Can You Go Camping With Cats?

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When we think about camping with our pets, dogs typically come to mind. However, many people nowadays are camping with cats! Contrary to popular belief, some cats love to travel and explore with their humans. Let’s dive deeper into camping with cats – check out these 9 helpful tips!

Camping With Cats: Can It Be Done? 

In short – yes. Camping with cats is very doable, but it does require preparation, time, and patience on your behalf. Camping with cats is a fulfilling experience for both you and your pets. Not to mention, it can bring a great level of enrichment to their lives, especially if they are indoor-only.

However, not every cat will become a camping cat, and that is okay. We should never push our cat further than they want to go, and know when it’s time to stop trying! 

RVing With Cats vs. Tent Camping With Cats

RVing with cats is much easier to do and prepare for than tent camping. Once your cat starts to associate the RV with “home,” camping trips will be a breeze!

In an RV, a cat will recognize features similar to a house, such as kitchen counters, couches, and beds. Plus, the hard exterior of an RV shields your cat from the elements and noises that might alarm them.

Tent camping is entirely different, though. In a tent, a cat will be more exposed to temperature changes and noises. They also won’t have as much space to roam, nor will they have the creature comforts of a house. However, it’s not impossible to tent camp with your cat. It just takes a little extra preparation. 

Camping Is Not For Every Cat 

Camping is not for every cat. No matter how much you try to persuade or train them, some cats will never get used to camping or being on a leash. Just like people, cats have individual personalities. 

If your cat doesn’t seem to be getting used to the idea of being on a leash or in the vehicle, please do not force them. Stress can make your pet very sick! Or worse, they could get loose, and you may lose them. 

Preparing a cat for travel or camping can take a considerable amount of time…months, even. You know your pet better than anyone but don’t force them into anything they’re not prepared for. 

Tips for Safely Camping With Cats

Safely camping with cats is possible, but it requires ample amounts of both patience and time. Here are 9 tips to consider:

1. Determine If Your Cat Is a Camping Cat

Camping or traveling is not for every cat. However, by attempting leash training and short stints outside and in a vehicle, you will quickly find out if your cat is up for it. 

2. Prepare Them Ahead of Time

The key to a successful and safe trip with your cat is to fully prepare them ahead of time. It’s tempting to pack up and head out without a second thought, but this can be stressful and even dangerous for your cat.

Help them acclimate to the vehicle or tent. And make sure they’re ok being on a leash, as leashes are required at campgrounds. This can mean doing practice runs in the backyard or driveway until you know they’re ready. 

3. Never Leave Your Cat Outside Unattended

A cat isn’t like a dog in the sense that you can put them on a leash at your campsite and expect them to be okay. In fact, you should never leave your cat unattended in a tent or on a leash. 

They can tangle their leash or even wriggle out of it. Even the most “escape-proof” cat harnesses are escapable. And cats are notorious for getting unstuck.

4. Pack the Right Items

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have everything they need. Their normal food, water, litterbox, and carrier are essential for them to have a “safe space” to escape to. You’ll also need their leash, harness, and even their favorite toys. You want this to be a pleasant experience for your kitty!

5. Maintain Usual Schedules

Cats are creatures of routine. You’ve probably already noticed that! So, do your best to keep to your normal routine while camping, too. Stick to regular feeding and sleeping schedules to make the experience as stress-free for your cat as possible. 

6. Avoid Crowded Areas

This should go without saying, but you should avoid crowded areas for camping with cats, especially if they’re totally new to it! 

Many people can mean lots of energy, which can spook your cat into hiding or running off. You don’t want anything to potentially traumatize your cat or make it associate camping with being scared. 

7. Provide a Safe Space for Your Cat to Escape To

Cats don’t like feeling vulnerable. Make sure your cat has a safe place to escape to that is dark and out of the way. For many cats, this can be their carrier. But if your cat has negative associations with its carrier, try setting up a little kitty fort out of pillows. Just make sure they have a safe hide-hole if they get scared. 

8. Start With Short Trips at First

Short trips are essential to know if your cat will take to camping well. Also, it helps prepare them for the entire experience! These mini-test adventures can be something closer to home or even just in the backyard. 

9. Be Prepared for Encounters With Dogs or Wildlife

Nobody wants to think about it, but everyone needs to be prepared to encounter a dog or other wildlife that could be a threat to your feline friend. Never leave your cat unattended at your campsite, and don’t take them leashed down busy trails. Additionally, you should consider how your cat generally reacts to other animals and prepare for chance encounters. 

Enrich Your Cat’s Life With Camping!

Camping with cats can be a fun and fulfilling experience that will enrich your cat’s life and surely yours as well. It’s fun to share experiences with your cats that most people think only dogs are cut out for. Your cat may not be able to speak, but if they could, they would surely say thank you!