Traveling with Cats June 19, 2017, 11:07:22 am Equal time for kitties? The current thread about pet crates got me wondering what you LD cat owners do when you travel with cats? Not only do you crate them but how do you handle such daily issues such as placement of litter boxes, food bowls, etc. ? Some of you may even travel with both cats and dogs. My, that must be interesting!I would imagine different years and models would vary things so please state what rig you have, as well. Thanks! 2 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #1 – June 19, 2017, 02:58:41 pm Our two cats travel loose in our TK, but they stow themselves automatically when anyone gets in the driver's seat. Silly Lily rides in the overhead bunk; Dart HP prefers the very back end of the couch. We do have one regular hard sided cat carrier and one larger soft-sided one that can fit both of them if necessary, and it's probably safer but they both yell if each is in a separate carrier. If they ride together in the larger carrier, it's also stressful as Dart can't keep his hands to himself and Lily has to keep reminding him to behave.They used to yell a bit during the first few miles of a trip before we went full-time, but since then they've figured out that while their house sometimes moves they're still at home so all's well in cat land.Lily comes right out when we stop and wants food. Dart is still trying to get his mind around the fact that his house is still here, but the outside world has changed completely. He's making good use of what brains he's got to work with, but it's going to take time. Meanwhile he goes and looks out every window saying "Helllllooooo???" which is hilarious.Food and water dishes stay in a pyrex baking pan (to contain spills) on the floor under the stove, sitting on a non-slidey sisal doormat that also serves as a scratching post. The litter box is a rubbermaid tote that exactly fits the cabinet under the wardrobe. We fabricated a door with a fat cat size hole matching one we cut in the side of the tote so they can get in and out easily. That gets scooped at least twice daily to keep the "lion house at the zoo" scenario under control. Link to post with more details: Where to put the kitty litter box in a Twin KingLily enjoys doing the "pet trapped in a hot vehicle" routine by roasting in the windshield, even when the vent fans are running and the coach is comfortably cool. fu2015TK 3 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #2 – June 19, 2017, 03:27:50 pm An interesting item about cats.Long before they conquered the Internet, cats took over the world - The... 2 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #3 – June 19, 2017, 05:47:53 pm Our cat rides "loose" when we travel. On the current coach he prefers a hidey-hole next to his litter box, or under the dinette, or next to the driver's seat (not as dangerous as it sounds). On our 1997-8 mid-bath LD, he would slide under the passenger seat (as Andy Baird's cat did) for a nap and not come out until we had been stationary for about an hour.The cat carrier sits unassembled in the toad, for emergencies only (none so far).The litter box went between the front seats, against the console. It's covered, and the Mrs. made a couple of nice curtains over the opening for "privacy." When underway we moved the box towards the rear, so we could get between the seats from the inside of the coach.Food dishes went in front of the refrigerator, although that's a more vague recollection than the rest.I adapted his "Cat Napper" perch to fit over the back of the rear berths, so he'd have a perfect view of the world out the 270-degree rear windows, and he ignored it. Ditto the cat bed from home. He is a cat, after all. Both ended up in the toad pretty quickly.Mark H. 3 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #4 – June 20, 2017, 12:09:41 am My vet told me to let the cats find their own secure spot to travel. They "own" the bed over the cab in my mid-bath when on the road. Close window curtains when traveling, they are quite content. When I stop for lunch or a pee break, I tell them to jump down - get water, food or litter box. Give them some down time. When ready to leave, I give them a heads up and they run to the bed over the cab.I do carry 2 broken down hard crates. Fill them with blankets...and its their sofa when not on the road. I should mention, I trained both of the cats to stay out of the cab (whether moving or not) when I am sitting there. So I have zero action of them getting under foot, up on the dash or under my brake pedal. They respect that decision quite nicely. If I have been on the road too long..one will sit on the back of the passenger seat and howl at me - "Its time to stop, Mom!!!" And I do shortly. ;-)Melinda2011 27' Mid-bath 3 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #5 – June 20, 2017, 09:44:21 am My boys also ride 'loose'. After we load them they run for their 'cover'. Water is kept in a largeess water feeder in a In/Out tray. (I have nooooo idea how that got into our procession. ) Food bowls are keep on a rubber mat. Litter box in kept in the shower stall. They travel well. Dylan after a few hours will come out to sniff the area. He likes setting in the windshield area for a good sun bathing. Syman prefers to stay hidden till we come to a complete stop then he bounds out to see what is new on kitty tv. 3 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #6 – June 20, 2017, 10:06:29 am Our fine kitty (Bad Little Kitty) was recently lost, likely to coyotes. He was an indoor /outdoor kitty, and a great hunter. Bunnies, gophers, ground squirrels, and one young raccoon. He eluded the cat predators for 13 years but was slowing down and still insisting on going out. He was also a great boat cat and loved the water. We miss him and will find a new kitten, but I'd like the kitty to travel with us. How do you keep your cats from getting out the door and going exploring? We tried a harness on Bad Little Kitty on just one trip, but in order to get him to not pull out of it, we had to tighten the harness until he could barely breathe, and then when we stepped out and had him on a leash, he squirted out of the harness like a soap sud. I didn't have the heart to glue it to him and it seemed like it was the last option. How do you all solve the getting out and getting lost problem? I've only had one cat who came back when he was called. After all, they are cats...Dogs think we are gods.Cats think they are gods.Harold 5 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #7 – June 20, 2017, 12:48:03 pm We travelled with a pair of cats for years, FL both '83 and current '04. Covered