Taking my cat to the beach

Hi there

Don't listen to the comments. A cat can definitely go to the beach, especially if they're already used to going out on walks. They love the sand, having a good dig...

I did a road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by car with my cat. EVERYONE told me it was a bad idea and threw all the usual stereotypes about cats at me.

BUT not all cats are the same.

If you can see that your cat enjoys going for walks, then they'll love the beach.

Mine was on a flight for 8 hours, and 12 hours on the way back—a proper little angel, he was even purring!

And in the car, he just slept, looked around, purred, and curled up on our laps.

You could really tell he was enjoying himself.

We experienced all sorts of weather: very windy (in Chicago, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest) and he loved it; we even took him on a boat trip. The rest was fairly mild weather, but in New Mexico, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles it was roasting, and he handled it really well too!

Why? Because we were with him. As long as you're there with them, making sure they're okay, giving them food and water, and dabbing a bit of water on their head now and then if it's very hot, everything should go smoothly and they'll enjoy it.

It's like a giant litter tray for them!

Personally, I walk mine in the woods, in gardens, on the pavement, and at the beach. I live in Belgium, so the temperatures are usually fine, but as I said, he could handle the heat in New Mexico, so...

Cats adapt, especially if they're used to it from a young age. They're happy being with their owners rather than being left home alone, cooped up. Cats need freedom, they need to explore and discover new scents... they're felines, after all.

Obviously, you have to be careful about certain things—it's still an animal—but it's doable, and in the right conditions, it'll be a great time for both of you.

Stop with the stereotypes; every cat is different.

For those who are interested, I've started a blog about how to travel with a cat:

Travelling with your cat (canva.site)

Blimey, I had no idea that taking a cat to the beach could have such serious consequences. I live in the south of France, in Perpignan, and in the summer it’s always the hottest part of the country, with heatwaves often reaching 40 degrees. I honestly thought that by keeping her under a parasol and making sure she had a bowl of water and so on, it wouldn't have been an issue :(

I’m not just trying to please myself; I love my cat to bits and I’m not being selfish. It’s just that she and I are used to going for walks together a few times a week, but I’d never dream of putting her life in danger. If it’s really not possible to take a cat to the beach and there’s no way to protect her from the risks, then I’ll just drop the idea.

Hi there,

It’s honestly a bad idea to take a cat to the beach, for all the reasons already mentioned, but also because it’s probably not allowed anyway. Taking them along is only for your benefit; your cat won’t enjoy it one bit.

Hi there,

Which beach are you planning to go to?

Since it's her first time, just be aware that cats really don't like the wind, which can blow quite hard at the seaside and not always in the direction you’d like! 👌

For instance, a cat moved to the South East where the Mistral blows can be particularly bothered; they might get scared and refuse to go out even if they’re free to roam.

I remember a cat I used to take camping in the Vendée, where the sea is a long way from the beach.

She was free to wander and didn't stray, but she’d follow me if I went off. We’d walk along the path together and, once we got to the line of windbreak bushes about 50 or 100 metres from the shore (I can’t quite remember), she’d stop and wait for me... On my way back, she’d pounce out from her hiding spot and fall into step behind me. 👍

Yours might well enjoy seaside walks, but she’ll probably prefer a sheltered cove on calm days (you’ll have to keep an eye on the marine forecast).

Have a great holiday!

Liza