Taking Your Cat Camping

Most people have never considered this, and probably most people should not attempt this. Camping is dangerous, chaotic, and if there is a problem, its usually harder to handle since you're so far from home. However, some of you, like me, have an exceptional cat, and in addition to that, you both know each other fully. I would not have taken my other cats camping, and you need to think hard if this is something you're doing for the cat or if its just for you and publicity. If you think your cat needs this experience to check off their bucket list, continue on! Otherwise, you can get followers by just posting all of the cat pictures and videos you already are, don't endanger your pet. Before I went, I had to do some research, if people are driving across the country with their cat, surely there are plenty of feline campurrs. Turns out, there wasn't a whole lot of information that wasn't already blatantly obvious when I went. Don't leave your cat alone, like you shouldn't leave your dog, kid, or your drunk friend alone while camping. Make sure to bring some things that are familiar and pleasing for your cat, beds, blankets, multiple foods, and pack extra, as they might just be the difference between a mellow or frantic trip🙀. This isn't the time to put them into a new scary environment, and change their diet, and take away all their blankies, although most likely they will also try to get inside your sleeping bag. If you're taking your cat, at least for the first time, this will be a truly different camping trip than before. This was an experience for me that I will never forget!

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Watch your cat's eating habits, sleeping habits, and very importantly, pooping habits! You cat might not poop in fear that it might attract predators which they will be smelling everywhere. Dogs, however, are not very wise in this respect, and they broadcast their scent everywhere all the time. If your cat does not poop, it can blow one or both anal glands, so you might need to learn how to express glands before you go, just in case. Think of it as learning fire safety or mouth to mouth resuscitation, but for a cats anus. You might consider a litter box if your cat already uses one at home, otherwise, take your cat on poop breaks far from your site. If your cat is having a problem, pack up and go back home, learn the humility of making a poor choice for your animal, but don't let pride turn a bad situation into a disaster. Try it out, you and your cat will have a unique bonding experience!

::Obligatory disclaimer, don't kill your cat, and don't blame it on me. Doing this is riding a fine line on the edge of animal abuse::

My cat was old, wise, and we both trusted each other completely, and I also am amazing at calling cats to me, even if they aren't mine! This worked a little too well(?) and I managed to call several raccoons instead on one of my trips! I knew that she would stay put, be safe, and she would follow my lead. The drive was pretty long, but she didn't even care. It was pretty cold, and we ended up setting the tent up really late, and she just shook her head in disappointment while waiting. She loved the sleeping bags, and slept in my son's bag with or without him the majority of the trip😻. She was cool as ice the whole trip, and she managed to grow her image and further her legendary status. I've never had a cat greater than her, and I miss her dearly 😢

I did this on two memorable occasions, let me know if you've done this, or another peculiar pet/camping story!