Campervan holidays with your cat
It's wonderful to be able to enjoy your holiday with your best friend. Thinking of taking your cat on a campervan holiday? We think it's a brilliant idea! Here are some tips on how best to create an environment that's great for your cat in the campervan.
Transporting your cat
Your cat must be secured either in a carrier or with a seatbelt.
If your cat is transported in a carrier, it should be positioned so that the cat has 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 accessing 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 carrier with a litter tray. However, cats do best if they have access to fresh water throughout the journey.
You should never leave a cat unattended in a vehicle if there's a possibility of the temperature rising above +25°C or below -5°C. A campervan heats up quickly and rules state that cats can only be left in a stationary vehicle for a maximum of three hours. So plan your trip well in advance.
Cats and travel sickness
Cats can suffer from travel sickness, usually indicated by drooling or vomiting. Sometimes they may also urinate or have diarrhoea. Vomiting can be avoided if you remove food a few hours before departure, but there are also aids for longer journeys. Consult a vet for the right aids for your cat. As an insurance customer with us, you have unlimited calls to our digital vet service.
The indoor environment
Get your cat used to the campervan with a few short trips before your main holiday. Bear in mind that your cat can get hot, so it's a good idea to think about how they can cool down when they can't retreat to a cooler spot like they might at home. One tip is to buy a cooling mat from a pet shop for your cat to lie on.
Water should always be available for the cat in the campervan. Find a good spot that isn't in the way, and anti-spill bowls are available at pet shops. Also, make room for the litter tray inside the campervan. Remember that water and a litter tray shouldn't be right next to each other, even in a campervan.
Once you've arrived
The campervan is a small space for your cat and may be very different from the space they are used to. Make sure your cat always has a quiet sleeping area in the campervan. Take your cat out for short adventures on a lead 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!
