Can you take your cat camping? Tips for camping with cats

This post originally appeared on my website naturecrank.com.

Cats like to camp as well (a short guide to camping with cats)

Many people take their dogs camping, but camping with cats is a growing trend for “adventure cats” and their owners. If your feline friend gives you that “I can’t believe you’re leaving me” look, you’ve likely wondered: is it safe to take my cat camping? The answer is a resounding yes, provided you have the right cat camping gear and a solid plan.

Some cats genuinely enjoy camping, while others need time to adjust. No one knows your cat better than you do. Just like hiking with pets, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some cats become stressed by new environments, but that doesn’t mean camping with your cat isn’t possible. With patience, preparation, and an understanding of your cat’s personality, it can be a rewarding experience. Below are some essential cat camping tips to help you get started.

Essential cat camping tips for beginner

Before you pack the kibble, consider these five pillars of feline outdoor safety.

🔹The car ride and travel anxiety — Most of us are familiar with how cats respond to car rides, whether on the first trip home or to the veterinarian. Cats are not particularly fond of car rides and will sometimes lose hair, often moan, and occasionally vomit. Cat crates or boxes are good for getting the cat accustomed to the ride. Start them out on short rides around town to help prevent cat motion sickness.

For The Blaze, I bring his crate so that he has a place to feel safe if he needs it, but no longer lock him inside. He still cries usually during the first 15 minutes of travel and then settles down. While I do not have a picture, he will often stick his head out of the window into the wind with my dog, Maximus.

🔹Choosing cat-friendly campgrounds — Not all campsites are created equal. Avoid high-traffic areas if your cat is skittish.

Blaze does not like other people or other animals, so camping with this cat is a little different. It takes him a while to warm up to them. This should be taken into consideration as well. Are you going to a place with heavy traffic? Will there be lots of people, other animals, and noise? How does your cat respond? How does the cat respond to extreme temperatures, hot or cold?

If your cat is an indoor-only cat, you probably do not want to take him or her with you in the heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter unless you will be in a climate-controlled camper. My cat only goes during the cool seasons. I have cheap $20 sleeping bags just for the pets.

Your cat will need to have a cat harness and leash, or it will have to stay in its cat crate or the tent the whole time. So, when camping with cats, I recommend that you give them the most freedom you can.

Cat harnesses come in different types. Blaze has a simple nylon harness (pictured above), but some prefer a padded harness. You should also start allowing your cat to get accustomed to wearing a harness and leash before going. For a leash, I use a cable tether leash because it gives him plenty of room to roam around the campsite and get tangled up in everything. Cats will often cower down initially when using a harness because of feeling restricted. They might spaz out with a leash. A harness is better in the long run because it is less apt to harm your pet.

Make sure that you follow the rules of the campground. Check the rules before going, as not all campgrounds allow pets.

Do not leave the cat zipped up in a tent (or camper) without proper ventilation when it is warm outside. Even on cool days, direct sunlight can warm that tent up quite a bit.

🔹Food and water — Obviously, do not forget your cat’s food, but also do not change its food. Feed it what it normally eats. It may already be stressed and changing its food will up the chances of diarrhea. Do not be alarmed if your cat does not want to initially eat or drink.

🔹Humans, other pets, and wildlife — Keep an eye out for other furry creatures and humans. If your cat is liable to run, ensure that it does not hang itself or tear your camp down with its leash.

🔹Potty time — Consider what you will do with pet waste. No one likes stepping in poop. Consider bringing a travel litter box or be sure to clean up after your pet so that you nor anyone else step in it. You can get disposable litter boxes or litter boxes that collapse.

The cat camping checklist

Frequently asked questions about camping with cats

In the end…

Taking your cat camping can be a fun adventure, bringing you closer to your feline friend in the great outdoors.

Start small, be patient, and let your cat’s personality guide the journey. With a little planning, you and your cat can make unforgettable memories under the stars.