How to Take Your Cat Camping

Many people take their dogs camping with them, but what about their cats? Let's say you have two cats. Sophie is pretty timid and hides whenever anyone strange comes over. Zeke, on the other hand, will jump into the lap of anyone who is within 10 feet. Sophie will peer cautiously down the stairs if a door is open to a room she hasn't been in. Zeke will charge right down, ready to explore. Zeke would be great camping, Sophie wouldn't.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat
• Harness
• Leash
• Car

1. Personality is the first indication of whether or not you should take your cat camping. If your cat meows in terror if you take her outside, neither of you are going to have much fun camping. But if you have the kind of cat that walks outside and immediately begins to roll around on the ground in ecstasy, you have a camper.

2. Use a cat harness and leash at least a month before your planned trip. Make sure the harness is secure and unlikely to be slipped out of.

3. 

   Take your cat out into the backyard the first few times. You will need to put the harness on him for at least a little while everyday, to get him used to it.

4. Take your cat driving when you feel your cat has gotten quite comfortable with the backyard. How is she in the car? Does she panic? Or does she seem relaxed and stare curiously out the window? The latter is what you are looking for.

5. Take him to a park or a field of some kind. Walk him around on the leash and see what his reaction is. Is he fairly mellow, sniffing around, relaxing in the grass? Does he seem comfortable and happy?

6. Know that if at the end of the practice month your cat has become comfortable with the harness, leash, and being outside, she might be a good fit for camping. But under no circumstances should you ever let your cat wander off leash while camping. Always keep her harnessed and on leash and in the same tent with you when you sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• While driving, keeping your cat in a carrier is recommended.
• Get tags for your cat so if he does become lost, he can be returned home.
• While many people take their cats camping, it may not be for you. If you will spend the entire trip in anxiety about your cat's well-being, leave her at home.