So, you’re ready to move into your RV and it’s time to prepare your cats for the big lifestyle change. Cats are creatures of habit, and moving your feline furbabies into a smaller, mobile space can be stressful for both them and you. To ensure a smooth transition and create a comfortable environment for your pet cats, here are 25 tips to help your cats adapt to full-time RV living.
Secure your RV
Before you ever bring your cats inside your RV, you need to secure it. RRVs have a lot of nooks and crannies that cats might find intriguing, and they are a great place to hide if they’re scared or spooked. A good example is behind or under the couch, on top of the slide room, or up behind the dashboard for those with a Class A RV (my cats love this spot). So be sure you block access to unsafe areas, close all cupboard doors, and put away any dangerous items.
Gradual Introduction
It’s crucial to introduce your cats to the RV gradually. Start by getting their scent inside the RV. Take a few of their favorite toys and leave them in the RV for a few days. You can also rub a cloth on your cat’s cheeks, paws, head, and tail, where their strongest scent glands are. Then take the cloth and rub it on the walls of your RV, down low where cat’s like to rub up against.
Now that you have their scent in your RV, bring them inside the RV for short periods while it’s parked. Start with bringing them in crates, and open the crate doors so they can come out when they’re ready. Keep the area calm and quiet and allow them to explore and get used to the new environment at they’re own pace.
Do these visits each day for about a week, depending on your cat’s temperament. I took my time because one of my cats is a little skittish and prone to run and hide when spooked. Each time, I gradually increase the noise and activity level, and let them naturally find their favorite safe spots. On their last visit, I turned on the engine to get their reaction. That’s when my skittish girl found her safe spot behind and under the couch. My other cat, the chill one, hardly noticed. By the way, my spooked cat was easy to retrieve and this has become one of her favorite places to nap and travel.
This gradual approach will help ease their anxiety about the RV.
Create a Safe Space
You can attempt to designate a specific area within the RV as your cats’ safe space, but we are talking about cats. They will choose their own safe space. If you have a bedroom, bathroom, or a portion of the living area that you can close off, this would be a great place to start. Fill this space with their familiar bedding, toys, food, water dishes, and litter box. Allow them time to acclimate to the space before hitting the road.
Where to put the Litterbox
RVers with cats have come up with a gazillion ways to deal with a litter box and where you place yours will depend on the layout of your RV. But, in the beginning, place it where it is very easily accessible. Don’t make them have to hunt for it on the first day of travel. Believe me, this will help avoid accidents in the beginning. Be sure to maintain your regular daily cleaning routine and encourage them to use it.
Routine and Consistency
Cats thrive on routine and consistency. Try to stick to their normal feeding and playtime as closely as possible. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can help reduce stress during the transition.
Harness and Leash Training
If you plan to let your cats explore the outdoors during your RV adventures, harness and leash training is essential. Start by getting your cats comfortable wearing a harness indoors before venturing outside. Always supervise them during outdoor excursions to ensure their safety.
Window Perches
Cats love to observe their surroundings, so create window perches or provide them with opportunities to look outside. Secure screens or bars on windows to prevent escapes while still allowing fresh air and views. Consider installing a pet grate on the screen door to avoid escapes through the screen.
Calming Solutions
Consider using calming solutions, like pheromone diffusers or calming treats, to help your cats relax in the RV. These products can reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother. Do your best to avoid sudden loud noises. You might want to avoid turning on that smoothie blender until your cats are more comfortable in their new surroundings.
RV Temperature Control
If you leave the RV for the day remember to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the RV while you’re gone, especially during the summer. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes, so ensure they don’t get too hot or too cold. If your cat is panting, they are too hot. While many dog breeds regularly pant to stay cool, it is not as common in cats and could mean they are stressed or overheating.
Regular Exercise
Your RV is likely a smaller space than you and your cat’s previous home and it may be more difficult for your cats to get enough exercise. Keep them active and engaged by providing toys and playtime. Cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, even in a smaller living space. Let them climb around and encourage them to run. My cats usually do RV parkour at 3:00 in the morning for their exercise. Taking them outside on a long leash to allow them to “hunt” is a great way to provide exercise opportunities.
