Van Life with Cats: Helping Your Feline Friend Feel at Home on the Road

Introduction

Bringing your cat on the road can be an adventure filled with cozy cuddles, playful antics, and endless companionship. But let’s be real—cats aren’t exactly known for their love of change. Helping them feel safe, comfortable, and confident in a constantly moving environment takes patience and a little creativity. The good news? With a few thoughtful steps, your cat can love van life as much as you do!

Getting Your Cat Used to Van Life

Start Small – Short Trips First

Before you even buy the van, consider whether your cat enjoys car rides. Some cats are naturally more adaptable, while others get stressed even during short trips. If your cat is comfortable in vehicles, start with short trips to let them explore while the van is stationary, then gradually introduce movement. Adjustment time varies—some cats settle in within a couple of weeks, while others may take a month or longer. Always go at their pace, as forcing it can lead to unnecessary stress.

Make the Van Feel Like Home

Cats love familiarity. Bringing their favorite blanket, bed, and toys from your previous home helps them feel at ease. We made sure to pack our cats’ favorite blankey—the same one they’ve had since adoption—to give them a sense of security. Over time, they started associating the van with home, which was key for their transition.

Setting Up a Cat-Friendly Van Space

• Litter Box Placement: Find a convenient yet out-of-the-way spot. A covered litter box can help minimize odor and mess.
• Meal Time Routine: Our cats eat when we eat—breakfast and dinner. Keeping mealtimes consistent helps them feel settled.
• Playtime & Stimulation: We packed plenty of toys, including interactive ones, to keep them entertained. Sometimes at night, we can actually feel the van shake from how hard they’re playing!
• Outdoor Time: We use a collapsible catio so they can enjoy fresh air safely. Mav loves her leash, but Goose is still working up the courage to be as adventurous as his sister.

Safety Tips for Traveling with Cats

• GPS Tracker: We use Tractive, a GPS collar that lets us track their location in case they wander off. Knowing we can always find them brings serious peace of mind.
• Temperature Monitoring: Our MarCELL pet and RV temperature monitor keeps us aware of the van’s climate. We haven’t had to use it much yet, but as temperatures rise, it’ll be a lifesaver.
• Travel Safety: For long drives, we use a kennel to keep them secure. If we ever got into an accident, they’d be much safer in their travel crate than roaming loose in the van.

Helping Your Cat Feel at Home

Signs of Stress & How to Ease Them

Even the most adventurous cats might get nervous at first. Watch for these stress signs:

• Hiding more than usual
• Panting (a serious sign of stress in cats)
• Excessive shedding If you notice any of these, give them time, extra comfort, and check with a vet if needed. Thankfully, our cats were already used to traveling, so their transition was pretty smooth!

Final Thoughts

Van life with cats is totally doable with a little planning and a lot of love. The key is making sure they feel safe and secure no matter where you are. If you’re considering hitting the road with your feline companion, go slow, stay patient, and always keep their comfort in mind.

Have experience traveling with cats? Share your stories and tips in the comments—we’d love to hear them!