How To Camp With A Cat Comfortably In Any Season

Camping With Your Cat Should Be A Great Experience For Both

If you’ve been blessed with an adventurous cat, bringing them along on your next camping trip could be tempting.

Some cats end up loving being outdoors with their favorite person, exploring trails, and basking in the sunshine.

Taking your cat camping with you randomly is not the way to approach this endeavor if you want to keep your cat happy.

Your cat needs to be acclimated to the outdoors and comfortable in a harness, and both need to have all the essentials for camping with cats.

Establish A Level Of Trust

You and your cat need to establish a strong bond that includes a deep sense of trust and obedience.

This is the only way you have any chance of successfully bringing your cat outside with you to prepare them for camping.

It can take months to years for cats to learn to trust you completely, and getting them camping before they’re ready can cause them to lose trust.

It’s also essential to thoroughly understand your cat’s temperament and preferences to know whether they will enjoy camping or tolerate it.

You also need to read their cues to know when they’re content and when they’re distressed. This will give you a better sense of when to pack up and go.

Have your feline friend learn commands such as “come” and “no” so that you can keep them safe from wandering off or eating something harmful.

Knowing that your cat will usually listen to you is crucial, as camping can be dangerous for them should they go off on their own.

Don’t Throw Them Into The Environment

You’ll need to prepare your cat for a camping trip in several slow steps.

Taking them camping will involve car rides, being outside, being in a tent, and being on a harness.

Throughout preparing your cat for camping, if at any point they are in distress, don’t keep pushing them.

You’ll have to gauge if your cat enjoys being outside by practicing bringing them out in a harness and ensuring they follow your lead.

They need to be updated on their vaccinations, so they don’t catch any illnesses or critters, and they should be micro-chipped.

Their harness should also be equipped with LED lights, which are always visible, especially at night.

The harness shouldn’t be restrictive, but secure enough that your cat can’t climb out of it and wander off.

Avoid Crowded Trails/Campsites

A campsite bustling with other campers will probably make your cat nervous.

Opt for seclusion without many people constantly walking by your campsite.

You should also check that your camp allows pets; if so, be sure cats are on that list.

If your cat is allowed to join you, other animals might also be at the campsite.

If your cat isn’t social, you’ll have to be extra careful when going beyond your camp.

You should also inquire about potential wildlife to know if it’s safe for your cat to be with you.

It’s best to avoid bringing your cat along on a big camping trip with a bunch of people that will be loud.

Instead, consider getting them on a solo trip, or bring along one more person you know your cat trusts completely.

They’re more likely to enjoy camping if it involves a quiet trip away from you.

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Plan A Short Camping Trip

Cats will probably get bored or restless after camping a day or two, so don’t plan to take them on an arduous excursion.

If extreme weather comes about, you want to take them home to a safer environment as soon as possible.

You’ll want to start with one day after getting them acclimated adequately to all the elements they may be exposed to when camping.

If they seem to enjoy themselves, you can try an overnight stay. Likely, your cat won’t have much fun camping for more than a few days.

You should also be prepared to bring your cat along with you on any adventure you want to embark on.

Cats should never be left to wander the campsite or stay in the tent on their own.

You can have different lengths of leashes that can be securely tied to something if you want to let them explore safely within eyesight.

Pack Enough Essentials For Your Cat

While camping for us is often about having the bare necessities, cats are creatures of comfort and familiarity.

This means that your cat needs the amenities they’re used to at home when camping, such as sustenance, soft things, toys, or comfort objects, and things to do to occupy their time and keep them entertained.

Bring plenty of food and water with you to keep your cat happy on the trip, along with some treats. Bringing some of their nutrition from home is recommended.

It’s also worth getting a couple of cans of wet food, so they stay hydrated.

A foldable litter box or waste disposal bag is also needed for your cat to go to a designated spot.

A first aid kit for felines is also a good idea, sunscreen and a jacket for your cat.

Be sure your cat’s collar ID is updated with your current contact information.

A few comfort objects from home, like toys and a bed or blanket, can help your cat feel safer on your trip.

Camping bed with tent — When camping with cats you want to think of what makes them comfortable at home like a litter box or your cat’s harness. Think about putting your cat on a leash when out take your cat camping and never leave your cat alone in the heat.

Have Suitable Sleeping Options

Some cats may sleep in a tent, while others aren’t fans.

You should be set up to sleep in a well-ventilated car with them if need be, as you don’t want them to overheat or get too cold during the night.

Your tent should be fully closed at night, so your cat doesn’t go exploring while you’re sleeping.

If you have space, set up your tent before camping in your home and see how your cat likes it.

Try putting their bed inside, and see if they’ll sleep in there with you.

If they like it, bring the tent outside and see how they react. Some campers will get a bed, a cat backpack, or a soft carrier to offer their kitty extra comfort.

You want to be sure your cat gets plenty of rest, especially if you go on a walk with them.

Be sure they have opportunities to get out of the sun as well and can stay warm when temperatures drop at night.

No matter where you sleep, your cat needs a space they can retreat to feel safe or recoup some energy.

Conclusion to camping with cats

We hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide.

Cats never cease to amaze their owners, especially after learning that their feline friend loves camping.

Camping with a cat should never be done on a whim, no matter how much they love the outdoors.

Your priority should always keep your cat safe on your camping trip, ensuring they remain by your side and have everything they need to eat, stay hydrated, and be warm.