Camping With Cats

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Jay Elliott

Chief Camping Officer

Camping With Cats

Camping involves a great deal of preparation, which can take days. When you want to go camping with your cat, you will need to do a little more planning and bring cat camping gear for your cat to ensure a convenient and hassle-free trip. 

It’s a good idea to go camping with your cat as this can also be a great physical activity for them. Here are some things you need to know before bringing your cat to camp.

What Should You Bring When Camping With Cats?        

Camping with pets entails separate planning and preparation for their needs. You wouldn’t want them to be a nuisance for other people so it is important to be equipped with everything you need. Bringing these essential items can make camping more convenient for you and your cat. 

Carrier

This allows safe transport of your pet. Although it’s okay for your cat to roam in your car as long as you watch over them, with a carrier, they can stay secure and comfortable; so make sure to bring one. 

Leash

Putting your cat on a leash is important during your trip as this can prevent them from wandering around unsupervised. In the forest or woods, they can encounter wild animals and get into accidents, but with a leash, you can monitor them. Just bring one that is long enough for your cat to explore the place. 

Poo bags

This can help you clean up after your cat easily when they poop or the litter box is already full. 

Bed

Your cat can sleep comfortably if you bring its own bed. Though they can sleep with you, it’s recommended for them to have their own place to sleep in. 

Name tag

During a trip, there’s always a possibility for your cat to get lost, particularly if you just let them wander off-leash. With a name tag, you can find your cat more easily. And in case a stranger finds them, you can recognize them fast. Also, it’s better if you have a mobile number on it so people can contact you. 

Toys

Toys can make camping more enjoyable for your cat. This is one good way to keep them busy and engaged while you are having fun with your friends. 

Bowls

Don’t forget to bring a food bowl so your cat can eat with convenience. You don’t want to settle for toxic plastic or paper that your cat can ingest. It might be dangerous for them. 

Food

Bring enough cat food and some treats too. But in case you run out of supplies, try to drop by at the nearest pet shop in the area to get more. 

Own small bag

You can bring a separate bag for your cat, where you can put all their belongings such as cat food, bowl, toys, and more. 

Is It Okay To Bring Cats To Camping?

Once in a while, pets need to explore nature. It is perfectly okay to bring your cats to camp. It is safe as long as you continuously watch them; always be a responsible owner.

Don’t let your cat bother your neighbors

Indeed, cats are cute. Often, people find them hard to resist, but you still have to let your cat know when playtime is. As much as possible, don’t let them roam around and bother other neighbors when it’s nighttime. Keep your cat in your tent until it’s time to go out again. 

Visit the campsite first or do a research to see if they allowed pets inside

Some campsites welcome pets, but some do not. So before you head on to the site, check out first if they allow cats. 

Do your own research about the place to learn the necessary things you need beforehand. It would be a disaster to travel for miles and spend the time preparing for what your cat needs during the trip only to find out that pets are not allowed.

Can Your Cat Sleep in Your Tent?

As mentioned before, it is advisable that your cat stays in its own tent. But some cats love to sleep beside their owner so it won’t be a problem if you want to share your tent with them. 

The only problem you might deal with is felines love to play with zippers and they might end up damaging yours. You can avoid this by covering or tucking in the zipper.  

How to Do Camping With Cats?

You now know that camping with your cat is possible as well as the essential things you need to bring. Now, here are some of the best practices when camping with cats.

Food

Plan what they are going to eat and how much of their food you are going to bring. You can still stick to your cat’s food routine and schedule, though. 

Just because you are in the great outdoors, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to change your cat’s diet and feeding time. To be safe, bring extra food in case some unforeseen circumstance occurs such as getting stranded. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of cat food. 

Water

Like humans, cats need to be hydrated too. Furthermore, going on a trip can make your cat thirstier. So make sure to bring enough bottled water with you. 

Litter box or poo bags

As mentioned, this provides a place for your cat to urinate and poop. You can easily dispose of the waste with a litter box or poo bags. 

Photo of them

Your cat wandering far away while exploring the area is always a possibility. In any case they get lost, you have a photo of them to make the search easier. This comes in handy along with the name tag.

First aid kit

Bring a first aid kit to address minor wounds if your cat gets injured. Include cotton balls or swabs, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tapes, saline solution, scissors, and gauze rolls. This is helpful in treating torn nails, punctures, and insect bites. 

Own shelter

With their own shelter or bed, your cat can snug safely anytime they want to sleep. Also, this allows you to toss and turn freely in your tent without bothering them. 

Have fun

Take time to explore the valleys, woods, and rivers; just enjoy camping with your cat. Don’t forget that the purpose of the trip is for you to be able to relax and unwind. It is advisable to take a break from your phone so you and your cat can reconnect with nature. 

But, you may also take photos and videos you can share with your friends and relatives when you get back home. That may actually encourage them to go camping with their pets too.