GPS Pet Tracker Cat and safe from predators

[Francesfree]

I will be in my van soon with a tent for at a small lot. Anyway I am very concerned with leaving the cats while I work. I can't leave them in the van in the summer. Anyone have success with a pet gps tracker? Some of them have monthly accounts. We will be out of town, more forest and if they get out they would not know what to do. Also I am trying to think of how to keep cougars and coyotes away while I am away. My biggest idea is a metal dog kennel or catio. What are your experiences?
Thanks,
 Francesfree

 

[rm.w/aview]

Will you be leaving the cats in the tent while taking the van to work? The kennel idea, with flooring of some sort, would protect the tent from their nails, but I'd be concerned about their scent bringing in the curious ones.
Be cautious with the open van door if they're free to roam. (Have a look at Bob's latest video on nomads & pets)
I've seen hawks come quickly & seemingly out of nowhere to pick up a meal of squirrel or rabbit and these critters are raised in the environment.

 

[Francesfree]

Hi! Thanks for responding. My cats have always been adored well petted and vetted indoor cats. They have had practice roughhousing each other but that is the extent of their fighting skills. The scent is an issue. I think I should keep all food out of the tent to be preventative. I did watch both of Bob's recent pet videos. I have watched Caravan Carolyn trying to find her kitten- I feel for her. I hope she finds her kitten. Because of that my mind is reeling and I am trying to find the best preventions; gps or radio collar, kennel, catio. I am wanting to know which of those have worked for other people. I am grateful for this forum and the chance that others may have tried prevention with pets as well.
Peace,
Francesfree 

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

 . . . Anyway I am very concerned with leaving the cats while I work.  I can't leave them in the van in the summer . . . We will be out of town, more forest and if they get out they would not know what to do. Also I am trying to think of how to keep cougars and coyotes away while I am away. My biggest idea is a metal dog kennel or catio. What are your experiences?

 . . . The scent is an issue. I think I should keep all food out of the tent to be preventative . . . I am trying to find the best preventions; gps or radio collar, kennel, catio. I am wanting to know which of those have worked for other people . . .

IMHO your best bet is cat daycare.  Leaving your cats alone in the woods their scent will eventually attract predators and once they find them they will keep coming around.  Stressful and possibly fatal for your cats.

I'm assuming that you can't leave your cats in the van because of heat?  A tent can get just as hot.  Where is your van while you are at work?  If with you at work can you get power to run fans or AC to keep the inside temp reasonable?

A completely enclosed kennel will have to be big enough and heavy enough that a large animal cannot move it around.  A tent will have no security.  I've seen the end result of a rabbit cage that was rolled by a coyote(?) until it came apart.  I have an 8' X 8' X 6' high (4' sections) 'portable' dog kennel for my beagle.  If you are staying in one place you could set one up with 4 sections and a tarp for a roof (and shade), anchor it firmly, put a small shelter inside for the cats to hide in.  It would be a b!tch to travel with (you would need a trailer just for the kennel).

I don't leave my 30 lb beagle alone outside and even with me around; I have had large raptors swoop down to take a look. I wouldn't even think of leaving him alone for long periods in anything other than a secure building, vehicle or his kennel, even in town.

You can get GPS collars and receivers that don't need any additional fees (a friend has them on his hunting dogs).  Not sure how much that would help you if they get loose while you are at work.

 

[Francesfree]

I bought harnesses. I am looking seriously at a kennel in which most reviewers were cat owners like me looking for something to protect; Heavy Duty Dog Cage – Lucky Dog Outdoor Pet Playpen – This Pet Cage is Perfect For Containing Small Dogs and Animals. Included is a Roof and Water-Resistant Cover (4’W x 4’L x 6’H) https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-D...&keywords=Lucky+Dog+Uptown+Welded+Wire+Kennel
They love the outdoors so if I open that with food and litter in the morning they will go right there where the bird song is - I am pretty sure. When I open windows it happens so I am hopeful. I will try this on the weekend to get started on a routine. If I could make a hiding hutch system that would be optimal.
I did order two most highly reviewed harnesses; Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Medium Large, Tiger Stripe https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...qmt=b&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_22iya3za5v_b

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

 . . . I am looking seriously at a kennel in which most reviewers were cat owners like me looking for something to protect; Heavy Duty Dog Cage – Lucky Dog Outdoor Pet Playpen – This Pet Cage is Perfect For Containing Small Dogs and Animals. Included is a Roof and Water-Resistant Cover . . . If I could make a hiding hutch system that would be optimal . . .

Yes, the 'Heavy Duty Dog Cage' is like what I was talking about; probably more easily transportable than mine.  You will still need to anchor it securely.  And if possible I would get a silver roof (cooler).  Just make sure there is shade they can get into.

 

[Francesfree]

Another idea I have. I don't really have the $300 for the heavy duty kennel. But I do have a slant leg canopy. I could put cattle panels (thick wire panels) around it. Wire through the bottom and stake it down. I have big heave duty stakes too. Then animals can't get in. I like this idea; sturdy and I can adjust covering for the weather. I will need to weigh this down as well. Perhaps I can get the kennel at some point. I hope to obtain a sectioned lot and a large kennel would be ideal. Take a look at the reviews for the kennel link I posted. You will see a ton of cat parents buying those heavy duty kennels!

 

[66788]

I will be in my van soon with a tent for at a small lot. Anyway I am very concerned with leaving the cats while I work. I can't leave them in the van in the summer. Anyone have success with a pet gps tracker? Some of them have monthly accounts. We will be out of town, more forest and if they get out they would not know what to do. Also I am trying to think of how to keep cougars and coyotes away while I am away. My biggest idea is a metal dog kennel or catio. What are your experiences?
Thanks,
 Francesfree

I had a 13' travel trailer and I cut a cat door in the floor near the rear.   The cat love the freedom and it could be closed when needed.

 

[Lucaya]

Please check PetFon and Whistle. As long as my siberian husky is no more than 1/4 to 1/2 mile away, Petfon works well. From my experience, in a thick PNW wood, its true life span is about 1/4 mile. In more open areas, it can reach 1/2 mile. The geo-fence alert was timely and I was able to keep track of its activity.

 

[maki2]

This thread is 2 years old. No doubt the OP has by now solved the issue of creating a safe pen for her cats by now.

Unfortunately people often do not take the time to come back to the forum and post what they found to be an effective solution to their concerns.