10 Essential Items for RV Camping with Your Cat

The world of outdoor travel has changed dramatically over the years. RVing has opened new doors for those who are looking to explore the great outdoors with the luxuries of home. There is no better time to explore the possibility of RV camping with your cat!

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The world of RV travel has been growing at an impressive rate in recent years.

According to a report published by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada, in 2017 2.1 million RV owners took an estimated 8.2 million trips in Canada alone.

Even more impressive, that doesn’t include the over 600,000 trips that were taken by Canadians renting an RV.

If you’re among those numbers, then you know that RVs and travel trailers offer SO many different options.

From simple pop-up trailers to elaborate RVs that can only be described as a home on wheels, there is something for every budget and every smile.

The image of a dog travelling alongside their owner, hiking and sniffing around the campsite, is pretty common. So, what about our feline friends?

Can you take a cat camping?

Will a cat be comfortable in an RV?

Not only can it be done, cat owners across the country are finding ways to make their RV cat (and owner) friendly.

Travel with Style and Ease! Check Out These 10 Must-Have Items for RV Camping with Your Cat

#1 – Identification and Documentation

Before heading out on your next trip, take the time to gather up all your necessary documentation in the event of an emergency.

This includes records of your cat’s shots, any documentation regarding medications or medical conditions as well as ownership-related paperwork. This is particularly important if you will be crossing a border during your travel.

A clear and up to date photo of your pet will be important in the event that your cat ever gets loose.

Don’t forget about the necessary identification ON your pet!

Clear ID tags with an up-to-date phone number and/or a microchip with accurate information on file can mean the difference between getting your cat back or not if he/she is lost.

#2 – Pet First-Aid Kit

In the spirit of being prepared for emergencies, you want to ensure that you have everything on hand in the event that your pet becomes sick or injured.

Prepackaged pet-specific first aid kits for dogs and cats are readily available commercially, or you can easily prepare your own. For more information, check out this post about creating a DIY First Aid Kit!

#3 – Cat Carrier

A reliable cat carrier is important when you are travelling, even in an RV.

This will keep your kitty safe and secure while you are on the road, as well as keeping him/her contained in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, if you do have to leave your RV at any time, the carrier will allow you to bring your kitty with you.

As much as we don’t like to admit it, RVs CAN and DO break down… It’s better to be prepared.

Related: ‘The Benefits of Cat Grass for Your Feline Friend’

#4 – Functional (and Stylish) Cat Litter Box

While a litter box is necessary when travelling with a cat, no one really wants to see that. Right?

Especially when you’re on vacation!

Great news, there are many stylish AND functional options to hide your litterbox while still allowing your cat to have full access to everything he/she needs.

A new trend in litterbox has been the storage bench or cupboard. This is a simple piece of furniture that looks sharp and contains your cat’s box out of sight.

They come in a variety of different sizes. For larger spaces, try this wooden litter box storage bench.

A narrower cupboard like this contemporary home cat litter enclosure is better suited to a smaller RV or trailer.

If you’re really tight on space, this plant hidden litter box is a great option!

#5 – High-Quality Litter

There is no point in purchasing a fancy cupboard to conceal your cat’s litter box if you can smell it throughout the RV. That’s not going to make for a very enjoyable trip.

Take the time to try out some different litter options at home.

You want to find something that will control the smell but also keep your cat happy. Cat’s can be finicky!

#6 – Cat Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch! It’s a natural instinct.

If you want to keep your RV furniture safe from damage, you will need to provide options to keep your cat entertained.

The solution? Add a cat scratching post to your packing list the next time that you are preparing to go RV camping with your cat.

Much like the litter box enclosures, there are different sizes and styles of scratch posts.

You want to find something that fits your space and that your cat enjoys (and will therefore use).

A simple flat cardboard scratcher or a lean-it scratching post will fit into even the smallest of trailers.

These options are also incredibly cost effective!

If you’ve got more space and want to add a ‘signature’ piece, you can pick up a cat tree like this scratching post and hammock combination.

Alternatively, pay attention to what areas or pieces of furniture that your cat is generally attracted to.

If your cat tends to scratch on your couch, you can try a sofa shield furniture pad that both protects the space and provides your cat with a positive option.

#7 – No-Spill Cat Dish

There are SO many different cat dish options out there, and there is no ‘right’ answer.

The key is to find something that your cat enjoys while also trying to prevent any unnecessary spills or mess in your trailer or RV.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to purchase a bowl with a silicone base designed to eliminate spills.

If you can’t find an option that you like, add a mat underneath your cat’s dishes.

Related: ‘Identifying Cat Litter Box Problems and How to Solve Them’

#8 – Comfortable Cat Bed

If there is one thing that most cats enjoy, it’s the ability to sleep for hours on end. After all, they are on vacation too! Right?

Take a look at where your cat sleeps when you’re at home.

Does your cat sleep in your bed all the time? If so, they will likely sleep in your bed in the RV as well.

There are many different features to consider when selecting the right bed for your cat beyond jus the size and colour.

Does your cat prefer to sleep inside of a cat house containing a bed or does he/she prefer a simple round cushion style bed?

Consider your cat’s temperature. You may want a self-warming bed if you tend to keep the AC rolling on high. Alternatively, if you don’t use AC in your trailer, you may want a breathable bed with temperature control to keep your cat cool.

If your trailer or RV has a large window, a window perch will allow him/her to sunbathe and watch the birds.

#9 – Outdoor Enclosure

While some cats will be content to spend all day inside your trailer or RV, others may want to be closer to you when you’re outside hanging out on the campsite.

One way that you can make this possible is by packing an outdoor enclosure.

A pet playpen is an enclosed, breathable, soft-sided structure that will let the sunshine and fresh air in while keeping your cat safe from outdoor predators.

These are popular among campers due to the fact that they fold down for easy travel.

If you are concerned about sun exposure during longer periods of time outsides, consider a sunscreen style playpen designed to filter UV radiation.

For those that are interested in taking their cat’s outdoor space to the next level, there are multi-level netted enclosures with hammocks for lounging and extra space to place.

These units are often designed to integrate with one another, allowing you to create the perfect outdoor space for one or multiple cats.

#10 – Walking Harness and Leash

Much like dogs, your cat can be trained to walk on a leash. However, you need to have an appropriate harness to keep your kitty safe.

Personally, we prefer to use the PetSafe harness and bungee leash with our cats.

However, a simple search of Amazon will return hundreds of options!

The most important point is to find something that is comfortable for your cat but that he/she can’t slip out of.

Make sure that you test any harness prior to going on vacation in the safety of your own home.

Have you ever been RV camping with your cat? If so, what items were on your ‘must-have’ list?