Be Prepared: What to Pack for a Trip with Your Cat

There is this stereotype that dogs love to travel and are always up for a car ride and cats hate everything about being in the car and traveling to new places. Like all stereotypes there is a kernel of truth to it. Most cats do prefer to stay at home. But there are cats who love to go out and explore the world and meet all the people. Knowing what to pack for a trip with your cat can make the difference between a successful trip and a scary or frustrating experience.

Whenever you hit the road with Kitty, whether for some time in a local park or a cross country road trip, make sure you have a printed copy of her rabies certificate and a printed photo in case she gets lost. I just keep it in my glovebox.

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What to Pack for a Day Trip with Your Cat 

What you need to pack for a trip with Kitty depends on what type of trip you are taking. A cat going camping or doing some serious hiking is going to need different equipment than a kitty going on an easy day trip around a tourist site or exploring a new city. If you plan to take Kitty out on the water in the summer or skiing in the winter you’ll need yet another set of equipment. This is an all-purpose list, add the additional items specific to your adventures and remove the things not appropriate for your trip with your furbaby.  

Cat Backpack and/or Pet Stroller:

Having a cat backpack or stroller makes things easier on you and gives Kitty a place to feel secure. Backpacks and strollers also allow you to travel with more than one cat. Your furbabies can take turns walking/riding. 

A stroller also gives you a place to store the things you need during your walk. Some versions even have cup holders so you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking Kitty on a walk around town, a pet store, or a tourist attraction. It’s easier to get your cat into a stroller if you’re rushed by an off-leash dog if she’s not able to jump up to a backpack.

The downside to a stroller is you have a stroller to deal with if Kitty would rather walk. If you’re going out alone that can be a pain. Also, not every place you want to visit is going to be stroller-friendly. If you and Kitty want more of an off-road adventure, a backpack is the way to go. A backpack can double as a carrier in the car as well, though I prefer a traditional carrier, or a shelter for a car ride.

Comfy carrier mat for your stroller, backpack, carrier or car shelter.

Harness and Leash

This is the foundation of taking a trip with your Kitty. Even if you keep your furbaby in a backpack or stroller, a good quality harness and leash is necessary for her to be safe. 

Related Posts: Click here for the best harnesses for travel cats. Kitty not harness trained yet? Click here to learn how to train her.

Cat Tracker/Tags

Every cat should wear identification. Whether that looks like a traditional collar and tags, an undercollar, or something embroidered on his harness is up to you. If you’re doing a lot of travel and hiking where Kitty is at risk of getting spooked, a tracker is helpful. You’ll have more idea of where he is going and get reconnected faster. There are several types of trackers. One of the most popular is the Tabcat tracker . If you want something less involved you can get an Apple airtag and a collar that will hold it.

Litter Box and Litter:

Most cats aren’t trained to relieve themselves on command at a rest stop. Litter trained cats can be uncomfortable doing their business outside, especially if they are new to outdoor adventures, so a litter box and fresh litter is necessary equipment for traveling with Kitty. 

Adapt this to your trip. You can buy a travel litter box with a lid for a long car ride, a folding box that will fit in a backpack, or even bring a cardboard can flat with a little litter. In the latter case, you can just toss the whole thing when Kitty’s done doing her business.

Food, Treats, and Water

Bring what you will need for whatever length of trip you are taking. If you’re going on a long road trip you’ll be packing cans and kibble. If you’re spending the day at a community event or taking a day hike you might need one or two small cans and some Churu treats. Wet food is recommended because it will keep help keep Kitty hydrated. Kibble can be also be useful to toss to distract obnoxious dogs long enough for their owner to leash them or for you to get Kitty in a backpack.

Don’t forget the collapsible bowls to serve it in!

Poop bags

Pop a roll of pet waste bags in the pocket of your cat’s backpack. Whether Kitty uses a litter box or the great outdoors you’re going to need to clean it up. Be a responsible pet traveler. You can bring a scoop if it makes it easier for you. I keep one in the car, but if we go walking I just use the bag.

