When people imagine RV life, they usually picture open roads, changing views, campfires, and freedom. What they don’t always picture—at least not right away—is cats. Three of them. With opinions. And routines. And very specific food preferences.
But for us, RV life with pets isn’t an add-on or an inconvenience. It’s just… life. And traveling with cats—Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred—has taught us more than we ever expected about routine, flexibility, patience, and comfort on the road.
Our Cats Live Like They’re in a “Stick House”
Because we’re stationed in one spot for a while, our RV cats live much like they would in a traditional house. They play with toys, nap in sunbeams, stare dramatically out the windows, and cause just enough trouble in the middle of the night to remind us they’re fully in charge.
If you’re picturing chaos 24/7, it’s actually the opposite. Most days are calm, cozy, and predictable. The girls have their favorite sleeping spots, their favorite toys, and their favorite times to demand attention. RV life hasn’t made them restless—it’s made them adaptable.
Daily Routines (Yes, Cats Love Them)
If there’s one thing cats thrive on, it’s routine. And honestly, RV life has forced us into one whether we meant to or not.
Our biggest daily routines are simple:
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Feeding times
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Brushing
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Playtime (to avoid boredom and weight gain)
Miss Fred, especially, requires consistency. Because of the trauma and health issues she experienced before joining our family, food has always been a challenge. We’ve tried countless brands—dry, wet, expensive, budget, specialty—you name it. The only thing that doesn’t make her sick is Blue Buffalo dry and wet food.
And even then, there are rules.
Her wet food must be mixed with hot water and mushed into a very smooth puree. Room temperature will do in a pinch, but hot? That’s when she truly devours it. Spoiled? Absolutely. Necessary? Also yes. It’s the only way she keeps her meals down, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Game Nights, Toys, and Cat Chaos
Game night in an RV looks a little different when you have cats. Cards become toys. Boards become beds. Pieces mysteriously disappear. And when a game involves matching funny faces, well… the cats assume it’s about them.
Santa was very generous this Christmas and brought a lot of RV-friendly cat toys. We haven’t given them out yet, though. We’re saving them for after the new RV remodel. Once there’s more room to play, climb, and explore, those toys will feel brand new all over again.
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| You can get your own HERE |
Sleeping Arrangements Change With the Seasons
Winter is our favorite season with the girls. All three sleep with us, every night. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly one of the best parts of cold weather RV living.
Summer is a different story. When it’s warm, only the two younger girls sleep with us. Ellie usually finds a cooler spot elsewhere. The tradeoff? More nighttime activity. More zoomies. More late-night cat conversations. Less sleep for us humans.
Would we trade it? Not a chance.
Exercise Matters (Especially for Indoor Cats)
RV cats are indoor cats, which means exercise is essential. Indoor cats can gain weight quickly, and we’re not shy about admitting that Ellie is our “fat hen.” She wears the title proudly.
We make a point to play with the girls daily—laser toys, chasing games, interactive toys—anything to keep them moving and engaged. It’s not just about weight; it’s about mental stimulation and happiness.
Planning Ahead: The Reality of Vet Costs on the Road
If there’s one tip we give to anyone considering RVing with pets, it’s this:
Have an emergency fund.
We recommend at least $2,000 per pet, set aside and untouched unless absolutely necessary. Vet care on the road is available, but it’s expensive, and emergencies don’t wait until you’re back home. That fund brings peace of mind you can’t put a price on.
Change Is Coming—and So Is Excitement
Right now, routines are a little off. We’re packing, planning, and preparing for a busy season ahead as we remodel the new RV. We’re even outsourcing help to speed things along so everyone—humans and cats—can get back to comfortable living sooner.
One of the biggest things we’re excited about is reimagining the windows. Our girls love windows. Bird-watching, people-watching, nap-taking—windows are prime real estate. Figuring out how that will look in the new RV is something we’re genuinely excited about.
Final Thoughts
RV life with cats isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening, adapting, and creating comfort wherever you park. Our cats don’t care if their home has wheels—they care that they’re safe, fed, loved, and included.
Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred have proven that with the right mindset, routines, and preparation, cats don’t just survive RV life—they thrive in it.
And honestly? We wouldn’t want to do this journey any other way.
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