If you are a pet lover, then RVing with dogs or taking your camper out to go RVing with cats can be so fulfilling. Cats are natural explorers and can adapt well to a mobile lifestyle, and RVing with cats can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion.
However, before hitting the road with your cat, there are specific preparations that need to be made in order to ensure their safety and comfort while RVing. In this guide, we will go over all the necessary considerations and preparations so you can have a worry-free trip with your beloved feline.
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL, A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT.
5 Things To Prepare for Cats in RV
1. RV Cat Litter Box
Just like at home, cats need a designated spot to do their business in the RV. However, space may be limited so it’s important to choose a compact and easy-to-clean RV litter box. There are many creative ways to make DIY cat litter boxes for RVs such as using a plastic storage container or other RV modifications for cats. It’s also important to have extra litter on hand and dispose of waste properly.
Photo by Seanna-Marie Phillips with her kitty itter box in the cupboard! Isn’t it adorable?
2. Food and Water
Don’t forget to pack enough food and water for your cat, taking into consideration the length of your trip. It’s best to stick with their usual brand of food to avoid any digestive issues, but if you need to switch brands, do so gradually. You’ll also want to have a designated spot for their food and water bowls, and make sure they are secure so they won’t spill during travel.
3. Cat Carrier or Harness
Having a secure way to transport your cat is crucial while RVing. Whether it’s a carrier or harness, make sure it fits properly and that your cat is comfortable with it before hitting the road. This will not only keep them safe in case of any sudden stops or accidents but also prevent them from escaping when you’re parked.
4. Cat-Friendly Environment
RVs can be a new and sometimes scary environment for cats, so it’s important to make it as familiar and comfortable as possible for them. Bring along their favorite toys, blankets, and other items that will help them feel at home. You can also create a designated spot for them to perch and look out the window or provide a scratching post to keep them entertained.
5. Beddings and Cleaning Supplies
Like humans, cats need a comfortable spot to rest during the trip. Bring along their favorite bed or blankets for them to snuggle in. Also, be prepared for any accidents by having cleaning supplies on hand such as pet-safe disinfectant and paper towels.
Safety Tips While RVing with Cats
Before you hit the road with your soon-to-be RV cat, you’ll want to know a few things. In addition to having the best RV gadgets for full time RV life, here are some important safety tips for full time RVing with cats.
Keep them on a leash when going out
Although it’s not normal for a cat to be on a leash, just for safety purposes when going out of the RV at a new campsite, it’s best to have them on a leash or in a carrier. Many RV owners with cats have lost their cats because they forgot to close the door, and the cat suddenly ran out.
Some of the top RV campsites are in remote areas where a cat can wander away and get lost.
Make sure they are always microchipped
Another tip shared with us by Kelly M. Barker, an RV cat owner, said “I spend a lot of my life in Animal Welfare and have seen so many cases of lost animals during transport – whether it’s from a rescue or from an owner who’s traveling in an RV and the pet goes missing. Registered microchips are an absolute must, but there’s also new technology with air tags and GPS”.
There are many options for tracking devices for cats that can be attached to their collars such as these air tags for cat collars or harnesses, giving you peace of mind in case they ever wander off.
Make sure all screens are secure
RVs have windows and doors with screens, which can be very enticing for curious cats. Make sure that all screens are adequately secured to prevent any accidents or escapes.
Keep the Camper Clean
Keeping your camper clean is the best way to avoid insects and other pests that may harm your cat. I’ve written an article about the 11 ways to keep your RV clean that will surely be helpful for RVers with cats. In addition to these tips, you’ll want to make sure that you have the best RV vacuum cleaner to collect all the cat hair.
RV Cat Must Haves
What are some ‘must haves’ for your RV to help you travel with your cat? Here’s a list of items that many RV cat owners swear by:
Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Top of the list is a litter box–of course. However, this one is a self-cleaning litter box for RV cats.
This Omega Paw Self Cleaning Litter Box is one of the best litter box for RV as it comes with a roof and a base that’s easy to dismantle, making it easy for you to bring along on your RV trips.
However, having a litter box inside your RV can potentially smell, so this idea by Alicia Fernbaugh, where she added a pet door that leads to the outside storage. She also mentioned, “We keep the litter box and extra litter in there! We never smell, and it’s so easy to clean from outside! Very little litter in the trailer!”
Cat Water Fountain
Many full-time RVers say this is one of the most essential items in their RV for their cat. This cat water fountain filters water consistently while keeping your pet entertained while drinking from it!
Not only that, helping them to stay hydrated consistently is one of the best ways to ensure their well-being while traveling.
Cat Bed
To make sure that your cat gets enough sleep and is comfortable during the trips, you can get them a cat bed to relax in. Just like at home, they’ll have their own spot for sleeping so they feel safe and secure.
RV Catio
Have you heard of a catio? It’s a cat enclosure area to enjoy the outdoors safely. Many RVers have created their own versions of this, making it possible for their cats to experience the outdoors while still staying safe in the RV.
This one from Amazon is an easy-to-assemble catio for RV that you can bring along on your trip with no hassle! Just take a look at Kristin Paiz setup! It’s a fun place for your cattos to hang out!
Pet Carrier Backpack
If you plan on going out for a hike or just taking your cat with you during RV excursions, having a pet carrier backpack is a game-changer. It’s comfortable for both you and your cat, and it allows you to bring them along on more adventures.
Cat Tree
Of course, we’re not forgetting the entertainment factor for your cats! This cat tree of Missy McClure is everything an RV cat owner needs!
A cat tree is a great way to keep your cat active and entertained during long RV trips. Plus, they can use it to scratch instead of damaging any furniture in the RV bedroom.
These are just some essential preparations and considerations before RV travel with cats. Especially if you’re planning on RVing with multiple cats, it’s important to plan and prepare accordingly. With proper preparations, you and your feline friends can have a purr-fect RV adventure! So pack up those cat toys and hit the road – meow or never!