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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / May 2006Taking kitty camping
I have a dilema. I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned with leaving my cat at home by herself while I am away. My place gets hot during the summer and I can't really leave the windows open wide enough for it to be any benefit to cooling the air in the house. SO..I could take her with me, but where I go camping it's in the deep forest high up in the tree line. There is a small chance of bears, cougars ect. coming in to camp. Also, would this be just a stresser to her to come with me instead of staying at home. The house isnt SO hot that she would get sick, but it's hot enough to make me feel really uncomfortable without opening the windows. Shes great on a leash, I have used one on her all her life. Shes been an indoor kitty with yard privileges only if I am outside with her and she cannot leave the grass area of my yard. Anyone out there bring your cats camping? What advise would you give or what have been your experiences? Leave her at home or bring her with me? thanks, Char > Anyone out there bring your cats camping? > What advise would you give or what have been your experiences? > Leave her at home or bring her with me? Maybe it's just me, but I think taking a cat camping is a really bad idea. Have a petsitter come to your house 2-3 times a day.  SignatureToni http://www.irish-wolfhounds.com > I have a dilema. Many of us do. :-) > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned > with leaving my cat at home by herself while I am away. My place gets hot [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > thanks, > Char You didn't mention how long this camping trip will be. Whether it will be a stressor depends on how your cat reacts to new surroundings. Do you know how your cat reacts to being left at home alone? Will you be camping in a tent or is there a building? Years ago I used to bring a cat to a remote northern cottage I had on a lake. The cat disliked the 10 mile boat ride with the motor roaring and the boat bouncing about depending on the wave conditions. Once there and inside the building everything was fine... it was just the trip up and back that was troublesome. I'd consider leaving her at home and having someone check on her while there. I don't imagine you are going to all the trouble to get to this location for only a couple of days. Camping trip will be only a weekend, its not far from here. The wilderness is only 20 mins away. :) She doesnt react to strangers well. Hissy fit..lol I'll be camping in my van, sleeping on a foamy. Thats why I am worried about it. I'm sorta leaning on the keep her home. I don't have a mom/dad/brother/sis to watch her and am going with the friend who would feed her ect. I think she would be ok for a day and half, no longer on her own. It would drive me bananas worrying about her any longer. I'll have to find someone to check her. Shes a one person type cat and has a hissy fit with other people. With me, shes a limp puddle of love! funny how that is huh? > > I have a dilema. > [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > there. I don't imagine you are going to all the trouble to get to this > location for only a couple of days. > I have a dilema. Char, do you know someone you could trust to keep her for you? Maybe your Mom or a sister or best friend? I think you will worry yourself sick over her if you leave her or if you take her camping. yes I would worry, dont have family to watch her so I'll have to find another way I guess. Shes my family, thats why I wanted to take her, but the more I think about it..seems like a bad idea > > I have a dilema. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Inviato da X-Privat.Org - Registrazione gratuita http://www.x-privat.org/join.php We take our cats camping, www.richandlaurie.com has pics, just keep the harness on them at all times, make sure the area is secure, be EXTREMELY cautious opening and closing areas where kitty is at. Try out a few short drives in your area, to see how kitty travels... never leave kitty unattended unless kitty is locked in the car/van. one way to do that is to have a duplicate set of keys, and leave vehicle running, and locked. only good for very short periods. also there are wire 'cages' that are big enough for the kitty and a litter box, we are considering one for our cats... the cat would actually be much safter in the car in such a cage. sure it restricts the stuff you can do, but kitties CAN camp :) GL - let us know how it works out, whichever way you decide :) yes I would worry, dont have family to watch her so I'll have to find another way I guess. Shes my family, thats why I wanted to take her, but the more I think about it..seems like a bad idea > > I have a dilema. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Inviato da X-Privat.Org - Registrazione gratuita http://www.x-privat.org/join.php It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst you are away? Friend or put her in cattery. > It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day > to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst > you are away? Friend or put her in cattery. A definite NO to the cattery. Having someone check in on the cat in your home means that cat at least gets to stay in familiar surroundings. >> It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day >> to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Having someone check in on the cat in your home means that cat at least > gets to stay in familiar surroundings. She said her house is too hot for the cat when she's gone. I wouldn't keep a cat alone in a boiling house. Rhonda >>> It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day >>> to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Rhonda It doesn't need to be hot with someone checking in on a regular basis. Why a definite NO to the cattery? I'm intrigued as I have found a lovely one with big chalets and outdoor run access, heated beds, closed up at night etc. My baby is very safe, very looked after and has toys, regular feeding with every diet catered for. They will take them to the Vet if anything is wrong and give them individual loving attention. Peace of mind (if you find the right cattery). K. >> It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day >> to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Having someone check in on the cat in your home means that cat at least > gets to stay in familiar surroundings. > Why a definite NO to the cattery? Joe had a HORRIBLE experience with a boarding place. Which does not mean they are all like that, but I cannot blame him for not recommending the use of one. "kls" wrote: > Why a definite NO to the cattery? 1) You never know what sort of things the cat may pickup there, particularly if they are allowed to be in the same spots as other cats. 2) This place isn't the cat's home, so there will be some stress... it won't be a night at the "Waldorf". 3) Is it really a good place? How do you know that they don't leave the cat inside the carrier you transport him/her there in until just before your scheduled return back? Yes, there are some good places... but one must find the right one. > I'm intrigued as I have found a lovely one with big chalets and outdoor run > access, heated beds, closed up at night etc. My baby is very safe, very [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >> Having someone check in on the cat in your home means that cat at least >> gets to stay in familiar surroundings. ya..theres a cattery here, a good one, but I think it would stress her even more to be gone from home and not have me with her..I have spoiled her rotten with love and attention. > > It's best to either have someone come to your house a few times a day > > to check she is ok, or can someone look after your cat for you whilst [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Having someone check in on the cat in your home means that cat at least > gets to stay in familiar surroundings. > A definite NO to the cattery.>>> Why? Alison >> A definite NO to the cattery.>>> > > Why? > Alison Because it can be like a box of chocolates... you never know what you will get with a cattery. And sometimes that can be taken literally given the number of animals that must go through those places. I had a horrid experience with one that is documented in the archives of this group. Can you imagine an 18 pound cat being confined in a carrier for 3 days solid? Enough room to turn around, but not enough room to stand up. It took her a few days to recover and a few more days for my anger over the issue to subside. The *only* reason I discovered this abuse is because I returned home much earlier than originally planned. The owners at the cattery were not expected me for another few days. So, if you return as scheduled things may appear normal... but who knows what the animal went through. I'm sure they would have bathed mine and had her in a regular cage on the day I was originally scheduled to have returned. >Anyone out there bring your cats camping? >What advise would you give or what have been your experiences? >Leave her at home or bring her with me? If your cat ever gets loose and wanders off you will never see it again. It doesn't know the camp site is home, plus it may just hide even from you if it is scared. Bears aren't your only problem - owls are a bigger likelihood of a threat. -m Humm...ya..Owls..I never thought of that. Jeez..they are everywhere...I had one come and hunt in the trees in my front yard for two years in a row. It would sit on the power lines at the end of my driveway at night and scare the sleeping birds in the trees. I found dead birds on my grass many times..which sort of confused me..don't they eat them right away? I had Ebony outside at dusk with me too and it would be there on the lines, I didnt know at the time that owls kill cats..shes about 16 lbs though..LOL! Still, it could do alot of damage by the time I got to her. I dont let her outside with me after dusk anymore. She crys at the door pathetically but eventually stops. > >Anyone out there bring your cats camping? > >What advise would you give or what have been your experiences? [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > -m > I >didnt know at the time that owls kill cats..shes about 16 lbs though. Several years back in a Canadian city called Stratford, ON they found a decapitated swan by the river that runs through town (its a park). At first it was assumed to be a cult killing or the work of a sicko but a lab determined it was killed by an owl. Cher (the singer) witnessed her own cat carried away by an owl right in front of her. -m *GASP!* > > I >didnt know at the time that owls kill cats..shes about 16 lbs though. