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Camping with a Male Maine Coon?
Okay I've read a topic on here concerning camping with your cats and most people in that topic thought taking the cat camping is a bad idea because of the inherent risk involved. IMO its probably more dangerous to let a cat go outdoors in a regular neighborhood where there are cars then to take a cat camping where the cat will pretty much be supervised by its owner 100% of the time.
I understand the risk involved but if one where to take a cat camping how would they go about it? It seems like a lot of people think its a bad idea, like taking a cat walking on a leash. Most people seem to have the idea that cats are very sensitive creatures that need to be pampered and sheltered.
While yes cats are sensitive creatures there are a good amount of cats out there that adapt well to new environments and generally enjoy doing new activities.
So my question is if I WHERE to take my cat camping in your opinion what would be the best way to do it. I'm referring to tent camping, not rving
Asked by
Jin
on Oct 31st 2010
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in Travel & Recreation
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Best Answer
Hi,
Just my two cents, but I say don't ruin a good thing. What I mean is, if your cat is strictly an indoor cat, don't take him outside. I had a cat that I thought would be cool to take outside on a leash, and as soon as this cat experienced the outdoors, he never wanted to be inside again! I mean seriously. He would bust through the door if he heard you opening it, or he would break out screen windows, etc. The real kicker is that when I wouldn't let him out, he would pee all over the house. This was when I was a kid, and we had to give the cat to a friend that had a farm where he could live outside. It was the only thing we could do for him.
Don't take him camping, he probably rather not anyways. I now have two cats that I've had for almost 12 years, are strictly indoors, and are quite happy. They don't even know what they're missing!
Pickles & Cinders answered on Nov 4th.
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Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you WHERE to go camping (Maine, perhaps?). Personally, I would be afraid that my kitty would get lost. Do you want to take your kitty camping because you think he'd enjoy it? He might, or he might get confused. Or are you unwilling to leave him home alone at home? My experience with cats is that they can be left with lots of dry food and water for up to a week. I agree that letting a cat outdoors in a populated area has its own dangers (cars, etc.), and that a cat may enjoy the woods. Still, personally, I wouldn't risk it unless you kept him (or them?) under close supervision. I'd keep him zipped up in the tent when you're away, or take him for walks on a leash. You could also try those baby-sized tents that SturdiShelter makes so that he can enjoy nature but not wander off and get lost or killed. My advice is to make sure that he can't just roam around, or else resign yourself to the fact that he may disappear.
Spike
answered on 11/1/10.
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It's not so much that cats are pampered, sensitive, sheltered creatures. Most are fiercely independent. They are animals who do exactly what they want to do. Even a neutered cat is still a hunter. There will be loads of wonderful smells in the woods that your cat will want to investigate. I've had cats who came when they were called...if they felt like it. I agree that it's dangerous to let a cat out in your neighborhood. But, it's more dangerous to let him out in a strange place. "New activities" may include wandering off and getting lost. Camping with a dog is totally different. Dogs are pack animals who want desperately to please their masters and will usually stay close to camp. A cat is a loner and once he's gone in the woods...he's gone. That's why people dump cats in the country when they want to get rid of them. You seem determined to do this so all we can do is wish you and your cat the best of luck.
Izadore (Izzie)
answered on 11/1/10.
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if you want to keep your cat the only place you can go camping is in an area already in or adjacent to his own territory if there is somewhere like that near your home and your willing to make that compromise go for it otherwise leave the cat at home with family or friends.
gracie tatanka
answered on 11/1/10.
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Please keep your cat on a leash at all times or he will wonder off!
Cierra
answered on 11/4/10.
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