Cat Harnesses

The Dales
The Dales Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited January 2017 in Your Pets #1

Hi Everybody

we have a new cat who we would like to take caravanning, but want too keep him safe too.  We are looking for something to keep him contained within the awning area when we are there and the tent is open. 

At home we have tried a standard strap type harness, but it was too tight (the cat is 5.5kg and 15.5" chest.  Not fat exactly, but a big boy!!).  I was thinking of using a (supposedly) escape proof cat jacket and wondered if anybody has experience and could advise on their performance and give any sizing guidance.  Any other products suggested?

Thanks very much Louise & Andy

Comments

  • LeCaravan
    LeCaravan Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited February 2017 #2

    That's one big cat you have there! I'm going to assume you've never toured with a cat before.

    We've had two cats tour with us around Scotland and France without too many problems. Sorry to say but your cat will not like being in the awning and probably won't stay there no matter what you try to tie him down with. Cats are too easily spooked by passers by, dogs, the wind flapping the fabric etc. 

    Our cats found their own safe place in one of the front under seat lockers. We only discovered this safe place after spending 2 hours looking for them before departing to our next destination! After that we always left the locker open and they packed themselves! They are really happy in that enclosed, dark, kind of location and will stay there for hours as long as they have a bowl of fresh water.

    If we've windows or the door open we've always used a standard harness and extending (lockable) lead attached to something immovable like the structure of the caravan interior! Occasionally they've been known to fall asleep and roll out of a window. The harness acts as a safety harness and catches them before they hit the ground. Looks funny; a cat hanging from a harness under a caravan window! But at least they don't get hurt.

    The harness is also really handy for grabbing hold of if they get stuck anywhere or try to make a dash for the door. A standard harness is by far the best. If your cat really is too big for one could you try a harness intended for a very small dog? Bearing in mind a harness does need to be 'close fitting' on a cat as they are masters of escape especially if their movements are restricted by something. Oddly the more freedom you are prepared to let them have the less inclined they are to use it.

    Hope this is of some use to you and reassurance that touring with cats is really quite easy and event free once you and the cat understand each other!

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2017 #3

    We've met many caravaners who take their cats with them in the caravan. Invariably they use a cage complete with the litter tray within the awning through the day and take the cat indoors in the evening.

    Cheers......................K

  • 2blackcats
    2blackcats Forum Participant Posts: 44
    edited August 2017 #4

    We try a standard harness and it works well with an extendable lead. Go to France every year and various sites in UK and she loves caravanning although have to confess that depending on the site we may allow her a little supervised wander!!

    Last year we had quite an adventure or Sylvie the cat did. At Fleurie we were at the winetasting at reception when Sylvie appeared at our heels  - she had jumped out of an unsecure window - my fault- and trotted up to see what was going on. Then on returning to the van after overnight crossing from Holland to Newcastle there was no Sylvie. Somehow she had escaped. Did she run past me when I went to check on her or was it the skylight she had manged to reach? Either way the excellent deck staff searched the boat once all had disembarked and an oily faced Sylvie (quite unconcerned) appeared in the arms of the deck officer. This year it's P and O from Hull and they insist on pets being in air conditioned kennels.

    She's considering not taking me. What adventures are in store this year?

  • The Dales
    The Dales Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited April 2018 #5

    Hi all

    thanks for the info, we use a Mynwood Cat Jacket and harness when we need to contain him.  The cat did the whole fall on its side thing at first, but seems ok now.  We only use this when we are there (obviously, as they can strangle themselves).  

    He hates being locked in and jumps all over us at night, so we leave him behind now and use a cat sitter lol

    Still enjoying the caravanning, just minus the cat :-)

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