Many families love taking their furry friends camping with them…although that furry friend is usually a dog. But some camping enthusiast cat owners have wondered…can I go camping with my cat?

Well, the short answer is yes, but it definitely depends on your cat’s disposition and personality.

There are some adventurers, like Quin Gable, who lives full-time in a van with her two cats, that have mastered the art of travelling with cats. Check out her van tour video below!

Quin travels full time with her two adorable cats Atlas and Otto!

Quin is just one of many adventurers who take their cats out on the road with them. Even some cat owners who don’t travel full time still enjoy camping with their cats. However, it is important to know your cat’s personality before you go!

If your cat is comfortable in the car, can wear a harness and leash, and has some outdoor experience (e.g. if you talk them for walks – yes, people walk their cats!) then camping with your cats is entirely possible.

Camping With Cats Tip #1: Keep Your Cat Contained!

You should only consider camping with your cat if they are comfortable in a travel crate and on a leash/tie. Domestic cats are amazing pets, but they are also incredibly efficient hunters. If you let your cat loose in the forest, there is a good chance they could harm local wildlife like birds or rodents.

This can not only become dangerous for small animals, but also for your cat. Other animals may try to defend themselves and end up hurting your cat while you are far away from your local vet. Or, your cat could attack something poisonous or venomous, like the Massasauga Rattlesnake – the only venomous snake in Ontario.

Letting your cat loose while camping can pose a serious danger to your cat’s safety. Even cats that are used to going outdoors may have trouble navigating an unfamiliar forest or trailer park. Keeping your cat contained is the safest thing for both your cat and other animals.

To keep your cat safe during your trip, you’ll want to ensure that they are:

✓ Comfortable wearing a cat-safe harness
✓ Used to being restrained by a leash or tie
✓ Comfortable in a travel carrier
✓ Comfortable in a moving vehicle

If your cat checks all the boxes above, then you may want to try camping with your cat! It can be a wonderful way to make memories with your furry family member.

Camping With Cats Tip #2: Choose The Right Accommodations

If you are a cat owner, you probably already know that cats are basically liquid! Not really, of course, but they can slip into the tiniest cracks and escape from the most restricted spaces. Because of this, you need to carefully select your sleeping accommodations.

Unlike dogs, which are a bit bulkier and generally easier to contain, cats can escape from places that you think are secure…and then suddenly, they’re gone. While many cat owners have had success camping in a tent with their cats, others feel that it is safer to camp in a trailer or RV.

Whatever option you choose, make sure your cat’s safety and comfort are top priorities. Before heading out, inspect your tent, trailer, or RV for potential escape routes and consider how your cat might behave in a brand-new environment.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your accommodations:

• Ventilation and temperature control: Cats are sensitive to heat and cold. Make sure the space is well-ventilated, shaded, and never overheats in the sun. Many trailers have electricity and even AC, so this is a great choice for families choosing to camp with pets.

• Secure all exits: Zippers, windows, and screens should be fully closed or reinforced. Even a small opening can be enough for a curious cat to squeeze through.

• Containment options: Some families invest in portable pet tents, playpens, or secure crates to provide a safe space within the larger setup. These can be especially helpful for trailers, and will reduce the risk of your cat running out the door when you enter.

• Noise and activity levels: Choose a quiet, low-traffic campsite if possible. Cats are more likely to stay calm in a peaceful setting without too many unfamiliar sounds or smells.

With the right setup and a bit of preparation, your cat can enjoy the great outdoors right alongside you – safely and comfortably!

Camping With Cats Tip #3: Bring Familiar Items

Like most animals, cats enjoy routine. They eat the same foods, sleep in the same bed and know exactly where their little box is. When you go camping, your cat is suddenly taken out of their routine without any warning.

It’s important to bring along not only their food and litter box, but also comfort items like a cozy bed, favourite blanket and even a few toys. Here’s a checklist to use if you are packing for your cat for the first time:

✓ Food and water (plus bowls)
✓ Litter box and litter
✓ Blanket or bed that smells like home
✓ Toys or comfort items
✓ Harness and leash
✓ Carrier for travel and quiet time
✓ Any medications or flea/tick prevention
✓ Wipes or towel for muddy paws
✓ Emergency contact info and vet records, just in case!

You can also check out this amazing u l t i m a t e guide from Adventure Cats, which outlines everything you need to know about camping with your cat – including what to bring.

Before your trip, it’s a good idea to do a trial run at home or in your backyard. Set up your tent or trailer, let your cat explore the space, and observe how they respond to the new environment. This low-pressure practice can help your cat feel more comfortable when it’s time for the real adventure and give you a chance to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important!

Considering a Trailer For Your Camping Adventure?

When going camping with pets, many families choose to rely on the security and dependability of a trailer or RV. When you choose to invest in a trailer, it becomes your second home! Both you and your furry friends will soon feel comfortable inside, allowing you to create a new vacation routine.

If you’re considering a trailer, here are some things to think about before making the investment:

• Budget:
Determine how much you’re comfortable spending, including not just the trailer itself, but also insurance, maintenance, and storage costs.

• Towing Capacity:
Make sure your current vehicle can tow the trailer safely. Check the trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s towing limit before committing.

• Sleeping Arrangements:
Think about how much space you need to sleep comfortably. If you’re bringing along your pets, think about where they will sleep too. Some trailers have convertible beds, while others offer fixed queen or even king-size options.

• Amenities:
Decide which features matter most to you, like a bathroom, kitchenette, air conditioning, or heating. Do you want basic shelter, or something more like a tiny home?

• Size and Maneuverability:
Larger trailers offer more space but can be harder to tow, park, and fit into certain campgrounds. Make sure you’re comfortable driving and navigating with the size you choose.

In a trailer, you’ll have plenty of space to safely store a little box, a kitchen to prepare food and access water and space to set up travel carriers or play pens. Plus, trailers have adequate ventilation and some even come with AC – ensuring your furry friends stay comfortable even on hot days.

When you shop online at Keith’s, you will see a huge selection of trailers listed at many different price points. There really is something for everyone!

Camping With Cats – Amazing Resources

It may surprise you, but many people go camping with their cats! If you’re looking for inspiration or guides to start your own feline adventure, check out some of these great resources below:

These resources are sure to inspire any cat owners who are looking for their own adventure. While it may seem intimidating at first, camping with your furry friends can be such a fun, rewarding and amazing experience!

Camping With Cats? Ready For Your Next Adventure? Keith’s Trailer Sales Has The Perfect Trailer or RV For You!

Ready to start a crazy new adventure? You’ve come to the right place! At Keith’s Trailer Sales, our experienced team can help you choose the perfect trailer for your unique wants, needs and budget.

Located just north of Hillsburgh, Ontario, Keith’s Trailer Sales has been a beloved part of our small town since 2014. As a family-run, Canadian business, we are dedicated to providing top-quality service and building lasting relationships with our customers. At Keith’s, we offer all of our customers an exception experience, including personalized service, competitive pricing on all of our products and quality assurance.

Planning to go camping with your dogs but don’t know where to start? The professional and experienced team at Keith’s believes in going the extra mile for our customers. With every trailer purchase, you’ll receive a full walkthrough and hands-on demonstration, so you feel confident operating your new unit. We offer a one-year manufacturer warranty on all of our trailers.

Browse available trailers now!

Can I Go Camping With My Cat?