RVing Full-Time with a Cat: Feline-Friendly Adventures with Happy Trails Family

Traveling in an RV offers a unique freedom, and bringing your cat along can make the journey even more special. While RVing with a cat requires some extra planning, it’s entirely possible to ensure their safety, comfort, and happiness on the road. Here are a few ideas on how to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your feline companion. 

Preparing for the Full-Time RVing with a Cat

• Veterinary Checkup: Before hitting the road, ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and discuss your travel plans with your vet. This helps confirm they’re healthy and prepared for the trip. Many campgrounds require vaccination records for pets, so be sure to get a copy to keep on hand while traveling. Additionally, consider microchipping your cat as an added safety measure in case they escape—this can easily be done at your vet’s office.

• Tracking Collar: While microchipping is always a smart idea, a tracking collar provides a more immediate way to locate your pet. Options include: GPS trackers that offer real-time location tracking and activity monitoring via an app (though these typically require costly subscriptions) Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTag and Tile Mate which are more affordable and work well for short-range tracking, and Radio Frequency (RF) trackers which don’t require subscriptions and are ideal for areas without cellular coverage. We personally use an Apple AirTag with a collar attachment for our cat, Louie, who loves sitting outside. It’s a cost-effective solution that helps us quickly locate him if he wanders off. Each option has its pros and cons, so consider your pet’s habits, your budget, and the desired tracking range when choosing the best tracker.
• Ticks/ Diseases: When RVing with your cat, it’s important to ensure they’re protected from ticks and other potential diseases. Make sure your cat is up to date on preventative treatments for ticks, fleas, and parasites, especially if you’ll be in wooded or grassy areas. Consult with your vet about suitable treatments, such as tick collars or topical medications, to keep your cat safe during outdoor adventures. Regularly check your cat for ticks after outdoor excursions to catch any issues early and prevent illness.

Setting Up a Cat-Friendly RV

• Safe Spaces: Create dedicated areas for your cat to relax and hide. Cats feel more secure when they have a spot to retreat to. Especially if you’re in such a small space with little ones around or other pets, it’s important that they have their own area to run to. 
• Secure Environment: Inspect your RV for hazards like open windows, loose wires, or spaces where a curious cat could get stuck. Louie is a pretty large senior cat who’s more into sleeping than exploring so this was one thing we didn’t really have to worry about, but it’s still always a good idea to keep an eye out for potential hazards. 
• Litter Box: Finding a spot for your cat’s litter box can be tricky in such a small living space. It’s important to choose somewhere stable and accessible, preferably in a ventilated area. This is very dependent on personal preference and your RV’s layout. We keep ours in the shower tub since we often boondock and don’t use the shower daily, so it’s not much of an inconvenience. To make Louie’s litter box more accessible, we installed a cat cutout in the bathroom door, allowing him to get in and out of the bathroom even if the door is closed. We love our top-entry litter box because it’s easy to move in and out of our shower and helps minimize litter tracking throughout the camper.

• Other essentials: Another important consideration is where to place your cat’s food, water dishes, and scratching pad. We use a small scratching pad that fits neatly under our dinette table, which helps prevent Louie from scratching the camper’s furniture. For his food and water, we use a combined dish with built-in storage for his cat food—perfect for small spaces! Check it out here, It keeps everything organized and contained in a compact box, making it incredibly convenient for RV life. 

On the Road

• Driving Safely: Keep your cat secure during travel to ensure their safety and minimize distractions. A carrier is often the safest option for many cats, but preferences vary. For example, our 12-year-old cat, Louie, prefers traveling in his bed under one of the boys’ seats instead of being in a carrier, so we adjusted to his comfort.
• Essential Gear: Pack items like a travel-friendly litter box (if necessary), food, toys, and a cozy bed to make your cat’s journey comfortable. If your cat gets anxious during travel, consider using calming sprays or pheromone diffusers to help them relax.
• Routine Stops: Plan regular breaks to check on your cat, ensure their litter box is clean, and offer food or water as needed. Instead of using a portable litter box while driving, we stop periodically for gas, food, and sights and will let Louie into the camper for his bathroom breaks and meals. He even meows to let us know when he needs a stop if it’s urgent. Every cat is unique, so take time to figure out what setup works best for your furry travel companion.

