Are Cats Good Traveling Companions in an RV?

The benefits and disadvantages of having cats as travel companions in an RV.

Are cats good traveling companions in an RV? The world is home to a diverse array of pet owners. Some favor dogs, others favor cats, and some choose exotic pets. During our travels, we encounter various pet owners and their companions. Although we’ve come across a handful of cat friendly RVers, dog owners are more common. Traveling with pets comes with its own set of pros and cons, and here we present our list of the advantages and disadvantages of journeying with cats.

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Advantages

Pest Control

Living with the elements brings the risk of encountering uninvited guests like mice or snakes. Although cats cannot completely prevent these creatures from entering your RV, they serve as a natural deterrent. BBC News reports that cats release a chemical in their saliva which induces a fear response in mice. A lack of mice reduces the chances of snakes entering in search of a meal. Cats are also adept hunters and natural predators of both snakes and mice. Should such an intruder find its way into your RV, your cat would likely enjoy the hunt and resolve the issue efficiently.

Bug Control

Cats are fond of playing and hunting. Ever since we adopted our cat, there’s been a noticeable reduction in the number of flies and spiders in our RV. It’s important to be aware of the types of bugs present in your home, as certain insects can cause your cats to vomit if ingested.

Low Maintenance

“Feed me, pet me, leave me alone,” summarize the three fundamental moods of a cat. They don’t need much beyond the basics. This simplicity is what makes cats ideal companions for RV living.

Independence

You can leave cats to their own devices and not have to worry about kenneling them when you are away. Cats can be left for hours at a time and for the majority of that time they will just sleep. When they are awake, they use the litterbox, they eat then they go back to napping. We don’t have to worry about our house being destroyed when we get back.

Disadvantages

The Litterbox

The litterbox occupies space. In an already confined area, finding an accessible spot for a litterbox can be challenging. Some RV-owning cat lovers get creative with litterbox placement. I’ve observed people repurposing storage areas under dinettes or cutting floor holes to utilize under-RV storage. We are not as inventive or skilled, so our litterbox is stationed in the shower. Since we use the park’s facilities instead of our RV shower, accommodating our cats in this way is probably our most significant compromise. The smell of the litter box should also be addressed.

Scratched Furniture

While older cats may be more respectful of furniture, younger cats and kittens are curious explorers and can be quite mischievous. No matter how small the space in an RV, cats will manage to squeeze into it. Our cat has been found hanging from curtains, concealed atop cupboards, and even wedged behind dresser drawers. If there’s a gap, your cat will likely discover it, sometimes to the detriment of your RV’s furnishings.

Sleep

Cats are crepuscular creatures, which means they’re most active during dawn and dusk. However, some cats may also be active at night. In a standard home, such nighttime activity might remain undetected by the owner. But in an RV, your cat’s nocturnal escapades are bound to catch your attention. Owning an active cat that roams at night may lead to a few sleepless nights.

Veterinary Care

Locating a veterinarian can be challenging for those traveling with pets. In case of injury, a local animal hospital is usually the go-to option. However, routine checkups and vaccinations pose a different issue. Many campgrounds and RV parks mandate proof of current vaccinations, which is an important factor to consider prior to embarking on your travels. The frequency of relocation can make scheduling appointments with local vet clinics particularly tough.