Adventure Cat 101: What to know before you go

Do you have a cat that you want to take with you while exploring the outdoors? First off, that is great! Taking your cat with you offers a fun way to exercise and keep them healthy, while also strengthening your bond with them. However, the adventure cat lifestyle is not for all cats. So here are some things to think about beforehand.

Before You Go:

1. Does your cat even want to go outside?

   1. Just like people, cats are individuals who have their own likes/dislikes. Not every cat is interested in exploring the outdoors with you. You can gauge your cat’ interest by asking yourself  “Does my cat seem to be genuinely interested in the outside world/curious about going outdoors?”. Or if your cat likes to door dash, that could be another sign that they may like to be an adventure cat.
   2. Also know that adventuring, hiking, or going outside is not for every cat. Some cats are content being indoor only, and that is fine. Do not put them in situations that cause them stress or anxiety. Taking your cat along with you should be for them and their enjoyment. Always keep your cat’s best interest in mind and make sure they are comfortable.
   3. Build a trusting relationship with your cat inside the house before trying to take them outside. Going outside the first few times can be scary for your cat. They need to feel safe with you. If they do not, they may not be able to relax and feel comfortable outside. We recommend having your cat for about a month before taking it outside. That does not mean you cannot start harness training inside though!

2. Know your cat’s limits

   1. You need to go slow and have lots of patience. Some cats can only handle a couple minutes at a time at first. Do not get discouraged if your cat takes some more time to get used to the whole adventure thing.
   2. You know your cat best, and what stresses them out. If you can tell your cat is scared or stressed when they are outside, it is not good to continue to put them in that situation.
   3. Cats may enjoy being outside, but have certain triggers (dogs, people on bikes, etc.). You should come up with a plan to avoid those. Putting your cat in a backpack until the dog or bike passes is a good way to make them feel safe, while still allowing them to see the trigger at a distance.

3. Talk to your veterinarian

   1. Your cat will need to be up to date on their rabies vaccine before venturing into the outdoors. This is to protect them in case they are to come in contact with or get into a fight with a rabid animal while out on the trails. Whether you get the vaccine or get their titers checked does not matter, as long as you can confirm that they are in fact protected.
   2. There is also in increase risk of exposure to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes when you take your cat outside. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, as well as cause paralysis to your cat. Heartworm comes from mosquitoes and can be quite difficult and expensive to treat in cats. Talk to your vet about the best approach for you in preventing these diseases.
   3. Get your cat a check-up. If your cat has or develops any health issues (such as feline asthma), tagging along on walks could exacerbate them.

4. Remember to ALWAYS keep your cat on a leash and pay attention to your cat at all times.

   1. There can be dangerous wildlife or plants on the trails that are poisonous to your cat if ingested.

What you will need:

1. Up to date vaccines and preventatives

   1. They are important for the health of your cat to prevent and help to protect them against diseases that can be transmitted from animals you encounter out on the trails.
   2. An alternative to vaccinating every year could include checking your cat’s titers. Talk to your vet about this approach if this is something you would prefer.

2. Proper ID tags and a microchip

   1. This is very important in case your cat gets loose while you are out.
   2. A microchip is done by your veterinarian. All found cats get scanned for microchips when brought in. When scanned, the number can be matched to your contact information, allowing you to be reunited quickly!

3. Harness and leash

   1. A harness is much safer for your cat than attaching the leash directly to their collar. If your cat makes any sudden movements with a collar on, they may slip out, or the collar can dig into their neck and injure them.
   2. Choosing the right harness can be confusing. Check out this article for some tips and tricks that may help!

4. Backpack

   1. This is a great way to give your cat a break if they get tired but can also be used as a safe place for them if they get scared.  Check out our articles on choosing the right backpack and how to get your cat to love using it!

5. Pet First Aid kit

   1. You can never be too prepared! Keep a couple things in your backpack that can be used wrap up an injury enough to get them to the nearest veterinarian safely.  Check out our article on pet first aid resources and tips!

Training your cat:

There is no right or wrong way to train your cat, as every cat is different and learns at their own pace. Training your cat to walk on a leash is not the same as training a dog. It requires much more patience and time, but once they are comfortable, it is so rewarding to be able to take them with you safely on your adventures! Check out our articles on choosing a harness and harness training for more information to get started!

Note: You are the one ultimately responsible for your cat’s health and safety. If you have any doubts about a certain trip, you may want to reconsider bringing your cat that time. We always recommend you speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s well-being on adventureh