Lucky inspired this cat-friendly travel guide. Lucky came into my life as a stray. I was staying at my family farm and one evening we noticed this cat in the yard. Over the next few days she would come up to me when I have a bowl of food for her. She gradually allowed me to pet her then one evening she followed me into my van. She stayed iinside all night with no problem.
The next night I put in a litter box for her. After that she would be waiting for me outside the house door and walk with me to my van. I fell in love with her and decided to take her with me on my 6 month road trip across the USA.
Here’s a vanlife guide to make cat-friendly travel safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.
1. Preparing for the Cat-Friendly Travel Journey
Vet Check-Up:
Before hitting the road, I took Lucky for a vet visit as I did not know her age. We figured she was about 7 months old. I got her spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. I had the paperwork and everything was ready for us to hit the road.
Comfortable Carrier:
I invested in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier. I chose a soft sided one so it could easily be stored when camping. I felt this would also provide her with a safe place to be when I was driving. I was able to get her into it to take her to the vet but she has never really liked the carrier.
Essentials for Cat-Friendly Travel:
Food, litter, a scoop, food and water bowls, a harness and leash, a brush, a few toys, and blankets that smelled like the farm.
2. Creating a Cat-Friendly Van Setup
Dedicated Space:
Cats are territorial, so give your cat a specific area where they feel secure. I made a cat door so she could easily get from the back to the front of the van. I build two wooden perches at the back windows so she could sit and look outside.
Litter Box Solution:
I chose a spot under the bed where her litter box is accessible for her and easy for me to clean. I put her food at the other end of the van.
Ventilation and Temperature:
Cats can be sensitive to heat, so keep the van well-ventilated, especially in hot weather. The wall behind my seats and window shades help keep my van cool, and a fan helps with airflow.
3. Driving with a Cat
Secure During Drives:
The research I did was to always keep a cat in the carrier while driving. She did not like being in the carrier and chose to hide under my bed when I am driving. I put a bed and blanket in that area so she can feel safe and be comfortable. She comes out of that area when I stop.
Gradual Drives:
For cats not used to car travel, start with short trips to acclimate them. Gradually increase driving times to ease the transition. I took her for a few drives before starting my roadtrip but not a lot, however she has adjusted really well.
Comfort Items:
I brought a blanket that she slept on in the farm house and put it under the bed where she stays when we travel. In the beginning I did use the calming pheromone spray Feliway, but I am not sure if that helped or not. Within a few days of travelling we were in a happy routine.
4. Managing Your Cat’s Outdoor Time
Harness Training for Cat-Friendly Travel:
Lucky is a hunter at heart and loves exploring, so harness training was a must. Cats generally need gradual, positive reinforcement to adjust to a harness, so start this process before your trip. I bought what I thought would be a good harness but when I put it on her she would just lay there.
I found a “kitten” harness that had small straps and she took to this one right away. At first she would fight a bit when I put it on her but now sits quietly when I say we are going outside and lets me put it on her.
Leashed Adventures:
I stick to secure outdoor areas when I am parked. I notice I am looking for areas that she can easily explore, scratch trees and dig to do her business. Letting your cat explore safely on a leash can be a great way to keep them stimulated and satisfy their natural curiosity.
Safety Precautions:
I try to avoid areas with heavy traffic or unknown animals, and always keep a watchful eye. She startles easily, so I keep the harness snug to prevent any escapes. I have a 10 foot leash and she has a tendency to wrap itaround the van tires and once came out of her harness. I am always watchful when she is out of the van.
5. Building a Routine
Daily Feeding & Playtime:
Cats love routine so I have been diligent to keep to a routine. First thing was to establish a regular schedule for feeding, play, and litter box cleaning. Cats thrive on routine, and even small, consistent activities can help ease the stress of constant change.
She is awake early in the morning and have kept her feeding time to be 6 a.m. I then often climb back into bed then around 7 a.m. I clean the litter box and vaccum the van. It took her a few weeks to get use to the vacuum noise but now is use to it.
Mental Stimulation:
I have tried different toys but she does not play with many of them. She loves small mice, empty toilet paper rolls (a few mornings I found a full one ripped up). We also usually play a couple times of day with a wand toy. These provide outlets for energy and help prevent boredom
Quality Time:
Spend time bonding with your cat each day to reinforce a sense of security. Even a few minutes of petting or playing can make them feel at home. We have our morning routine, I drink my coffee and she sits on my lap cleans herself and sleeps. When driving I stop every few hours and we have a little petting time.
6. Preparing for Overnights and Campgrounds
Pet-Friendly Campgrounds:
I usually camp on BLM land or National forest areas that are free and usually have very few other campers around. Many campgrounds have leash policies, which can apply to cats as well as dogs, so do your reserach if you are planning to stay mostly in campgronds.
Overnight Security:
Ensure your van is secure at night. Check all doors and windows, and keep anything that could draw your cat outside, like an open window, safely shut.
Noise Control:
Cats can be sensitive to new sounds and Lucky definitely is. When she is in the van she seems to be okay but when on her leash she can be startled easily and heads back to the safety of the van. She seems to like my country music, so that is a bonus.
7. Dealing with Common Challenges
Accidents & Litter Box Issues:
Accidents may happen, especially during the early days of travel. Having enzymatic cleaners on hand can help with cleanup and reduce lingering odors. So far I have been lucky and she religiously uses her litter box.
Stress Management:
Traveling may initially stress your cat, but over time, they may grow to love van life. This has been true for Lucky. We have been travelling for a few months now and she has adapted really well. Be patient, offer reassurance, and monitor their behavior for signs of prolonged stress.
Routine Health Checks
If your trip is long-term, find a way to regularly check in with a vet, especially if your cat has any pre-existing conditions.
8. Capture the Moments
Documenting our van life journey is a rewarding part of the experience. Photos and videos of our adventures, her quirks, and new “favorite spots” in the van will create lasting memories of our travels together.
Traveling with a cat takes planning, patience, and a bit of creativity, but the shared journey can create an incredibly strong bond and enrich both of your lives. With a little preparation, your cat will feel right at home on the road, turning your van into a cozy, mobile space for two.