Road Tripping with a Giant: Litter Solutions for the Car#

Most cats scream for 10 minutes in the car and then go silent. Maine Coons often sing the song of their people for six hours straight.

Traveling with a giant cat presents logistical challenges. They don’t fit in small carriers. They produce large amounts of waste. And they are strong enough to break out of flimsy setups.

I have driven cross-country with two Maine Coons. Here is how to survive a road trip without losing your mind (or your cat).

The “Backseat Kennel” Setup#

Do not let your cat loose in the car. A 20lb cat under the brake pedal is deadly. However, a standard carrier is too small for an 8-hour drive.

The Solution: A “Dog Tube” or large soft crate in the backseat.

These span the width of the backseat.
They allow the cat to stretch out, stand up, and access a small litter box inside the enclosure.
Safety: Secure the crate with the seatbelts.

The Portable Litter Crisis#

You cannot fit a standard litter box in a car.

Collapsible Litter Boxes: These are made of waterproof canvas. They fold flat when not in use.
The Litter: Do not use clay. It is heavy and dusty in a small car space. Use Paper Pellets or Puppy Pads for the trip. They absorb odor and are lightweight.

Portable Collapsible Litter Box

Waterproof, foldable, and large enough for a Maine Coon to squat in. Essential for trips longer than 4 hours.

Check Price on Amazon →

Managing Anxiety: Chemistry Helps#

If your cat pants, drools, or howls, they are car sick or terrified.

Feliway Spray: Spray the car 15 minutes before departure. It mimics facial pheromones that signal “safety.”
Gabapentin: Ask your vet about this. It is a mild sedative/anti-anxiety medication. It doesn’t knock them out completely but makes them not care that they are moving at 70mph.
- Note: Test the dosage at home before the trip to see how they react.

The “Double Door” Rule#

When you stop for gas, never open the car door unless the cat is secured in their carrier or on a leash.

Maine Coons are fast. If they bolt at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, you may never catch them.
ID: Ensure they are wearing a collar with a phone number and an AirTag/Tracker.

Conclusion#

Road tripping with a Maine Coon requires military-grade planning. Give them space, give them a toilet, and secure the perimeter. With the right setup, they might even enjoy watching the world go by from the back window.

Resources & Further Reading#

Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (n.d.). Traveling with Pets.
Fear Free Pets. (2022). Travel Safety for Cats.