By Cheri Sicard
Kim Hanna of RV Life with Kim Hanna and her partner, Pete, used to leave their cats, Max and Izzy, at home with a neighbor. Then their RV trips got longer, and that stopped feeling right. The cats are family, so they figured out how to bring them along, even when the first trips were messy and stressful.
Years later, the routine looks calm because a lot of trial and error happened first. A few changes made the biggest difference. Kim shares her thoughts and tips about the journey of RVing with cats in the video at the end of this post.
The carrier setup made travel easier
Hard-sided carriers were their starting point, but soft-sided carriers fit RV travel better. These worked because they open in more than one way, fold flat for storage, and have a firm bottom that stays in place. Kim also swaps the padded insert for small towels, since towels take up less space and are easier to wash if Izzy gets sick.
Before they leave, both cats eat and drink at home. Travel days usually stay under four hours, so the cats can sleep through much of the ride.
The road routine that changed everything
Medication was one of the first things they tried, and it was not the answer. Max got more agitated, and giving Izzy medicine was a fight.
ThunderCoats worked better, but only for Izzy. She calms down when she feels snug, while Max hates the tight fit.
Their loading routine stays the same each time:
1. Both cats start in zipped carriers.
2. Max rides on the folded center console and looks out through the front.
3. Izzy stays in her carrier until the road feels steady.
4. On rough stretches, she rides on Kim’s lap so her head and neck stay supported.
That support matters on bumpy boondocking roads. Kim also keeps paper towels nearby, uses a Feliway collar and spray for Izzy, and talks to both cats in a calm voice. If the meowing builds, soft music helps. They also learned to keep loading day calm, because chaos in the house makes both cats more anxious.
Safety rules matter most
The biggest rule is simple: The cats do not roam during setup. They stay zipped in their carriers while slides move, doors open, and the truck gets positioned. Kim has heard too many stories of pets getting crushed by a slide while hiding. That risk is not worth it.
They also learned that cracked windows are not safe enough. Izzy once slipped out of the truck through a small opening while they were checking a campsite. Now, the transfer into the trailer happens one cat at a time, with the door closed behind them. Inside, the goal is to make the RV feel like home. They use the same litter box, the same food, familiar beds, and covered furniture. Some first-day hissing still happens, but it fades once the cats settle in.
Trips to places like Kofa National Wildlife Refuge still come with dirt roads and the occasional upset stomach. However, the drive no longer feels overwhelming.
What changed most was the routine.
After years of practice, Max and Izzy now know what to expect, and that makes RV life much easier for everyone. So, if you are trying to RV with your cat, keep at it, establish some routines, and know that it does get better.
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RVDT2913
We travel with 6 cats. Crazy cat people. It’s work but we enjoy them. They all have their spot to travel even the dash of motorhome.
We added a small cat tree that fits between the front seats in our Class C.
And, also a dash cover. Cats love to sleep or view while on the dash.
When in the RV, from beginning of the trip to the end of the trip the cats are in full body harnesses plus a 6 ft lead. Helps capture an escape artist.,
Thank you for sharing and reviewing the RV, Cheri. Routine is an excellent way to minimize stress in general, regardless of the source of stress. Have a great day and safe travels!