Cat travel checklist: carriers, litter, calming and ID
✓ Product specs checked against each manufacturer's official page.
A checklist for travelling with a cat, by car or by plane. Every product spec below comes from the maker's official page, and we have not tested these products.
Quick checklist
- A secure carrier your cat already knows (leave it out at home for a few days before the trip)
- Travel litter box, litter, a scoop and bags
- Food, water and a small bowl
- Any medications, and your vet's phone number
- Vaccination and health records (airlines and border authorities may ask for them)
- Microchip details and a collar with ID
- A puppy pad or towel to line the carrier
- Something that smells like home
The carrier
For flights, the carrier usually has to fit under the seat in front of you. Compare carrier sizes with each airline's limit in carrier size by airline and the soft carrier guide. Carriers we list: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, Sleepypod Air, Sleepypod Atom, Sleepypod Mini, SturdiBag Pro 3.0 Travel Pet Carrier.
Travel litter boxes and pads
A collapsible box can sit in the car footwell or a hotel bathroom.
| Product | Key specs (per maker) | For |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Cat Porta-Pawty Litter Box Travel Cat | Collapsible litter box, 19 x 14 x 5 in open | Cats |
| Pet Evac Pak Collapsible Cat Litter Box Pet Evac Pak | Collapsible litter box, 16 x 12 in open, 9 oz | Cats |
| Four Paws Wee-Wee Cat Pads Four Paws | Pads that go under a litter box, 28 x 30 in | Cats |
Calming aids
FELIWAY says to spray the carrier at least 15 minutes before your cat goes in, never with your cat inside.
| Product | Key specs (per maker) | For |
|---|---|---|
| ThunderShirt for Cats ThunderShirt | Calming wrap for cats; 3 sizes by weight | Cats |
| FELIWAY Classic Spray (60 ml) FELIWAY | Pheromone spray for cat carriers; 60 ml ≈ 50 sprays | Cats |
ID and GPS trackers
GPS trackers need a paid plan and cellular coverage. Check the weight range for your cat.
| Product | Key specs (per maker) | For |
|---|---|---|
| Tractive GPS CAT Tracker Tractive | GPS tracker for cats; subscription required | Cats |
Carrier accessories and organizers
A carrier tether helps during airport security screening, when you may be asked to take your cat out of the carrier.
| Product | Key specs (per maker) | For |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate Kennel Airline Travel Kit Petmate | Metal bolts, stickers, cup and pad for a cargo kennel | Dogs & Cats |
| Sleepypod Go Bag Sleepypod | Cross-body bag for pet essentials, 16 x 14 x 5 in | Dogs & Cats |
| Sleepypod Safety Tether Sleepypod | Escape-prevention tether for Sleepypod carriers | Dogs & Cats |
Before you fly
Check your airline's cabin pet rules (fees, carrier size, weight limit, breed restrictions) on our airline pet policy pages, each linked to the airline's official page and dated.
More guides
- Best airline-approved soft pet carriers: sizes vs. under-seat limits
- Pet carrier size limits by airline (under-seat) and carriers that fit
- IATA-style hard crates for flying pets in the hold or as cargo
- Pet carrier backpacks for flying: do they fit under the seat?
- Travel water bowls for dogs and cats: collapsible and nesting options
- What to pack for a road trip with your dog: a checklist with gear specs
- All pet travel products
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