How to RV with Cats

Dogs may be the most common companion for RV life, but if you’re a cat lover, there’s no reason to leave your feline behind. RV travel with cats is completely possible and, in many cases, cats make surprisingly great travel buddies. Bringing a cat on the road might feel overwhelming at first, but RV living with cats is a breeze with the right planning and preparation. 

Tips for RV with Cats 

Furniture and RV Living with Cats 

The drawback every cat owner knows all too well: cats need to scratch. Scratching helps them relieve stress, shed the outer layer of their claws, and mark their territory. Unfortunately, that territory can sometimes include your furniture. 

But don’t worry, protect your RV furniture from pets with a few simple precautions. For cat owners, one of the smartest steps is to offer a designated scratching space, like a scratching post or cat tree. Giving your cat a spot where scratching is welcome is far more effective than trying to stop this natural behavior altogether.  

Create a Routine 

Cats are creatures of habit, and they’ll thank you for creating a sense of consistency. Whether your cat is used to a traditional home or already familiar with life on the move, RV travel often brings constant changes and that can be stressful for your feline friend. 

One of the best ways to ease that stress in RV travel with cats is by building a predictable daily routine. Try designating consistent times for feeding, playing and sleeping. Not only does this help establish structure, but it also gives you opportunities to bond with your cat and help them release pent-up energy. 

Ways to Help Your Cat Adjust  

Adjusting to RV travel with cats isn’t just a big change for you; it’s a big change for your cat, too. But with a little patience and preparation, even the most homebody kitty can become a confident RV explorer and travel buddy.  

With time, routine, and a few trial runs, your cat will learn to feel right at home! 

Health and Veterinary Care on the Road 

When you RV travel with cats, staying on top of your cat’s health takes a little extra planning, but it’s completely manageable with the right tools and mindset. 

Supplies for RV Travel with Cats 

When you’re sharing your RV with a feline co-pilot, there are a few must-have supplies that go beyond the basics. Sure, you’ll need the standard gear: litter box, food, water bowls, and toys, but there are also a handful of extra items that can really help give you more peace of mind and make RV travel with cats easier. 

1. Calming Spray 

RV life can be noisy and unpredictable, and that kind of constant activity can be stressful for cats. One simple way to help soothe your kitty is with a calming spray or diffuser. These products release synthetic pheromones, which help create a sense of calm in their environment. 

Popular brands like Feliway offer sprays and plug-in diffusers that are easy to use inside your motor home. Just a few spritzes in your cat’s favorite area can make a noticeable difference in their mood.  

2. Window Seating 

Just like you appreciate a campsite with a view, your cat does too. Providing access to a window lets your cat enjoy the world outside without ever having to leave the RV. It’s a form of “passive play” that keeps them mentally stimulated and entertained, especially while you’re off exploring. Kind of like having a cat TV. You can keep it simple with a cozy blanket or bed near a sunny window, or opt for a mounted cat seat designed specifically for window perching.  

3. Cat Cave Beds 

With so much activity and motion while you RV travel with cats, it’s important to give your cat a quiet space where they can feel safe. A cat cave bed, which is an enclosed, soft space, offers exactly that. Whether your cat needs to hide during a bumpy drive or just wants a midday nap away from the noise, these little cocoons provide the comfort and security they desperately want. 

Kept tucked into a quiet corner of your RV, a cat cave bed becomes the perfect place for de-stressing. Once your cat feels ready, they’ll emerge recharged and ready for playtime, cuddles, or snacks. 

4. Hard-Sided Pet Carrier 

When you’re RV living with cats, a reliable pet carrier is a must. While soft-sided carriers might work for shorter trips, they’re often too flimsy for other uses, such as taking your pet to the vet. Hard-sided pet carriers are also easier to clean and more durable in tight spaces where things can shift during travel. Look for a carrier with good ventilation and an easy-to-open door, so it feels less intimidating to your cat. 

5. Airtight Food Storage 

Keeping your cat’s food fresh is especially important when you’re storing supplies in a small, mobile space. Choose an airtight, BPA-free container that’s easy to open and pour, but seals tightly when closed. Stackable options can help you maximize space in your RV kitchen. So not only does it help keep kibble fresh, but it also prevents pests like ants or mice from sneaking into your stash. Your cat might love finding a mouse, but you might be less happy about the extra passenger. 

6. Identification Methods 

When you RV travel with cats, the risk of your cat slipping out is something to take seriously. Unlike a traditional home, there’s no familiar yard or neighborhood for them to return to. So, it’s important to have proper identification prepared, especially if your cat is a little escape artist.  

Start with a breakaway collar and a clearly labeled ID tag. This shows anyone who finds your cat that they’re loved and missed. Breakaway collars are designed to release if they get caught on something, which keeps your cat safe from injury. 

Just as important is microchipping. If your cat ever gets lost and someone takes them to a vet or shelter, a microchip is the surest way they’ll find their way back to you. Just make sure the contact information is up to date and consider addinbradg a secondary contact in case you’re out of reach. 

Litter Box Management in Small Spaces 

In any small space, it can be a challenge to manage a cat’s litter box and with the unique challenges that come with RV travel with cats, it requires some extra creativity and consistency. 

Choosing a litter box 

Be sure to buy a litter box that fits your RV layout. Compact or top-entry boxes are popular for small spaces, as they help contain mess and reduce tracked litter. Some RVers even opt for enclosed or corner-style boxes to make the most of tight quarters. Another option is hidden or disguised litter boxes that are tucked away into what looks like a normal ottoman or cabinet.  

Odor Control 

The last thing anyone wants is for your RV to smell like a litterbox. Scooping daily (goes a long way, along with using high-quality, low-dust litter and keeping the box placed in a well-ventilated spot. 

Multi-Cat RV Living 

Living in an RV with one cat is an adventure, but add a second or third, and you’ve got a whole furry army to manage. While RV travel with cats is entirely possible, doing it with multiple cats takes extra planning. 

Shared Spaces 

One of the biggest challenges is managing territorial behavior. Cats like to claim space, and in an RV, personal space can be hard to come by even for them. Help ease tension by giving each cat a space they can call their own. Whether it’s separate beds or perches, having these small territories to claim will help minimize disputes.  

Feeding Time 

To avoid food guarding or resource competition, try using separate feeding stations. Ideally, have these spaced apart to reduce tension between cats.

Litter Boxes 

A good rule of thumb is one box per cat. Plus one extra if you have room. We get it, though, in an RV, there might not just be the space. Regardless of how many litter stations you have set up, if you have more than one cat, it might be a good idea to scoop twice or even three times a day, depending on your cats. 

Every cat is different and one of the best things you can do when you RV travel with cats is to be patient, observant, and open to a little trial and error. As you travel together, you’ll get to know your cat’s personality, preferences, and needs in a whole new way.