Cat will be new to RV'ing

[FinallyTime]

Ok, trailer has been sold, signing the papers for the new motorhome Tuesday. In the future my approximately 7 year old cat will be going places with me in the MH. Any tips about making this easier on him? I've had the cat about two years since he showed up at my house, skin and bones, looking for a home. His only trip, other than the vet's, was from California to my new home in Washington. For that I put a large wire dog crate in the back of my Explorer. Put a small litterbox, food & water dishes and his cat bed on a rug in the cage. He yowled for about the first 1-1/2 hours, then burried himself under his cat bed for the rest of the 11 hour drive. I hope he will travel well and more quietly in the MH.

[longdog2]

Get him used to the MH before you travel in it. That way it feels like home. Lots of people travel with cats. Be very careful to have him corralled when opening or closing any slides. I would crate him at least when you first start traveling as cats can find some really ingenious places to hide or so I've been told by my friends traveling with cats.

[Acadianmom]

My longest trip with cats was when I brought my son's 2 cats from Seattle to Louisiana in my motorhome. I had a large dog kennel with me that was big enough for them and a small litter box. I don't know that they ever used the litter box when we were traveling. I tried to leave them loose and one would get in my feet and the other one would get under the sofa where all the electrical boxes are. There are just too many places in a motorhome they can squeeze into. I was afraid to have them loose if I stopped for gas or anywhere. I was afraid they might get out. I think most people put a harness and leash on their cats in campgrounds. But I know a couple of people that have cats that have traveled so much that they let them out at campgrounds. There are collapsible net tents that you can use outside.

I have made shorter trips with cats that have howled for an hour or two. Hopefully he will get over that. Like Colleen said, I would let him spend a lot of time in the motorhome before you travel.

Martha

[BarbaraRose]

When I drove back to MN from CA with my cat, I got a Calming Collar for her. You can get them at most pet supply stores. It is a plastic collar that has natural pheromones on it that keeps the cat calm. It definately worked well with her. I didn't want to use any kind of drugs on her. There is also a spray and a plug in option that does the same thing giving off the pheromone scent.

Here is a link to PetSmarts products...

http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.js ... timestamp={msimpts}&creative=3269144&adcid=10129450

[Pamela]

I've just purchased a 24' Chinook and worry about the same thing. I'm not ready to get out on the road long term yet as I'm still working but I worry about traveling with 1 or 2 of my cats. I don't have separate sleeping quarters so don't really have a place to corral them except for the small bathroom which is a large wet bath. Yesterday I spent some time in the MH (it's parked in my driveway) and brought both of them out there. They kept going to the screen door and one was pawing at the screen. I put a pillow in the doorway but the would get around it or sit on top of it. I thought about putting up a child safety gate in the doorway which would keep them from messing with the screen. Has anyone used one fo these? I have a rear door. I also looked online at the various collapsable wire cages you can purchase so it could be set up for them to spend time outside when I do travel. Like a mother hen I worry about their safety in these various situations. They are so used to having the ability to roam around don't know how they'll feel confined. Glad they are others who have forged the path and can offer suggestions.

[BirdbyBird]

Some who travel with dogs and/or cats have put plexiglass on the bottom of their doors.

[BarbaraRose]

There is also pet-proof screening you could replace your screen with.

You might try placing treats around the inside of the RV to get them interested in exploring and thinking the RV is a good place to hang out.