How To Travel With a Cat: The Cat Travel Kit You Actually Need
If you're wondering how to travel with a cat, it can feel a bit daunting at first, but with some preparation and the right essentials, it can be a genuinely smooth and enjoyable experience.
Whether you're travelling with your cat to a wilderness campsite, cosy holiday home, or just visiting family for the weekend, here are the Supakit team’s top picks for the cat travel essentials that make every journey feel smooth, stylish and stress-free.
1. Something to Scratch (That Isn’t the Sofa)
Scratching lets cats stretch, scent-mark and de-stress. A foldable cardboard scratcher or roll-up sisal mat slips easily into a suitcase and saves any furniture. A pinch of catnip makes it irresistible in seconds.
2. A Travel-Ready Harness & Leash Set
A harness opens up calm, secure adventures – from trail exploring to on-the-way pit stops. It gives your cat a safe way to stretch their legs and burn off energy in new places.
Look for a harness that’s ultra-lightweight, escape-resistant and moves naturally with your cat’s body. A snug, slimline fit helps them feel secure, while breathable, soft-touch materials keep things comfortable for longer wear. Pair it with a lightweight leash for easy handling on the go.
It’s important your cat is fully harness trained before you travel, so they feel confident in unfamiliar surroundings. Our Complete Cat Harness Training Course offers step-by-step support, and our Free 10-Day Harness Training Bootcamp helps master the basics, fast.
3. A Comfortable, Secure Cat Carrier
Choose a well-ventilated carrier that’s easy to clean and the right size for your cat to feel secure but not cramped. Top-loading designs are especially helpful for vet checks and airport security, and a removable, washable liner is a big plus.
If you’re travelling by car, opt for a crash-tested carrier that can be secured with a seat-belt. For flights, always check your airline’s specific carrier-size requirements.
Most importantly, familiarise your cat with their carrier well before you travel. With gentle training, it becomes a safe, familiar space rather than something to fear. Safe-space training is one of the core foundation skills in our Complete Cat Harness Training Course – designed to help you introduce the carrier in a calm, positive way.
4. A Cat Travel Litter Tray
A fold-flat fabric tray or a compact disposable box gives your cat a familiar bathroom spot wherever you land. Add a thin layer of their usual litter and your cat's travel potty in a quiet corner as soon as you arrive. Double-bag used litter for odour-free disposal and pack spare liners for longer trips.
5. A Breakaway Collar with ID Tag
Even if your cat is microchipped (and they absolutely should be before any trip), a visible ID tag is essential. It lets anyone who finds your cat reach you straight away without a scanner. Choose a lightweight, comfy breakaway collar that releases safely under pressure, and introduce your cat to wearing it well in advance.
Add a personalised ID tag with your contact number – and if you're travelling internationally, include your country code too. Check the fit regularly, especially with growing kittens.
6. Portable Food & Water Bowls
Cats thrive on routine, so keep mealtimes and diet consistent when you travel. Collapsible silicone or lightweight stainless-steel bowls pack flat and rinse clean in seconds. Pre-measure portions in airtight tubs to make feeding fuss-free on the road.
Bring a small flask of fresh water and offer regular sips at stops. If your cat eats wet food, stir in a splash of water before serving – many cats find it easier to stay hydrated while eating than to pause and drink separately.
7. A Waterproof Blanket
Accidents happen, especially in new places. A lightweight waterproof blanket draped over the sofa or bed shields fabrics and gives your cat a familiar landing pad. Use it at home for a few days before you leave, so it carries a comforting scent on the road.
You’ll find great options in camping stores (waterproof picnic blankets) or in specialist pet ranges (they're often marketed for dogs).
8. A Tracker for Extra Peace of Mind
When you're away from home, a tracker offers extra security if your cat decides to explore solo. Heading somewhere remote? Choose a dedicated GPS tracker with real-time updates. Sticking to towns or cities? A cloud-based tracker like an AirTag is a lightweight, pocket-friendly option – just be sure to pop it in a secure holder that keeps it snug and discreet.
9. Toys For Entertainment & Enrichment on the Go
A bored cat is a restless traveller. Slip a teaser wand, a catnip toy or a puzzle feeder into your bag – they weigh next to nothing and provide mental stimulation during downtime. If your destination is safe and you’ve packed that harness, a short supervised wander can help burn off energy and settle pre-bedtime zoomies.
10. Tasty Treats
Tasty rewards turn new experiences into positive memories, making treats an essential part of your cat travel supplies. Keep a small pouch of high-value options handy for carrier time and calm behaviour in transit. Fancy making your own?
→ Try our two-ingredient tuna cat treats – ready in minutes and perfect for travel
