When it comes to camping with cats, preparation is the key, and there are many things you need to consider while camping with a cat. Planning is essential for camping in general. But you’ll need to make additional preparations and bring some cat-specific camping gear if you’re camping with a cat. It’s more complex than bringing your dog food, bowls, and a leash.
How to take your cat camping? I advise you to start by figuring out whether your cat is suitable for this way of life since if your cat doesn’t enjoy camping, you’re not going to enjoy camping with your cat, am I right? A sad cat leads to a miserable camping trip. So, to have memorable and comfortable camping with your cat, read this carefully.
How To Take Your Cat Camping? 14 Best Tips
As I am a cat owner, I know that cats don’t always adjust to new circumstances and environments well. In this blog, I’ll discuss some crucial factors to bear in mind and suggestions to make the procedure more enjoyable. Following are the things you need to consider while taking your cat camping.
1. Is the place you are going pet friendly
Do your homework before you visit and if you need clarification on whether cats are allowed. Pets are permitted in some national parks’ campgrounds and on specific paths, but not in the wilderness. All U.S. national forests allow pets.
However, most of the time, they must be on leashes and are not allowed in swimming areas. You should know that some campgrounds will charge you more if you bring your cat to the camping site.
2. Give your cat time to adjust
You should give your cats enough time to get used to the camping environment, even if they have previously spent time outside, and shouldn’t push a cat who has spent its entire life indoors to go camping if they are accustomed to living indoors.
It is likely to cause your cat to feel overwhelmed and perhaps traumatized. You should spend some time helping an indoor cat get used to being outside. Bring them out and walk around your yard to start.
Thanks to this, they will taste the outdoors before you go on a fantastic cat camping adventure. Increase your cat’s outdoor exposure gradually until you are certain that they will feel at ease going on a multiday camping vacation.
3. Go on a short camping
The short journey will be better when camping with a cat. Even if you might be capable of going on a multiday trekking expedition, your cat probably isn’t. Start by spending one safe night camping alongside your cat.
You and your pet will both benefit from shortening your camping excursion. For your cat to get used to camping, you should also introduce them to a tent. Begin by camping with your cat for one secure night. Your camping trip will be more enjoyable for you and your pet if it is shorter.
4. How is the climate?
Never take your cat camping in extremely hot or cold weather; check the forecast before your feline companion venture outside. Temperatures that are too cold or too hot might be hazardous for your pet.
Before venturing outside on a particularly hot or cold day, consider the length of your cat’s coat, or lack thereof. Your cat might need sunscreen if he is a breed without hair or has fine light-colored fur.
5. Avoid crowded campsites
You should try to avoid crowds when camping with a cat, at least at first. Your cat can feel uneasy around so many people and animals, especially if they aren’t used to camping. It will give your cat lots of room to explore without being concerned about nearby people.
But even if your cat is typically outgoing and enjoys meeting new people, starting at a secluded campsite is still a good idea.
6. Make a safe place for a cat
There are two significant functions that your cat’s particular area serves. First, it provides a place for your cat to hide if they ever get terrified. Second, it provides a haven for your cat to sleep in a strange, unsettling setting.
While some cats could feel at ease spending time in a tent or any other haven you have created, others might not. It is a brilliant idea to let your cat use your car as a haven if that is the case.
7. A cat needs to eat
Bring enough food for your cat each day as you intend to camp, and pack the same food your cat eats at home to prevent any digestive problems. Cats require between 250 and 300 calories daily to maintain weight.
Because each food is unique, check the label or consult your veterinarian. Be a good parent and bring treats with you to reward your cat when he arrives at the campsite. And sure, the food for your cat is also placed in the bear bag at night.
8. Prepare a restroom for your cat
You might be startled to learn that your cat feels quite an at ease using the restroom on the ground or behind a tree. But you should pack a litter box and adequate litter for the journey. While camping, you will have a cozy spot to relieve yourself, thanks to this.
Additionally, you should keep the litter box in the same spot throughout the journey. You can carry out this activity inside a tent or in your car. Keeping the little box in one spot will make it easier for your cat to find it when it’s time for a bathroom break in either scenario.
9. Make a trial run
If you think your cat is ready to go camping, the first thing to do is run a test. Set up your tent in the living room or another home area if you have the space. Leave it for your cat to find on their own.
