Mary Allen
Travelers who want to have their house cat close to them on vacation often opt for camping with a cat. Holidays with your pet in a camper, tent, or caravan bring many advantages, but also require some knowledge and preparation.
Camping with a cat is similar to traveling with a child. As a pet owner, you have to plan for an additional companion and decide whether you can put your furry companion through the stressful change of surroundings. This not only means that you have to think about your velvet paw’s luggage, but you also need to think about the location, arrival, and accommodation well in advance.
Before the Vacation
So before you go on holiday, it is important to clarify on which sites at your destination camping with cats is even allowed. The quickest way to clarify this question is to give the groundskeeper a quick call. He will tell you whether it is generally possible to bring the animal with you, whether it can run free and whether there are any extra costs.
Keeping in the Caravan or Freewheel?
This immediately raises the next question, which is fundamental for the camping trip: should the cat only stay in the caravan or camper or tent and its awning? Are you planning walks with your four-legged friend? Or maybe your cat can even move around the square on its own?
In the latter case, you should always visit the same campsite so that the house cat can get used to the environment. A cat flap on the caravan or awning is also useful so that your pet can return at any time. You should also take a photo of your cat with you in case the velvet paw doesn’t find its way home on its own. On the other hand, if the cat is only to stay in the caravan and awning, the area around it must be secured with cat gates to prevent it from escaping.
For possible excursions with owners, a leash and harness should be taken along. The animal must be used to the leash for several weeks before the trip.
Whatever type of accommodation you choose, be sure to put a tag on your cat’s collar with your address and phone number. In this way, you can be notified by the finder if the animal is lost.
More Helpful Tips
If possible, ask the groundskeeper for a shady location on the edge of the campsite. Your car and cat should never be left in the sun for long because the heat would damage the animal in the long run. In addition, it is usually a little quieter at the edge of the square and your house cat can move around more freely.
It is also advisable to visit a veterinarian before traveling with a cat. Ask them to check that all vaccinations are complete and have them refreshed if necessary. Remember: In addition to your fur nose, there could be other pets on the campsite from which your cat can contract diseases.
Packing List for Camping With a Cat
Once all these preparations and decisions have been made, you can almost get started. However, so that your cat feels comfortable on vacation, you should think about a few souvenirs from your familiar four walls when packing. That must with:
● the usual basket or sleeping pillow
● a favorite toy or two
● bowls
● sufficient feed
● more it box, litter, and, if necessary, excrement bags
● transport box for the journey
● tick protection
● sunscreen (depending on the season and the cat’s coat)
● first-aid kit for cats
● if necessary leash and harness
● cat coat (depending on the season and breed of your cat)
● If necessary, cat grids for windows
● papers of the cat (especially for traveling abroad)