Cats

[Napria]

Our camping corgi, sweet Polly, passed this past December, but not before we brought a lovely Halloween-born calico kitten into our home. I am not used to cats, having only dogs till now.

Does anyone camp with their cat? Gnocchi (she's our little potato dumpling), has only been an inside cat since she's come to stay with us. I'm afraid she might get outside. Although she doesn't seem to want to bolt here at home. What do you all do who have cats? And does the Fort charge a pet fee for a cat?

 

[Jeepin Dad]

We have an indoor cat that we leave at home. If we are gone for a long weekend we just leave extra food and water out for her, she only eats dry food. If we are gone longer we have our neighbor stop by every few days to feed her. I don't think she would like camping, she likes to have her space and she wouldn't have it in our camper.

 

[rford]

We have 2 cats that traveled with us - we never leave them at home. We have a motorhome and they seem to love going! They really enjoy jumping up on the dash and watching out the window. They have never tired to get out- but they are inside cats.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

my brother has traveled all over US including Disney with his cat, in fact he has had 2. his has traveled all their lives in their motorhome. ours do not do well traveling and we have the neighbor come over and feed and water them. I would try a weekend trip to find out how your does before you take a long vacation

 

[John VN]

Really don't know how well a pet will travel until it travels.

Hemingway, former Persian, was restless at the start then settled down. On the floor, a chair, the couch, dash by my wife or me or on wife's lap. WHATEVER, after all, he was a cat and did what he pleased. He also did well at home alone for 3 day weekends with extra water, food and large litter box.

Told CM at Outpost we had him, a strictly indoor cat and they didn't charge.

 

[sippican]

It's hard to predict what any pet might do in a new environment. Sadly, there are many stories of lost pets who bolted at gas stations, rest areas, etc. As an added measure of safety, you may want to consider microchippimg your new cat if you plan to include her in future travel plans. Having her get used to spending time in a carrier would also provide a secure place during stops, set-up, etc.
Our two young pooches are still getting used to the whole camping experience. They have made a number of short trips and we are looking forward to bringing them to the Fort at some point.
Enjoy your furbaby.

 

[North of Mouse]

Our dd travels with her two cats - has taken many trips to FW in their trailer.

Yes, there is a pet fee!

 

[FloridaTeacher]

We camp with our 2 dogs and 1 cat. They all love it! When we start loading up the motorhome, they start getting excited. The cat, who at home is inside and outside, actually will go lay in the motorhome until we run him out. . When we camp, he stays in the rv the whole time.

 

[Napria]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, she's already been microchipped. It was a no-brainer... The vet spayed for free, so the $49 to microchip was a bargain for the peace of mind.

Still not sure how well she'll travel. I know she hates being alone, but she hates traveling in the cardboard pet carrier too. Maybe getting her a nicer pet carrier will help?

 

[LegoMom3]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, she's already been microchipped. It was a no-brainer... The vet spayed for free, so the $49 to microchip was a bargain for the peace of mind.

Still not sure how well she'll travel. I know she hates being alone, but she hates traveling in the cardboard pet carrier too. Maybe getting her a nicer pet carrier will help?

The cardboard ones are really only meant for a one-time, get them home sort of deal (and they really can't see out of them too well either). I would look for a sturdy plastic model with the metal grate door, and try to get one that's roomy enough that she can turn around easily and not feel cramped. She'll be safe, but comfortable.

.

 

[Napria]

Thanks, LegoMom. I really haven't the faintest what cats like or don't like. But I'm learning. And this little cutie who's come to live with us certainly has no problem letting me know what's what!

 

[articfox676]

Had a cat that hated the carrier but sit on DD lap just fine. Maybe didn't like confined spaces???

 

[JanL]

I didn't see what you camp in but I would not bring a cat in a tent or pop up. A dog might be tempted to creat a new door for you.

 

[Napria]

I didn't see what you camp in but I would not bring a cat in a tent or pop up. A dog might be tempted to creat a new door for you.

We camp in a fifth wheel. I see plenty of cute little (and some not so little) critters in motor homes, but I'm thinking I may just notice them more because many of them like to sit up on the dash with the privacy curtain behind them, watching the world go by. It's not as easy to notice pets in fifth wheels or travel trailers.

 

[FortCamper1972]

its good to have something with your scent on it like a towell in the courrier, this will help the cat relax. Its a hard one, I have seen people with cats camping and the cats lounging in rv window but bet this is something they do a lot. If Kitty only goes on rides once or twice a year might be scary. Also, if you can do it might be nice to get her a feline friend, that might make staying at home easier.

 

[amie28]

We take our cat. He is an indoor cat also. We camp in a fifth wheel. We use a soft-side carrier that has a lot of mesh on the sides and top so he can see out. We usually put a familiar toy or two in with him. Luckily, he has done well with it.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

My cat was not a fan but I would take her to my parents trailer. She had a harness and a long leash for outdoors and if there was going to be lots of activity around she would be in a soft side carrier in the trailer wearing her harness and a short leash attached to something. Cats are fast and sneaky when they want to get somewhere. She now stays home and a friend comes in to feed her and give her fresh water, change litter. etc.

 

[mrsabbott]

I've heard of people traveling with their cats in a motorhome with no problem. I had a cat who was a great traveler! She had no problems in the car or adjusting to a new environment. I never took her camping or anything, but we've never owned a RV. We did take her with us when we owned a lakefront place.. no issues there.

I have another cat who does well in new places, but not with the actual travelling part of it. He gets car sick. When we moved, I had the vet give me something to sedate him for the drive. But once we get to wherever, he's fine. I have another cat who does not like any change at all. He is afraid of everything.. outside, new people, new places.. No travelling for him.

Cats are pretty easy to leave at home for a few days. We've left our cats for a long weekend and they were fine. We just leave out extra food.