A shortened version of a reply I sent to Jim, sending to the list in case there are others out there considering taking their cats along: As a Weird Old Cat Lady, cat veterinarian and Westy camper I would agree with -start them early -have them secured before opening the doors I would also highly recommend that you get your kitten used to either a large carrier or collapsible crate (available at pet stores) large enough for the kitty, a small litter box, and food/water bowls. I am reluctant to leave a cat tied, even by harness, if I'm not right there (they can get caught up in the leash, and injure or even hang themselves), and yet you often want them confined where they are safe (and feel safe). If they have the chance to get used to it from the beginning, the carrier/crate becomes safe haven for them (as opposed to the Dreaded Box Which Only Takes Them To The Veterinarian). This is important while camping, especially if you're gone from the camper without them, and also while traveling - should you happen to be in an accident or break down on the road, the cat is safer in the crate/carrier and is still confined as opposed to possibly getting loose and being hit by a car or lost forever when it panics and runs away. In the end, it depends on the individual personality of the cat how well all this works, but I have had clients whose cats went everywhere with them and were completely happy about the whole thing. My little old kitties do better coming with me (they do orient to their people as well as their place, despite rumors to the contrary) than being left at home - even when I take the dogs along too .... much easier now that I have that extra side tent! Happy Camping! Sally Strawn '89 Westy "Vanna White" -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jim Digennaro Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 7:43 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: cats and campers |
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