{"id":14231,"date":"2024-06-30T17:33:19","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T00:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=14231"},"modified":"2025-04-28T16:33:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T23:33:54","slug":"rving-with-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/rving-with-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to RVing With Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you travel frequently, leaving certain family members (aka your cat, otherwise known as your “fur baby”) <\/em>at home is difficult. For some [more attached] cat owners, the thought of leaving their cat behind on their next RV trip is more than just difficult but unfathomable. <\/em>If you fall into that camp, we have just the tips and tricks you need to introduce your pet to your RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember: taking your pet away from their home and familiar surroundings and introducing them to your all-too-unfamiliar home on wheels requires a bit of prep work and planning.<\/strong> You can’t just plop your cat in the middle of your RV kitchen and hope for the best. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your cat will need time to map out your RV, locate the litter box, and get its sea legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are new to RV ownership<\/a> and want to take your cat along on your semi-annual camping trip or you plan to raise a kitten to become a full-time RV cat, this guide will help ensure your next RV trip with your cat goes smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase 1: Important Modifications to Make For a Cat-Friendly RV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may have asked yourself, “Is my cat ready for an RV trip?” <\/em>But have you asked yourself, “Is my RV ready for my cat?” <\/em>As you well know, cats thrive on familiarity and comfort. The goal is to make them feel at home, even when out on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding cat-friendly features<\/strong> like hiding spots,<\/strong> window sills for lounging<\/strong>, and scratching posts <\/strong>can curb travel anxiety. Less travel anxiety means fewer destructive tendencies. Indirectly, these simple additions will protect your RV from damage caused by a stir-crazy or otherwise distressed version of your cat.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #1: Give Your Cat a Safe Haven <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start by ensuring you have a carrier for your cat while in motion. Choose a sturdy, compact carrier with good ventilation like the Petmate Two Door<\/a>. Many RV owners will add a bed inside the carrier so their feline friends feel more comfortable. During short trips, minimize travel anxiety for pets<\/a> by draping a towel over the carrier and placing familiar items like toys and blankets inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is a comfortable bed near a window that can offer your cat views and a sense of comfort during your RV travels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a collapsible pet carrier with a folding litter box<\/a> can also be a practical solution for RV traveling. This ensures your cat has everything it needs in one compact area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #2: EstablishYour RV as a Familiar Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Creating a familiar space in your RV is vital to your cat’s comfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designate a specific area in the RV for your cat<\/strong>, such as a bunk space or a corner, and store your cat’s favorite bed and toys there. Adding familiar items like their favorite bed, scratching posts, and toys helps them adapt to the small space and feel more at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning: scratching posts and cat towers can fall during the ride<\/strong>, so you may want to set these up when you have reached your destination. For some RV owners, the door-mounted cat towers<\/a> are best for smaller spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #3: Find a Litter Box Solution Designed for Small Spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dealing with limited square footage? If so, locating an ideal spot for the covered litter box in your RV may be challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing the litter box in a hidden location, such as under a table, inside a cabinet with a cat door, <\/a>or in the shower area, can save valuable space while keeping the litter box accessible for your cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many RV owners put litter boxes in the shower to make it easier to clean and control litter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For an affordable and easy solution, the Petisfam Litter Box<\/a> can be a good choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping the litter box in the same spot throughout your travels<\/strong> can help prevent confusion and stress for your cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #4: Gradually Introduce Your Cat to the RV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cats can be wary of new environments, so giving them time to explore the RV at their own pace will make the trip easier for all involved. Start by allowing your cat to sniff around and get familiar with the new surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using treats and reassurance during these initial visits can help form positive associations with the RV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help your cat adjust to the RV, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Spend several hours inside the RV with your cat over multiple days<\/strong>, gradually increasing the time spent and even incorporating overnight stays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Make <\/strong>any accommodations in the RV<\/strong><\/a> before letting your cat in,<\/strong> then allow them to roam free and check out things like their litter box and food station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Feed your cat in the RV <\/strong>to help them associate it with positive experiences and comfort.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Step #5: Do Some Travel Trial Runs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Conducting travel trial runs is an effective way to help your cat acclimate to the RV’s movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start with short trips around the block or nearby locations. As your cat becomes more comfortable, increase the duration. Most cats start to enjoy something if it’s been introduced at a manageable pace. The key here is to show your cat that, eventually, you’ll return to the stable environment that cats love (that is, unless you’re thinking about living in your RV full-time). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatever your plan, always maintain a consistent meal schedule and familiar routines<\/strong> during these trial runs. You’ll also want to keep these other tips and tricks in your back pocket: <\/p>\n\n\n\n