7 Essentials For Van Life With A Cat

Travelling in a campervan with a cat is an incredible experience, but it requires a bit of planning to ensure your cat stays safe, comfortable, and happy. Whether you’re embarking on weekend getaways or full-time van life, having the right gear makes all the difference.

From managing litter box solutions in a small space to choosing the right harness for outdoor adventures, every detail matters when your cat is along for the ride. After travelling with my cat, Neo, I’ve learned what works best—from GPS trackers for peace of mind to the ideal backpack for quick trips. In this guide, I’ll share the essentials I rely on for a smooth and stress-free journey with a van life cat.

Let’s dive in!

Litter Box

A litter box is essential, as your cat won’t always be outside. Even though Neo spends most of her time outdoors, for some reason, she loves using the litter box (unfortunately for me). I opted for a foldable, waterproof litter box instead of a bulky plastic one. It’s perfect for emergencies since it’s easy to fold, carry, and clean after emptying. Imagine taking your van to the garage for a few days and staying in an Airbnb—having a compact, foldable litter box makes things so much easier than lugging around a huge plastic one.

I bought mine from Shein—not the most sustainable choice, but it works perfectly, and I have no regrets. This one doesn’t have a lid, which isn’t necessary since Neo (luckily) doesn’t have particularly smelly pee or poo. And if she ever does, I just clean it right away.

Cat Harness

I can’t remember exactly where I got Neo’s harness (it's something like this), but if your cat is new to wearing one, I recommend starting with a small, lightweight option. A minimal design helps them adjust without feeling too restricted. Over time, you can transition to a harness with more coverage if needed. That said, even with a well-designed harness (yes, I bought one), your cat might still decide they don’t like it—just like Neo did! Still, I personally recommend this harness for those looking to give it a try.

GPS

One of the best investments you can make for travelling with a cat is the Tractive GPS. It’s small, lightweight, and incredibly user-friendly. The app allows you to track your cat’s location in real time and even includes health monitoring features.

I don’t have to use it often since Neo rarely strays far from me or the van, but just knowing it’s there gives me peace of mind. If she ever gets stuck or lost, I’ll know exactly where to find her—and that’s absolutely priceless.

Cat Backpack

Neo isn’t a fan of hard travel carriers, so I got her an expandable backpack instead. It’s great for short trips or emergencies, though she’s still adjusting to it—and, let’s be honest, will probably never like it. She hates being confined. Still, I keep it on hand just in case I need to take her to the vet or transfer her to an Airbnb if the van needs repairs.

It would also be amazing for hikes! I’ve met people who take their cats on hikes, letting them ride in the backpack or perch on their shoulders when they get tired. Unfortunately, Neo has no interest in that. She’s not built for long hikes anyway—she takes frequent breaks and starts breathing heavily. So, for now, the backpack remains more of a backup plan than an adventure tool!

If you’re planning to travel with your cat, definitely train them to be comfortable in a backpack early on. For me, it didn’t work out, sadly—but it’s worth a shot!

Passport & Microchip

Before travelling through Europe (or anywhere else), ensure your cat has a microchip, a pet passport, and the necessary vaccinations. Without these, you could face complications at border checks.

Leash

When I first started van life with Neo, I used a 10-meter line to give her more freedom while keeping her safe. It was a great way to let her explore without the risk of her wandering too far. These days, she roams free—but I still keep a walking leash on hand for certain situations.

If we’re about to leave a spot and she wants to go outside, I attach a short leash. Neo is smart and knows when I’m about to catch her, and the last thing I want is to spend hours chasing her around. With a short leash, I can simply step on it when needed and easily get her back into the van. It’s a simple trick that makes travel days much smoother!

Scratch Pad

Neo loves scratching everything in sight, so to minimize the damage, I got her a scratch pad with Velcro. Since my walls are covered in felt, I can simply stick it on—and she actually uses it! You can get creative and make your own or place one in a fun, unexpected spot. This setup works perfectly for us, and Neo is happily scratching away (on the pad, not my stuff)!

With the right gear and a little planning, travelling with your cat can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Happy adventures, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey together!