Health and Safety
Regularly check your cats for any signs of stress or health issues. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and preventive care. Also, have a plan for emergency vet visits while on the road. Also, make sure they don’t gain too much weight due to a change in lifestyle. I changed my cat’s food to an indoor cat formula due to their lack of activity. It helps keep their weight down.
Use Travel Crates
If you tow a travel trailer then travel crates are a must so they can safely ride with you in the truck. There are a number of dog and cat crates designed for the back seat of an extended cab truck so your cats will be comfortable when traveling.
If you own a motorhome, like myself, it is probably best to secure your cats in travel crates while you’re driving, but I personally have never had an issue with my cats interfering with my driving. Even so, I do have a crate for each of them if I ever need to transport them in my car. So, always have them on hand.
Noise and Vibration
RVs can be noisy and tend to shake and vibrate while on the road. To help your cats acclimate to these sounds, take them on short drives before embarking on longer journeys. Your cats will naturally get used to traveling noises and will often sleep during an entire trip, but in the beginning, be aware that engine noise and the sounds of big trucks passing the RV could freak them out a little.
Water Quality
Ensure access to clean and fresh water at all times. If you’re unsure about the quality of the water at a campground, consider giving them bottled water or using a water filtration system to improve the quality of water from different sources you encounter on the road. If you won’t drink it yourself, don’t give it to the kitties.
Campground Etiquette
When staying at campgrounds or RV parks, be considerate of your neighbors. Keep your cats from wandering into other campsites. In fact, I don’t recommend letting your cat outside unless it is leash-trained. Many campgrounds I’ve stayed in have at least a few feral cats running around which could cause problems if your cat encounters them. Also, many people leave their dogs outside on a leash which could be dangerous for a wandering, curious cat.
Outdoor Enclosures
If you plan to spend extended periods at a campsite, consider setting up outdoor enclosures or cat playpens. This allows your cats to enjoy the outdoors safely. My cats love sniffing the fresh air and bird watching and an outdoor enclosure allows them a little more time with nature and not being stuck inside the RV seven days a week.
Patience and Adaptability
Remember that the transition to full-time RV living may take time for both you and your cats. Be patient, adaptable, and attuned to your cats’ needs and comfort levels.
Routine Vet Visits
Schedule routine vet visits to monitor your cats’ health and address any issues promptly. Your veterinarian can also provide advice specific to traveling with pets.
Identification
Ensure your cats have proper identification, such as collars with ID tags and microchips. It can be difficult to update contact information every time you change locations, so make sure the ID tag and chip include your phone number.
Socialization
Allow your cats to interact with new people and pets when appropriate. Socialization can help reduce their anxiety and make them more comfortable in new environments. Bring them out on a leash when you have visitors outside and let them meet other friendly pets when appropriate. You’ll need to be careful and selective when doing this; it could be a great experience or a complete disaster.
Emergency Preparedness
Have a plan in place for emergencies, including natural disasters or RV breakdowns. There may come a time when you and your cats need to vacate your RV for whatever reason. If you have a bug-out bag, make one for your cats too. Pack your pet’s emergency kit with essentials like food, toys, and medications. Make sure your cat’s crates are easily accessible if you need them quickly.
Cat-Proof RV Exteriors
Inspect the exterior of your RV for potential escape routes, such as loose panels or openings. Cat-proof these areas to prevent accidental escapes. This includes securing the screen door to your RV. Consider adding a pet grate to prevent your determined cat from clawing through the screen.
Behavior Monitoring
Pay close attention to changes in your cats’ behavior. Any signs of distress, illness, or unusual behavior should be addressed promptly.
Keep Them Inside at Night
Keep your cats safe from nocturnal wildlife. There are plenty of critters like raccoons, skunks, stray cats, or even big cats like mountain lions that can create a dangerous situation if your cat is out and about at night. Make sure they are in at dusk, safe and cozy.
Enjoy the Journey
Finally, remember that traveling in an RV with your cats is an opportunity for adventure and bonding. Embrace the experience, and cherish the moments you share with your feline companions on the road.
Transitioning your pet cats to full-time RV living requires patience, preparation, and a deep understanding of your cats’ needs. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friends, making the RV lifestyle enjoyable for both you and your cats.