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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Travelling with a cat....

40 replies

Katymac · 14/01/2017 14:39

OK 4 months in a camper van with the cat

So far I am thinking:
Dog crate
Spill free water bowl (?) or do you think he'd drink out of a rabbit water bottle?
I need a littler covered litted tray mine is big enough for a small lion

Teaching him to walk with a harness & lead (when the weather gets warmer)

What else do I need?

I know it's a bit odd but I think it will work - he is an indoor lap cat (Siamese) & he adores DH & I and is rarely more than 6 inches away from us

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JohnLapsleyParlabane · 14/01/2017 14:46

My Siberian has a water fountain, where there's a slope that the water runs down and a pool at the bottom. So if you could make or get some kind of permanently running water thing where the reservoir was covered that could be an option.

GardenGeek · 14/01/2017 15:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Fluffycloudland77 · 14/01/2017 15:36

How is he in a car generally? YouTube has videos showing you how to harness train cats.

I saw two dogs in a huge dog buggy in boots the other day.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 15:58

The cat pictures are lovely

Some sort of water fountain might be good

He was fine to and from holiday at Christmas about three hours each way in a car in a normal carrier

But I think a dog crate or cage would be better long-term

We have a lead and a harness to practice with

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dementedpixie · 14/01/2017 16:07

I'm sure the butter on the paws thing is a myth. Surely all you would get is greasy paw prints everywhere?

cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 16:53

Don't let him wander outside. (By himself and without a harness. ) You might feel the temptation coming over you (or DH) at some point but resist it. Even though he's a Siamese and bonded.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 16:56

Do you think a portable outdoor pen might be a good idea

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cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 17:25

I think it would be the start of a slippery slope.

I've taken my own Siamese boys on holiday but 4 months seems far too long to me - is there no way to get round it?

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 17:34

I dunno - a cattery? rehoming? seems cruel or at least more cruel

I'd rather he joined in - a nice safe travelling space for him and a gentle walk with us

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cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 18:15

Would this be in the U.K.?

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 18:26

Oh yes - not going abroad

& ideally not more than a coupld of hours driving between stops & some lovely camping

I wondered about a pen so we can go out & leave him to snooze in the sun - but maybe not, I suppose he might get stolen

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SealSong · 14/01/2017 18:36

My friend did this when campervanning around Ireland. All went well until one day when the cat escaped from the van when she opened the door, and was never seen again Sad despite much searching etc.
In retrospect she is gutted she even attempted it.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 18:40

Aw how sad

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cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 18:44

4 months? I wouldn't contemplate that myself. I'd arrange a foster. You'd almost certainly lose him in that period.

cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 18:54

Moreover, you need to ask yourself whether he would be truly happy.

I've spent years taking my boys on holidays around the UK - mainly as they were bonded Siamese - but even they weren't uninfluenced by their surroundings. They were happy to be with me as opposed to left at home with a sitter but those were only shortish breaks. I wouldn't do 4 months, myself.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 19:00

Well we can try for a few weekends and see how he goes

If we take him & he gets unhappy I'll bring him back to our cattery

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Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 19:02

I found this

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cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 19:03

You'd possibly be happier yourself, going on such an extended break, without that responsibility on you at all times.

cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 19:06

I hear what they say.

I'd take a dog with me without hesitation but cats - even Siamese - are not dogs. There may be the odd cat who doesn't mind a new place every night but they're few and far between I suspect.

cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 19:09

PS - and you're talking about four months and not a quick weekend away.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 19:12

Ome of the sites suggested a homing beacon which might be a good idea

I'm going to have to try it but I will set up a really good contingency plan in case

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cozietoesie · 14/01/2017 19:19

Ah well.

Shriek · 14/01/2017 19:37

Dogs bonded to their pack cats to their territory. I have travelled with dcats and they prefer to be inside with us when doors opened but I wouldnt want to risk travelling with them. Although I have seen lot of caravanners do it but maybe they go to a fixed site each time. The huge risk of them getting out in a strange land would be a big step too far for me and ive often wondered how people do this!!

LivingInMidnight · 14/01/2017 22:18

This sounds like a really bad idea.

Original poster
Katymac · 14/01/2017 22:19

I know you aren't keen Cosie, but I have to give it a go - I won't have him unhappy I promise

How does this look? for keeping him safe while we have to do stuff?

& a secured dog crate for travelling or if we get a big enough van I'll convert a bunk for him to make a cat cave

He has started sleeping in one of these this week

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