Consider including some catnip or treats inside. Cats can even be fed within the tent. Stay the night there. Then relocate everything to your backyard and spend a night camping with a cat. You always have the option to cancel a mission and return inside if things don’t go as planned.
10. Tie the leash to your cat
Leashes are frequently thought of as belonging to animals. Cats can utilize them, too, unlike what the general public thinks. One of the main dangers of taking a cat camping is that it can walk off when you’re not looking. They might come across some wild animals or get stuck in a tree.
You must restrict your cat’s access to specified locations to avoid that. The most guaranteed way to do it is to attach your cat to a leash. A picnic table or tree might work well for tying the leash.
11. Watch your cat every moment
For the majority of competent cat owners, this point will seem apparent. However, we feel the need to stress this instruction. While camping, always keep a watch on your cat. You and your pet are at risk while camping in numerous ways.
And even though you try to forecast those threats, some may surprise you. Because of this, while cat camping, you should always have your cat in sight. You should take your cat with you if you have to leave your campground for whatever reason or leave them in their secure place.
12. Use a GPS Collar
Even if you keep a watch on your cat, it is possible that it could become lost. Although GPS collars can help you find your cat while camping. They are more frequently used on canines; cats can also benefit from them.
Using Google Satellite View on your smartphone, you can keep an eye on where your cat is. Most manufacturers require a monthly subscription fee. Tractive makes the most widely used GPS collar. The device locates your cat using GPS satellites, then broadcasts that location to whatever local cellular network has the best coverage.
Tractive receives the information before sending it to your phone. Tractive, thus needs a cell signal to operate. While other manufacturers’ products function similarly, most only connect to AT&T, and tractive can connect to any cellular network. Tractive will therefore have a better chance of discovering your pet.
13. Use a cat backpack
You should consider purchasing a cat backpack for cat camping. Your cat can snooze in one of these backpacks while you hike. Additionally, they keep them safe from any hazards on the trail. Because you can wear a cat backpack like a regular backpack, you won’t need to use your hands to assist your cat while using it for this purpose.
However, if you cannot locate one of these backpacks, a cat carrier should also work. The hike you choose can be too rigorous for your cat, even if they are on a leash. Long distances, rocky terrain, and exposure to the elements are all disadvantages of trekking with your cat. However, certain elements can sometimes be unavoidable.
14. Keep the cat away from the fire
The best action is to ultimately keep your cat away from the fire. It will significantly lower the possibility of your cat suffering a severe burn. Your cat may be unfamiliar with fire. And as a result, the cat might develop intense curiosity. Keep a watchful eye on your cat’s behavior near a fire. They could occasionally feel the need to touch the fire out of curiosity.
Final Thoughts: How to Take Your Cat Camping
As I have explained above about How to take your cat camping? It will require a little planning and preparation to ensure that you and the kitten have a good time. Camping with cats can be enjoyable, especially if they’ve grown to be your best friends. You should have a safe and content cat who will take pleasure in the outdoors as much as you do as long as you and your feline companion are adequately prepared for the trip.
You might experience some setbacks, you might experience some difficulty, and the weather might not be on your side. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and create lasting experiences wherever you go with your cat. ENJOY CAT CAMPING!
Read More: Best Large Tents for Dog Camping
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Take Your Cat Camping
Following are the frequently asked questions about how to take your cat camping.
1. Are Cats Allowed in Campers?
Answer: The answer is yes if you’ve wondered whether your cat can live in a camper. There are a few limitations to that response, though. Campers can be found in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. As a result, certain campers will be better suited for cats than others.
It is simple to determine whether your current camper will be adequate. Your cat should have no trouble surviving in your camper as long as you can supply warmth, food, water, a place to sleep, and a bathroom.
2. Can You Take a Cat Camping?
Answer: You can take a cat camping with you. But before you do, you need to make a few special decisions. Camping increases the risk that a cat would not otherwise encounter. Because of this, you must go by the guidelines in this article whenever you go camping with your cat. Your cat will stay secure and at ease if you do this.
3. Can Cats Live in Tents?
Answer: The answer to the question “do cats like tents?” depends on the particular cat. As you might anticipate, a cat with little to no outdoor experience will find it difficult to get used to sleeping in a tent.
However, if you thoughtfully expose your cat to a tent, it can grow to like that environment. To ensure that your pet is content and at ease in its sleeping space, you should continue to attend to its specific needs.