RV with CAT in WINNEBAGO TRAVATO GL Class B RV van. Best litter box for RVers?

Published 05-Sep-20
Living with a cat in a 21’ campervan has its pluses and minuses. In this video I explain why I have a cat with traveling with me and share some of my best learnings - including the best litter box system - from full-time living with #vanlife Luke for over a year in my Winnebago Travato GL.
⏰ VIDEO TIME POINTS ⏰
01:51 - Meet Vanlife Luke
03:09 - Litter box placement
04:32 - TIP: Cat food storage
05:32 - Foldable cat carrier
06:20 - TIP: Scratch box
07:05 - Photo montage Luke & Leia
08:14 - Luke’s RV origin story
10:29 - Collar VS harness
11:29 - TIP: Remove cat hair from bed
12:03 - TIP: Pet sign in window
13:31 - TIP: Carry veterinary papers with you
14:20 - TIP: GET the BREEZE LITTER BOX system
🎬 VIDEOS REFERENCED 🎬
Tour RV mobile office, • TOUR my VAN RV MOBILE ...
Harvest Hosts with cat, • FREE CAMPSITES: HARVES...
Exterior color change, • NEW VAN? Complete Exte...
Travato brush guard mod, • TRAVATO MOD: BRUSH GUA...
Laundry day, • LAUNDRY DAY: Pro Tips ...
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🚐 ABOUT 🚐
My name is Scott. I live in and work a corporate job full-time from my 2019 Winnebago Travato GL, a 21’ Class B RV camper van with my cat, Luke. I share stories of PEOPLE, PLACES, and the RV LIFESTYLE & VANLIFE in my Travato as we roam around North America. My goal is to inspire others to more quickly achieve their travel dreams!
I wish you to… LIVE HAPPY 😃 | LIVE FREE 🇺🇸 | LIVE RV 🚐

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thank you for watching and subscribing. Consider checking out the gear that Luke recommends from my Amazon store at gosmalllivelarge.com/store-get-your-gear

[@laurievonsee3664]

Hi Scott, thank you for this video. I have been wanting to travel with my cat Cheddar but didn’t know how to deal with the litter box. You have given me some great tips!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

CHEDDAR! Take Cheddar with you and get that Breeze litter box. Thanks for watching, for being a subscriber, and for taking your time to comment Laurie

[@eileenstickney80]

Scott and Luke, Thank you for adding the video time points. I know that it is a lot of extra work for you, however, it truly sets your channel apart. I enjoy them as a preview of the good things to come from watching your videos. Please keep up the great videos. Kudos! Safe travels!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Wow Eileen!!! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you find the time points useful. A bit of extra work, but think its helpful for folks like you and others. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment

[@scottwalker7611]

Great video! My wife and I have discussed taking our cat out when we purchase our RV, but haven't seen enough videos on cat life and litter box management. You covered this topic well and we will be looking into one of those litter boxes now. Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Scott. No problem and that is what this whole things is about... Learn - Share - You Decide.. Glad I was able to help a bit. You have a cool first name BTW

[@flgirlw6550]

Thank you for the detailed video of Luke’s van life! Loving it...

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you found it helpful. I’m lucky to have such a great cat!

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Extremely informative! Great video.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment Adventures

[@mildredlackey1938]

I really enjoyed the video of Luke and his master, he’s a very pretty cat, they always love you but in their own way and time and when they want too,

[@gosmall.livelarge]

You are right Mildred. Dogs have masters. Cats have staff! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment

[@6JWB9]

Just ordered that litter box from Amazon for my kitty cat. So she can travel everywhere I go! Thanks!

