While dogs may be the most popular pets to accompany RVers on camping trips, some travelers choose to bring their cats. Since most cats prefer to stay indoors, you’ll need to consider how cat-friendly your RV is to ensure your pet is safe and entertained. These RV modifications for cats will provide privacy, interaction, and security so your kitty enjoys the weekend as much as you do. Let’s dive in!
Yes! You can RV with your cat. Traveling with pets makes you feel like everyone in the family enjoys the camping life. While some people have to leave their pets at home, we love hitting the road with our furry friends.
However, whether you RV with a dog or cat, you want to be prepared. Your pets will need toys, food, and other accessories, so their experience is just as enjoyable as yours. Today, we’ll share the best RV modifications for cats so they’re safe and secure in a different space.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check out The Best Cat Beds for Traveling before going on your next road trip!
Before we dive into the modifications, though, let’s discuss the pros and cons of RVing with a pet. We love traveling with our dogs because they make our family complete. It’s just not the same when they’re not around. Hiking, paddling, and exploring with pets fosters a deeper connection. They love the adventure as much as we do!
We also like not paying for pet care. Boarding or hiring a pet sitter is expensive. Bringing along pets means saving money. Even if we have to pay an additional fee at a campground, it’s worth it to us.
While we love traveling with our dogs, it might not be for everyone. Whether you have a dog or cat, having a pet adds responsibility that you may not want. If they’re older and aren’t able to go exploring, you can’t leave them inside the RV all day long. That’s not fair to them, and they may get into mischief if left for hours alone. This could lead to damage if they start scratching the screen door or chewing the furniture.
Some campgrounds don’t allow specific breeds or have a maximum number of pets allowed. This reduces your options if you travel with multiple pets or breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers. Most campgrounds will have a leash policy, too. This means your pet can’t roam freely around the campsite. Even the most well-trained dogs must be leashed unless you’re at a dog park. If your pet isn’t used to this, it could be an uncomfortable weekend for him.
Finally, traveling can stress out some pets. While there are tips to overcome this anxiety, some RVers choose not to burden their dogs or cats. If your pet should remain at home, then you should choose that option for the well-being of your furry friend.
We don’t travel with cats, but we have friends who do. They’ve shared some of the best RV modifications for cats that have made their camping experiences more enjoyable – for both them and their pets. You must make your cat feel at home when RVing. So, creating a space that provides safety and security is essential.
Cats love to look through windows. You’ll likely see cats sitting on the dashboard of Class As and enjoying the sunshine through the giant windshield. If you don’t drive a Class A motorhome, figure out a way to create a window perch. It will be their personal spy point to watch other people and animals. Purchase a floating shelf or a window height cabinet and install it near a window in your rig.
- BOLSTER WINDOW HAMMOCK: Single level cat hammock offers your cats fun, bolstered comfort while sunbathing and viewing…
- STRONG & STURDY: Industrial-strength EZ Mount suction cups hold over 50 lbs. and reinforced high-grade sturdy steel…
Another great RV modification for cats is a cat cave. Cats like to get away, and providing that safe space for your pet is important. Find a place in your RV that is unoccupied or clean out one of the storage areas. You could empty a dinette bench and cut a hole or install a small entry underneath your bed so your cat has a private space to retreat to as needed.
A catio is an even larger space than a cat cave. Some RVers won’t have the space to make this modification a reality, but we want to mention it for travelers with larger rigs and ample storage bays. We’ve seen owners create a tunnel underneath their fifth-wheel stairs to the outdoor storage bay. Cage-style doors create a secure place where cats can enjoy people-watching and get some fresh air.
Cats love to climb, so we recommend installing a wall-mounted cat tree that’s lightweight but still offers a play space for your pet. You could add a cat hammock or a cat bridge for additional enjoyment. Fukumaru is a brand that designs these types of jungle activities for your precious pets. They’re the perfect additions to your RV to keep your cat entertained while you’re away.
One of the issues RVers face is where to put the litter box. Another RV modification for cats is replacing a drawer near the floor with a litter box. It doesn’t take up more room, which is a priority when camping in a small space. But it allows for easy access since it’s close to the floor. If you install a catio, you could also put the litter box there.
When considering RV modifications for your cat, don’t forget about safety. You don’t want your pet escaping, so we suggest installing gates and locks. Typically, you only need to do this near screen doors, but you also want to make sure the outside storage bays are blocked from the inside. You don’t want your cat to find an escape route.
Finally, while this is likely the most expensive and time-consuming RV modification on our list, you also want to keep the interior of your rig protected. By replacing materials that soak up urine and attract fur, you’ll keep your RV cleaner and in better condition. Install vinyl or faux wood flooring that’s scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Find stain-resistant furniture that won’t be ruined by muddy paws.
Whether you’ve been camping for years or are new to it, we recommend making some RV modifications if you’re bringing along your cat. Keep your beloved pet happy and safe so that the camping experience is just as enjoyable for him as it is for you. You likely won’t be taking your kitty hiking or exploring, so ensure he’ll be entertained while you’re gone.
And a night, when he cuddles on your lap or sits behind your head on the couch, savor the company. You’ll be thankful you brought your precious pet with you.
Have you made any of these RV modifications for cats? Would you add anything to our list that has worked well for you?
