for cats

Best Portable Litter Box: The Verdict

A portable cat litter box can be a fantastic investment for anyone who needs to travel with their cat.

These products can also double up as emergency litter trays, when you’re moving house, renovating, or replacing your cat’s standard litter tray. 

Our number one pick for the best portable litter box is the Necoichi tray. It’s a simple, lightweight, and foldable product, with a snap button closure, and a waterproof finish. 

The product is both durable and attractive – plus it’s great for budget-conscious pet parents too.

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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