Cats and Vanlife

[Bryan]

About to go fulltime vanlife and live on the road. Problem is I've got 3 strays that adopted me
I know of some that have cats in their vans but I'm unsure of the specifics of making sure the cats are safe from preditors and cars as well as keeping things sanitary (meaning keeping them from pottying in the van and bringing in dust, and parasites).

In general all the ins and outs that you folks found helpful with keeping cats.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[bullfrog !]

Fleas, ticks and the disease they carry make owning most pets a real challenge for many people. We ended up choosing not to own pets mainly because our small child was our priority. Had an eagle take one of our larger cats while my two year old son was playing with it, could have injured him. Decided watching wildlife and other people’s pets was better.

 

[INTJohn]

Im thinking stray cats might be a problem since being strays theyre not accustomed to being kept in a van at all.

Be different if raised from a kitten and a van is all they know. But im not a cat psychology health major. Cats can stress out very badly, tho, when there is a big change to “their world” theyve gotten accustomed to.

sayin
jonny boi

 

[jacqueg]

It depends a lot on their age. Older cats tend to want to sleep most of the time.

Get your cats used to being in a vehicle. The sooner the better. I used to drive my van to a nearby park, stay there and read a while, then go back home. I can't say she ever really liked it, but she did get used to it, and did eventually seem to understand that a traveling car does not necessarily end up at (whisper) the vet.

IMO, you must have a way of containing them. There are folks who let their cat(s) free roam while they are parked. I'd never do that. You must also have a way of keeping them halfway cool in the summer and halfway warm in the winter.

 

[maki2]

A three cat litter box in a vehicle? Unfortunately stray cats are used to being free range as are many indoor/outdoor cats. Try putting a harness on them. Then graduate to walking them on a leash. If any of them pass that test go for long car rides. You have to be able to keep the cats literally out from underfoot and secured while you drive. It is much easier to do that in a motorhome or in a van with a physical diver between the front and back. Crate training older cats may of may not go easy. I cannot imagine being very successful with getting 3 stray cats ready for full time Van life.

There are some humane societies that will rehome strays to become working “barn cats”. I know the Seattle Humane Society had a program with an adoption category for that. The cats are given a full health exam including blood work, treated if needed. Then if needed nurtured and vaccinated. Adoption fees are waived to help place them, etc. check around, the cats might have more options than you expect for successful rehoming.