the porta pawty travel litter box

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"The Porta-Pawty" Travel Litter Box - Portable Bathroom for Cats

"The Porta-Pawty" Travel Litter Box is the best portable litter box on the market; we personally designed it to have all features that we wished other portable cat litter boxes had, but didn’t! This reusable, foldable litter box is good for the environment and your wallet, and is lightweight and easy to pack, store and clean, making it the perfect addition to your #TravelCatLife!

Some unique features of "The Porta-Pawty" include:

• A larger than normal size to better accommodate bigger cats and minimize the amount of litter kicked out and messes made.
• A waterproof, seamless interior liner that prevents leaks and is easy to clean in between uses. We do suggest using a litter box liner for ease, but they are not necessary.
• A zippered top cover that eliminates the risk of spillage during transportation while in use, and locks in odor. You’ll no longer need to worry about fully discarding the litter every time you want to move locations!
• Handles on either side to easily move the litter box while it is open and full. Additional protection against spills!
• A large, extra pocket on top of the cover that can be used to store a little scoop or extra kitty litter.
• A handy snap on the front of the litter box when folded, keeping it compact and easy to pack and store.

Don’t forget about portable food and water dishes? "The Travel Buddy" Double Collapsible Travel Pet Food and Water Dish For Cats is a perfect pairing.

Size & Material

Dimensions(when open):

19 x 14 x 5in 

48.26 x 35.5 x 12.7cm

When closed, approximately 9.75" x 8.5" x  4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent product!!

Good product for travellers like us. We have a siberian, and this product is exactly the size of his usual litter box, so he's perfectly fine with it. Easy to wash, no odor, goes in a backpack... Just great stuff !

This will come in handy when we're out on the trail. I love how it zips closed

Looks like good quality. I intend to use a liner of some sort to keep the inside cleaner for long trips. We all know how icky wet litter can be if I try to shake it out then rinse it. And I wish there was better understanding about shipping to Alaska.

Love the travel litter tray, she used it no problems and it's cleaned up really well with no smell left.

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Travel Cat Portable Litter Box with Lid - Collapsible Litter Box for Small, Medium, Large Cats, Kitten - Easy Clean, Foldable Cat Litter Box with Zippered Cover, Extra Pocket and Side Handles

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• PORTABLE CAT LITTER BOX : Our cat travel litter box featuring a zippered top cover, effectively locks in odors, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for both you and your cat. The added benefit of spill prevention makes this portable litter box an ideal solution for on-the-go use. Extra top pocket provides space for your litter scoop and additional kitty litter, offering organized travel solution.
• GENEROUS SIZE DIMENSIONS : With dimensions measuring 19 x 14 x 5 inches when opened, our enclosed litter box strikes the perfect balance, accommodating both smaller kitties and larger cat breeds comfortably. Cat box versatile size makes it an excellent choice for various settings, from hotel rooms to camping sites, ensuring your feline friend feels at ease during road trip adventures.
• LIGHTWEIGHT AND COLLAPSIBLE BOX : Experience unparalleled convenience with our foldable litter box - effortlessly fold it up, pack, and you're ready for any journey with your cat. The user-friendly design allows for quick and hassle-free folding, ensuring seamless portability. When not in use, the cat litter box securely snaps closed, making storage a breeze.
• EASY TO CLEAN PET SAFE LITTER BOX : The seamless interior liner ensures a hassle-free cleaning process—simply wipe or hose off any mess, and the box is as good as new. The quick cleaning feature allows for swift turnaround between uses, making it a practical solution for travel. With the added convenience of easy air drying, our cat toilet ensures that maintaining a clean and hygienic space for your cat is almost effortless.
• MUST HAVE CAT TRAVEL ACCESSORIES : Cat litter box is not just a practical accessory - it's also a fantastic gift idea for cat-lovers who frequently travel with their feline companions. Offering convenience and comfort on the go, this covered cat litter box addresses the needs of both cats and their owners during journeys.

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Product Description

From the brand

Thanks for visiting our small biz , Travel Cat.

Emily & Ian here, co-founders (and also, husband and wife). Like many of you, we we inspired by our cats. Our first cat Andie, who we rescued on a whim after finding her abandoned in the back yard of a family member in 2017. We became "cat people" pretty much overnight and quickly noticed there was and still is a lack of products and companies dedicated exclusively to cats.