[@joans5911]

Love your channel and this episode bcs of Luke👍🏻👍🏻🐱🐱💜 Hi from NYC😊😊All my best wishes for your adventure🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thank you Joan!! appreciate your continued support

[@ToniAdventures]

Good morning Scott & Luke! Great tips. Thanks for sharing. We haven’t traveled with our pets, yet. Like that litter box setup!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Toni!! yes the Breeze litter box changed everything for me, and Luke doesn’t seem to mind

[@tarac5137]

Great tips, paws up! Luke is definitely living la dolce vida.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

#vanlife LUKE! Yes, Tara... PAWS UP! Thanks for watching the video, for being a subscriber, and for taking time to comment

[@P_Mann]

Good tips. I’ll eventually travel with my cats in a small RV, so more info about that situation is always welcome. 👍

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Excellent

[@danleonard3600]

Love your channel. I just found you a few weeks ago and I’ve been going through a lot of your older videos. We have a travel trailer right now but are considering a van for more flexibility and less work. Love the travato but the k makes more sense to me. Keep up the good work.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

DAN! Welcome to the GSLL community sir. Excited about your journey. Can’t go wrong with a Travato in my opinion. Pick the best floor plan for your needs, but think through those needs very carefully. Thanks for watching the video, for being a subscriber, and for taking time to comment

[@jaynemiller8464]

What a great video. Hey Luke. You are an awesome cat so glad I was able to meet you. Happy trails.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Jayne!!! Luke misses you

[@jaynemiller8464]

Go Small. Live Large! Hey whenever you want to get rid of him. I would take him in a heartbeat. He is a great cat that doesn’t really think he is a cat. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. I miss that guy.

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Scott! Just got done watching a video on your cat. Nice cat. I like cats but he really does seem to be a rally good cat. I love the litter box. That’s cute. Good you can find the pellets. Walmart almost had everything you need and then some. Glad you showed your cat and how the litter box works and all. Glad you didn’t get his claws declawed I would hate to do that to an animal. He looks so comfortable in that van. Sorry you lost the other cat. Looking forward to next video. See you soon! Safe travels. Sherri

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Sherri... you are so correct. He is a very happy cat. #vanlife LUKE! Thanks for watching the video, for being a subscriber, and for taking time to comment

[@joymiller2368]

Awesome. Yes. I’m getting a KL. I have soft paw covers I plan to put on my Kitty ‘s claws

[@gosmall.livelarge]

That is awesome! so excited for you

[@thedogtraveler9022]

Love Luke!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

#vanlife LUKE!

[@17655460]

Intend to travel with a pet cat. Thanks for the very useful and detailed information and instruction. Carry on with the excellent chanel.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Tom

[@livinright1]

What a fabulous and informative vid today Scott! I personally have not had a cat for over 20 years...the kitty litter tracking about the home was a deterrent due to personal skin allergies + I only have had dogs for a long time. Honestly, the idea of pellets is a game changer and makes me want to rescue a cat❣🐾😻

[@gosmall.livelarge]

YES Livinright.... the litter box changed everything. Now... go rescue a kitty !!

[@livinright1]

@@gosmall.livelarge I will update you when it happens😻

[@EMWms-dg7gh]

Scott, this is so timely; I just adopted two kittens, siblings we will be hitting the road in about a year. I am trying to decide what B class RV will accommodate 2 cats, litter box etc. With this video, you have solved my issues; the Travato seems like the best fit for our needs. Thanks so much, keep the great videos coming. 😻😊😻

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Wow EM Wms... that is great to know 2 kitties will have an exciting life like #vanlife LUKE! Glad we could help

[@jimmyFX]

great informative vid,I have a 28 ft bumper pull, 5YO female bombay ,her litter box in front storage compartment(acces through compartment door to clean) lined with coarse mat with access via cat door from inside,other compartment door i can attach her 4ft dog crate with cat bed ,scratch etc,,now called her catio.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Excellent. thx for sharing

[@stasia12c]

I am really wanting to buy an RV/ Van camper but I have two cats. I found your video incredibly helpful! I am actually thinking of buying that cat litter box now while I’m still in my apartment to see if it works well with two cats.. and because the tracking litter through out the house is the same as it is in your TV- it gets everywhere!!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx... and you and your cats will be happier with the Breeze litter box. Try it out in your apt and let us know the results.

