Conference misery::feline_v1

    My cat Brown Sugar used to come on camping trips with me all the
    time, but she also liked the car.  She was only 5 weeks old when
    I adopted her and I immediately got her used to car rides.  A cat
    carrier is recommended for the car.  I made a harness for my cat because
    I had her inside and outside a lot.  You shouldn't let your cats out
    because without their claws they are defenseless.  Since they are still
    young, it may not be too hard to get them used to the car.  Oh yeh,
    ALWAYS have a litter box and some water available for them in the car.
    Even an hour can be a long time to wait for a nervous kitty.
    
    Good luck!
    Ginger

    I remember we took Kathryn, my first cat, camping with us.  She was
    leash trained and I suggest you get harnesses and start training your
    little guys too.  (Oh - and don't fret if they pull the "I'm paralyzed"
    routine on you when you first put on the harness)  The only problem
    we had with Kathryn was that she learned how to undo the zippers on
    the tent and get out.  I woke up one night to something crawling
    around on the top of the tent.  I was petrified until I realized 
    that the shape of the paw bore a remarkable resemblence to a cat's
    paw!  You guessed it, Kathryn was climbing around on the top of
    the tent.  
      We pinned the zippers closed.
      Nancy DC

    I use a harness on Nippa when going to the vet (along w/ her carrier, 
    as she is an escape artist).  WHen she was hurt a few weeks ago, I
    would take her outside on theis harness so she could get some air.  
    My dad also tried to take her out, but she would freak out and
    escape...which wasn't too bad becasue she was bandaged and couldn't 
    run fast.  
    
    I had toyed w/ the idea regarding taking her camping, but after
    this experience, I decided against it.  If she ever escaped and took
    off, she'd be gone forever....and I would be devestated!  ALthough
    she won't talk to me when I get back after a few days of camping, she 
    usually comes around by morning, and is very affectionate!  I'd rather
    miss her for a few days and know she'll always be home waiting for me.
    
    michele & nippa

    My herd goes camping and to horse shows all the time.  'Course
    Tasia Marie had to personally select the interior of the RV before
    she'd consider attending :>)  They seem to really like the trips.
    
    

    We take our 2 cats (Willy- 1 yr old, neutered male & Mitty - 2 1/2 yr
    old, spayed female) and our 11 yr old Golden Retriever up to Maine
    almost every weekend.  It's just over 3 hrs.  They travel great!  We
    don't put them in any carriers, they just roam the van.  Willy likes
    our laps and Mitty likes to sit behind the front seats.  We just hold
    them if one of us should get out of the van.  We used to carry a litter
    box w/ us, but Willy would always go as soon as we left the house, so
    now Daddy puts him in the box before we leave.  
    
    They have the run of the chalet, which is on a lake about a mile in off
    a fire road w/ no houses in site.  It's real country!  They also go
    outside if they want.  They don't usually want to go out till the last
    day that we're there.  Which we think is weird!  We don't let them out
    at night though!
    
    We have harnesses for them, but have not had good experience w/ them. 
    The cats jump right out of them!  Be very careful if you use them!!!
    
    I don't see a problem w/ taking the cats & dog w/ you.  At least you
    know where they are & you can give them lots of attention.  The
    younger, the better to get them used to riding.
    
    
    Good luck,
    Sonia

    Hubby & I have plans on taking the whole crew along
    when we start our trips.
    4 cats in the camper, and the horse & 2 bunnies in
    the horse trailer.  We are planning on getting those
    24x24 bunny cages to use as port-a-houses for the bunnies,
    and buying one of those travel books specifically for horse
    people.  You know, they list overnight stables, etc.
    
    This way, I don't have to worry about who can take care of
    my pets while I'm on vacation-it will be me!
    
    L-

    re:  .6
    
    L-
    
    My boyfriend and I (and about 12 or so friends) go camping w/ the
    horses regularly.  WE have a blast!!!!!  We have trail rides and
    parties.   In fact I just got back from a 4 day trip.....I am very
    relaxed....it was a much needed break.
    
    RE: all who bring their kitties.
    
    Are they attached to the camper/whatever at all times.  Do you worry
    about them getting away and never returning (I mean there are tons 
    of stories in this file about cats taking off in both familiar and 
    unfamiliar surroundings, and never returning).  I'd try it (my
    boyfriend said he'd consider the idea), but I think I'd be too nervous
    about her getting lost.
    
    michele & nippa
    

    Before you take your kittens anywhere, I'd get them used to the
    car.  Most cats will put up a fuss, Freeway did until he got so
    used to it.  Then all he did was sleep.  
    
    I'd also leash/harness train them before taking them along.  It'd
    be a better, more relaxing trip for all concerned if the cats weren't
    exposed to a bunch of new things at once (cars, open space, new
    surroundings, leashes, etc.)  I'd also make *sure* that any harness
    I purchased would be one that's escape-proof (the ones with just
    chest and shoulder loops are easy to slip out of).  
    
    Good luck.  Camping with cats sounds fun.  (I would naturally recommend
    against letting them loose, especially on-site, or when exiting
    the car.  They can be fast little critters.)
    
    ---kim