How to Travel With Cats in a Camper Van

Taking the family on a road trip vacation often means bringing the family pets along as well. Traveling with cats in a confined space, such as a camper van, presents a number of problems. The cats are used to having lots of room to play and explore; they are not used to the motion caused by traveling over the road in an enclosed vehicle. Making the cats feel at home is the key to being able to successfully travel with cats in a camper van.

Instructions

1

Protect your cats. Verify all vaccinations and licensing are up-to-date. Ask your vet to insert a radio frequency identification tracking microchip for your cats in case they stray from your van. Use tracking collars that utilize radio frequencies or global positioning software if you do not want to use an invasive method on your cats.

2

Start with short trips such as a day trip to see how well your cats travel. Consider boarding the cats or leaving them with friends or family if the cats do not eat or drink, or have accidents in the camper van.

3

Allow the cats to have the run of the camper van, if possible. Set up separate areas for food and water and for the litter box, which should be placed in a discreet corner. Use caution when entering and leaving the camper so the cats do not escape. Confirm that the ambient temperature of the camper van is comfortable for your cats.

4

Obtain large cat carriers or crates if your camper van space is limited or for the cats to have a place to lie down. Select crates that have plenty of room for your cats to stand up in and turn around. The crates also need to have room for a cat bed or soft fleece cloth for the cats to lie on, small water and food bowls and a couple of toys, such as a catnip-filled mouse. Use separate carriers for each of your cats, unless you are traveling with kittens.

5

Make frequent stops while traveling. Allow for ample time for your cats to use the litter box, stretch their legs, eat and drink -- particularly if they appear to not be doing so while in the crate -- and spend quality time with you. Play with your cats and feed them cat treats.

6

Place your cats on leashes and take them outside to a grassy area so they can get some exercise and play. Use long leashes so the cats can have some distance from you, but not get tangled up in the leash.