First Aid Supplies

You may or may not want to carry your full first aid kit, depending on where you are going. I have 3 first aid kits. A big one in my house, a smaller one in my car, and a mini one to toss in a backpack that would basically deal with ticks or small wounds or scrapes for me. It would get us to the bigger one in the car.

Related Post: Essential Items for a Cat First Aid Kit

Prepare for a Mess

Pet wipes and a microfiber camp towel. For quick clean ups while traveling. You’ll want these if Kitty gets dirty, wet, or gets into something gross. They’ll help if he has an accident in the car too.

Supplies Carrying Pouch

Usually marketed as “dog treat bags”, these will carry your waste bags, treats for Kitty, bowls and water bottles for you and Kitty, you can also carry your phone, keys, first aid kit, safety sprays etc.

Safety Items: 

There are several items that you can add to your supplies list that are more specific to the type of adventure you are doing.

• A lifejacket if you are going on the water.
• A small umbrella will keep you dry, but it can also repel an off-leash dog.
• Spray Shield citronella spray dog repellent to repel dogs that won’t take no for an answer and leave you alone.
• A whistle

What to Pack for a Hot Weather Trip with Your Cat

The biggest concern if you are traveling with your cat in the heat is to keep Kitty cool and hydrated.

Cooling Gear

Cooling gear is available in a lot of different styles. What you choose depends on what Kitty likes and the conditions of your travel.

Cooling mat: Pressure activated mat. This self-cooling pad for dogs works without water, electricity or refrigeration. The patented gel formula automatically recharges after 15-20 minutes of non-use. Great for use in the car, in a backpack carrier or your stroller. It’s probably the first thing I would buy for hot weather travel with your cat. You can get cooling vests and bandana. Be sure that whatever you choose works with Kitty’s harness.

Chilly Towel: Hyper-evaporative breathable mesh material makes it easy to activate the chilling towel when you simply soak, wring out and snap it. The unique cooling system uses moisture from the towel to draw the sweat away from your skin to keep you cool. Everyone can use the cooling towel, even pets.
Sunscreen for cats: This is a hard one to find. There are not specific sunscreens made for cats. Human products are not cat-friendly and most dog products have ingredients that don’t agree with cats. I did find this one that is zinc free and seems cat safe. You might ask your vet before using it.
Small portable battery operated fan
Extra water
Frozen churu treats

What to Pack for a Cold Weather Trip with Your Cat

Blanket
Jacket or sweater
Paw wax 
Self warming carrier mats
Heat packs like hot hands

What to Pack for a Wet Weather Trip with Your Cat

Rain Jacket: Choose one that will work with your leash.
Rain cover for your stroller or backpack
Second harness if you are going to be out in the rain for a long trip if Kitty wears a jacket style harness.

What to Pack for an Overnight Trip with Your Cat

In addition to the items listed for a day trip, you’ll need to pack for a hotel or other accommodation. 

• Litter box: You might need a larger box for a hotel room or a long car ride. We use a Sterilite storage box. One that fits in our backseat, and a bigger one for our hotel room.
• Pee pads for under litterbox and dishes
• Extra sheet to cover furniture: Keep the fur off the bed.

• Cat toys
• Travel scratching post
• Anything that makes your cat feel like they are at home. This could be a blanket, a bed, favorite  toys.
• Carrier or shelter for the car: what you choose is going to be determined by where you go, how many cats you travel with, how far your trips are and the like. Personally, we do a lot of long distance travel so i don’t want my cats in carriers for hours. We use a sturdiproducts Car-go shelter in the back seat so the cats can have some room to move around. If we do a short trip the cats do ride in regular carriers.

Summary

Taking a journey with your feline companion can be an incredibly rewarding experience, deepening your bond and creating lasting memories together. As you prepare for your adventure, remember that your cat’s comfort, safety, and well-being are paramount.

By packing the essentials you’re not only ensuring a smooth travel experience but also demonstrating your commitment to your pet’s happiness. With careful planning and consideration, both you and your cat can look forward to a stress-free and enjoyable journey wherever your travels may take you.