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > -m Char <charitus@NOSPAMtelus.net> wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav: > I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > thanks, > Char When I was young we took out cats camping. Stake them outside like you would dogs, brought them in the tent at night. But you have to be careful because of ticks and such. Any reason why you can't set a max temp on the a/c? When I'm gone during the day I have the a/c set for 80 because that's the most Kami can deal with comfortably (she can have cooler in the bathroom or bedroom closet). SignatureBrandy Alexandre --Everything tastes better with cat hair in it. =^.^= No A/C not that lucky > Char <charitus@NOSPAMtelus.net> wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav: > [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > 80 because that's the most Kami can deal with comfortably (she can have > cooler in the bathroom or bedroom closet). > No A/C > not that lucky We don't have A/C either. Not many do in this part of the country, but there are a few weeks a year when it's a full-time job keeping all of us cool. Good luck with kitty, Rhonda Leave her home where she will be safe. Gail >I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > thanks, > Char Hmmmm, since you can't leave her home because of the heat -- I like the idea of finding a friend or someone she could stay with. I know someone who took a cat camping but they had a small RV so the cat was completely safe. I don't think I'd trust a cat in a tent. I also know people who have taken rabbits camping, but stayed right with them while they were in a big, fenced puppy pen. I know cougars are attracted to small animals too, that would be a real worry with a cat on a leash. If you have to take her, I'd almost be inclined to sleep in the car with her. That wouldn't really be fun for anyone. Rhonda > I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > thanks, > Char She'd be in my van with me sleeping. But during the day I would have her leashed...but I have almost made my mind up not to take her. I think I'll get a friend to come over and keep the windows open during the day with a stick in them. I havent gone camping for years cause I never wanted to leave her alone. I've had her for 12 years. A person I just met ( new neighbour) offered to go camping with me, her and her kids would be good company and so I told her I would. > Hmmmm, since you can't leave her home because of the heat -- I like the > idea of finding a friend or someone she could stay with. [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > > thanks, > > Char > I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > thanks, > Char How hot is hot? It shouldn't be too hot that a couple of fans placed such that they blow against a chair wouldn't be able to provide some reliief from the heat. Cats will seek out a hot or cool spot as needed. With plenty of water there shouldn't be a problem for your cat for a few days. As for the camping with the cat I recommend against it for several reasons: 1. Depending on your cats reaction to new things she would most likely be stressed and freaked out. 2. Unless you keep her in a cage or in a harness under control 24 hours a day she will most likely escape. 3. Keeping her constrained as in #2 will increase her stress and discomfort. 4. With bears and other wildlife around it is best to leave her at home. Bears in particular are attracted to food scents and other odors. Keeping a cat, along with a litter box, and her food will most likely attract them to you in they come in the camp. All in all I would recommend leaving her at home with plenty of water and food. Place a few fans as I mentioned above to give her a place to escape the heat. Have someone trusted come in and check on her once a day. rrb >> I have a dilema. >> I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > >rrb Rob? >>> I have a dilema. >>> I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] > > Rob? >>>> I have a dilema. >>>> I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] >> >> Rob? Well? >> All in all I would recommend leaving her at home with plenty of water >> and food. Place a few fans as I mentioned above to give her a place to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Rob? uh, no. You have something to add to this thread - other than quoting everything to add a one word response? >>> All in all I would recommend leaving her at home with plenty of water >>> and food. Place a few fans as I mentioned above to give her a place to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >uh, no. You have something to add to this thread - other than quoting >everything to add a one word response? Ya don't have to be a prick about it. Run along before I take your candy away. >>>> All in all I would recommend leaving her at home with plenty of water >>>> and food. Place a few fans as I mentioned above to give her a place to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > <SNIP> Again I ask anything useful to add to this thread? If not FOAD. >>>>> All in all I would recommend leaving her at home with plenty of water >>>>> and food. Place a few fans as I mentioned above to give her a place to [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Again I ask anything useful to add to this thread? If not FOAD. Yes I do, I was showing the world how you can dance at the drop of a peanut. <SNIP> It's not my fault you are too ignorant to realize I am not this Rob person you are inquiring about. ><SNIP> > >It's not my fault you are too ignorant to realize I am not this Rob >person you are inquiring about. It's not my fault you are foaming and dancing just to try and make some worthless