RVing with Cats: Tips for Traveling with Your Feline Friend

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RVing with Cats: Tips for Traveling with Your Feline Friend

If you’re an RVing cat owner, you know that there are some things you just have to plan around – in this case, the fact that you’re taking your cat with you on the road. 

Cats are great companions, but they do require some special care while they’re away from home. 

That’s why we have some top tips to help you make your next RV trip with your feline friend fun and stress-free. 

So grab those kitty litter pouches and your favorite canned food – it’s time to hit the road!

What Kind of Cat Carrier Do I Need?

Before you can start RVing with your cat, you’ll need to have a carrier on hand. 

Cat carriers are available in a range of sizes and shapes, including hard-sided crates and soft-sided carriers designed to fold flat when not in use. 

Soft-sided carriers are ideal for camping trips because they weigh less than hard-sided crates and store easily when empty.

Where Should I Put The Carrier While In The Vehicle?

Before you leave on your trip, be sure to put your cat carrier in a spot where it can’t tip over and is well-ventilated. 

That may mean placing it on one of your bench seats if you have a station wagon or truck. 

If you have an RV that doesn’t have bench seats (or if you just don’t want to take that risk), consider investing in an RV pet barrier. 

This will give your feline friend its own little shelf and make it easier to keep track of them when they run out of energy or choose to explore their surroundings. 

If a barrier isn’t in your budget, we recommend at least moving any breakable items out of reach—and preferably off the floor!

Does My Cat Need A Microchip?

While not all cats need microchips, as opposed to collars and tags, it is a good idea to add them if you are camping cats. 

The animal may slip out of its collar or become separated from you and end up at an animal shelter where they may be euthanized. 

Microchips can help ensure that your cat can be identified no matter what happens. 

However, there are certain circumstances in which microchips should not be used, so consult your veterinarian before making any decisions on getting a cat chipped. He or she will have more knowledge about your cat’s health and specific needs.

Where Can I Go With My Cat?

The truth is that you can go almost anywhere you can imagine going in an RV. If you live in a place where temperatures get cold enough to freeze regularly, it’s probably best to wait until spring to travel. 

Once temperatures start warming up, however, there’s no limit on where you can go or how far away from home you want to go. 

Just make sure your cat enjoys being around other people and other animals—you don’t want it feeling anxious and panicky during your trip!

Let them be a part of it

During the initial phase of transition, Dr. Sara J  recommends that you bring a few of your cat’s belongings inside the RV with you. 

Having familiar items like their bedding, toys, and scratching post with them while they explore their new home may help them feel more at ease and secure as they adjust to their new surroundings. 

Additionally, it will fill the space with odours that are familiar to the user.

Dr. Sara J., who suggests utilising Feliway diffusers, sprays, and wipes in your cat’s new mobile home, adds that the idea is for the cat to feel as though the RV is a pleasant zone. Dont forget the Refills for Feliway Diffusers if you are travelling longer distances.  “The goal is for the RV to feel like a comfortable zone,” she says.

It is also recommended to use Cat window hammocks while Rving.t is well known that cats are always looking for a place with a nice view to enjoy the sunshine. The PEFUNY cat window perch can provides a 360° Sunbath for cats.

Plan for medical emergencies

While your cat investigates every nook and cranny of your travel trailer, you may work on formulating a strategy to address any potential medical issues that may arise while you are on the road.

A well-stocked feline first aid kit may come in useful, and it is imperative that this pack contain any prescriptions that your cat may require in the future. In addition to this, it is important to have a paper copy of your cat’s veterinarian and vaccination records.

“Have a list of veterinarians or emergency veterinarians that you can contact immediately or browse right  in case something should happen,” advises Dr. Sara J. 

“In this way, you will be prepared for whatever may come your way.” “Most especially if this is going to be a vacation where there will be sketchy or no mobile phone coverage, or where veterinary treatment will not be conveniently available,”

Think about the Litter

There are as many different layouts for the location of a litter box in an RV as there are different models of RVs available.

Placing the litter box in the bathroom next to the toilet can be a good option in larger motorhomes; however, in smaller RVs with wet bath-style washrooms, this isn’t very practical unless you want to be moving the litter every time you take a shower. 