How did we get our start?

Shortly after we have adopted our first cat, we have decided to launched Your Cat Backpack by Travel Cat.

What problem are we solving?

We are on a mission to help people realize that cats aren't "easy" because they sleep all day. Cats need enrichment and playtime to live happy and healthy lives.

What makes our products unique?

We have been and always will be a company soley dedicated to making the best products for cats and building community and resources for cat people.

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Check our latest addition to our harness collection: 90S Harness & Leash set!

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Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.75 x 8.5 x 4 inches; 1 Pounds
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2020
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ The Fat Cat
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08CZFL5VF
• #410 in Standard Cat Litter Boxes

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TRAVEL CAT "The Porta-Pawty" Travel Litter Box

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Online purchases for local delivery or store pickup only (please read our delivery page before placing your order). No shipping available at this time.

This travel litter box is a must-have item for any cat guardian who might need to travel with their cat. Our innovative and convenient portable litter box makes it easy to take trips and travel with your kitty without worrying about where your cat can go to the bathroom.

This environmentally-friendly choice is perfect for car trips, visiting family and friends, for emergency go-bags, outdoor adventures, and more. Designed with feature requests from our catstomers, this collapsible litter box is best-in-class.

Features include:

-Seamless interior liner is easy to clean between uses

-Zippered top cover prevents spills during transportation once in use and locks in odor

-Extra top pocket for litter scoop and extra litter

-Lightweight, collapsible, and snaps closed for convenient and easy storage and packing

-Side handles for easy carrying

-The perfect size when open, including for larger cats

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Finding The Right Portable Travel Litter Box For Your On-The-Go Feline

Here are some of most reliable portable travel litter box:

• Top entry travel litter box with carrying handles: Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box
• Light collapsible litter box: Petisfam Travel Litter Box
• Round travel litter box: A4 Pet Portable Cat Travel Litter Box
• Cat carrier with built-in litter box: Kitty Obsession All-in-One Cat Carrier
• Large travel litter box: Porta Pawty Portable Cat Litter Box  

Traveling with a portable litter box

While cats usually do not travel well because they are creatures of habit. Traveling is a disruption to their daily routine. Unfamiliar environment, smells and sight stresses them. However, people have successfully taught their cats to enjoy traveling . You can start making life easier for them (and yourself) during car or plane travel by getting a reliable travel litter box. 

How do I get my cat used to the portable litter box?

Follow these tips to help your kitten get used to the new portable litter box.

• Sit your cat inside of the litter box occasionally to have him or her get used to the feel of the litter. 
• After meal times and nap times, put your cat in the litter to see if he or she has to urinate or defecate. 
• Reward your cat when you see her using the litter pan.
• Use the litter that your cat is most familiar with. 

How do you travel with a cat litter box?

Once your cat is used to going in the portable litter box, then you can start traveling with your cat. Follow these tips to successfully travel with a portable cat litter box. 

• Use the same portable cat litter box that your cat is used to. 
• Be sure to set up the cat litter box before letting your cat out.
• Take your cat to the bathroom or a small enclosed space. A close off vicinity will allow you to watch him or her. Otherwise, use a harness when you let your cat out of the carrier.
• Put your cat back in the carrier while you are cleaning out the litter box. 
• Smell can build up fast, so remember to clean out the box after each use. 
• Wipe down the litter scoop after each use with a wet wipe. Wet wipes made for pets are great, but fragrance-free baby wipes work too. 
• Dispose of the wet wipes together with the waste in a sealed bag. Make sure to dump the sealed bag in the right bin. Ask the facility manager if there are designated bins.

Portable litter box for travel

I like traveling light, and I prefer a lightweight but sturdy travel litter box for my cat. The most important thing is to make sure that the travel cat litter box is waterproof. The last thing you want is cat urine dripping all over the airport floor to kickstart your trip. 

The litter box needs to be stable and doesn’t slip or slide on smooth surfaces like tile or marble flooring. The bottom should have some grippy pads. But the inner lining of the litter box should also provide a sturdy surface. Waterproof material can be slippery sometimes, so you’ll need to look out for that. If your cat feels unstable in the box, she won’t be very incline to go toilet there.

