miner1
MT
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Our seven year old cat could be the difference between us snow birding or not. Female tortoise, a bit skitterish, indoor and outdoor adapted. NOT a lap cat, but somewhat affectionate. Some cat traveling tips would be appreciated. Our trailer is not huge, so not sure of room for litter box etc...OR, if we choose a park model or something similar, are most parks open to pets?
Thanks for any/all advice.
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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Most parks do allow pets. Must be on a leash when outside though. Your cat may not like that part of it.
Will she travel in a cage for the trip down.
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Merrykalia
Appalachian (apple at chun) Mountains in SW VA
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We take our two cats and our min pin with us when we camp. The two cats are NOW leash trained - took a couple of months working with them DAILY! The cats are more leash trained than the dog!
The only time we have a problem is if we are walking them and a dog walks up on us, even on a leash, the cats go crazy, so that sets off the dog....or the dog goes crazy first, then it sets the cats off. We usually walk them EARLY in the am and LATE at night.
We have a litter box and it sits outside the bunkroom, is covered and has a charcoal filter on it. It still will get stinky on occasion, but I try to keep it cleaned out. The dog has even gotten into using it if we are camping, especially at night. That sure makes it easier for me, not having to get out at night.
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brirene
midwest
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I would certainly let her spend some time in the trailer while still at home. That will allow her to get used to it, and also stake out some space for herself (her choosing or yours). Has she traveled in the truck before? If not, would also take her for some trips to get used to that too. You might consider keeping her in a pen or carrier while traveling too. Good luck!
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miner1
MT
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Thanks for the tips so far....The only time our cat has ridden in the vehicle is when we go to the vet....she HATES the vet. She has to be gassed or knocked out with an injection to have any work done  I know what you are thinking....not a road trip cat!! Actually, I think she would do okay. We will try the short trips close to home next summer and see how that goes. Never had her on a leash. Yes, we would travel her in a little pet carrier. Thanks again!
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Cats usually like small spaces and I would expect her to adapt to the TT just fine after a few "visits" while in driveway. Ideally, she can travel in a crate (enclosed plastic type preferably, covered with a towel/small blanket- they seem to feel more secure if they cannot see the rapidly changing shadows/lights, etc.) That way, too, you know she is contained when you open the doors. Leave her in the crate until you have the slides in/out - that small space behind the slideout frame is a perfect place to hide!! ALWAYS know where she is before you open truck or TT doors - they can be very quick! If she is so skittish, I don't think I would even consider trying to leash train her. It is not necessary for her comfort and can be risky plus it might encourage her to try to go out on her own. Just take it slow and I'll bet she will adjust just fine! My calico who had a similar personality would run into our TT if she found the door open while she was outside at home!
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wanda573
missouri
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Hi,
We started taking our 10 year old indoor/outdoor cat with us on trips a few years ago. One of the things our vet suggested is that we get him a different carrier for the trips than the one we take him in to the vet. The vet's point being that the cat wouldn't smell the vet's office smells on the new carrier and it would help him to realize that he isn't going to the vet and he might settle down faster in the truck. So we got a real nice carrier with room for his toys and blankie. He meows for a few minutes and then either sleeps or looks out of the carrier's door. He is a good traveler and when we stop we take him to the trailer and he eats and uses the litter box. When we get ready to leave he is usually back in his carrier and ready to go again. I hope this helps you to be able to travel with your cat.
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garym114
Bluff Dale, Texas
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Make sure you understand the difference between a regular RV and a park model.
We let our cat have his run of the MH. He has no interest in going out the door.
He would go to the MH with me when we first got it and stay while I did some work out there.
Don't put the cat in and take off. Let him spend some time in the RV with you, with food and a litter box, while it is at home.
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Code2High
One hour past Nowhere, CA
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Cats aren't a problem at most parks. A motor home would be an easier choice for traveling with a cat, but with a little work, you should work it out. Pheremones are a very good thing to spray down the inside of the crate with. If you can condition her to use the crate (open) to sleep in before you go, that might be helpful. Some people have bought a crate the cat has not seen or smelled before, to remove the associations with the "vet" crate. There's another thread here from the last couple of weeks on traveling with three cats. Lots of discussion of crate options and what-not there.
As far as living in the trailer, my cats were overjoyed when they moved into my trailer. A new and exciting little space to explore.... practice runs in it are a good thing before you leave. NEVER move the slides unless you have the cat in a crate. NEVER, EVER. It's not a nice way to lose a cat.
I have a friend whose cat was just a complete spook. Terrified of everything, rarely came out of "her" room. When the other cat in the house died, she improved somewhat as that cat had been a bully. Friend was very worried when she had to move. We did some basic things... pheremones, moving the cat into the new house first, in a large dog crate, covered with a sheet until the commotion was over. The cat was quite relaxed and adapted in no time and became much more bold in that place. She didn't have the same associations with it that she did in the old house. They moved again last month and lo and behold... she's better still! Sometimes they can really surprise you.
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