Upgrading Our RV Cats' Lifestyle: A Hidden Litter Box Solution for Ellie, Abby & Miss Fred

 When you live in an RV with three cats, you learn very quickly that every inch of space matters.

After years of traveling with Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred in our travel trailer, we've discovered that keeping our girls happy while maintaining a clean, fresh-smelling, and cozy RV takes a little creativity. As we're moving into our newly renovated fifth wheel, one thing is certain: the girls are getting upgrades right along with us.

And yes, that includes their bathroom.

A Hidden Litter Box That Actually Looks Like Furniture

One of our newest additions is the Feandrea Double Cat Litter Box Enclosure, a beautiful piece of furniture designed to discreetly hide litter boxes while blending seamlessly into your home's décor.

While it's designed for two cats, we think it will work wonderfully for our three girls.

Instead of having litter boxes sitting out in the open, this enclosure allows us to maintain a more homey appearance while giving the cats a private space of their own. In RV living, where every room serves multiple purposes, finding furniture that works double duty is a huge win.

Why We Switched to Stainless Steel Litter Boxes

As part of the upgrade, we also decided to replace our old litter boxes with stainless steel models.

After doing quite a bit of research, we discovered some major advantages:

Stainless Steel Doesn't Absorb Odors

Plastic litter boxes can absorb odors over time, even when cleaned regularly. Stainless steel is non-porous, making it much easier to keep fresh.

Easier to Clean

Stainless steel surfaces don't scratch as easily as plastic. Since scratches can harbor bacteria and odors, this was a big selling point for us.

Longer Lifespan

A quality stainless steel litter box can last for years without warping, staining, or holding smells.

For full-time RV living, where space is limited and odors can become noticeable quickly, these benefits made the decision easy.

What Our RV Cats Miss

People often ask how cats adjust to RV life.

The truth is that cats are creatures of habit, and there are definitely a few things our girls miss from time to time.

More Floor Space

Even though our new RV is much larger, cats never seem to think there's enough room for zoomies.

Watching Wildlife

Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred absolutely love watching birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other campground visitors. The more windows they have, the happier they are.

Sunbeams

A cat's favorite activity is often moving from one sunny spot to another throughout the day. Thankfully, our new RV has plenty of windows for that.

Their Favorite Hiding Places

Every RV has unique nooks and crannies. Whenever we move into a new space, the girls spend days finding their new secret hiding spots.

Fun Facts About Cats That Travel

Cats Can Learn Travel Routines

Many RV cats quickly learn the difference between travel days and camping days. Some even head to their favorite safe spot when they sense the RV is about to move.

Window Seats Are Prime Real Estate

Cats traveling in RVs often spend hours watching the world go by through windows, almost like they're watching their own reality show.

They Love Vertical Space

Cat trees, shelves, window perches, and elevated sleeping areas help RV cats feel secure and maximize small living spaces.

Consistency Matters

Keeping food bowls, litter boxes, and sleeping areas in consistent locations helps cats adjust more comfortably to RV living.

The Girls Are Getting All New Everything

As part of our RV renovation, we've decided that Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred deserve a fresh start too.

New litter box setup? Check.

New beds? Absolutely.

New toys? Of course.

More windows to watch the world? Definitely.

These girls have been incredible travel companions, moving from campground to campground and adapting to every change we've thrown their way. The least we can do is make sure they're as comfortable as possible in their new home.

Because let's be honest—RV cats deserve a little luxury too.

And if Ellie, Abby, and Miss Fred have anything to say about it, they'll happily remind us who's really in charge of this RV.

Installing Linoleum Flooring in Our RV: A Budget-Friendly Renovation Win

 One of the biggest projects in our RV renovation has been replacing the flooring. After researching our options, we decided to install linoleum flooring throughout the main living area, bedroom, and eventually the bathroom. Not only has it given our RV a fresh new look, but it has also saved us a considerable amount of money.

For this project, we used Henry 356 MultiPro Premium Multipurpose High Strength Paste as our adhesive. We purchased three tubs, which provided enough coverage for our main living area, bedroom, and our upcoming bathroom remodel.

