I know very few people travel and camp with cats. We have seen a few during our many years camping but not many and they were usually in a motorhome.We are considering taking our 16 year old cat on a trip. The reason being is the other cats she had here at home have all crossed the Rainbow Bridge and now she is completely alone. We are not sure how she may handle a long period alone. Our neighbors always care for them while we are gone but it is not the same.Our issue is with the actual traveling. We have a travel trailer and she would have to ride in the truck with us. It is about 6 hours to the beach we are going to and we are not sure how to properly care for her on the long ride. She has already explored the camper and seems OK with it. We are mostly worried about how she may use the bathroom on the road and get plenty of water. We can carry the water in the truck with us but she will be in a carrier for travel. Not sure about a litter box though.Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. We are leaning toward leaving her and hope for the best but if some good ideas show up we may go ahead and give it a shot.Thanks in advance for any help.

How does it handle the carrier when taken to the Vet? Assuming it does well then I would put paper towels in the bottom of it and not worry about the litter box thing.

AN enclosure for the cat in the truck would be nice cats like caves. You might also try Feliway spray in the carrierDEFINITELY NOT IN THE TRAILER. Caps for emphasis

darsben1 wrote:AN enclosure for the cat in the truck would be nice cats like caves. You might also try Feliway spray in the carrierDEFINITELY NOT IN THE TRAILER. Caps for emphasisNo, we would not travel with her in the trailer at all.

I think there are more and more people travelling with cats, you often don't see them outside, just lounging on the dash of motorhomes. I suspect there are as many in trailers or 5ers.A six hour trip shouldn't be an issue. When you stop, either take the cat in carrier to the trailer and use the litter box or if there is enough room in the truck, provide the litter box access there during stops. We didn't take our cat for years and regret that we didn't start earlier as he adjusted so well and really loved the trips we did take.Doug

Ivylog wrote:How does it handle the carrier when taken to the Vet? Assuming it does well then I would put paper towels in the bottom of it and not worry about the litter box thing.She does OK going to the vet but it is only about 20 minutes, not 6 hours. But that is a thought. Thanks

Traveling with a cat | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jun 04, 2017
We are full-time and have seen many many cats in 7 years. Some even walk on a leash just like a dog.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 04, 2017
My cat rides in the trailer. She has her own hidey-hole that she comfortably goes to sleep in. She has access to the litter and food.

In the cab in a carrier she howls horribly. I take it that means she's uncomfortable and scared. Do what's best for you and your cat.
Naio
Explorer II
Jun 04, 2017
Cats normally only pee once or twice a day, unless they have medical issues. And they are unlikely to be willing to pee in a strange situation.

On a 12 hour drive, I stopped for dinner and left my cat alone in the rig, out of the carrier and with the cat box, but he still did not go. 6 hours, I think she would just hold it.

Consider a large carrier, and I do think it's a good idea to let her of the carrier (inside the truck or trailer), at least when you stop for breaks. 6 hours is a long time to be unable to stretch or walk around. This could also be her pee break if she wants one.

My cat rides in the van without a carrier. He has a hidden nest behind the fridge. Can she have a spot behind the truck seat? Some cats are troublesome if they are free inside the rig, but, especially with an older cat, she may just find a spot and hide, or sit on your lap.
Hokiehall
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
Ivylog wrote:
How does it handle the carrier when taken to the Vet? Assuming it does well then I would put paper towels in the bottom of it and not worry about the litter box thing.

She does OK going to the vet but it is only about 20 minutes, not 6 hours. But that is a thought. Thanks
dturm
Moderator
Jun 04, 2017
I think there are more and more people travelling with cats, you often don't see them outside, just lounging on the dash of motorhomes. I suspect there are as many in trailers or 5ers.

A six hour trip shouldn't be an issue. When you stop, either take the cat in carrier to the trailer and use the litter box or if there is enough room in the truck, provide the litter box access there during stops.

We didn't take our cat for years and regret that we didn't start earlier as he adjusted so well and really loved the trips we did take.

Doug
Hokiehall
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
darsben1 wrote:
AN enclosure for the cat in the truck would be nice cats like caves.
You might also try Feliway spray in the carrier

DEFINITELY NOT IN THE TRAILER. Caps for emphasis

No, we would not travel with her in the trailer at all.
darsben1
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
AN enclosure for the cat in the truck would be nice cats like caves.
You might also try Feliway spray in the carrier

DEFINITELY NOT IN THE TRAILER. Caps for emphasis
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jun 04, 2017
How does it handle the carrier when taken to the Vet? Assuming it does well then I would put paper towels in the bottom of it and not worry about the litter box thing.

Forum Discussion

Traveling with a cat

28 Replies

About Pet Owners

Related Content

Travel Trailer

Cat travels

My Travel Trailer Fell Down

Travel with Cats

traveling with cats