Protecting cats from their curious nature...

[Gypsytwo]

We are about to introduce our indoor cats to our Motorhome in preparation for fulltiming with them in it.

We are concerned there are spaces (particularly when the slides are in) where they can get "into the slide" and we would not be able to reach them to get them out. This is particularly a concern with the bedroom slide where it seems they could (and knowing cats will ) get under the bed where the gears for the slide are. Is it possible they could get stuck or cause damage?

We would never put the slides in or out without knowing where the cats are and that they are safe. However, they may not be ready to "go" when we are.

We have tried to think of ways to block these openings but haven't come up with what we think is a good idea.

We are hoping someone already has solved the dilema.

[Robert Rice]

I think if you place moth balls in the areas you don't want the cats to occupy, they will avoid those places.

[Gypsytwo]

Thanks Robert. I really appreciate your post. We may try it if we don't come up with another idea that works. I'm not sure I want to smell the moth balls though.

[Savannah]

Our cats can get under the bed with the slides in and one did ONCE. I knew one of them was in the cubby under the bed so I first started the engine. We have a diesel so that rumbling brings them all to attention wherever they are. Then I very slowly tapped the retract button for the bedroom slide and that brought our kitty out on the run. I don't think any of them has ever gone back under the bed.

They were all curious about getting on top of the slides when they were in and one did once but I used a spray bottle of water to squirt her and she never even looked at the top of the slide again.

They often lay on the rug and as I am bringing in the slide. They move just enough to not get hit by it then again stretch out and glare at me. I guess I am disturbing a much needed nap.

I have found I can pretty well control them with the squirt bottle by just picking it up.

However when we are putting slides in or out I do a head count and make sure I can see them til the slides are situated.

[Barbaraok]

Ours got under the bedroom wardrobe slide - - had to coax them out with food. We blocked it for a while, but they soon decided they wanted to be on the couch while we were traveling, so we don't block it any more. On the bid front room/kitchen slide, we use a couple of boxes to block it off as that one is really attractive to them. Do make sure you remember to remove the boxes before putting the slide out - can be trouble!:facepalm

Barb