.png)
Part 1 of the RV Pets Saga: Traveling with Your Cat!
Are you ready to head out for your seasonal RV travels and wondering what you are going to do with your cat? Or maybe you are a full-time RVer searching for a feline friend. However your adventure may look, there’s a lot to consider when homing your current or future kitty in an RV. If you’ve mastered the art of pleasing your feline companion while living in a stationary home, it might be time to take on the challenge of living with your tiny tiger in a mobile setting. Check out our RV Dogs in our past blog HERE.
Do you currently travel with your Cat? Subscribe and comment below if you do and of course send pictures!!
Commuting & The Decision
Taking your cat on test drives in your car or RV before leaving is a great way to see if it's a good fit. You can park your RV at home and have them practice staying the night inside, while reinforcing positive behavior with food, treats, and playtime.
Many cats do not like or can’t handle commuting. Whether it’s due to motion sickness or the general environment of riding in a vehicle, some cats are just not fans. Your cat’s ability to tolerate traveling should be taken into consideration before deciding if they’re a good candidate for RV life.
For those with cats that don’t mind a ride in the car, you’re one step closer to a successful cat/camping relationship!
Understanding Your Cat's Personality
Just like people, cats are all different—each with its own personality, likes, and dislikes. Accommodate your cat’s needs based on their personality while finding a balance that works with your schedule too.
Skittishness: Nervous cats may need gradual reinforcement, safe spaces, and familiar items. Patience is key.
Outgoingness: Friendly, curious cats may enjoy exploring your RV or even going on leash walks!
Dominance: Dominant cats might do better in single-pet environments, while submissive cats might thrive with a laid-back companion.
Spontaneity: Predictable cats are easy to cater to, but for impulsive ones, create obstacles and activities to keep them occupied.
Friendliness: Social butterflies love new humans and other pets, but grumpy or introverted cats will need their own space.
Travel Safety Precautions
When traveling, always keep your cat in a secure, well-ventilated carrier, and ensure it’s properly restrained while your RV is moving. Cats should not roam free during travel to prevent accidents.
Outdoor Adventures for Cats
If your cat enjoys the outdoors, you can purchase a harness and leash for hikes and walks. For more freedom, portable outdoor enclosures or "catios" offer safe outdoor spaces for your cat to explore without the risk of wandering off.
If you’re crafty, you could even build an enclosure around one of your windows so your cat can enjoy a taste of the outdoors while parked.
Medical & Emergency Needs
While on the road, make sure your cat’s medical needs are taken care of. Be sure to bring along any medications, medical records, and shot updates. Contact your vet if your cat is on any medications to refill prescriptions or get a larger supply for your trip. Websites like Chewy.com allow you to order medications and have them shipped to any address you’re staying at.
Also, research emergency vets in the areas you plan to visit—just in case!
Cat-Friendly Environment in Your RV
Create Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and jump. Installing a cat tree or shelves will help your cat feel at home.
Provide Hiding Places: Enclosed cat beds and secure spots in your RV will give your cat a sense of security.
Room with a View: Allow your cat to look out the window or from the front seat to indulge their curiosity.
Clean & Roomy Litter Box: Keep the litter box clean and well-sized. Cats are picky about cleanliness, and you’ll appreciate the lack of smell in a small space.
Scratching Posts: Keep your cat’s claws off your RV’s interior by providing plenty of scratching surfaces.
The Litter Box
Cats can be particular about their litter boxes and the type of litter used. In an RV, managing odor and space is especially important. You may want to experiment with different types of litter, like traditional clumping litter versus pellets, to find out what suits both your cat’s needs and your desire for a cleaner, odor-free environment.
Pellets can be a great option for RVers as they tend to create less dust and scatter, helping to confine the litter within the box. They can also help reduce odors, which is particularly useful in a small space. However, not all cats will accept pellets, so it’s crucial to see what your kitty prefers.
Clumping litter is often preferred by many cats and offers easier scooping, but it may lead to more mess and odor if not cleaned regularly in such a confined space.
Ultimately, finding a happy medium between containing litter messes and minimizing odors while ensuring your cat is comfortable with their litter choice will make RV life smoother for everyone involved. Domed or enclosed litter boxes are also great options to help control both mess and smell.
Outdoor Activities
If your cat enjoys the outdoors you can purchase a harness and leash to take them out on your hikes, walks, and outside adventures.
If your cat likes the outdoors and you do not feel comfortable with them being on a leash or free roaming, play pens are a great option. If you are handy you can build an enclosure to go around one of your windows while parked so they can get a little taste of outside.
Products to Have in Your RV for Your Cat
Conclusion
As long as you and your cat are happy and safe, that’s what matters most. Create a comfortable environment to keep your cat feeling secure, and don’t forget to shower them with love! Happy RV travels to you and your furry companion!
We travel with our senior cat Bijou. She adapted to camping very easily. She is quiet in the tow vehicle and loves the camper trailer. She has a little hiding (safe) place under the bed with a pet bed when she needs her privacy. She goes for walks in her stroller and has an enclosure for outdoor time with us.