If you thought RVing was tough and it takes a lot of nerve to execute a great trip, wait till you take your furry friend along. Cat owners love to have their loving felines with them all the time and have the best time, but it’s unlike going somewhere with a dog. Unlike dogs, who love to take commands and mingle with their owners, cats are totally opposite and they would rather give orders than take them.
If you’re planning to take your cat along on a camping trip in your RV, there are certain things you should know in advance. Cats like to adapt to a specific situation and then stick to it for a long, and if you try to change their habitat, they would act hostile. An RV is that new environment to which you’d have to get your fluffy friend adapted to and develop a sense of harmony.
Taking cat off-roading in an RV is like bringing up a stubborn child all over again, and once you get away from your home, you realize there’s much more to it than meets the eye, and it is going to take a lot of effort to keep everything intact.
If you’re looking for a way to keep cats from escaping an RV, you’ve landed on the right platform. We have assembled a complete guide to help you ace that perfect RVing trip with your cat, and avoid any hiccups during your time away from the city. So keep reading and learn how you can get your feline friend to cooperate during your time off the grid.
Top 8 Ways to Keep Cats from Escaping an RV?
We understand that your cat has a very special place in your heart and it makes up a major part of your life. If you’re thinking to take the little fluffy RVing, you need to be vigilant about a few things, and here’s how you can keep the cats from escaping the RVs:
Conditioning the Cat
Unlike you, your cat is going to take your RV as a whole new environment, just like when a child switches schools. For it, the RV is an all-new environment, and being a feline, it is going to take it hostile.
It is crucial that you give your cat some time and don’t hurry things up. Let your cat inside the RV for a few minutes daily, so that it doesn’t go crazy on the day of embarking on the trip. Also, let it roam inside, sniff around, and familiarize itself with the new home, allowing some time for adaptation. This way, you would not have a crazy cat to handle and it would not try to escape and get rid of the new environment.
Make the RV Welcoming
This is very important, and you must ensure that your RV looks something like your home, so your cat doesn’t get any surprises. There are certain things you could do to make your RV ready for your cat, such as:
- Bring some of your cat’s toys inside and make a separate corner for your cat, just like at home.
- There are some synthetic pheromones that you could spray inside, so your cat is welcomed by a familiar environment.
- Place some boxes and scratchy pillows in your RV. Cats love to play with boxes and scratchy surfaces, and having both in one place is going to be fun for the little fluff.
- Make sure there are no movable items that would rock and fall and could injure your cat.
- Also, keep some soothing music running, and don’t let anything aggressive trigger your cat.
- Have a cushion next to a window. Cats love sightseeing and interacting with other animals via windows. Having that facility in your RV would make it a 5-star hotel for your cat.
Get an RV Enclosure for your Cat
No matter how well you prepare your cat for a trip in an RV and how welcoming the motorhome is, it is always safe to have all the boxes ticked. And the most important box of those boxes is having an enclosure for the cat.
It is that sweet spot that the cats love and like to spend most of their time, after getting exhausted and meddling around. There are different varieties of portable cat enclosures available, and you can pick one that is generous in size, has a food storage area, and can be locked when required.
It is one of the must-have items and to make sure that your cat doesn’t escape the RV, give it that king-like treatment inside.
Must get a Collar Tag
You’ve probably done all you could, but if things go south, the only insurance and safety policy you’re going to have is the collar tag for your cat. There are different collar tags with GPS tracking and other alarms, that keep you updated about your cat’s location, in case it escapes or goes missing.
Additionally, you could add the necessary info to the collar leash, such as your name, address, and contact number. This helps get in touch with you if somebody gets hold of your beloved cat.
These are additional precautionary steps that you ought to take, apart from the ones already discussed.
Keep the Cat Leashed
If nothing else works or you’ve doubts about your cat cooperating while you’re not paying attention, it is best to leash it. Though you’re doing it as a precaution, you don’t have to be aggressive or harsh on your little child.
It is better to keep it leashed near its enclosure, with all the toys, food, and boxes nearby. This would prevent any aggression on the cat’s part and would also ensure safety, while you plan and enjoy your RVing trip out there.
Keep the Exits Covered
What would keep the cats from escaping an RV? Yes, you guessed that right! Blocking all the exits! Jokes apart, it is one of the most reliable ways of keeping cats from escaping the RV.
While you’re out collecting wood, taking a nap on the lakeside, star gazing at night, or preparing a meal, the only thing that would ensure your cat’s safety is the NO EXIT rule. If all the windows and other exits are securely covered, the cat would have nowhere to escape from.
Though this method is great, it could turn your cat hostile and aggressive and might create a ruckus once you try to get back inside. This should be one of the last resorts, after trying everything else, and employed only when you’re going away from the RV, or nothing else is working.
Keep Them Engaged
Another great way of keeping your cat from escaping the RV is not letting it think about it. Get some of its usual toys, a few cardboard boxes, and a ball to engage it. You could indulge your cat in different games and involve in different activities. This is one of the most dependable methods and a form of conditioning but it takes a lot of effort, planning, and time to be successful.
Ensure Safety
This is a very important point and can prove fatal if not looked after. Once your car is in the wilderness, it is going to attract some predators and other hostile animals. If your cat sees or senses danger, like coyotes, wild dogs, or hyenas, it is going to get defensive and find refuge.
It would probably want to escape and run away from the danger. Make sure there are no wild animals near your RV, and if you have to go away from the rig, play some music inside and cover all the exits to ensure the safety of your cat.
FAQs
Cats of which age should not be taken on a trip in an RV?
Very young cats, less than 3 months, should not be taken RVing as they are not mature enough and would always remain aggressive on the trip.
Is it advisable to take more than one cat RVing?
It is actually good to take a pair of cats, rather than one. It keeps them engaged and offers a sense of companionship in the newer environment.
Conclusion
RVing is a fun and adrenaline-filled activity that can turn your sour routine into a thrilling weekend. Going with friends and family is one thing but taking a pet, and particularly a cat takes a lot of preparation, nerves, and responsibility.
If you’re planning to take your car RVing and looking for ideas about how to keep cats from escaping an RV, we have just discussed a plethora of great methods and techniques. It is important that you plan well, remain considerate and vigilant, and make sure that the little friend never gets hostile or runs away from you.
Citations
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f97/introducing-cats-to-rv-trips-dealing-with-an-escape-artist-531865.html
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f7/escaping-with-cats-15904.html
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30215740.cfm
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i26969-k6114875-Travel_with_cat_in_an_RV-Traveling_with_Pets.html
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.