point. >I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > thanks, > Char I definitely would not take my cats on a camping trip -- too much stress and too many dangers there for a little kitty. However, I also would not simply take off and leave my cats alone. In fact, I will soon be leaving on vacation. I leave the air conditioner turned on (although at a higher level than when I am home), and I have a *very trustworthy* pet sitter who comes in twice a day. She feeds the cats, puts out fresh water, scoops litter, plays with them, and also does extra things like bring in mail and papers. The cats are much safer that way -- and much more content, I think, because they remain in their normal environment. MaryL Thats a perfect situation for sure! If I had someone to trust, I wouldnt have this problem..LOL I'll have to find someone. I won't go unless I find someone to watch her and come to the house everyday. Yup..I just made my mind up, NOT taking her. Awesome advise and opinions from everyone! A million thank-yous. Char > >I have a dilema. > > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > MaryL > Thats a perfect situation for sure! > If I had someone to trust, I wouldnt have this problem..LOL [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > A million thank-yous. > Char This is actually the mind control group. :-D >>> I have a dilema. >>> I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] >> >> MaryL LOL....thats my cats job. She knows it well. Has me wrapped around her widdle paws. > > Thats a perfect situation for sure! > > If I had someone to trust, I wouldnt have this problem..LOL [quoted text clipped - 50 lines] > >> > >> MaryL Char, You need someone who is *very* reliable (as I am sure you know), both for your kitties and for your house. I first used this pet sitter 3 years ago. I obtained a number of references by calling a friend who has a large number of cats (rescue) and sometimes needs a pet sitter. Then I called some people at the local university who use a pet sitter. As it turned out, *all* mentioned this same person. So, I called her and made arrangements to meet her. I later learned that she also called around and checked *me* out. Well, she is just as wonderful as everyone said, and she has been my pet sitter ever since. She comes to the house a couple of days before I plan to leave to go over the full list of items with me (food, water, emergency phone numbers, veterinarian, etc., and also to be come reacquainted with my kitties). Ask friends if they can recommend anyone, also check with vets and possibly with pet supply stores. Be sure to leave a printed list with specific instructions in case of emergency. And have a great time on vacation! MaryL > Thats a perfect situation for sure! > If I had someone to trust, I wouldnt have this problem..LOL [quoted text clipped - 53 lines] >> >> MaryL > I have a dilema. > I want to go camping this year for a few days at a time but am concerned > with leaving my cat at home by herself while I am away. My place gets hot > during the summer and I can't really leave the windows open wide enough for > it to be any benefit to cooling the air in the house. So you have no air conditioning? > The house isnt SO hot that she would get sick, but it's hot enough to make > me feel really uncomfortable without opening the windows. Why doesn't she get sick when you're home and it's hot? Because I have my doors and windows open when I am at home, and she is outside with me in the shade laying in the grass. When I am not home, I have to go to work.. the place is closed up and gets hot inside, I can leave the windows open a little, but not very much. I dont live in a large place, so it doesnt take long to get stuffy. I dont leave fans running either as I have seen them get over heated and cause fires with other people. She usually goes under the bed to stay cool at those times. Shes never been sick or shown to be uncomfortable...but then I have never left her for more than a few hours. If I leave for more than a few days I have someone coming to check on her or she goes to a cat hotel. The cat hotels here are FAB! 30.00 a day though. SO...that would be my last choice when camping for a weekend. She would be stressed leaving the house anyways. I have decided to keep her home and not take her, but I am going to make sure someone comes and cools the house down everyday. Its only a weekend..I guess I am just a worry wart. The owl story spooked me...lol ..there is generous amounts of wildlife including many species of owls here..and FLOCKS of eagles! They fly over the islands here 50 at a time riding the updrafts. No exagerration. Its an awesome site to behold. Last year I counted more than 50 flying up and diving down to the tree line and up again for about an hour. I hear they can get a taste for kitties too. > > The house isnt SO hot that she would get sick, but it's hot enough to make > > me feel really uncomfortable without opening the windows. > > Why doesn't she get sick when you're home and it's hot? How much would your vet charge to hold on to him Maybe a window fan installed and the window locked down but keep the fan off and its vent opened to help with circulation. They do make battery operated fans > Because I have my doors and windows open when I am at home, and she is > outside with me in the shade laying in the grass. [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] >> >> Why doesn't she get sick when you're home and it's hot? |
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