[@billbeyatte]

Anyone who loves cats is a friend of mine. Great montage, great music.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Cat lovers unite!!

[@bjbeedles9291]

Thanks for the cat tips.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Happy to help BJ B...

[@tuyetbui1073]

I ❤️Luke! #vanlifeluke is 🔥

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Tweety.. Are you so right. #vanlife Luke is super hot!

[@thp8040]

I love your cat its so cute

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Luke was great

[@markgoodwin5945]

Hey Scott.....BREEZE is a urine diverting desiccating toilet! Hahaha. As you know, I am all for THAT!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Cheers Mark for diverting and desiccating !! LOL

[@lorijo5536]

Thanks for the video on traveling with a pet. Give Luke a hug and pet please! I am still in research phase of RV buying but hope to one day travel with a dog. (mine died a year ago and weighing pros and cons).

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing Lori Jo

[@steventoney4018]

as a retired old vet.... great video and great advice... Luke is a cool dude and very lucky feline................

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Wow Steven Toney. Really appreciate your comments coming from a retired Vet. Luke is an awesome companion. Hopefully you can meet him someday,.

[@steventoney4018]

Met Luke briefly at your Wallace meetup -- he tolerated a short head scratch - and will see you next Sunday at Manito Park for a little closer look at Lily -- Enjoy your Labor Day by relaxing....................

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Steven Toney , see you at Manito Park in Spokane on Sunday, Sep 13 at 11 AM.

[@theroods7440]

We have two cats that we travel with. They are very good road companions and they are not leash trained as we got them already in adult age. We made a stationary place for their litter box. It stays under our bed which is across the rear of our van. We use pine pellets for the litter. No smell, very little tracking. Actually the litter box system is very similar to the one you have for Luke.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Ahhhhh the scent of pine in the early morning. Thanks for sharing !

[@laurahardman8069]

❤️Luke

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Luke is the best. Thx for commenting !

[@kenreed2917]

Just retired bought a class C and we are planning on traveling with one dog, lab mix, that loves to ride and a 10 yr old cat that needs daily meds that has never ridden or worn a harness, so just checking out U-tube advice on cats thanks for your input

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Ken

[@janetfolkerts5827]

At one point 'Creativity RV' who travels with a cat also showed her litter box set in front of the passenger seat where you now reserved for your cowboy boots. She used a litter box that had an opening on the top instead of on the end which prevented any loss of litter and she said her cat adapted to it very quickly. The purchase of a commercial top access kitty litter box was expensive, so she used two plastic storage containers, turning one upside down, used ties on the sides to connect the two and cut a hole in the top one for the cat to access the litter.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for watching and taking time to comment Janet. Robin is great.

[@user-qu3tx6lp2l]

Hello! Am in research mode for vanlife with special needs Daytona Bch Florida Kitty, ReignBeaux. He's a cyclops kitty (one eye)harness & stroller friendly, and loves to go wherever I do. Thanks SO much for litter tip. Curious about getting the Zoomies in the van.. Thank you!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Van cats are the bestest

[@MM-ei3kc]

I buy my rv”s FOR my cat(s). Cute video, always interested in a healthier better litter, might try that, not sure how I feel about the pee in there for a week, I scoop every time box is used. BTW saw one of your recent video review and really thought you did a good job, that’s how I found this video. IMHO cats are no longer outside pets. The world is a different place. Living in florida I have a good idea what happened to your girl cat😢 but I hope she found a home that she liked better…

[@gosmall.livelarge]

HI M M. RVing with cats is so great, assuming they like it. Would you “street camp” in your Camper Van? This video I made show you how to Urban Camp kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYO9qKhoZ8h5eKc

[@janedoran1157]

Hi Scott. Another great video. Do you have a recommendation for a remote temperature sensor that will let you know if the temperature increases in the van while you are away?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Jane!! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment! As for a cabin temperature sensor, I don’t have a good solution for that at this time. I trust my Volta Li-ion and my Truma furnace systems will keep Luke (and me) comfy without interruption.

