Over 40 million people enjoy camping in the US every year. So it is understandable if you think camping is so common. However, camping with pets, especially cats, is almost unheard of.
In fact, people may go camping with almost every breed of dog you can find, but felines are known for their independent, personal space-loving personalities. So camping with cats is not a common practice.
However, if you have a pet cat and want to take it for a camping adventure, right now is the perfect time. With the temperatures dropping and the fall weather in full swing, you may be in for a shock as to how much your cat will enjoy the outdoors with you.
But it is important to remember that there are certain reservations about cats outdoors that you have to take care of, especially if it is your first time outdoors with them. But worry not, as we have just the right guide for camping with cats for you.
8 Excellent Most Useful Tips to Take Your Cat Camping
To make things easier for you, we have compiled the eight most useful tips to take your cat camping with you. These tips will guide you through packing, enjoying the adventure, and returning safely. Use them as preventive measures to keep things enjoyable and safe for you, your cat, other people, and the environment. So without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Leash Train Your Cat
First, the best way to get started on preps for taking your cat camping is to leash-train them. You may be shocked to find out that once they are leash trained, it becomes effortless to take them for walks, even in general. So even if you don’t plan a camping trip, leash training is still a good idea.
2. Choose a Pet-Friendly Campsite
So you are planning on camping with your cat. But did you know national parks don’t allow it? Yes, this means you’d have to a privately owned campsite. Yet still, we’d recommend that you research the info beforehand and ensure that it is indeed a pet-friendly campsite and would ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for both you and your cat,
3. Pack EVERYTHING for Your Cat
Time for packing, and you cannot compromise on your cat stuff. You might be strict on your own packing regimen, but do not count your cat in it. This means you pack everything your cat owns, uses, is accustomed to, etc. As long as it can fit in your vehicle and is made for traveling with the cat, consider it packed for the camping trip.
4. See If Your Cat Is Okay With Car Rides
Many cat owners may already know if their cat is okay with car rides or not. However, if you are unsure that your cat would be okay with long car rides, then now is the time to find out. You can do a practice round by taking your cat on that one road trip to your cousin you only see on holidays. This way, you will be sure to reach a safe destination and know your cat’s behavior.
5. Let Your Cat Naturally Adapt To the Outdoors
So you have finally made it to the campgrounds, and it is your first hour there as you are familiar with the surrounding area. So just as you are not rushing into accepting the wilderness, let your cat take its sweet time too. Now is the time to put that leash training to use and take them exploring so they get familiar with and naturally adapt to the outdoors.
6. Familiarize the Litter Spot
Unlike other animals, cats don’t go poopy just anywhere. Hence, they need their usual litter setup if you want your cat’s bowels moving and healthy for the time being. So unless you are traveling with their litter system, create one and familiarize them with its usage. Your cat is definitely smart enough to understand and would not take long before you find it using it.
7. Go Hiking With a Cat Backpack
A camping activity that has been going viral over the internet, even on its own, is hiking with a pet backpack. These are specialized backpacks with space to place your pet in them, making them a great way to explore the outdoors with your beloved. Cats are easy to carry because they are soft and weigh light, so they sit with their little heads propped, taking in the views as you hike.
8. Keep Your Eyes on Your Cat at All Times
Lastly, you don’t want to leave your cat out of sight for even a moment. Cats are greatly loving pets, but they never measure their chances of running away; that is not something you ever want to happen. So give them an enclosed space to sleep at night in your camp with you and keep an eye on them during the day.
Our Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to take a camping trip with your cat, you can start by having a practice run in your backyard or leash training your cat. This way, you’ll have a better idea if your cat would be up for the wilderness and not create a fuss over being away from home.
Most cats love the outdoors as long as they have their human and explore nature. However, if your cat is a homebody and hates the outdoors to the point where they don’t like the garden, then, unfortunately, you might have to take this camping trip alone.
Good Luck!
