Depends on the cat I suppose. I saw one that just sat on top of the camper, on lookout and came when called. Ours, on the other hand strayed away, with her leash. We looked everywhere, listening for a meow or something. Finally found her watching a moose and clicking her teeth, all wrapped up in some bushes. That night she had to pee and insisted on outside so I unzipped the tent and hooked her leash to a tent stake. I dozed off and woke just in time to yank her back as an owl swooped down to nail her. I felt the air from it's wings. That was enough cat camping for us. Never again.