.png)
Van Life with a Cat: A Guide to Living in a Campervan with Your Cat
- Silke
- Jan 5
- 5 min read
While many people take their dogs along on campervan adventures, it’s less common to see cats joining the journey. I often wondered if it was even possible—after all, cats are very different from dogs and might not seem suited to the van life lifestyle. At least, that’s what many people assume. However, I’ve come to a different conclusion. Not all cats—and not all dogs, for that matter—are cut out for van life. Truthfully, many animals might not enjoy it. But as a pet owner, you must properly prepare and train your pet for this unique lifestyle. Even with the right preparation, not every dog or cat will take to it. Just like people, animals have their own preferences, and some simply don’t enjoy van life (hard to believe, I know!).
As a pet owner, it’s crucial to observe and decide whether your animal is suited for this kind of adventure. In this guide, I’ll share the decisions I’ve made, the preparation I went through, and how I’ve navigated life on the road with my cat. Let’s explore whether van life could work for you and your cat!
About my cat, Neo
In 2021, my roommate at the time and I got a cat named Neo. Although we bought her together, we agreed that she would stay with me after our studies. We brought her home when she was just eight weeks old and raised her together. Living in an apartment in the heart of the city worked to our advantage, as the constant noise helped Neo become used to loud sounds—she’s not even scared of fireworks! However, Neo isn’t the easiest cat. She’s very attached to me and isn’t fond of strangers. When approached by someone she doesn’t know, she either walks away or makes it clear she doesn’t want to be touched. While I sometimes wish she were friendlier with everyone, her cautious nature does have its perks—at least I know no one is likely to steal her! Despite being over four years old, Neo is incredibly energetic and adventurous, with the energy of ten cats. She’s truly a unique and spirited cat to have with me on this journey.
How To Let Your Cat Outside
I often see people letting their cats roam freely outdoors, and I wish I could do the same with Neo. However, it’s not really an option for her. Since she’s not the friendliest cat, she won’t always let me pick her up whenever or wherever I need to. While I trust she wouldn’t run away, I worry she’d wander off and refuse to come back when called. I definitely don’t want to play a nightly game of cat-and-mouse just to get her back into the van when it’s time to sleep or move on. So, I came up with a solution I haven’t seen anyone else use! I attach her harness to a 10-meter line but leave it unattached to anything. This allows her to roam freely while giving me the ability to retrieve her easily if needed. Although her freedom is somewhat limited—she often gets herself tangled around obstacles—when the space is open, she can explore quite far and enjoy discovering the area. It’s a balance that works well for both of us!
Where to Keep Your Cat While Driving
One thing I was never able to introduce my cat to was being in a car or a van, simply because I didn’t own one. So, it was a completely new experience for both of us. I quickly discovered that she doesn’t mind short trips at all. She will sit on the bed, watch outside, or even fall asleep. However, during long drives, she tends to meow and move around a lot, which isn’t safe for either of us. When planning a trip that will last a few hours, I use an expandable backpack I have for her, place it on the bed (so she feels the bumps less), and cover it with a blanket to create a dark, calming environment. This way, she feels secure and tends to sleep for most of the journey, allowing both of us to travel without worry.
I’ve never really trained her for this, so I consider myself lucky that she’s so comfortable with it!
How to Get Your Cat Used to Being in the Van
A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human’s, making scents and familiar items incredibly important to them. To help my cat adjust to van life, I brought specific items from home into the van. These included her favourite toys, the soft blankets she loved sleeping on, and even my bed, as she sleeps with me every night. I believe these familiar items made it much easier for her to adapt to the new environment during those first few days. If you have the chance to take a few weekend trips with your cat before transitioning to full-time van life, I highly recommend it. Short trips allow your cat to become familiar with the van and its surroundings gradually, making the eventual move far less stressful for both of you.
Van Life Cat Essentials
Litter Box
A litter box is essential, as your cat won’t always be outside. I opted for a foldable, waterproof litter box instead of a hard plastic one. It’s convenient for emergencies since it’s easy to fold and carry, and cleaning it is simple after emptying. I use the cheapest litter I can find as Neo (luckily) doesn’t have unpleasantly smelly waste.
Harness
I can’t recall where I got Neo’s harness, but I recommend starting with a small, lightweight harness and later transitioning to one with more coverage if your cat is new to wearing one. Since harnesses can make cats feel restricted, it’s best to begin with one that doesn’t cover too much of their body.
GPS
I use a Tractive GPS for Neo. It’s small, lightweight, and user-friendly. The app lets you track your cat’s location in real-time and offers various health monitoring features.
Cat Backpack
Neo isn’t a fan of hard travel carriers, so I got her an expandable backpack. It’s great for short trips or emergencies, though she’s still adjusting to it.
Passport & Microchip
Before travelling through Europe (or anywhere else), ensure your cat has a microchip, a pet passport, and the necessary vaccinations. Without these, you could face complications at border checks.
Leash
I have a walking leash for hikes, but I typically use a 10-meter line to give Neo more freedom to roam while still keeping her safe.
Be Prepared, Be Flexible, but Most of All, Enjoy
A frequently asked question: Are you afraid of losing her?
Yes, of course I am. But when you have a pet, there’s always a chance something could happen. My cat back home was only eight when he suddenly passed away due to a blood clot, and our dog died at the same age from epilepsy. Neo could be hit by a car here, but the same could happen at home. As a pet owner, worry is inevitable, but constantly stressing doesn’t make life better for you or your pet. Instead, focus on taking the right precautions, being prepared, and—most importantly—enjoying the journey. Appreciate the unique experience of travelling with your pet and cherish those moments together.
In the end, there’s no definitive “right” or “wrong” way to travel with a pet. When you truly care for your cat, you’ll naturally do your best to keep them happy and safe—and that’s all you can do. So, take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and enjoy every step of the journey.
Comments