Look for the right dimensions to accommodate your cat. Find a model that is not shallow, so your cat won’t create a mess at the airport or rest stop as she starts to dig.

Most travel litter boxes are collapsible for storage, but other would have added features like pockets and carrying handles.

Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box

Top entry travel litter box with carrying handles

The Petleader cat litter box is convenient for traveling with your cat by car and especially by plane. It easily transforms from a flat bag into a portable cat litter box. 

The strong carrying handles simplifies transportation to and from the airport bathroom to successfully toilet your feline during a flight. The litter box is spacious to allow your cat to move around and dig a bit. 

The surface on the inside of the carrier is easy to clean when it’s time to dump out the cat litter for a fresh batch. The model is compatible to be fitted with most cat litter pan liners to simplify clean up. 

Once the unit is zipped up, the litter pan odor will be minimized. The quality and build is strong, and it can hold up to 30 pounds of cat litter. There are double pockets that allow for extra storage of trash bags, toys, and food. 

However, I would skip the litter scoop provided. It is not a full size scoop and you’ll do better with bringing the one you use at home for the trip.

Petisfam Travel Cat Litter Box

Light collapsible litter box

Petisfam prides the importance of pets being treated as part of the family. The Petisfam portable cat litter box has a similar dimension to the standard home-based litter box. The portable box is specially designed for your cat to feel he or she is at home. 

Try a Petisfam portable cat litter box on your next travel venture. It’s an affordable product model that even has additional features to make it convenient for you to care for your cat while traveling. It comes with a collapsible feeding bowl for those quick snips of water or a quick meal.

There is ample space for your cat to move around in the litter box. However, you shouldn’t overload the box with too much litter as the carrying handles are on a flimsy side.

A4 Pet Portable Cat Litter Box

Round travel litter box

The A4 pet travel litter box makes it easy to travel with your feline. It is a very portable but still roomy enough for your feline travel companion.

It is collapsible and can be folded away until when you need it. It folds down into a small pouch for ease of traveling. When you’re not using it as a litter box, it can also be used to store your cat supplies. This round litter box measures about 15.5 inches in diameter, and has a depth of 4 inches. 

The construction is simple but sturdy. It locks in odors when zipped up. The Oxford fabric material is treated with a waterproof coating. It allows for a quick wipe down with a wet cloth, or you can toss it in the washer for a more thorough clean. 

The heavy duty material is scratch proof even with some digging and clawing. The sides stand up well and won’t collapse. It keeps the litter in the box well, but you’ll need to watch out for aggressive diggers. 

The shape and dimension is built for smaller cats. The Maine Coons of the world would have to look elsewhere.

Kitty Obsession All-in-One Cat Carrier

Cat carrier with built-in litter box

The Kitty Obsession All-in-One cat carrier holds everything your cat needs on a trip away from home. If you prefer simplicity and likes traveling light, then this is the cat bag for you. It’s really a design marvel. Your cat sits in the main compartment, which is a 19 by 12 inches carrier. The height of the carrier area is 11 inches. 

The litter box is housed in a separate compartment underneath the carrier. It slides out underneath the carrier when you need it. The litter box height measures about 3.75 inches. Once your cat is done with the litter box, simply slide the box back into the compartment and zip it back up. And unlike all the other travel litter boxes on this list, which are made of soft foldable material, this litter box is just like the one at home. It’s made of hard plastic. 

The carrier comes with storage compartments to help you stay organized.Th pockets are labelled and you’ll be able to store everything from trash bags, litter scoop, toys and snacks for your cat. 

The carrier comes with 2 plastic containers for food and water, they fit right inside the pockets. The carrying handles are durable, and the pockets use buttons to snap shut. Expect to pay more for this all-in-one solution if you want the convenience.

Porta Pawty Portable Cat Litter Box

Large travel litter box

The Porta Pawty portable cat litter box is one of the larger options on this list. If you are traveling with multiple cats at once, it will be able to accommodate the needs of all of them. It is also the perfect option if you have a larger cat. 

The quality and material is durable and works for all types of cat litter. Although the litter box is lightweight, it can still handle the weight of heavier options like clay litter. The litter box comes with a pocket on the lid.