cat pan in the shower, arranged so exiting required a 180 degree turn to minimize debris dispersal. Food and water also in there, with a rubber-bottom rug to prevent shifting and protect the shower pan. Converting to shower use took a couple of minutes, but converting back required a complete wipedown and dry-out. We had the cleanest shower stall you've ever seen.En-route started out with both in a plastic carrier between the cab seats. That worked for 1 1/2 days. Thereafter, they stayed free-roaming, mostly up in the bunk, and the carrier disassembled, inverted, and serving to hold travel info, etc - between the cab seats.Steve 3 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #8 – June 20, 2017, 10:44:26 pm We travel with Princess-kitty in the lap of whoever is the passenger. She used to cry and shake in the lap when the water ngine start d up, but now she is used to it. We keep a halter on her with leash attached. That way if she jumps off the passenger 's lap, we still have control of her. We have a 2004 MB. Her covered litter box rides in the cab between the seats. Sometimes she sits on the cat box cover for a different view. Sometimes we put maps or tour books on it. Her food and water bowls are on a rubber mat on the floor in the kitchen near the sink. Her small pyrex water bowl is kept inside a larger bowl as Snowshoe kitties love dipping their paws in their water bowl before they drink from it. Many times while checking the water depth in the bowl with her paw (or whatever she is doing) she tips the small bowl over. The larger bowl prevents the tipping. Also the large bowl contains splashes from driving on the rough roads.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #10 – June 20, 2017, 11:05:52 pm "We travel with Princess-kitty in the lap of whoever is the passenger."I was curious about what sort of cat is a "Snowshoe", and a wander down Google Lane was very informative. Sounds like a very pleasant kitty to have with you. I hope your Princess Kitty has none of the Grumpy Cat traits!Snowshoe Cat Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & FactsI've never traveled with an animal of any kind, so anything I think of may be totally impractical, but I've always wondered if the doormats that are able to contain a quart of water might be a suitable "eating/drinking pad" for a pet. Maybe they are too bulky; I've never really seen one. But it seems like a good idea to contain spills while also stabilizing the bowls. Probably not suitable to keep Princess from turning over her dipping bowl, but might be good for normal sloshes from floppy lips. Virtual hugs, Judie
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #11 – June 20, 2017, 11:46:17 pm Cats understand what BIG LOUD HISS means, whether it's from "canned air" (computer cleaner) or a person saying PSSSSST. Back in our house days, the cats got hissed at any time I came near the front door, and it only took a few lessons before they learned to get away from the door when people approach. Same training works (mostly) in the motorhome. Silly Lily is dependably door-avoidant. Dart HP is getting better at resisting the temptation to walk through an open door so he can scare himself silly outside, but for those occasional lapses, he wears a "TabCat" collar with which we can track and locate him when necessary with a remote about the size of a credit card. If he's within hearing distance, the sound of kitty treats or Can will bring him back in with alacrity. fu2015TK 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #12 – June 21, 2017, 09:28:05 am Both boys are leash trained. Dylan is a snowshoe. That means he's a relatively smart cat. Syman is a tabby, and a very shy tabby at that. Dylan loves being around humans - a snowshoe trait. On the very very rare when moments Syman wants outside with Dylan we put on his leash. He 'likes' it about 5 or 6 seconds then runs for cover. 6 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #13 – June 21, 2017, 09:56:31 am Quote from: Cindy Beck - June 20, 2017, 10:44:26 pmHer small pyrex water bowl is kept inside a larger bowl as Snowshoe kitties love dipping their paws in their water bowl before they drink from it. Many times while checking the water depth in the bowl with her paw (or whatever she is doing) she tips the small bowl over.We bought a water bowl from CW, probably available elsewhere, which has a very well-sealed snap-on lid. Also, the base is as wide as the bowl, so tipping is rare - normally. One of our cats would become obsessed with doing so, however, and would manage to tip it up on its side. In that position it is also stable, and in most cases will still not leak.Water Hole Pet Dish - Lakeview A72 - Pet Bowls & Feeders - Camping WorldSteve 1 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #14 – June 21, 2017, 10:42:26 am My dad has one like that for his dog Cedar and it work very well. 2 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #15 – June 21, 2017, 01:43:34 pm Enclosed are a few images on custom hook made for cat access to litter box on the run ....... 1 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #16 – June 21, 2017, 01:47:30 pm Thanks for mentioning that, Daughter Mine...Here's a link to the water bowl that we use for our dog Cedar (and Jiggs before him) ------- Amazon.com : Buddy Bowl 44oz Original : Travel Bowls : Pet Supplies 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #17 – July 01, 2017, 09:13:28 pm Quote from: colddog - June 21, 2017, 09:28:05 amBoth boys are leash trained. Dylan is a snowshoe. That means he's a relatively smart cat. Syman is a tabby, and a very shy tabby at that. Dylan loves being around humans - a snowshoe trait. On the very very rare when moments Syman wants outside with Dylan we put on his leash. He 'likes' it about 5 or 6 seconds then runs for cover.Hi! Can I ask what brand of cat harness this is? My boy Squeak likes to make a game out of removing whatever style of harness I've tried on him, but I'm thinking that double band on the chest/stomach area might defeat him. I'm willing to give it a try, anyway.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #18 – July 02, 2017, 09:09:24 am Quote from: colddog - June 21, 2017, 09:28:05 amBoth boys are leash trained. Dylan is a snowshoe. That means he's a relatively smart cat. Syman is a tabby, and a very shy tabby at that. Dylan loves being around humans - a snowshoe trait. On the very very rare when moments Syman wants outside with Dylan we put on his leash. He 'likes' it about 5 or 6 seconds then runs for cover. Colddog, I really like the look of the Snowshoe. Are they very "vocal?" How hard are they to find?
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #19 – July 02, 2017, 09:46:21 am Quote from: HiLola - July 02, 2017, 09:09:24 amColddog, I really like the look of the Snowshoe. Are they very "vocal?" How hard are they to find?Snowshoe Breed InformationDylan was not 'vocal' at all for years. In his older years he has learned to display is displeasure with us -- he is not very loud but he is differently letting us know he is not happy. They 'love' human companionship - a great lap cat. The cross breed is a recessive gene between American Shorthair and a Siamese so that makes them relatively rare. We found Dylan as a kitten at a local Snowshoe rescue shelter. <smile> Seems in Portland there is a rescue shelter for any breed under the sun. ( I know I shouldn't get political ) But this I know if you get one trained them the were you want them or they will take over your life -- trust me I learn this the hard way. As far as Dylan is concerned I'm his slave fulfilling his ever wish and command. 5 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #20 – July 17, 2017, 06:37:36 pm I see you have quite a few responses so will try to be succinct and see if I can add anything. We travel with two cats. I was opposed to taking them - my wife wanted to have them with us.. so we compromised and we take them every time. The cats are Marmalade, a large male (neutered) and Mabeljoy, a small female (spade). They are brother and sister and we got them as just weaned kittens three years ago. . We don't carry a crate or other container.. but they wear collars with full ids and have leashes.. we keep the leashes on them much of the time so that if they escape, (which they have done too often) we can retrieve them easier. The litter box is a small problem - in a 26 ft IB there are only so many possibilities - but we normally keep it on the port side of the bed and my wife sleeps on that side works around it as she gets up much less often in the night than I do. We try and clean it two or three times a day. At home they come and go at will - in a country setting - so the first week underway is hard on them - but they get a little more attention on the road and they have their favorite spots - the cab bunk and the ledge above and and behind the passenger seat are where they normally ride when moving. . We let them out at some campsites on a tether attached to their leash. We go for 2 to 4 months at a time and they adjust pretty quickly but when they get loose and decide they don't want to come in for a while and if they have recently eaten and can't be tempted with snacks- it is chaotically stressful... so we have developed routines to minimize their ability to escape. The cats are very important to my wife and she enjoys having them with us.. all in all it is a positive experience We are leaving for Alberta, CA in the morning and their rabies shots are up to date so all is starting well.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #21 – July 17, 2017, 09:09:50 pm My brother just got me this book a couple days ago as a gift. Looking forward to reading it!
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #22 – July 17, 2017, 11:05:55 pm Quote from: HiLola - July 17, 2017, 09:09:50 pmMy brother just got me this book a couple days ago as a gift. Looking forward to reading it!Too much spare time your hands?It's time to stop being a wannabe and to buy something and to hit the road, with your cat, it craves adventure...and mice.Neither you or the cat are getting any younger.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #23 – July 18, 2017, 07:11:06 am We travel with our spry active 18 yo deaf cat. He did manage to wriggle out of leash attachments, so we constructed one that circled his neck and chest. He doesn’t seem to mind it at all, and leash walks beautifully. He loves to be outside. The leash attaches at the chest end, and attaches before the door gets opened. I can't figure out how to post pictures, so here's a link that has some pictures in it: Tom and Kristen's Great RV Adventure: Stinky's PerspectiveHis box lives in a decorative cabinet between our twin beds in the back, doubling as a night table. It’s very easy to access for daily scooping. The purchase link: Amazon.com : Merry Pet Cat Washroom / Night Stand Pet House : Cat Houses And...Happy Trails! 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Traveling with Cats Reply #24 – July 19, 2017, 11:50:50 pm Quote from: HiLola - July 17, 2017, 09:09:50 pmMy brother just got me this book a couple days ago as a gift. Looking forward to reading it!Looks like a great book! Thanks for mentioning it. 1 Likes
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Topic: Traveling with Cats (Read 775 times)
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