Why We Chose Linoleum

When we renovated our previous RV, we installed vinyl plank flooring. While it looked beautiful, we found that the planks tended to separate over time due to the constant movement and vibration that naturally comes with RV travel.

This time around, we wanted something different.

We purchased our linoleum flooring from Lowe's for approximately $200, which was significantly less expensive than the plank flooring we used in our old RV. For budget-conscious RV owners, that's a substantial savings that can be used elsewhere in a renovation project.

Was It Difficult?

Honestly, yes and no.

Laying flooring isn't exactly easy, especially in an RV where every corner, slide-out, and cabinet creates additional challenges. However, it wasn't nearly as difficult as we expected it to be.

Like many DIY projects, the key was taking our time, measuring carefully, and being patient with the process. The learning curve wasn't nearly as steep as we had imagined.

The best part? Doing the installation ourselves saved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in labor costs.

Facts About RV Flooring

If you're considering replacing your RV flooring, here are a few things to keep in mind:

RVs Move Constantly

Unlike a traditional home, an RV experiences vibration, flexing, temperature changes, and movement. Choosing flooring that can withstand these conditions is essential.

Weight Matters

Every pound added to an RV affects towing and fuel efficiency. Linoleum is often lighter than many tile and hardwood alternatives.

Water Resistance Is Important

Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and pet areas are all prone to moisture. Linoleum and sheet vinyl are popular choices because they're easier to clean and help protect the subfloor from water damage.

Fewer Seams Mean Fewer Problems

One reason we chose sheet flooring is that it has fewer seams than plank flooring. Fewer seams can mean fewer opportunities for moisture intrusion and less chance of pieces separating over time.

DIY Installation Can Save Big Money

Professional flooring installation can quickly become one of the most expensive parts of an RV remodel. Taking on the project yourself requires patience, but the savings can be substantial.

Final Thoughts

We're thrilled with how our new flooring is turning out. While there is still more work to do, including the bathroom remodel, seeing the transformation happen has been incredibly rewarding.

Sometimes the best renovations aren't the most expensive ones—they're the projects that combine durability, functionality, and affordability.

By choosing linoleum, using Henry 356 MultiPro adhesive, and doing the work ourselves, we've created a floor that looks great, fits our budget, and should hold up well to full-time RV living.

And that's a renovation win in our book.

Transforming an RV with Faux Stone Wall Panels: Was It Worth It?

 When it comes to RV renovations, everyone has an opinion. Some people believe you should keep things simple, lightweight, and inexpensive. Others think an RV should feel just as comfortable and beautiful as a traditional home. We definitely fall into the second category.

One of the biggest design choices we made during our RV remodel was installing 3D faux stone wall panels. Were they expensive? Absolutely. Were they easy to install? Not exactly. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.

Why We Chose Faux Stone Panels

We wanted a feature wall that would instantly grab attention and make our RV feel less like an RV and more like a home. The textured stone appearance adds warmth, character, and depth that paint alone simply can't achieve.

These panels feature a realistic faux stone design that creates the look of natural stone without the weight, making them a great option for RV living where every pound matters.

The Pros

Beautiful Appearance

The 3D texture creates a stunning visual effect that completely transforms a room. Whether used behind a television, on an accent wall, or as part of a custom entertainment center, the finished look is impressive.

Durable and Waterproof

Made from PVC, these panels are waterproof, washable, and impact-resistant. That's a huge bonus in RV life where moisture, condensation, and everyday wear and tear are common concerns.

This is where I ordered the FAUX STONE WALL PANELS

Lightweight

Real stone wasn't an option for us, but these panels gave us the same rustic charm without adding significant weight to the RV.

Customizable

The panels can be cut and adjusted to fit unique spaces, making them ideal for RV renovations where nothing seems to be perfectly square.

The Cons

The Cost

Let's be honest—these panels are not cheap. They were one of the more expensive decorative upgrades in our renovation. If you're on a tight budget, the price may cause a little sticker shock. $110 just for the wall you see of our RV.

