The Ultimate Guide to RVing with Your Feline Friend

The elusive RV cat may sound made up, but we assure you, they’re very real, and it’s a rapidly growing trend. With so many people embracing the RV lifestyle — whether it’s a quick weekend stint, or diving head first into full-time RVing — RVers can’t simply leave their feline friend behind. So, these ambitious cat owners are adapting and coming up with creative new ways to make their lifestyle just as enjoyable for their cat as it is for them, introducing a new category of nomadic adventure cats.

Although not as common, and maybe a bit more challenging, than bringing along your domesticated canine companion along on your RV adventures, inviting your purring pal along on your road trips can be highly rewarding for both you and them, as long as you go about it responsibly and sensibly. Read on for the top 10 tips that make RVing with your cat a breeze.

1. Choosing Pet-Friendly RV Parks

This one may seem obvious, but it’s an important step nonetheless. Especially with cats, RVers often assume it’s no big deal, but many RV parks and campgrounds have very strict no-pet policies, no matter the species. Typically, campgrounds don’t advertise their cat policies as openly as dog policies, and while it’s generally safe to assume that if they allow dogs, they also allow cats, it’s always best practice to call ahead and save yourself a potential headache.

2. Acclimating Your Cat to RV Life

Introducing your furry friend into any new environment will be a big adjustment for them, especially when that environment is a house on wheels. Whether you’re traveling with a camper, motorhome, travel trailer, or camper van, it’s important to warm your cat up to the RV lifestyle before heading out on an extended trip.

A great way to do this is to spend a few nights in the RV before you leave on your trip. This will get your cat used to the idea of sleeping in your home on wheels while the surrounding environment remains familiar and comfortable. Consider also taking your cat on short daily drives in your RV to get them used to the idea of traveling in the same place they live and sleep.

3. Creating a Comfortable Space

Odds are your cat will be spending most of their time inside the RV during your journey. So, creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your cat is important. Start by bringing along some of their favorite toys, scratching post and cat bed, and some familiar items from home like blankets or pieces of furniture. Be sure to bring along plenty of toys to keep your fur baby stimulated throughout the day, as their transition to a smaller space may take some time.

Consider also carving out a small space that is just for your cat. Having their own little safe space where they can be alone can do a lot for their comfort levels.

4. Pre-trip Vet Checkup

Consulting with your vet about your cat's readiness for the trip you have planned can also put your mind at ease. Make sure that they are up to date on their vaccines and won’t need any during the time you’ll be away. If they aren’t already microchipped, getting one at this stage is a often wise choice to make sure they don’t get lost while you travel.

5. Leaving Your Cat Alone in the RV

There may be times that require you to leave your cat alone in your motorhome for extended periods, whether it’s a night out to dinner or a visit to a national park that doesn’t allow pets.

Preparing your RV and your cat for these times may feel stressful, but there are a few steps you can do to make the process seamless and easier for everyone:

First, ensure you have access to electrical hookups to run the air conditioner or heat to keep the temperature comfortable for your furry friend. Leave out plenty of food and water and a clean litter box, depending on how long you’ll be away. Draw the blinds and play some relaxing music to encourage them to spend their time alone snoozing instead of getting into trouble. And be sure to leave out all their favorite toys to keep them stimulated and entertained if they have a spurt of energy.

6. Tips for Travel Days

Long days on the road will likely bring the most challenges when traveling with your cat, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make it a smooth process.

The first thing to consider is where your cat will be during long travel days. If you’re traveling with a towable RV, we recommend keeping your cat up in the cab with you for their safety. If you’re in a Class A motorhome or any driving RV, this will likely come down to where your cat feels most comfortable. They may prefer to be near the front with you, or they might like to be alone in their own little area that you’ve set aside for them. No matter what type of RV you travel with, it’s always best practice to use a cat carrier or kennel to keep them from roaming around.

7. Safety Harness and Leash Training

Cats are independent creatures that often prefer to roam free, but with a little practice and training, your cat can get used to being on-leash when necessary. Most RV parks don’t allow off leash animals, so this will be especially beneficial for when you’re spending time in the campground and you want to offer them some fresh air.

8. Litter Box Solutions

Navigating your cat’s litter box situation can be the trickiest part of RV travel with your furry friend, but in practice, it’s not all that different than managing their litter box at home.

Start by choosing the right litter box. Opt for a compact, covered litter box that can easily fit into small spaces in your RV. Consider collapsible models for easy storage.

Next, you’ll want to choose a strategic location for the litter box. This could be a modified cabinet or a space under a built-in dinette with a cat door for easy access. Other locations could be under tables, in corners, or even in a rarely-used shower stall. Ensure it's accessible to your cat at all times but not in a place where it can be easily tipped over or disturbed. Placing it out of the way gives your cat more privacy, limits the smell and mess in living spaces, and maximizes available floor space.

Once it’s all set up, managing the litter box is very similar to how you’d do it at home. Consider cleaning it out more regularly and incorporating air fresheners and ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells in a smaller space. You may want to add a portable, hand-help vacuum to your RV camping packing list for easy clean-up in the event of a mess.

Pro tip: Investing a few extra dollars in top-shelf kitty litter can help keep the odor at bay.

9. Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Time

Getting your feline friend any amount of outdoor time becomes tricky when you’re living on the road. If you’ve raised an independent outdoor cat that’s accustomed to having free reign over the neighborhood, transitioning to RV living can be a major challenge for both of you. If your cat is more of a lounger and doesn’t mind spending most of their time indoors, it may not be an issue, provided you can create a stimulating environment inside the RV. Ultimately, finding the right balance depends entirely on your cat and their individual needs.

Leash training can be a great way to get your buddy outside, but some cats never quite get the hang of it, and it can become a real headache for everyone involved. A great alternative to getting your cat out on a leash is to buy a mesh tent dome and set it up for them outside the RV. Leaving the bottom open gives them a chance to get their feet on the ground, enjoy the fresh air, and watch their surroundings.

Many people have found success in allowing their cats to roam a certain radius by slowly introducing that level of freedom. While this can be a fulfilling lifestyle for your cat, there is a level of risk. It will be much easier for your cat to lose its way without a strong sense of home. And if you find yourself boondocking, or in a more off-grid campsite, there are likely to be predators that your cat has never had to worry about.

Attaching a tracker to your cat’s harness is one way to mitigate some of the risk, but it’s still best practice to keep a watchful eye on them whenever possible.

10. Health and First Aid

Keeping your furry friend happy and healthy is every cat owner’s first priority. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, it’s always a good idea to do some research and locate the nearest vet to your destination in case of emergencies. If you’re living in your RV full-time and moving around a lot, it’s important to always plan ahead for regular check-ins and vaccinations with the vets along your route.

Ready to pack up and hit the road with your kitty comrade? Let us help make the booking process a breeze. At Spot2nite, we offer a free and easy-to-use interactive booking platform that makes finding the perfect RV park as simple as clicking a few buttons. Toggle any amenities that are non-negotiable for your needs (including pet-friendly) and only see parks that are available for your selected dates. So, pack up the cat tree and get planning!