Glamping With Cats (Yes, Really)

The Yurt, The Cat, and The Mistake

It was 38°F and drizzling when I unzipped the yurt door. My cat, Miso, was in her carrier, yowling like a tiny jet engine. I’d spent three months harness-training her, bought a $60 portable litter box, and packed her favorite crinkle toy. I thought I was ready.

I was wrong.

Within five minutes, Miso had squeezed behind the yurt’s wood stove, emerging covered in ash. Then she discovered the gap under the door—about two inches—and began pawing at it obsessively. That first night, she escaped twice onto the deck of our Vermont yurt, and I chased her in my socks through damp grass. By morning, I was frazzled, she was wired, and I had learned lesson one: the yurt canvas walls are not a barrier; they’re a suggestion.

But the weekend wasn’t a disaster. By Sunday, Miso was curled on my sleeping bag, purring as rain pattered the dome. We’d found our rhythm. Here’s how you can skip the ash-covered panic.

Why Glamping With a Cat Works (If You’re Not Stupid)

Almost nobody writes about glamping with a cat. Most people assume cats are stay-home pets. But many cats—especially those with curious, adventurous temperaments—can thrive on short, low-stress glamping trips. The key is preparation and choosing the right setup.

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

Not all glamping is cat-friendly. I learned that yurts have canvas walls that cats can claw and drafty gaps. For my next trip, I’d pick a solid-walled cabin with a tight door and no exposed stove. If you’re set on a dome or tent, bring a roll of heavy-duty tape to seal any openings.

The Harness is Non-Negotiable

Miso wears a vest-style harness that she can’t slip. I trained her over three months with short indoor sessions, then moved to the backyard. By the time we hit the glamping site, she was comfortable enough to explore on leash without panic. If your cat fights the harness, try a different brand—some cats prefer a step-in vs. over-the-head design.

Create a Safe Zone

In the yurt, I set up a corner with her carrier (door open), a familiar fleece blanket, and her litter box. That’s her retreat. When she felt overwhelmed, she’d go there. I also brought a small USB fan to mask outside noises—dogs, other campers—that might spook her.

The Logistics: What I Packed (And What I Wish I Had)

Packing list beyond the obvious:

• Flea/tick prevention: Applied before leaving. The yurt was in a wooded area, and I saw ticks on my own pants.
• Portable water bowl: Cats prefer running water; I brought a battery-powered fountain. Miso drank twice as much as usual.
• Emergency vet info: I saved the nearest emergency vet’s address and phone number. Never needed it, but worth the peace of mind.
• Calming treats: I used ones with L-theanine. They took the edge off during the first night.

What I forgot:

• A blacklight: To find cat urine if she had an accident. (She didn’t, but paranoia is real.)
• Extra litter: The bag I brought was just enough. One more scoop and I’d have been out.

The Unexpected Challenges (Real Talk)

Temperature Control

Yurts get cold at night. Miso, a short-haired cat, shivered despite the sleeping bag. I ended up cracking a hand warmer and wrapping it in a sock for her. Next time, I’ll bring a heated cat bed that runs on a USB battery pack.

The Nighttime Escape Artist

By night two, Miso had learned to push the yurt door’s latch. I had to rig a carabiner as a secondary lock. Check your accommodation’s door mechanism before you settle in—if it’s a simple latch, bring a backup.

Other Guests

We were at a private yurt with no neighbors close, but I still kept Miso inside during peak hours. A sudden dog bark or child’s scream could send her bolting. I also hung a “Cat Inside” sign on the door to avoid surprise knocks.

The Payoff: Why It’s Worth It

By Sunday morning, Miso was sunning herself on the yurt’s deck, harness on, watching birds. She’d learned that the outdoors wasn’t scary. I’d learned that glamping with a cat is possible—but it’s not a lazy weekend. It’s a project. And if you do it right, you’ll come home with a more confident cat and stories that no amount of generic listicles can prepare you for.

Two Tips You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

1. Bring a small piece of indoor/outdoor carpet. Place it under the door to block the gap. It also gives your cat a familiar texture to scratch.
2. Practice “yurt mode” at home. Set up a small tent in your living room, put your cat’s carrier inside, and spend an afternoon with the tent zipped. This acclimates them to the enclosed, canvas-like environment.

Ready to Try? Start Small

Before booking a week-long trip, try one night at a nearby glamping site with a cat-friendly cancellation policy. Keep it low-pressure. If your cat hates it, you can bail. If they love it, you’re opening a door to shared adventures.

Miso now sits by the front door whenever I pack my camping gear. She knows what’s coming. And honestly? So do I.