This is a good option in larger motorhomes because the litter box can be placed next to the toilet (although some RVers do just that).

The clever organisation of space in recreational vehicles (RVs) and even vans provides consumers a wide variety of options for storing trash. 

People who live in recreational vehicles often conceal litter boxes in unusual places, including as beneath beds, in empty cargo compartments, or in cupboards equipped with cat doors.

The situation might be more difficult in a van because there is even less room available, yet trash and van life can coexist. 

One couple from NewZealand says they were successful in securing the litter box for their cat using fasteners and placing it beneath one of the rear seats. It is advisable to use self cleaning Litter Box while Rving with cat.

How Can I Stay Stress Free When Camping with a Cat?

Before you can begin planning your feline road trip, it’s important to check in with your veterinarian and make sure there are no medical reasons why your cat can’t go along. 

In some cases, cats may be allowed to RV if they need to take medication that requires refrigeration; speak with your vet about setting up a makeshift refrigerator using an ice chest or Styrofoam cooler. 

Remember that you’ll need to find a way to get fresh water into and out of your vehicle each day (without having it freeze during winter trips). 

Finally, don’t forget that many state and national parks ban pets entirely—it never hurts to double-check before you book!

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Prohibit Me From Taking My Cat on the Road?

First and foremost, all cats need a rabies vaccination, so make sure your cat has a current booster shot. 

And consider your cat’s age. If he or she is over three years old, it’s probably best to leave them at home as you start out on your new journey. 

Also, check with your primary care provider to see if there are any underlying conditions that would preclude you from taking a long road trip (i.e., heart disease). 

Most cats will adapt quickly and easily to life on the road—but some may not be able to handle it.

What About Big Trucks And Other Large Vehicles Passing By?
Before you head out on a camping trip, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. 

Get your kitty accustomed to his carrier or special stroller, take him in for a checkup, bring along any medicine he might need and set up a food source (like her dish) near where he will be traveling. While traveling, make sure you stop every few hours so that your cat can stretch his legs—and relieve himself. 

While on long trips (like a cross-country road trip), make sure your cat has adequate water, a cool place to sit or sleep and plenty of playtime outside of his carrier.

What Else Should I Do Before Going On The Road With My Cat?

Traveling with a cat can be a stressful experience for both the pet and its owner if proper precautions are not taken. Here’s a checklist of things you should consider and prepare for before hitting the road with your cat:

1. Health Check-Up: Before you leave, take your cat to the vet for a check-up to ensure they are healthy enough for the trip. The vet can also provide advice on how to manage any pre-existing conditions while traveling.
2. Vaccinations and Records: Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. Bring a copy of the cat’s medical records in case of emergency or if you need to visit a vet during your trip.
3. Microchip and ID Tags: Microchipping is recommended for all pets, but especially for those who travel. It’s a good idea to have a collar with an ID tag as well, just in case the cat escapes.
4. Carrier: Your cat will need a comfortable carrier for traveling. It should be well ventilated, secure, and large enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down in.
5. Litter Box and Supplies: Pack a travel-sized litter box and litter, as well as plastic bags for waste disposal. Don’t forget food and water dishes, and enough food for the entire trip plus a little extra.
6. Leash and Harness: Even if your cat is not used to it, a leash and harness can be essential for keeping your cat safe during travel, particularly during rest stops.
7. Comfort Items: Bring along items that smell like home to comfort your cat, such as their favorite blanket or toy.
8. First Aid Kit: It’s good to be prepared for emergencies. A pet first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic, a thermometer, tweezers, a towel, and any necessary medications.
9. Plan Your Accommodations: Not all hotels or accommodations allow pets, so make sure to plan your stay at pet-friendly places.
10. Breaks and Exercise: Plan regular rest stops for bathroom and exercise breaks. Cats can become restless and stressed if cooped up in a carrier for too long.
11. Behavior Management: If your cat is prone to anxiety, discuss options with your vet beforehand. There are medications and pheromone sprays that can help keep your cat calm during the trip.
12. Acclimatize Your Cat: Before the trip, get your cat used to the carrier by letting them spend time in it. Short, gradual trips in the car can also help acclimatize them to travel.

Remember, every cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Use these tips as a starting point and adapt as necessary to fit your cat’s specific needs and temperament. Safe travels!