[@welugo06]

Hi Scott, I love all of your videos. They are great. I have learned so much from you. We have been researching rv's for about 1 year and have decided we want a B van with plenty of seating to be able to travel with family(Midwest Automotive Day Cruiser or a American Patriot with quad chairs). The downfall is that those vans do not have a volta system. We really want the lithium volta system. Is there a way to add the volta system to a used B van or any B van after market? I think that's the only way we both can get what we want.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

A system might be able to be added, but the builder, not Volta, is the one doing the outfitting I think. I will double check on that. Often am asked about retrofitting a Travato with Volta that didn’t come with on. Lichtsinn RV says the cost would be too great as opposed to simply buying an RV with a Volta system already installed. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment

[@welugo06]

Thanks Scott

[@pamelajeanunlimited]

And I can say we tried to walk Luke! 🤣

[@gosmall.livelarge]

PAMELA... and you nearly succeeded! Howdy to you all and especially Susanne

[@patriciaelliesmama2672]

Hey Scott, I had three cats at the same time, I'm now down to one, I just want to know how you got Luke to wear a collar. None of my cats would leave it on..... Love that litter box, Approx how much are those pellets? When I get my RV, I will definitely have a pet or two. Perhaps a dog and cat, a dog or a cat. By the way, Cool Hand Luke looks very happy with living #VanLife

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Patricia. We put collars on early when they were young. Luke doesn’t know any better now. Pelts are about $25 for 2 3.5 point bags, you can see here gosmalllivelarge.com/store-get-your-gear

[@charliewagner4936]

Scott - Thanks for all your great videos. I was looking at one from a year ago and you mentioned that your propane was being used up fast. You speculated it was because of the regulator and that you were going to have it checked out. I could not find another video where you discussed the resolution of the issue. Can you tell me what the problem was and how it was fixed. I am having a similar issue.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

wow CW on my stating the propane being used up quick;y. Not sure what that video is nor the context. I can tell you that propane is literally sipped by the Truma Combi for furnace duties and hot water. The 4ish gallons of usable propane seems to last forever. It is plentiful and inexpensive. I have found and continue to find the propane gauge to be inaccurate. At “half tank full” upon filling it only takes maybe 1.5 gallons of 4 perhaps useable gallons. Hope that helps a little bit

[@chrisd4454]

Haha...he's like what are you doing😁

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for watching and taking time to comment Chris

[@rvwall-e]

Got a terrier. Not sure what my plans are since she is now 12 years old and not well. However, she was very unhappy in my old rv (Axis) at first. After I made the bed for her on the couch she adapted well and was a pleasure to travel with. My only problem....I kept stepping into her collapsible water dish.....as I said MY problem. I failed to find a good place that my forgetfulness would not allow my feet to go!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

funny about your feet n dish problem. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment RV W

[@kylenanthalatnolath2002]

do you leave the AC on when are not in the van? how does your cat survive the summer? cute cat btw

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Kyle. Luke thrives in the van. I warmer weather I run the rooftop A/C. If not that warm brining in outside air into the van through windows and ceiling fan is sufficient. I avoid extreme temps for him and me. 🐈 🐾

[@jfletcher4949]

What does your little sign in the front passenger winder concerning your cat say? Thank you.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Sign said. Cat in climate controlled RV. Do not bother the cat. Cameras are wathcing around the van. And my phone number. Have you seen my video about Urban Van Camping video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ3LYpWEmb97hK8

[@katt1woman]

I have two cats and am thinking about full timing in a class b you mentioned in a recent video that your ac did not work that well to keep things cool. I am curious now if you needed to leave your cat unattended in your RV and it is cold or wArm outside is it safe temperature wise to leave your cat in the rv

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Kats. The point I was trying to make is if you are parking your RV in full sunlight to harvest solar to try and charge the Volta energy pack your A/C cannot keep the rig cool for hours upon hours in direct sunlight. Better practice is to park the rig in the shade with the cab windows out of sunlight. That way your A/C can keep the van interior to a comfy 75ish on a hot (82+) day. should be fine to keeps pets in the air conditioned cabin. Pets should be fine overall. Cooler weather is easier to manage I think. Hope that helps a bit.