The fabric material is waterproof and that allows you to keep the litter in the box for a longer time. Traveling poses challenges. And that could mean that you’re unable to scoop out the soiled litter right away. You might need to wait until you get to a location to do that. A waterproof and leakproof litter box ensures that you don’t have to constantly empty and refill it in between uses. 

How to travel with your cats

Whether you’re going for a weekend road trip or a cross country move with your cat, the #1 thing to remember to pack is the toileting needs of your cat. Follow all of these tips below to successfully, safely, and sanely travel with your cat.

If you’re traveling by car…

Keep your cat in the carrier at all times when the vehicle is moving. Put a blanket on the back seat underneath the carrier to stop the carrier from sliding around while driving. For safety reasons, always secure the carrier with a seat belt when driving.

Avoid keeping food or water in the carrier during the car ride. Stop for breaks more often than you would traveling sans-cat. Offer your cat a sip of water and let your cat use the litter box. Avoid a big meal before traveling. Some cats can experience motion sickness, so it’s best to only eat a full meal once you’ve arrived at your destination.

If you’re traveling by plane…

Most airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, especially if it’s not a service animal. While you’re anxious about keeping your cat in close observation to make sure she’s fine, it is actually recommended for your cat to be traveling in cargo. This is because the cabin is full of activity. The new people, smell and noise will overwhelm most cats. 

Be sure to use an airline approved carrier. Airlines have strict guidelines about having the appropriate carrier size for the size of your pet. Use this calculator to help you calculate the pet crate size . 

Bring a small blanket to cover the carrier. Your cat is more relaxed by seeing less of what’s going on around them in this new environment.

Avoid feeding your cat during the flight, although you should keep them well hydrated. And always remember to provide them a place to go potty immediately before and after the flight. Some airports do provide pet relief areas to bring your portable box to toilet your cat before your flight.

When traveling long distance, always pack a surplus of both wet and dry food to keep your cat properly fed and hydrated. Don’t bring something that your cat has never tried before, always stick to the food she’s already used to. 

Pack petsafe cleaning wipes, this has come in handy for me far too many times. I never leave home without it. Wipe down the carrier, portable litter box, and litter scoop frequently. Bring cat litter liners or bags to easily dispose of soiled litter. 

Keep your cat’s health records on hand, especially for long distance travels.

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

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.

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 Cat Litter Box

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

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

• 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

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.

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

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

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.

• Included is a handle and hook on the side for the scoop
• 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)

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. 

T he 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!

• A foldable water bowl is also included
• Quite small for some larger cat breeds
• May not hold itThe sides are quite flimsys shape very well at times

Read this next: Pregnancy and Litter Boxes: Why Pregnant Women Should NOT Clean Litter Boxes

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

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.

• Lightweight and compact
• Convenient handles for transportation
• Zipper lid to minimize messes
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Very small for some larger cats
• Heavy litter granules might not be suitable

5. Petisfam Portable Cat Travel Litter Box with Zipped Lid

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.

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

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.

• Multiple color and size options
• Compact and easy to transport with included handle
• Dual zipper to lock away odors
• Firm and sturdy structure
• Can be difficult to fold down perfectly
• It may be difficult to wash fully

Read this next: Cat Litter Alternatives: 15 Of The Best Litter Substitutes

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. 

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. 

Read this next: How Often Should You Change Your Cat Litter? (The Answer May Surprise You!)

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.

The Best Travel Litter Boxes

We take reviews seriously . This article has product  links we may be compensated for as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you.

For stress-free travel, I recommend the NECOICHI Portable Stress Free Series Litter Box as the best travel cat litter box based on my research and experience taking trips with my furry companion.

NECOICHI Portable Stress Free Series Litter Box

• Waterproof liner
• Relatively high sides and claw-proof fabric
• Seamless design great for leaks

A good portable litter box is essential when traveling with cats. I’ve taken my cat on various trips by car, plane, and on hikes, so I’ve really researched the top travel litter boxes since they are so important.

Last Updated: December 17, 2022

The NECOICHI one is my top pick for most cats and travel situations thanks to its effective design. However, every cat is different, so I’ve listed other excellent portable litter box options as well for particular needs and preferences.

These are the products we review in this article :

Petisfam Portable Litter Box

• Foldable, Top Zips Up
• Canvas, Nylon Construction
• 15"L x 11"W x 5.1"H

TRAVEL CAT: Porta Pawty

• Foldable Type
• Canvas, Plastic Construction
• 19"L x 14"W x 5"H

Petleader Collapsible Portable Litter Box

• Slides Out, Top Zips Up
• Oxford Cloth, PVC Lining Construction
• 17.7"L x 11"W x 11"H

Kitty's Wonderbox Disposable Litter Box

• Disposable Type
• Not Washable
• Paper Construction
• 7"L x 13.5"W x 3.5"H

Nature's Miracle Jumbo Disposable Litter Box

• 21"L x 15.25"W x 7.75"H

Travel Cat Litter Box Buying Guide

• Best Overall Travel Litter Box (Great for Airplanes!)

Great Travel Litter Box for Large Cats

Premium pick portable litter box (with a cover), best for car travel, best disposable small travel litter box, disposable large portable litter box, using a portable cat litter box on a plane, using a portable litter box in a car, diy travel litter box, frequently asked questions.

While on the road or sky, it’s about keeping litter and related supplies neat and tidy, with an efficient system. Cats form habits fast, so take advantage of this.

When buying a litter box for traveling, consider the below.

Let’s start with size. Portable means “smaller” in most contexts. This is the same with cat litter boxes.

While you want to go smaller, your cat might reject a box that’s too tight. The general rule is that a travel cat litter box should be 1.5 times bigger than your cat.

Definitely have your cat try out the box at home to make sure it holds her comfortably while she takes care of business.

Portability

In addition to being smaller, a portable cat litter box needs true portability. This means that it has some kind of feature that makes it easy to take along.

This could be anything from a foldable design to a briefcase design with built-in handle.

You also need to pay attention to dimensions. If you’re flying, ensure the litter box can be tucked into your carry-on bag in accordance with airline policies.

For long car trips, you might want to ensure your cat carrier can fit a portable litter box. It’s the safest place for them do their business, in my opinion.

Construction

You need a well-built box that’s not going to fall apart when you’re in a pinch. Here’s my rundown of essentials:

• Water resistance.
• Able to be cleaned.
• Durable enough for cat’s weight and movements.
• If reusable, fabrics should be something like heavy canvas, nylon or Oxford cloth.
• If disposable, the material should have moisture and impact resistance.

Disposable or Reusable

You have to decide if you want a disposable or reusable box. For shorter car trips on occasion, disposable is fine.

You need to spring for reusable if you’re flying because a disposable box can create a mess and does not fold up. And consider a reusable box if you take long road trips with Fluffy and want something handy to go with the cat carrier in the car .

Reusable boxes should also have water-resistant liners that let you spot clean, use wet wipes or freshen up with disinfectant spray without everything turning damp.

Best Overall Travel Litter Box (Great for Airplanes too!)

The NECOICHI Portable Stress Free Series Litter Box is our overall best travel litter box because of its durable construction, relatively high sides, truly portable nature, and value.

Featuring a durable waterproof liner, this leak-guarding box is a breeze to use. It gets portability points for being able to fold flat and snap close nice and small.

You’ll have no trouble getting it into your suitcase or carry-on bag when flying. This box has high sides that make your life easier because you won’t be picking up loose litter your cat kicked around on the floor of an airplane bathroom.

If traveling by car, the NECOICHI litter box fits in many carriers. This is because it was designed to fit in its own matching NECOICHI Carrier , one of the best cat carriers to include a litter box! The set is very cute.

Thousands of positive reviews don’t lie. Many who reviewed this box praised its thickness and durability, but said it was not for medium or larger cats.

Rating Breakdown:

• Portability:  10/10
• Performance:  8/10
• Durability:  8/10
• Price:  10/10
• Overall Score: 9

What We Liked:

• Sides are relatively high for the size
• Claw-proof fabric
• Seamless design is great for leaks

What We Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t zip closed
• No compartments for holding plastic bags or scoopers

For us large cat owners, the Petisfam Portable Litter Box is a great choice. It is 4-5 inches longer and wider than the NECOICHI product above.

Overall, this box features a neat design that allows you to travel with a big cat in confidence. The whole thing is constructed of heavy-duty vinyl that’s so easy to wipe and keep clean.

Once filled with litter, the Petisfam resembles a briefcase, completed with zippers and a nice handle. The zipping feature is what keeps litter, odors, and leaks in.

Lightweight and easy to carry, this zipped litter box actually folds down to the size of a wallet when it’s not opened up for use.

Amazingly, it holds about as much litter as a standard litter box you’d use at home. This earns big points from me if you’re worried that your cat will be shy with low litter.

For extra convenience, this litter box even comes with a scooper and collapsible water bowl,

• Portability:  9/10
• Performance:  7/10
• Durability:  9/10
• Price:  7/10
• Overall Score: 8
• Highly portable
• Zips closed for a neater experience
• Leak-proof design
• Easy-to-clean vinyl
• Lightweight
• Holds lots of litter
• Can be a bit tricky to refold back into its compact form

Our premium pick litter box for traveling is Travel Cat’s Porta Pawty. For those unfamiliar with the name, they are behind the Your Cat Backpack , one of the best cat backpacks on the market.

Travel Cat is a New York based company with a mission to be the best cat travel brand, and this product shows off that sentiment.

This lightweight, collapsable litter box is nice to use and my top pick if you’re looking for a cat litter box that you can use in your camping tent, RV or hotel room.

I like the seamless interior that makes cleaning effortless. This litter box is so easy to wipe clean and dry without fanfare. You can even hose it down!

The zippered top cover is great for spill prevention and odor control. My favorite part is the bonus top pocket that actually provides a spot for storing your scooper and extra litter. This box is fully collapsable for easy transport.

Again, this is a deluxe design for a price that’s similar to other portable boxes for cats that lack the same features and quality name.

• Performance:  10/10
• Durability:  10/10
• Price:  6/10
• Overall Score: 8.75
• Quality construction
• Easy to clean and durable
• Made in USA
• Trusted brand
• Zips fully and collapsable
• Bonus compartment for scooper and extra litter

The best travel litter box for use in cars is the Petleader Collapsible Portable Cat Litter Box .

This portable cat litter box is my top pick for stability with an enclosed design. Unlike some of the “floppier” options out there, this box has a perfectly level bottom that is easy to place on a car or airplane floor.

And for cats who use a top entry litter box at home, this is the pick for them.

It’s also a breeze to carry from your car to a hotel or airport. I like that it just looks like a normal cat carrying case that doesn’t have “my cat goes in this” written all over it.

You can zip this box all the way around for spill and odor control.

You also get bonus double pockets that can hold your scooper, plastic bags, toys and a cat bowl. Carting it all around is a breeze thanks to this design’s ultra-sturdy handles.

Made from 600D Oxford material with PVC lining, this “box for on the go” protects against leaks. This waterproof portable cat litter box is also very easy to clean.

Dimensions: 17.7 x 11 x 11 (inches).

• Portability:  6/10
• Overall Score: 8.25
• Flat, secure bottom that sits evenly on floors
• Good leak and odor protection
• Windows make it easy to scoop litter
• Sunroof for your cat
• Collapsable
• Zipper can stick a little
• Interior is a little cramped for bigger cats who don’t like small spaces

Kitty's Wonderbox Disposable Litter Box

If you’re going for a cheap, portable cat litter box that you never have to worry about cleaning, this three-pack purchase is a great pick for small or normal sized cats.

I love that you don’t have to feel wasteful with this option because it’s made from 100 percent biodegradable recycled paper.

This box is made for all types of litters. If you’re planning to set it up in a hotel or campsite, it’s actually graded to last for up to four weeks! It’s designed to be durable enough to not tear or leak through multiple uses.

The biodegradable material used with this box actually does a better job at neutralizing odors than plastic boxes. You’ll probably find that your on-the-go litter stays fresher than your home litter!

• Portability:  5/10
• Durability:  7/10
• Price:  8/10
• Overall Score: 7
• Great budget option. Each box in the packs works out to just a few dollars.
• Just throw it away when you’re done!
• Made from recycled and biodegradable materials!
• You’re paying for a throwaway item.
• Clay litter can “gunk up” this box pretty easily.
• Your cat might be attracted to “scratching” this box due to the feel of the material.

