[A/S] Tuna-Butterpaws question/Traveling with cats

[zuzaberra@xxxxxxxxx]

Tuna,

Okay, is the idea of the "Butterpaws Technique" to get the cats used 
to the campsite?  Did you mean this allowed you to let the cats 
outside, and they would come back to your trailer?  

I will soon be fulltiming with my 1 dog and 2 cats--and the cats are 
my greatest concern.  They are used to going outside.  I've been 
keeping them inside for the past month, but they are NOT happy about 
it.  I anticipate being in one place for a month, or more at times.  
The cats have new harnesses, lightweight detachable leads, elaborate 
ID tags, microchips, and every shot known to veterinary medicine. But 
they are accustomed to living on a few acres, not in a 23' Safari.

So, my traveling cat questions are:

1.  Do any campgrounds allow cats to roam free?  I realize this is 
probably a case by case jusdgement call, but I was curious if it ever 
worked.

2.  Does the Butterpaws technique train them to stay near your own 
trailer?

3.  How do you keep them from darting out the door when you open the 
trailer door?  A year of constant vigilance at the portal seems like 
no fun for any of us--and, doomed to eventual failure.

I'd love to hear from experienced cat travelers. I've had cat 
companions in my life for over 20 years, sometimes as indoor and 
sometimes as outdoor cats.  I cherish them and want the best for them-
--it is ironic that increasing my freedom in life results in much 
less freedom for them.  They have always stayed close to home when 
allowed outside, and we are very attached to each other.   I'd like 
to hear other's experiences on this matter. Thanks everyone.

--Susan