[@heydanmonhawk]

Duh, it took me until almost the end to put the cats names together. I watch another van lifer, Dave 2D and he had a female dog with the same name. I never thought of bringing along one of my cats but our boy kitty, Kid Karate, is an outlaw mouse killer. I wonder if bringing him would help keep rodents out of a van camper? Do you have issues with rodents? I get them in my house but I live in a very rural area and my house is surrounded by woods and they love to come inside in the winter.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Anne! LOVE your YT name BTW :) Rodents, with a year under our collective belts #vanlife LUKE has protected my rig, named Lily. Others, event those with dogs, complain about mice. With Luke surveiling the area around the rig ZERO mice issues. Luke is in the rig, on the rig, around the rig, under the rig... a great deterrent that that rodents can sense. Their sense of smell is primary from my observations so the cat and prey adapt their movements for self preservation. That is my theory, anyway.. KID KARATE will do well at keeping your rig safe too.

[@bigmangmc]

So if Luke sits in the co captain seat, where does Kyle sit as you drive?? And how does 2 people live comfortably in your rig?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for great question. When Kyle joins, Luke sits in Kyle's lap, lays on the bench seat, the jump seat, or the floor. Sometimes even rides in the front window dashboard! It is tight for 2 people to do full-time. No lie. When he joins me it is for a few days, which works out well.

[@michellestratford9753]

It looks like Luke is tied up when the door is open, which is what I need to do with my escape artist. Do you have any kind of system or recommendation to stop them winding their cords around everything as they move around? Thanks for a great video!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

You are welcome. Luke (cat) is tethered to the rig or something with a retractable dog leash. He can catch a fly 🪰, catch a mouse 🐁, and climb/jump a wall, but can’t figure out the cord. He does always get wound around something. But he sounds off and I come to his rescue.

[@michellestratford9753]

@@gosmall.livelarge Thank you! Her retractable leash just arrived from Amazon this morning so I could take her on a few more adventures so that's perfect😊

[@sharonfields6703]

Thank you. I dont have my RV yet but have been debating about my cat to keep her or give her away. She hates riding in the SUV now but it is only shirt rides to the cat sitter or the vet. Does or did Luke howel when you first started driving?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yes he vocalizes when he is in the cat carrier. But loose in the van he doesn’t make noise until we stop and then he lets me know it is time to go outside for a walk !

[@sharonfields6703]

That gives me hope, I really don't want to give Jazzanickitty up.

[@opalskyartwork]

Sooo I am thinking of traveling in a class C with three cats… it might be crazy but do you think it’s doable??

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yes !!!

[@ToniAdventures]

Hey Scott, the Get Gear link has a problem.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Toni. Checking on it

[@dobeontheroad4736]

FYI...still a problem with the get-gear link under resources!!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

So apologize for that. Maybe it is a caching issue? Can you describe your issue in a bit more detail please?

[@dobeontheroad4736]

@@gosmall.livelargeNo matter how I try to get there I get a "File Not Found (404 error). If I am already on your website I can get to it just fine, but using the link in the Resources gets the error code.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

DobeontheRoad appreciate your patience. Try this link please gosmalllivelarge.com/essential-resources

[@dobeontheroad4736]

@@gosmall.livelarge Yep...that link works fine!!!

[@ruthmarini8453]

That cat’s flat out spoiled.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

TRUTH Ruth !! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment