Cat Camper Holiday
It's great to be able to enjoy the holidays with your best friend. Thinking of going on a motorhome holiday with your cat? We think it's a great idea! Here are some tips on how best to create an environment that's great for your cat in the motorhome.
Transporting your cat
Your cat must be secured either in a carrier or with a seatbelt.
If your cat is transported in a cage, it should be positioned in such a way that the cat gets shade and good ventilation.
Equipment, luggage or other objects should not be able to fall on the cat.
The space the cat occupies during the journey should allow them to stand up and lie down comfortably.
Remember that there should be a good chance of rescuing your cat in the event of an accident.
Rest your cat and give it water at least every 6 hours. If the journey is longer than 6 hours, you should have a cage with a sanitary box. However, cats do best if they have access to fresh water throughout the journey.
You should never leave a cat unattended in a car if there is a possibility of the temperature rising above +25 or below -5 degrees. A camper van heats up quickly and rules state that cats can only be left in a stationary car for a maximum of three hours. So plan your trip well in advance.
Cats and motion sickness
Cats can suffer from motion sickness, and this is usually indicated by drooling or vomiting. Sometimes they may also urinate or have diarrhoea. Vomiting can be avoided if you remove the food a few hours before departure, but there are also aids for longer distances. Consult a vet to get the right aids for your cat. As an insurance customer with us, you have unlimited calls to digital vet who can help.
The indoor environment
Get your cat used to a couple of times before it's time to travel. Bear in mind that your cat can get hot, so it's a good idea to think about how your cat can cool down when they can't get away in the same way as at home. One tip is to buy a cooling pad at the pet shop for your cat to lie on.
Water should always be available for the cat in the camper. Find a good spot that is not out of the way and there are anti-spill varieties available at the pet store. Also make room for the litter tray inside the camper. Keep in mind that water and a litter tray should not be right next to each other, even in a camper.
When you have arrived
The camper is a cramped space for your cat and can be very different from the space they are used to. Make sure your cat always has a place to sleep in a quiet part of the camper and take your cat out for little adventures on a leash when it's not too hot outside.
It's wonderful to have your best friend with you on holiday. Remember to travel on your pet's terms and you'll have a great holiday together!