Nature's Miracle Jumbo Disposable Litter Box

Owners of larger cats will find this to be the best disposable travel litter box – it comes in a jumbo size!

This two-pack product solves odor issues using natural baking soda. These boxes are made from landfill-safe recycled paper. They are designed to avoid shredding and leaking.

This is a versatile choice that’s intended for use with all litter types. I like that this company uses a breathable material that allows for airflow to reduce moisture buildup that’s going to disintegrate your box prematurely.

You can expect up to four weeks of usage with each box. If your cat is a privacy lover, you can actually cut a square in one box before placing it over the other box to make a “roof” for your cat.

• Overall Score: 7.25
• Made from landfill-safe and recycled materials.
• Four weeks of usage per box.
• Good depth to mimic the box you use at home.
• A little pricey. You’re halfway to the cost of a reusable litter box.
• A pain to scoop clean if your cat likes to pee in the corners due to indentations.

A travel cat litter box setup in a car works pretty much the same way. The difference is that you have more freedom about where you set up your box.

You may want to just set up the box in your trunk or back compartment. Or bring your cat into a restroom. I advocate getting a cat carrier that comes with its own litter box , or one that is large enough to fit a portable tray.

I caution against setting a portable litter box outside in a parking lot or rest area because your cat could get spooked enough to run.

As Dr. Ruth MacPete (DVM) points out , your cat may bolt from the car at the first opportunity because they assume that you are taking them to the vet because they associate car rides with vet trips!

Don’t risk turning a rest stop into a tragedy by letting your cat out of the car to use the litter box.

“Once your cat is out of the carrier and wandering in the car, do not open or shut the car doors unless your cat is wearing a harness (not collar) and leash,” the vets at All Feline Hospital advise.

“If your cat were to suddenly dart out of the car, it is much easier to step on a trailing leash that to try and grab a scared freaked out cat.” I agree!

Don’t Leave the Litter Box Out in the Car

Some of you may think to leave the box out on the floor of your car because you want to “free range” your cat during a long drive.

This is a big negative. Letting a cat explore freely in your car during a trip can be a stressful, dangerous thing. She’ll start roaming at some point.

Being unsecured in your car can be very dangerous for a cat if you need to brake quickly. Your cat can even startle you by hopping in your lap to turn you into a distracted driver at a very precarious moment.

It’s important to place your cat in carrying case that secures to the seat using the seat buckle. This case should be the appropriate size for your cat with proper ventilation.

Let’s talk about being hygienic and courteous when traveling with a cat on a plane. It’s a lot like traveling with a child! Your cat is going to need potty breaks.

The good news is that it’s normal for your cat to eat and drink less frequently while traveling simply because the situation is a little stressful.

You don’t need to worry as long as kitty’s appetite bounces right back once you’re settled at your destination.

How to Set Up a Litter Box on a Plane

Bring your cat to the airplane’s restroom in regular intervals. Base this on your cat’s typical behaviors and usual times. Be more frequent just in case.

Set up the portable box on the floor of the restroom. You can even bring along a towel or sheet that you place down under the box.

• Next, fill the litter box with litter
• Your cat will likely know what to do. If not, gently coax her
• Use a plastic bag to collect clumped litter for disposal
• Flush solids
• Wash, dry, refold the litter tray

Never leave litter scattered on the floor. Pouring litter down a drain is also a big NO, as it could clog up drains!

Some people set up their own DIY travel litter boxes using things like cardboard boxes or plastic containers from the hardware store.

Personally, I’m on the team of buying a real portable litter box that’s ergonomic and convenient. Cardboard can leak, and you’ll likely dispose of a plastic bin used as a litter box.

How do you travel with a cat litter box?

Purchase a reusable or disposable litter box. For safety, always supervise your cat when she’s using a travel litter box. You can use the same kitty litter you use at home.

What can I use for a traveling litter box?

For best results, purchase a litter box that’s meant for travel. Many products are designed for portability and easy cleaning. If you’re in a pinch, everything from a cardboard box to a plastic container can work.

Are there travel litter boxes?

Yes, many brands offer litter boxes for use while traveling, While some have open tops, others zip up to allow you to transport litter easily without the need to empty the box between uses.

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I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Marvelous moscow metro.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall