If you travel frequently, leaving certain family members (aka your cat, otherwise known as your “fur baby”) at home is difficult. For some [more attached] cat owners, the thought of leaving their cat behind on their next RV trip is more than just difficult but unfathomable. If you fall into that camp, we have just the tips and tricks you need to introduce your pet to your RV.
Remember: taking your pet away from their home and familiar surroundings and introducing them to your all-too-unfamiliar home on wheels requires a bit of prep work and planning. You can’t just plop your cat in the middle of your RV kitchen and hope for the best.
Your cat will need time to map out your RV, locate the litter box, and get its sea legs.
Whether you are new to RV ownership and want to take your cat along on your semi-annual camping trip or you plan to raise a kitten to become a full-time RV cat, this guide will help ensure your next RV trip with your cat goes smoothly.
Phase 1: Important Modifications to Make For a Cat-Friendly RV
You may have asked yourself, “Is my cat ready for an RV trip?” But have you asked yourself, “Is my RV ready for my cat?” As you well know, cats thrive on familiarity and comfort. The goal is to make them feel at home, even when out on the road.
Adding cat-friendly features like hiding spots, window sills for lounging, and scratching posts can curb travel anxiety. Less travel anxiety means fewer destructive tendencies. Indirectly, these simple additions will protect your RV from damage caused by a stir-crazy or otherwise distressed version of your cat.
Step #1: Give Your Cat a Safe Haven
Start by ensuring you have a carrier for your cat while in motion. Choose a sturdy, compact carrier with good ventilation like the Petmate Two Door. Many RV owners will add a bed inside the carrier so their feline friends feel more comfortable. During short trips, minimize travel anxiety for pets by draping a towel over the carrier and placing familiar items like toys and blankets inside.
Another option is a comfortable bed near a window that can offer your cat views and a sense of comfort during your RV travels.
Using a collapsible pet carrier with a folding litter box can also be a practical solution for RV traveling. This ensures your cat has everything it needs in one compact area.
Step #2: Establishing Your RV as a Familiar Space
Creating a familiar space in your RV is vital to your cat’s comfort.
Designate a specific area in the RV for your cat, such as a bunk space or a corner, and store your cat’s favorite bed and toys there. Adding familiar items like their favorite bed, scratching posts, and toys helps them adapt to the small space and feel more at home.
Warning: scratching posts and cat towers can fall during the ride, so you may want to set these up when you have reached your destination. For some RV owners, the door-mounted cat towers are best for smaller spaces.
Step #3: Finding a Litter Box Solution Designed for Small Spaces
Dealing with limited square footage? If so, locating an ideal spot for the covered litter box in your RV may be challenging.
Placing the litter box in a hidden location, such as under a table, inside a cabinet with a cat door, or in the shower area, can save valuable space while keeping the litter box accessible for your cat.
Many RV owners put litter boxes in the shower to make it easier to clean and control litter.
For an affordable and easy solution, the Petisfam Litter Box can be a good choice.
Keeping the litter box in the same spot throughout your travels can help prevent confusion and stress for your cat.
Step #4: Gradually Introducing Your Cat to the RV
Cats can be wary of new environments, so giving them time to explore the RV at their own pace will make the trip easier for all involved. Start by allowing your cat to sniff around and get familiar with the new surroundings.
Using treats and reassurance during these initial visits can help form positive associations with the RV.
To help your cat adjust to the RV, follow these steps:
- Spend several hours inside the RV with your cat over multiple days, gradually increasing the time spent and even incorporating overnight stays.
- Make any accommodations in the RV before letting your cat in, then allow them to roam free and check out things like their litter box and food station.
- Feed your cat in the RV to help them associate it with positive experiences and comfort.
Step #5: Doing Some Travel Trial Runs
Conducting travel trial runs is an effective way to help your cat acclimate to the RV’s movement.
Start with short trips around the block or nearby locations. As your cat becomes more comfortable, increase the duration. Most cats start to enjoy something if it’s been introduced at a manageable pace. The key here is to show your cat that, eventually, you’ll return to the stable environment that cats love (that is, unless you’re thinking about living in your RV full-time).
Whatever your plan, always maintain a consistent meal schedule and familiar routines during these trial runs. You’ll also want to keep these other tips and tricks in your back pocket:
- Keep food and water dishes in the same spot
- Use the same food and water bowls
- Stick to one water source: Consistency in the type of water you’re giving your cat (be it spring water or water brought from home) can prevent unexpected tummy upset and other water-borne illnesses.
Phase 2: Setting Up a Routine for Full-Time RV Life with Cats
Phase 3: Managing Motion Sickness and Anxiety
Motion sickness in cats often looks like excessive drooling, uneasiness, and vomiting.
If your cat does happen to struggle with motion sickness in your RV, here are a few tips that you can use to keep your feline companion from feeling so sick.
- Choosing the right carrier is important. Make sure it is well-ventilated and secure.
- Gradually desensitize your cat to travel by taking short trips and gradually increasing the duration.
- Create a comfortable environment in the carrier with familiar blankets or toys to help reduce anxiety.
Calming pheromones are another effective tool to manage feline anxiety and stress. Pheromone diffusers, collars, or sprays can create a calming environment by mimicking the natural pheromones that cats use to mark their territory as safe.
Phase 4: Exploring the Outdoors With Your Cat
Once your cat is accustomed to life inside the RV, it’s time to venture outside! At home, your cat may be used to around-the-clock backyard access. If that’s the case, you’ll want to give them the chance to indulge in an RV adventure or two.
In these unfamiliar environments, it’s best to use a cat-friendly harness like the Dooradar Cat Harness and Leash.
To help your cat acclimate to the cat harness, use these tips for leash training and harness wearing:
- Let your cat sniff and investigate the harness to get used to it.
- Gradually get your cat accustomed to wearing the harness for short periods, and make sure the harness is secure so the cat won’t run off.
- Ensure your cat is comfortable wearing the harness before attaching the leash.
- Attach the leash and teach your cat to follow your lead, using treats as motivation.
- Always supervise your cat during outdoor adventures to prevent injury or escape.
- Consider using secure outdoor playpens or some type of outdoor storage bay for a controlled environment; adding a kitty door is a great solution.
When You’re Away: Ensuring Your Cat’s Safety and Happiness
Part of RV life is exploring the area around you, and there may be some adventuring opportunities where it’s best to leave your cat behind. If you have to leave your cat in the RV unattended, make sure it has a collar with an up-to-date ID. If you’re traveling hundreds of miles away from home, consider a temporary tag with your current campground and site number.
Tech can also come in to the rescue. Some RV owners use a pet monitoring camera to keep an eye on the cat while away from the RV. A battery-operated cat water fountain is also a great way to keep your cat to stay hydrated, which is particularly important during longer absences.
If heat stroke is a concern, devices like Waggle and Temp Stick allow you to remotely monitor the RV’s temperature and humidity, sending alerts if conditions become unsafe.
Emergency Preparedness and Veterinary Care
When your feline companions come along on your next camping trip, you must make sure you have an emergency plan and some general first aid to keep them safe. Always devise an emergency plan that includes local vet contact information, your cat’s vaccination records, and a proper ID tag on your cat.
In a medical emergency, take the cat to urgent care or set up camp near an emergency vet if you are staying long-term in an area. Consider pet insurance if you are going to take your cat RVing often. The price of out-of-town veterinary care can be quite high.
First Aid and Emergency Contacts
Preparing a pet-specific first aid kit is smart should you encounter any issues with your cat in a new environment. Here’s a basic cat first aid kit to keep your kitty safe and healthy:
- Gauze
- An extra leash and collar
- Non-stick bandages
- A pet thermometer
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic spray
- Tweezers
- Tick tweezers
- A flashlight
- A towel
- A soft muzzle
- Emergency pet medications
Summary
When your RV travel comes to an end, and both you and your cat are ready for some time back at home, make sure you have a great place to store both your RV and your tow vehicle. Covered RV storage will ensure less damage and greater longevity of your RV. If you don’t have space for this, consider Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace offering affordable and convenient RV storage. You’ll have easy access to your vehicle and the ability to easily prepare for your next trip on the road with your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cats Travel Well in an RV?
Cats can travel well in an RV if they are gradually acclimated to the environment and provided with familiar comforts. Make sure you pay close attention to your cat’s behavior and ensure they are comfortable in the environment.
How Do I Keep My Cat From Escaping My RV?
To prevent quick escapes, check all exits and ensure they are closed or screened. During outdoor playtime, always use secure harnesses and leashes to keep your cat from escaping the campsite.
How Long Can a Cat Travel Without Peeing?
Cats can typically travel without peeing for 4-6 hours, but this can vary based on the individual cat and their comfort level.
Is It OK to Travel Long Distances With a Cat?
Yes, it’s OK to travel long distances with a cat as long as you ensure they are comfortable, have fresh food and water, are safe, and have breaks to use the litter box.
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