Living the RV lifestyle can be challenging, especially if you’re planning to travel with your pet. Cats, for example, have a reputation for being ‘home bodies’ and/or ‘finicky travellers’ which can pose a problem if you enjoy life on the road. This ultimately begs the question, ‘can cats live in an RV?’
Can cats live in an RV? The answer to the question is yes! Contrary to popular belief, most cats enjoy travelling and can easily adapt to life on the road. All you need to do is provide your pet with the necessities they need to not only survive but thrive while living the RV lifestyle.
Now that you know it’s entirely possible for cats to live in an RV, let’s explore this topic in more detail below. We’ll discuss exactly what you need in order to travel long distances with a cat.
We’ll also explain which RV model is pet-friendly and ideal for cats and whether (or not) cats enjoy recreational activities, such as camping.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about cats and how they adapt to life on the road, then let’s get to it!
How Do You Prepare Your Cat for Long Distance Travelling?
There are things you can do to help prepare your cat for a road trip. These include the following:
Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian
At least one week prior to your trip, pay a visit to your veterinarian. Make sure your cat’s medical records, vaccinations and prescriptions are up-to-date and ready-to-go!
You can even consider having him/her microchipped, in case the unthinkable happens and your pet gets lost while travelling!
Get Your Pet Used to the RV
Gradually familiarize your pet with his/her new surroundings. Take your cat into the RV periodically and let him/her get used to the rig.
If you plan to travel with a crate, then take your pet for a few ‘test runs’ beforehand – put him/her in the crate or carrier and drive around the neighborhood!
Ensure You Have Everything Your Pet Needs
Be sure to pack your pet’s favorite toy, bed and anything else he/she needs to feel safe and ‘at home.’ If your cat requires medication, be prepared and have enough of it on-hand to last the entire trip.
Keep the phone number of your veterinarian handy as well should an emergency arise. Also a great article for traveling with pets in an RV
How Do You Travel Long Distances with a Cat?
Travelling with a cat need not be a challenge. Provided that your pet is safe and comfortable, he/she will do just fine on long distance journeys. To ensure your cross-country trip with your cat is a successful one, consider doing the following:
Feed Your Cat in Advance
Feed your pet at least 3 or 4 before departing. This gives the food time to settle in order to prevent unpleasant regurgitation while travelling. Ultimately, you’ll need to feed your pet along the way. If possible, do so when stopping to eat or sight see, not while the RV is in motion. Always have water available for your cat to drink so he/she doesn’t get dehydrated.
Have Adequate Food and Water
Make sure to bring along enough food and water to last your entire trip, in case you can’t find a pet shop or stop at a grocery store along the way. Keep the water chilled, if possible, as most cats prefer to drink cold water. Keep a jug of water in a cooler with ice or in the RV fridge. Have the food brand your cat usually eats and make sure to bring along the bowls your cat normally eats and drinks from as well.
Bring Toys and a Bed
Your pet will travel much better if he/she is comfortable and happy. Take along his/her favorite toys and a pet bed, if that’s what your cat normally sleeps in. Otherwise, a blanket from home should suffice. Making the unit safe and pet-friendly is also part of your cat’s comfort so put a few non-slip mats on the floor in the RV. This will allow your cat to move about easier.
Bring Along a Crate
A carrier is important when you’re travelling with a cat. Make sure the crate is secure and seat-belted in, just in case of an accident! Putting a blanket or non-slip pad inside will also make the carrier safer and more comfortable for your pet. Keep your cat inside the crate as much as possible, especially when the RV moving. This is extremely important to your pet’s overall well-being.
Plan Stopovers at Pet-Friendly Places
Making regular stops along the way is a good idea. This gives your pet a chance to get out of the crate, eat, drink and stretch his/her legs! A disposable litter box is great for travelling and you can use the stopovers as opportunities to discard and change it, since most cats prefer to use a ‘clean’ litter box. Not to mention, a ‘clean’ litter box will ultimately result in a cleaner, fresher-smelling RV!
Travel in Silence, if Possible
Most cats prefer a quiet environment.
They often like to relax or sleep throughout the day and silent surroundings will allow for this. Turn the volume down on the radio and keep a safe distance from loud traffic noises that could startle or frighten your pet.
If possible, avoid loud conversations or travel games that could make your pet feel anxious. You might also like “is RVing with pets safe?”
Where Do You Put a Cat’s Litter Box in an RV?
If you plan to travel with a cat, you must bring a litter box along! A disposable one is best, if possible. The most common places to put it in an RV are either in the footwell or in the shower.
You could also put it under the sink, but then you need a way for your cat to access it if the cabinet doors are closed. Some people customize their units by cutting out a pet door in the cabinet under the sink, but this only works if you own (rather than rent) the rig.
Do Cats Like Camping?
Travelling with a cat is one thing, but what about when you reach your destination? Do cats enjoy the outdoors, like camping, for example. The answer is yes, sometimes! It all depends on the cat.
If your pet is active and enjoys being outside, then changes are he/she will also like camping. Most cats like to lay in the sun so camping would indeed provide opportunities for this, along with fresh air and exercise.
If your pet is an ‘indoor cat’, he/she may feel afraid to go outdoors in which case, you should consider keeping it in the RV for its own safety and comfort.
If you do intent to take it outside, you can either leash it or carry it, especially if your pet is old, timid and set in its ‘indoor’ ways. If you cat is comfortable in his/her crate, you could put the carrier outside.
Just be sure to be near it so your cat feels safe.
Which RV Models are Best for Cats?
A customized RV (with pet-friendly features) is best for your cat. A rig that has easy-to-clean floors and furniture as well as pass-through storage areas and slide-out features is a definite plus.
For example, the A.C.E Motorhome, is one such model. It’s often considered to be the safest, most pet-friendly RV currently on the market and designed specifically for those who like to travel with their furry friends!
This rig contains a floor-level ‘pet window’ on the passenger side near the cockpit, a built-in ‘kibble’ station, an exterior pet tie-down, a customized space for a litter box and an extra-wide entrance with a pull-out drawer for pet accessories – leashes, collars, toys, etc.
Right now, it’s the best pet-friendly unit you can buy. Why not go online and check it out today!
Conclusion:
To conclude, most cats can learn to enjoy travelling and easily adapt to life on the road.
Providing your pet with the comforts of home, including his/her favorite toy or blanket, some food and water and an on-board travel crate, will help make the journey easier and safer.
You can even customize your rig so that it’s pet-friendly – or you can buy one specifically designed with pets in mind. Ultimately, if your cat is with you, he/she should be happy no matter where you go!
Happy trails!