Community Forums

Pyropete · 11-13-2019, 04:25 PM

Does anyone ever let their cat roam when either inside during the day or outside when boondocking in an open space? Reason I ask is right now I have two cats. One probably won't make it all the way to the date that I boondock, but I have trained both of them to walk with me when I go on a walk and to come when I call them. I wouldn't let my older one out because she's really hard of hearing and probably wouldn't hear me if I called her (18.5 years old), but the 1.5 year old kitten comes running as fast as she can and leaves whatever she was doing behind.

Just curious if anyone has a story where a cat was let outside to roam by itself. I trust my kitty because she really likes me and will always want to stay close, but I would love to hear stories from people that have let their cat roam..

Unplanned Tourist · 11-13-2019, 04:37 PM

We don't let our cat out because he's very wary of dogs.

All I need is having him climb up a tree, and me having to go after him!

He will come out and sit in a chair around us, but we never take our eyes off of him. If there are dogs around, he goes back inside.

Happy Glamping.

rk911 · 11-13-2019, 05:18 PM

we've had a few cats during our marriage one of which would travel with us. she would walk on a leash with us but we never let her out unleashed. too many predators...stray dogs, raccoons, etc. your kitten may be trained but she's a tiny morsel on a predator's menu.

Nudge · 11-13-2019, 05:31 PM

Cats can spook doesn’t even have to be a predator. I just wouldn’t chance it. Cat collars that are not break-away can be deadly. A harness is best if you take them out. BUT I have never walked a cat on a leash so I would assume some take to it better than others. A laser pen back and forth across the floor (inside) is good exercise.
Cats are perfectly happy inside.
Best Wishes ~

steve52 · 11-13-2019, 05:52 PM

I've had more cats than I can count, and taking any of them camping never crossed my mind. Letting one run loose in a strange area is a terrible idea. Cats are notorious for doing whatever suits them, especially if they are startled.

Trained? We're talking about a cat, right?

Boondocking involves wild areas where wild things live, and many of them would be all too happy to eat your cat.

Cats are perfectly happy inside, and that's where they should stay.

JC2 · 11-13-2019, 07:43 PM

All of the previous posts are spot on. Keep them inside. Period.

bizzerbiz · 11-13-2019, 10:45 PM

We found our cat "Phoenix" living under a cement block in a wash basin in an RV park in Phoenix, 3 years ago. To say the least he wasn't doing well and obviously had gotten separated from his owners or just left behind. His front paws were declawed. He only goes out when we travel if we have been at a location for several days. We are responsible for our pets. They are counting on us to be.

Rocky Larson · 11-14-2019, 06:54 AM

We boondock in places where a cat would be in danger from snakes, wolves, coyote, bobcat, lion, eagle, owl, just to mention a few. It can happen in a heartbeat.

Roaming cats, including domestic, also have a negative impact on bird life:

https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-in...ats-and-birds/