Cats and Camping: For Adventurous Felines Only

   Usually when we tell people that we take our cat Sushi tent camping we receive some strange looks. It was a common occurrence for us to see dogs camping with their owners and after noticing this, we questioned why dogs should be the only ones having all the fun. We then decided that we would try it with our curious and brave little cat, who already loved walking on her leash outdoors. Most people would be surprised to know that Sushi loves to go camping. Cats can enjoy camping if they have the right temperament and an owner who understands how to take them along safely. You may be wondering how you could possibly take your cat camping with you without it being a traumatic experience where you end up chasing your escaped cat through the woods. Here's our recipe for success.

   Bring your cat in his carrier, making sure to pack a bag with food, bottled water, litter, cat bed or blankets, litter box, and toys for the trip. Having a large tent also helps to allow the cat plenty of room, and space to put a litter box. I also highly recommend having your cat leash trained for an extra level of protection against escape. Please make sure before the trip that your cat cannot pull out of his harness as well, just in case he is frightened by a sudden noise and tries to pull away.

Sushi the Camping Cat

   When you arrive, set up your tent and campsite while keeping your cat in his carrier inside the car with it running, so he can stay in a temperature controlled environment. Remember, if you would not take a small child camping with you in a certain type of weather, leave your cat at home. Transfer your cat to the tent after you have finished setting up and allow him to explore the inside of your tent. Set out a litter box, food, and water inside the tent. Your cat may need some time adjusting and exploring her new surroundings. When you exit and enter the tent be very careful not to let your cat escape and if your cat is an escape artist, consider buying a tent with zip-off rooms where you can confine him upon opening or closing of the tent to the outside.

   Tents with mesh windows are ideal for cat tent camping, so that the cat can look outside to see all the excitement that nature has to offer. You can also take your leashed cat on walks and use a dog's tie-out stake to allow him to be outside with you while you are cooking or hanging out around the campfire. Make sure your cat is not staked close enough to the fire that he may injure himself and that he is never left outside unsupervised, as he could be a dangerously appealing snack to passing predators without your protection. Happy cat camping!

Leash Training a Cat

   One of the most enjoyable experiences we have had with our cat Sushi has been taking her for walks. Many people react with disbelief when we tell them that we take her for walks outside on a leash. People generally assume that cats are untrainable, aloof creatures that won't listen to their owners. This is simply not true. Success in training your cat to walk on a leash lies with motivation, as cats are not naturally inclined to complete tasks just to please their owners in the same way that dogs are. However, if you show your cat that there is a reward to be gained from cooperating with leash training, you will have an enthusiastic walking partner.

   Why leash train your cat? There a few reasons, mainly that when you take your cat to the vet or travel with your cat, you can often take them out of the carrier or transport them more easily and safely if they are leash trained. Another reason is that most cats spend their days indoors, and can become bored if not enough stimulation is provided. If you take your cat on a walk, it allows him to exercise his instincts in watching and chasing birds or bugs outside. It also allows them some activity which is good for their health and beneficial if your cat is overweight.

   Before you decide to leash train your cat, make sure that this is an activity that he will enjoy. In order for leash walking to be successful, your cat needs to be the kind of cat that is curious and isn't too frightened of the outside world. If you have an extremely nervous cat that is not social, it is not recommended for you to attempt leash training with him. Some fear of the outside world is expected, especially if your cat has never been outside or was a rescued cat with a history of negative experiences outdoors. Our cat Sushi was found outside and was initially fearful, but with some gentle guidance and help from her curious nature,  she decided that outside can be fun as long as she is on a leash with someone she trusts.

   The first time we introduce Sushi to a leash, we used a "Come With Me Kitty" harness and leash which can be purchased at most pet stores or even places like Target or Wal-Mart. It is a stretchy leash and harness that doesn't pull on kitty when she is walking. They come in multiple sizes, so make sure you locate the size appropriate to your cat. The day we brought it home, we put the harness on Sushi and gave her time to adjust to the feeling of it around her body. She was initially none too pleased about it, but accepted it and eventually grew to wearing it around the apartment as if there was nothing there. After this stage, you can then attach the leash and motivate your cat to walk on it by using a few treats as a lure. Get him used to the feeling of walking beside you until he is comfortable.

   Next, I recommend taking him outside, to a quiet park or place where there aren't many cars or loud noises to frighten your cat. Once again, use treats to motivate your cat to walk around and find a spot to sit where you cat can observe birds or animals so that he will begin to realize that being outside is fun. You ultimately want your cat to realize that the leash means that he will get to go outside. Once your cat realizes that outside is a fun place where he is safe on his leash, your cat will be meowing for a walk every time you pick up the leash.