Cats don’t take up a lot of room, and they don’t require a lot of attention or maintenance, but they can have a big impact on living in an RV. Can’t imagine going camping without your little fur ball? It’s possible with preparation and planning. You want to make your cat feel at home, and make sure he’s safe in the RV during travel and during your time at the campsite.
Let your cat explore the RV. Don’t just pick them up and go. Cats tend to not care for change, so giving them plenty of time to explore the RV – when it’s not in motion – prior to leaving will help them with the transition. This means allowing them to explore at their leisure every day for many days before departure. Have the RV already prepared with familiar objects and smells: scratching pole, litter box, toys, blankets, etc. Cats love to find hiding places, so don’t be surprised if they find their way into little nooks and crannies. Carve out a few “hiding places” by placing extra beds or blankets in strategic spots. You may also want to take several practice runs, driving around for 30-60 minutes to help them get used to the idea of traveling.
Designate a sleeping place. Some RVers choose to give their cats one of the bedroom cupboards as cats enjoy being high off the ground. (That being said, make sure water and food bowls are off the ground, too, such as on a window ledge. This really helps if you’re traveling with other pets, such as a dog.) Wherever you choose, make sure it’s as remote as possible – a retreat – and warm – no drafts.
Litter box drama. What do you do with a litter box in a small space? Clean it very frequently, a few times a day. You’ll have to find an out of the way spot that you don’t mind getting a little messy. Some RVers choose the bathroom shower, a cupboard, or under the dinette. There are also litter box cabinets, which can double as an end table; however, this solution requires more space and won’t work for everyone. As for litter selection, try to choose one that is low on odor and low on dust.
At the campsite. When you get to the campsite, especially if you have an RV with slides, check and double check the location of your cat before you begin setting up. Secure him in a safe place, such as in a carrier. Also, ome owners have lost their cats when they bolt out the door, so again, always check for your cat as you slowly open the door every time you go in or out. Cats love to observe, so lift the blinds so that they’re able to watch everything going on outside. Even though cats love to be warm and cozy, a toasty RV for an extended period of time is bad for any living thing. Use the AC if you have it, or make sure vents are open and windows are cracked or opened.
Identification. Since you’ll be traveling and often in unfamiliar areas, it’s essential to have your cat identified. Include your cat’s name and one or two cell phone numbers on an identification tag. Make sure your cat can’t slip out of his collar. If you RV a lot, include the vehicle license number and the type of RV you own. Consider getting your cat micro chipped for additional security. Have printed copies of current vet records with you as well as digital copies that are easily accessible from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. This information may already be required by your campground, resort, or RV park.
Fight boredom. Pack some favorite, familiar toys, as well as purchase some new ones that are just for time in the RV. If you have the space, bring a scratching post. Play with your cat and pamper him a little, which will help reassure him and comfort him. Your cat doesn’t have to stay indoors all the time, however (unless that’s your cat’s style). Bring him out in a carrier so that he can be around when you’re eating and cooking outside. If you haven’t already, consider leash training your cat so that they can come along on hikes and walks. Buy a harness that fits snugly and not easy for your cat to wriggle out of. Also find a leash that has some elasticity, in case your cat bolts for the hills. It’ll take some time for an adult cat to be leash trained, but it’ll be worth the effort as you won’t always have to leave him behind and he gets a change of pace.
If you’re going for a trip for under a week, it’s best to leave your cat in someone else’s care. But if you are going RVing for an extended period of time, several weeks or all season, then follow these tips so that your cat is a part of the fun and the memories!