eflester
Buckley, WA
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Joined: 07/21/2005
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When we bought our MH, we got one that we hoped would be big enough to accommodate the two of us and our two cats. Unfortunately, we gave up on the idea of taking the kitties with us after a couple of tries, as they seemed to be extremely stressed by the experience.
The worst part was when the vehicle was moving. We put each one in a cat carrier and secured them for safety, and they both cried almost constantly while in motion. Things were a little better when we were stationary, but there was a lot of obvious fear, and most of the time in camp they spent hiding in one place or another.
Since then, we've relied on a couple of friends to stop by the house and care for them when we're off in the RV. Our cats just don't seem to be the traveling kind.
Our cats are not kittens, they are approximately 10 and 12 years old. Neither one of them appreciates a ride in the car or the MH. I'm interested in hearing how people have dealt with this problem. We would love to have our cats with us, but at the same time we want to do what's best for them.
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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Joined: 12/31/2009
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My mother had a cat and when she passed away we took the cat and as we were RV'ers we tried to take the cat with us.
Same problem. It was an older cat and it did not like to travel and it did not even like it's new home in the house.
I guess they have their routine and do not like to change, the same as some people.
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gemsworld
Sunny Southern California
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Joined: 03/08/2009
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Give them time to get used to traveling. We traveled with three old cats and one dog for many years. We put the cats in the bedroom and closed the door and they usually jumped on the bed and stayed there. The even got used to the loud noise coming from the engine when we had a DP. We still have one cat left and she's used to traveling in the moho. I'm not saying she likes it, but she's used to it. Good luck!
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Burwoods
Outside Toronto, Canada
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Joined: 08/08/2010
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Do you keep your RV at your home, if so you need to put the cats in there and let it be their home while it is stationary. Spending time just sitting in it with them, reading or just working around in it. When they are comfortable with that, you start the engine and let them get use to that, again spending time just being there with them. Then a little trip around the block, and back home, if you want to take the time you can get them comfortable in the RV.
Bob and Sally
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StanleyandIris
Louisiana
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Joined: 06/17/2007
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Talk to the vet and get some anti-axiety meds for the cats until they get accustomed to travel. My kitty sat in my lap (please, no slams) while we were in motion and then spent the still days on the dash looking out the huge window.
She hated the drive, but was a snuggle bug the rest of the time and we were all together. The dogs have been on secret probation since the first trip with them.
Iris
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Code2High
One hour past Nowhere, CA
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Joined: 12/21/2004
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Burwoods wrote:Do you keep your RV at your home, if so you need to put the cats in there and let it be their home while it is stationary. Spending time just sitting in it with them, reading or just working around in it. When they are comfortable with that, you start the engine and let them get use to that, again spending time just being there with them. Then a little trip around the block, and back home, if you want to take the time you can get them comfortable in the RV.
Good points... Also consider spray or plug-in pheremones, or collars.
susan
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a wabbit, Fuzzy Wuzzy had a dandelion habit! RIP little Wuz... don't go far.
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Klueck
Florida
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Joined: 11/15/2008
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Don't give up on the kitties. We are fulltimers and our kitties live in the MH with us. It took them a little time to get used to it. They aren't too thrilled on travel days, but seemed resigned to the fact that they have to ride in their carriers. They are quiet, don't get sick, and are very happy to get out of their carriers and see what is outside their windows now!
Cats are very adaptable and will adjust. Our cats were also older, and two were wild cats that are still half wild. They do fine.
You'll enjoy having them with you and they will enjoy it once they get adjusted to their new lifestyle.
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WandaLust2
TN
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Joined: 11/14/2008
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You were given excellent advice by others. It can take more than a few tries before they adapt to a moving vehicle, to traveling. Don't give up on them. My male cat Zebulon actually made himself sick the first time we took him with us as a 8 or 9 month old kitten. After the third trip as soon as he was turned lose in the TT he went to check out the food and water bowls, then hit the litterpan... and finally the windows. None of our three like to be in a moving vehicle but once we get there, wherever *there* is, they're happy as larks.
WandaLust. Retired. Middle TN
Heartland 2011 NorthTrail 28BRS
1993 Ford Dutchman Class-C
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lucy6194
Cape cod MA
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we have two adopted older cats and my husband was concerned about taking them. First time out was alittle wild but now they adjust after a day or so. We usually move into camper a day or two prior to leaving so they get use to it. They survived hurrican Irene last summer in Vermont with us and that trip included being ferried over a rageing river in overnight bags. (that's a whole story in itself)We thought once they came home they's be pleased they weren't they have us all to themselves in the camper. The momma cat did escape in campground in NE kingdom of Vt but got her back. Only hope that all works out this next trip of 5 or 6 months to Alaska & back.
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computerbug
Sarasota
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Joined: 07/17/2005
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Ours didnt like the crates so we put a cardboard box with a soft bath mat under the couch and thats where they go until we stop. Then its up on the dash. If we have guest or just busy we put them in the bedroom. One kitty was 12 when we started. Also a plain box with a hole cut in it under the table will do. Good Luck
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