Living Together in the RV

• Litter Management: One of my biggest concerns when moving into our small camper was the potential smell of Louie’s litter box. I never really noticed the odor when we lived in a house, but I worried that in such a small space, it would be unbearable. Fortunately, those fears were unfounded. By using a multi-cat clumping litter and scooping frequently to control odors, we’ve been able to keep things fresh, and we really haven’t noticed any unpleasant smells in the confined space of the RV. Daily Enrichment: Keep your cat mentally stimulated with toys, climbing spaces, and interactive play. If safe, let them explore the outdoors on a leash or at least close by with supervision if your furry friend won’t adapt to a leash. Even with all the toys we have for Louie his favorite is crinkled-up receipts. He also loves getting up on the boys’ bunks and looking out the high-up window. 
• Adjusting to RV Life: Don’t get discouraged if your cat takes time to adjust to life in an RV. Start with short trips and gradually increase the duration of travel until they become seasoned travelers. It may take time, but they will eventually get used to the movement and new environment.
• Monitor Their Behavior: Always keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as hiding, loss of appetite, or excessive grooming. If any issues arise, there are veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide where you can take your cat for help.

Cat Friendly Adventures

• Harness Training: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, invest in a well-fitting harness and leash for supervised outdoor time. This can add excitement to their day, but it’s easier if your cat is younger. Our 12-year-old cat, Louie, never quite got the hang of wearing a harness—he would just lie there, unwilling to move. While we could have eventually worked on it, we now let him enjoy the outdoors by sitting near the camper and leave him home while we explore, rather than forcing him into harness training. We do have his harness always in our truck in case of emergencies. 
• Pet-Friendly Campgrounds: Research RV parks and campgrounds that welcome pets and offer amenities like trails or open spaces for leashed walks. In over two years of full-time travel, we’ve only encountered one campground that didn’t allow pets! Policies can vary, with some campgrounds requiring proof of vaccination records and others operating on the honor system

Monitoring When Away

• Ventilation & Climate Control: Keep the RV well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. Cats are sensitive to heat and cold, so make sure they have access to a shaded and comfortable area especially while boondocking. 
• Pet Monitors: If you leave the RV without your cat, consider using a pet monitoring system to keep track of temperature and conditions inside the RV.  There are many options out there but we use the Waggle Pet Monitor as our travel essential, ensuring our pet cat’s safety and comfort while we go out exploring and are away from our RV. With its real-time monitoring features, we can relax and enjoy our travels, knowing that our furry feline is safe from extreme heat or cold. Waggle keeps us connected to our pet’s well-being, allowing us to make the most of every journey without any worries!

Read more about the best RV pet monitors.

Benefits of RVing with a Cat

• Safety, Security, and Companionship: Traveling with your cat ensures their safety and well-being, as you can monitor them closely and avoid the stress or risks of boarding or leaving them with a sitter. Whether you’re traveling short-term or full-time, bringing your pet along allows you to share your adventures together. Louie, for example, hates being away from us and loves spending our days and nights cuddled up with the family, making him the perfect travel companion. Having your cat with you provides constant companionship, which adds comfort and enjoyment to your travels, especially during long drives or remote stays.

RVing with a cat adds a new dimension to life on the road, making your travels more fulfilling. With proper planning, patience, and care, you can create a lifestyle where both you and your feline thrive on your adventures. Safe travels!

Read more:

The Best RVs for Pets

The Best Pet-Friendly RV Campgrounds

The post RVing Full-Time with a Cat: Feline-Friendly Adventures with Happy Trails Family appeared first on RVshare.