Installation Takes Patience

The interlocking design creates a seamless look, but getting everything lined up correctly requires time and patience. We definitely had a few moments where we questioned our sanity during installation.

Was It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Sometimes renovations aren't just about functionality—they're about creating a space that makes you happy every time you walk through the door. We spend a lot of time in our RV, and we wanted it to reflect our personality and style.

Some people probably thought we were crazy for installing faux stone panels in an RV. That's okay. We wanted a cozy, rustic, custom look, and that's exactly what we achieved.

At the end of the day, your RV should make you smile. If a project brings you joy and makes your home feel more like you, then it's worth every penny, every hour, and every challenge along the way.

And as for us? We wanted what we wanted... and we got exactly what we wanted. 😊

Final Thoughts

RV renovations are full of decisions, compromises, and unexpected challenges. Sometimes the best projects aren't the easiest or the cheapest—they're the ones that transform a space into something truly special.

Our faux stone wall was definitely one of those projects, and it's become one of our favorite features in the entire RV.

RV REMODEL UPDATE: COLORS, COURAGE & DOING IT THE SMART WAY

 

Living Freely While Building Our Future

We’ve officially hit one of the most exciting parts of our RV remodel…

👉 It’s time to add COLOR!

After all the demo, prep, and planning, we are finally heading to Home Depot to bring our vision to life.

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🎨 OUR COLOR CHOICES (AND WE ARE OBSESSED)

For the living room, we chose:
👉 Moscow Midnight – Sherwin Williams SW 9142

And for the bedroom trim:
👉 Tricorn Black – Sherwin Williams SW 6258

These colors are bold, rich, and exactly the vibe we’ve been dreaming about.

And honestly…
✨ We are LOVING it ✨

There’s this whole new level of excitement when you finally see your vision starting to come together.

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🔨 WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT?

Here’s the current game plan:

✔ Living room painting DONE by Sunday (goal!)
✔ Bedroom possibly finished at the same time
✔ Wallpapering starts Tuesday

👉 That’s when things really start transforming!

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🪵 THE BIG PROJECT (AND BIG PRICE TAG)

We also found someone to help with installing our butcher block countertops (finally 🙌)

Let’s be honest…

👉 This is one of the biggest outsourcing costs we’ll take on (for now)

Because coming up…

😬 The roof repair = $6,000
☀️ Solar = still a future goal

And yeah… those numbers can make your stomach turn a little.

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💰 WHY WE’RE DOING THIS THE “SLOW WAY”

A lot of people think we’re crazy for not just throwing all our money at the remodel and finishing it fast.

But for us… it’s bigger than that.

We think about things like:

👉 What if we lost a job?
👉 What if we needed medical funds?
👉 What if family needed help?

Those “what ifs” matter.

So instead of rushing…

We’re choosing to:
✔ Invest in our future
✔ Stay financially stable
✔ Pay bills ahead (sometimes 2 years ahead)
✔ Stick to our system: Investments / Bills / Future Planning

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🧠 LIVING SMART (NOT JUST FAST)

We may not be the fastest remodelers out there…

But we are:
👉 Living freely
👉 Living intentionally
👉 Living SMART

Honestly…
We think Dave Ramsey and The Budget Mom would approve 😄

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❤️ ENJOYING THE PROCESS

Yes, our timeline might be longer.

Yes, we’re doing it piece by piece.

But we’re also:
✨ Enjoying every step
✨ Learning along the way
✨ Building something we’re proud of

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😄 CALL US SCRAPPERS

We’ll take it.

Because at the end of the day…

We’re not just remodeling an RV.
We’re building a lifestyle that’s sustainable, secure, and full of adventure.

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📸 REMODEL UPDATE

Take a look at the latest progress photos…

👉 You might love it
👉 You might gasp a little 😄

Either way… we’re having the time of our lives doing it.

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✨ Slow progress is still progress—and we’re loving every minute of it. ✨