So, what do we toss in the car when we’re headed out on an adventure? Here’s some of our favs:
HARNESSES:
Much as I’ve always loved the Come With Me Kitty, we have a new contender. We recently had the opportunity to work with Petgrove, and the kids LOVED their harnesses. They’re super comfortable, with neoprene-type padding, and the front of the harness sits perfectly so that it doesn’t press against the trachea (even when Leeloo pulls her hardest.) They’re also ridiculously cute, haha. Since they’re made specifically for cats, these harnesses FIT. There’s even a clip at the neck, so you can put this on without hauling something over their head.
If you’re not wanting something something super comfy and cute, I do still recommend PetSafe’s Come With Me Kitty harness as a good basic harness. There are three points of adjustment (around the rib cage, a slider on the breastbone, and a little rubber ring on the back that provides basic tension. Please note that I do recommend replacing this rubber ring with a metal toothed clip, as it will not stay put.). Also, don’t trust the listed sizing on these harnesses. Depending on body type, I recommend the size small for up to 7 or 8 pounds, the medium for 7 to maybe a slim 12 pounds, and then the large will probably fit up to about an 18 pound cat.
Much as I’ve always loved the Come With Me Kitty, we have a new contender. We recently had the opportunity to work with Petgrove, and the kids LOVED their harnesses. They’re super comfortable, with neoprene-type padding, and the front of the harness sits perfectly so that it doesn’t press against the trachea (even when Leeloo pulls her hardest.) They’re also ridiculously cute, haha. Since they’re made specifically for cats, these harnesses FIT. I really appreciate having clips not just on both sides of the back of the ribs, but also one on the neck.
If your cat is going to be walking or hiking a significant distance, then comfort is going to be even more of a factor. Much as I am a fan of the Come With Me Kitty, Leeloo gets too sore from wearing it if we’re doing a proper hike. We’re currently using a Ruff Wear Web Master harness for our serious hikes as it has the added bonus of supporting her enough to catch her when she falls off of things.
BACKPACKS:
I own three cat backpacks. I have the U-Pet Space Pod-style pack, a large Petsfit backpack, and the Kurgo G-Train. After purchasing the G-Train, I will never go back to the other two backpacks. While the first two were fine if you wanted to tool around town, they were very uncomfortable on actual hikes and longer rambles. The G-Train is expensive, but was worth every penny (I work in the industry and get to purchase at cost, but I would have happily payed full price. Totally worth it). Both kids fit snuggly inside (there is room for them to ride side-by-side but they are more likely to be poured in one on top of the other like a layered drink or dessert. Sieh spends the most time in the pack, while Leeloo either hikes at my side or rides on top of the pack and my shoulders. Unlike most other cat backpacks, there is even a separate section of the pack for storage (including a padded laptop sleeve), and two mesh waterbottle pockets on the sides. Definitely our favourite backpack. (And they FINALLY released two new colours…FINALLY.)
Noodle with her U-Pet Space Pod backpack. This was the first cat-specific backpack I ever saw. Prior to purchasing this she rode in a baby bjorn sling that I inherited from a former coworker.
ENCLOSURES:
Definitely not originally intended as a pet product, but my new number one pick for camping enclosures has to be our new DMH Outdoors Pop-Up Screen Room. If you see me refering to the “pop-up catio,” this is it. It’s shockingly hard to find a screen room with 1. pop-up assembly and 2. a floor, for some reason. This screen room has it all and sets up in under 5 minutes, with no kneeling or bending require. You do need to be able to stand inside the collapsed tent and push the top up, but that’ll be your only feat of strength here. It comes with a high quality rainfly and one panel of the rainfly can transform into a covered porch with the enclosed poles.
Keep in mind that this is definitely not for your backpacking trip, as the bag is big and heavy. However, if you want a large space where you can hang out with your cats outside and not have to worry about leashes and harnesses, this is your guy.
The ABO Gear Happy Habitat is another great option, especially since it’s so small and lightweight. It sets up in seconds, and packs down just as quickly. This one in particular is nice because you can zip a variety of mesh enclosures and tunnels onto the entrance to create more space, so it can be used as a temporary catio at home, as well.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
RuffWear Trail Runner Belt:
If you want to keep your hands free while hiking, I recommend RuffWear’s Trail Runner Belt. It holds a waterbottle, has a zippered stretch pocket (with space for a headphone cord, a small interior pocket, and clip for keys), an open stretch pocket (where you can keep your phone for quick camera access), and a loop for attaching the RuffWear Beacon (their durable safety light, now available as USB rechargeable, and with an accessible version for blind people). I also love the way that you attach the leash to this pack, particularly the quick release function.
RuffWear Dirtbag Seat Cover:
Another RuffWear item! My car carries a lot of dirty stuff between camping, Goodwill donation runs for friends, and yardwork and construction paraphenalia. How do I keep the interior from getting completely trashed? The Dirtbag Seat Cover is a waterproof, one size fits all miracle barrier! I have an older iteration and it’s fantastic, though the newest one has a grippy surface and cute mountain design. The Dirtbag can either function as a normal benchseat cover, or in hammock style.
Kurgo Cargo Cape
I have the back seat covered with the RuffWear Dirt Bag cover, but the back of my car has been pretty vulnerable to grossness. I got my car used and she didn’t come with a rubber cover thing, and I’d bought a crappy one online that sort of worked, but really shifted around a lot. Enter the Kurgo Cargo Cape, and everything stays nice and dry and clean now! It’s totally waterproof, and stays in place nicely.
Cool Pet Pad:
I’ve had my cooling pad for 8 years, and it still works great! The Cool Pet Pad is filled with a non-toxic gel that begins cooling when pressure is applied, and then ‘recharges’ when pressure is removed. Your cat’s constant shifting around in search of the ‘cool spot’ keeps this item cool and ready.
Tracking Devices:
I use the TabCat radio tracking system to keep my kids safe. You essentially play a game of Warmer/Colder to locate your cat. I spent an incredibly little time training and now my kids come running when they hear their collars beep or the tracker tones. Once in a while we practice just for fun, but even if they didn’t come to me, I’d be able to find them. I really like that it doesn’t rely on cell networks or any of that, so it still works out in the middle of nowhere. There’s also no monthly subscription fee, since it works totally independently.
Ark Naturals’ Neem Protect Spray:
If you get a bug spray that’s safe for your cat, you can use it, too! I’m a big fan of this insect-repellent spray, but there are lots of great brands out there that I use as well.
Camp Like Noodle 