Yes, People Take Their Cats Camping. Here’s How.
Sponsored by brands we genuinely love and trust.
When I first heard about people bringing cats along on camping trips, I’ll admit I pictured chaos: tangled leashes, yowling at midnight, and a litter box in a two-person tent. No thanks. But then I heard about Bagheera—a sleek black cat who was practicing for his first camping trip like a furry little Boy Scout—and I realized, yup, it’s totally possible. And with the right prep (and the right gear), it can even be fun.
Meet Bagheera: The Cat Who Hikes Fields and Forests
His humans adopted Bagheera, and within months, he was already rocking a harness. “We would put just the harness on him while he was inside our apartment to get him used to it,” they told me. “He adapted to wearing it without any issues at all, which is very surprising for a cat.”
From there, they slowly introduced the leash, adding time outside on the back porch and eventually strolls through the field near their apartment. Bagheera—ever the curious explorer—wanted to roll in the grass, nap in the sun, and lead the way. “The trick at first is to let him lead the walk, as long as it’s safe,” they explained. “Eventually, we would try to guide his direction with minimal tension.”
This spring, Bagheera logged time in local forest preserves and even joined barbecues to get used to crowds, strollers, and weird noises. “His willingness to go to unfamiliar places and hang out there gives us confidence that he’ll do just fine camping.”
Their first overnight will be close to home, with a tent that connects to their 4Runner. Bagheera’s setup? His own pen, litter box, and plenty of space to curl up. “I’ll probably invest in a GPS tracking device before our first camp,” his human said. Smart move.
Cat Camp Essentials
Not every cat is cut out for adventure, but if yours shows the same curiosity as Bagheera, here’s some gear that makes outdoor life easier:
• Pet K’TAN carrier — Small cats (or kittens) can feel more secure when snuggled against you on tricky terrain. Think “cat papoose,” but cuter.
• OneIsAll water fountain — At basecamp, flowing water keeps things fresh and encourages picky cats to drink more (key for staying hydrated outdoors).
• ökocat litter — Lightweight, plant-based, and way easier to pack for a weekend trip than a clunky clay box. Bring a collapsible litter pan and keep it tucked in the tent or car.
• CAT wipes — Dirt, sap, and mystery stickiness happen. A quick swipe keeps your cat clean without the drama of a full bath.
Tips from the Trail (or Tent)
Bagheera’s story comes with a few lessons:
• Start young (if possible), and start slow. Cats that adapt best to camping usually begin leash training early. It can take weeks, months, or never—don’t force it.
• Keep it close to home. Your first trip should be a short one, close enough to bail out if needed.
• Parasite protection is non-negotiable. Ask your vet before you head out.
• Always leash, always harness. Bagheera doesn’t go outside without his harness and leash—and a GPS tracker will add peace of mind.
• Respect your cat’s limits. Some cats love attention from strangers. Others… not so much. Read their body language, and be willing to call it a day.
Cats are explorers at heart. Some are happy surveying the world from a sunny windowsill. Others—like Bagheera—thrive with a harness, a leash, and a little wilderness training. Camping with a cat isn’t about turning them into dogs; it’s about letting them experience nature on their terms, safely and thoughtfully.
