Our 6 year old inside cat is simply not adjusting to FT life in the RV. We have been on the road for a month. After seeming to settle in to crate travel without complaint for a couple of weeks, she has resumed yowling and fussing almost the entire time we are in motion. We drive very short days, never more than a few hours, and the cats are out during any breaks. Worse than the yowling, however, are her desperate attempts to bolt the door. She succeeded once in a picnic area adjacent to a well-traveled road. She didn't run far, but it was terrifying for us. It has become most unnerving going in and out and I feel that all I do is fuss at her. When we are parked, she seems to enjoy the new sights,sounds,and scents through the screened windows and is her usual sleepy self.
Any other suggestions to help her adjust? I am seriously considering placing her at this time.
After the not helpful advice from the non cat folks.....
Let me start by gently reminding you that only a month has gone by. It seems like a long time when you are listening to her cry. I know from lots of experience that it takes cats a while to adjust to new places (when I move for instance), other cats (when I add one to our home), or even when I move furniture. Cats are truly creatures of habit and this kit's habits have been completely turned upside down. Perhaps time will help your cat learn to adjust to the traveling part of full timing.
The escape attempts are something else of course. I suspect the cat owners who full time have learned something about that and will share their wisdom with you. Cats can move so fast it would be hard to catch them I bet! Worry, worry...
There is a non drug therapy on the market called "Rescue Remedy" and many people have experienced success with the calming effect it has on pets. You can put it in their drinking water. I believe it is herb based so there would be no harm in trying it with your cat. It could help with the traveling days and maybe even calm her down so she doesn't try to escape. I'm thinking it's worth a try!
Best of luck! I can tell you are hoping for quiet-successful-happy travels and perhaps with more time you will acheive those goals!
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Try a pheromone spray. Feliway is the brand name and also comes in a plug in. This is a naturally occuring olfactory hormone that promotes calm. Rescue remedy does work also.
Doug, DVM
Doug & Sandy
Megan (14 yr old Golden)
99 Pace Arrow 37S
2001 Honda CRV
Thanks for the helpful suggestions. I will try to find the Feliway. I am skeptical of Rescue Remedy. I tried it with dogs who were shy or stressed out at shows and I never felt it had any effect. I also appreciated the gentle reminder that a month is not a very long time for a creature of habit to adjust.
I would give her some more time to adjust, too. Since it seems it is the crate she is objecting to, you might try allowing her to be loose for a short leg on a trip - say a couple of hours between rest stops - to see what happens. Odds are, she will choose a place she is comfortable in and stay there. Our Sam loves being in the RVs we've owned but HATES crates. She would climb to the top of the sofa arm and dive under the sofa whenever our engine started before we replaced the sofa last year. She stayed there until we let her out. She cannot get behind the new sofa as easily so she has chosen to ride on the bed or at the base of the Euro recliner on the floor. She never offers to come to the front. I do not favor having animals loose in moving vehicles, but her caterwauling while crated is umbearable! I would be sure to close the cats in the bedroom before opening the outside door. Extra bother certainly, but safer for them. Also, if they do not all ready wear harnesses, you might consider getting them to - the harnesses make an excellent "handle" to grab quickly. I've found it handy on a number of occasions! It is likely that after a while, you will not need to worry abut their escaping as they will no longer want to.
Cat,
I totally disagree with your assumption that the replies that you didn't like were from non cat people. I travel with a dog and two cats and would give similar advice. In my opinion the idea that forcing any animal to remain in a situation that they find threatening or are uncomfortable with is not what having an animal companion is about. It is not fair to either the animal or the owner and at some point in time the animal will escape and probably die.
I do agree with giving more time for the cat to adjust to the experience but realize that some animals for whatever reason will never make the transition. It that case I strongly recommend finding the cat a good home.
USN Retired
2007 Cedar Creek 30 RLSTS
2008 F350, DRW, V-10, B&W hitch,
Pressure Pro, JT Strongarms
I agree with Joy. We had a cat that hated being in a cage. He both howled the entire trip. In our first MH he hid under a chair and didn't show his face the entire trip, but he didn't howl. In the second MH, which rode much quieter, he would stay under a chair, but every 15 minutes come forward to be petted. When we stopped and opened the door, he never ran for the exit.
I think he would have run for his life if we kept him in a cage for a few hours. We did keep a harness on him all the time. And it is handy to grab onto.
I would try letting the cat have it's freedom during the trip so it doesn't have to howl or run for freedom when you stop.
2007 Newmar Essex 45'
2006 Honda CR-V and 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic
2006 HD Heritage Softail Classic
Overbilt Lift
Our cat adjusted to travel which started with a car. We've never used a crate. She has full time harness when in the rig and while moving a red leash. That way we can easily locate her. Rarely does the leash get caught on something and when it does she just waits for us.
Give her time, eventually she will realize this is her life, with all of the above advice you will eventually be sucessful, getting rid of her so soon would be unfair, it will take some consistent effort. The plug ins work wonderfully, but I would also have a spray bottle of water & a little vinegar near the door at all times, when you are ready to leave and she approches the door a quick spray will send her off, then leave it on the steps outside for when you return and have it aimed when you open the door.
Many people may not like this but I have found it to be very effective, does not harm them, it's a warning shot and it works. After a while you won't need to do it, just the threat of the spray is sufficient.
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