Outdoor Area For Cats

Thanks for all the replies so far and please keep posting. When we stay at a campground like we are at now, the cats go in and out day and night because they know the place and it is hard for them to get lost.

This is tough for us as we know finding a sitter would be difficult. They get uptight after a couple of days in the rv and wreak havoc, not during the day but at night and in the TT you can hear them jumping from the sofa, window ledge to the floor.

Seeing it's winter and where we are camped now, with the electric blanket they are pretty good at night on the bed until about 5 a.m. Sorry for the rambling but thinking out loud.

magnusfide wrote:
When boondocking don't forget about predators and roaming dogs as the portable cages are easily destroyed by them and your pets killed. Only use these cages when in a cg that has a minimum of predator issues.

Many RV cats are content to remain inside the rig where they feel safe. They'll lay in the sun on the back of the sofa and be fine with it. Unlike dogs, cats don't care for unfamiliar territory outside. I suggest getting them a good litter box and let them stay in the rig all of the time.

We have the fabric and are boondocking in Arizona. So far we've seen numerous coyotes (including a pack of 5) pass our rig (during the DAY!) and never bother the screen room. We've been using it for over 7 yrs. Point in fact, we never let them out of it. EXCEPT, Donner, the escape artist has gotten out 7 times this trip. We can catch him pretty fast but he is determined to see what's in that wash. We have the place fixed now (screws and a back up 2x4 did the trick....:) But some cats DO want to explore!

We travel extensively with our "boys" (15 and 17). They don't go "outside" and home and don't on the road.

I would look at a "solid" cage rather then a fabric one.

Some solutions I have seen:
*A cat kennel that attaches to the outside of the rig that the cat access (when parked) through an open window
*An access via the laundry chute to the basement, then to an attached kennel
*A full-up skirted patio room, sealed, including along the rig.

Never allow them to roam, it isn't home and they will not know where to return to when (NOT if) they get spooked. Every cat owner that I have known that has allowed the cat to wander has lost the cat.

When boondocking don't forget about predators and roaming dogs as the portable cages are easily destroyed by them and your pets killed. Only use these cages when in a cg that has a minimum of predator issues.

Many RV cats are content to remain inside the rig where they feel safe. They'll lay in the sun on the back of the sofa and be fine with it. Unlike dogs, cats don't care for unfamiliar territory outside. I suggest getting them a good litter box and let them stay in the rig all of the time.

We used the pop-up for a while -- consider a carpet for the floor though. The flooring is "crinkly" for lack of a better word. Freaked our cats out.
The stake idea is okay if your cat doesn't mind the harness. One of our cats would lay down and refuse to move when we put him on the stake.
We have a Carefree screen room attached to our rig.....however, it's not good for when you travel every few days.....it wears us out to put up and take down. :)
And you're right.....some RV places won't let you put up the pop-up.....but if you boondock a majority of the time, the cats can just stay in at those places.

Some years ago, someone posted a picture of their "cat cage" that hung out a window.....I've tried to find that again but can't find the link. It was perfect for the cats to get some fresh air. Our rig then had windows that didn't allow the cage (they were crank up windows)....but now we could use it. Hoping someone comes on here with the link. :)

I think this enclosure would be just great for a cat.

http://www.hayneedle.com/product/happyhabitat.cfm?source=pla&kwid=Cat%20Furniture%20and%20Accessories%20Low&tid=ABO360&adtype=pla&kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=ABO360&gclid=CJ-x346Z4rsCFZKGfgod50gASw

You need to cut and past the link... sorry

Put in their bed and some toys and they should be happy to a point.
Good Luck with your travels.

First, check the rules for importing a cat from Mexico into the US. Second, what comes to mind for me is a harness attached to a stake.