Are your kitties ready for adventure? Cats have a rich history of wandering in search of food and shelter, dating back to ancient times. This adventurous spirit is still present in their DNA today, although cats have become accustomed to a life of comfort indoors with full food bowls and a roof over their heads. However, there are still cats out there who crave the thrill of exploration and can be found scaling mountains, exploring forests, and frolicking on coasts. A simple search of #adventurecats on social media will lead you to many examples of feline adventurers. These cats did not just start adventuring overnight; they have spent much time learning how to be loyal companions in the wild.
The Instagram account @littlegreysadventures provides tips on hiking with your furry friends. One of the challenges of hiking with a pet is getting them used to wearing a harness. Megan Ferney and her cat Leon encountered this challenge but came up with a solution. Megan wanted Leon to associate the harness with positive experiences, so she attempted to give him treats as a reward for putting it on. Although Leon was frantic for the treats, it worked, and every time Megan picked up the harness, Leon came sprinting over.
According to Megan, it took some time for Leon to get used to wearing a harness. This is a common issue when it comes to cats and any form of clothing or accessories. Most felines tend to remain immobile and flop over on their sides until the object is removed. Therefore, Megan had to leave the harness on for longer periods of time, up to a few hours, while she was at home. Gradually, Leon became accustomed to it, and he resumed his usual activities while wearing the harness. The key to acclimatizing your cat to a harness is to take it slow and steady and offer lots of tasty treats along the way.
If you’re planning to take your cat out for a walk on a leash, there are certain things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to know your cat well and understand their behavior. Although adventure cats tend to be brave and fearless, they can still get scared and need a secure place to hide and destress. Hailey Hirst, a cat owner who loves to travel with her cat Josie, knew that she needed a cat that would match her outdoor lifestyle. So, before adopting Josie, she made sure Josie was an outdoor cat capable of handling wild journeys. She also noted that cats are more territorial than nomadic by nature and require a safe and secure place to retreat to when stressed or scared, such as a cat carrier, vehicle, or backpack.
According to Hailey Hirst, having the ability to retreat can be a great way to reduce stress, particularly if you encounter other animals or loud noises. If you’re a cat owner who is interested in training your feline to go on outdoor adventures, it’s important to remain calm because cats are sensitive to human emotions. If your cat appears to be extra anxious while outside or in a vehicle, take a moment to check in with your mood since your cat might be reflecting your anxiety level. Keep in mind that outdoor adventures with your cat are meant to be enjoyable for everyone involved.
Johanna Dominguez, a cat owner who loves to go on adventures with her pet cat Sirius Black, has shared some valuable insights about hiking with cats. She emphasizes that hiking with cats is a different experience than hiking with dogs, and it’s essential to understand the difference. While dogs love to run and hike at a fast pace, cats need to be approached differently. Johanna suggests that you take it at a cat’s pace and not try to rush them into going too fast. She believes that it’s important to appreciate your cat’s unique personality and work with them to make sure they are comfortable and happy while exploring nature.
Discover the joy of exploring with your cat at a leisurely pace. Sirius and Johanna, two adventure cats, know that it’s important to take things slow when introducing your feline friend to new experiences. Rushing into something can lead to fear and failure. The beauty of hiking or adventuring with your cat at its own pace is that you might discover hidden treasures you would miss otherwise. So, if your cat is craving adventure, grab a harness and slowly introduce it to new experiences. Remember to always keep safety in mind – Bodhi the Adventure Cat suggests bringing a life vest when heading out for water fun!
Remember to bring snacks because well-behaved cats deserve treats. See how well-behaved kitty Cash is enjoying his delicious cookie!
It’s important to keep in mind that some plants can be harmful to cats, who tend to explore their surroundings with their mouths. Lava the CatExplorer shows how curious cats can be, even indulging in a tasty dandelion snack. However, it’s crucial to be aware of potentially poisonous plants that could make your kitty sick.
When planning to embark on an adventure with your furry friend, it is important to conduct thorough research about your intended destination. This way, you can ensure that you are complying with all relevant rules and regulations, and devote your time to having fun with your cat while out exploring. Momo, a feline adventurer, loves exploring so much that she cannot help but smile!
Are you interested in going on adventures with your feline friends? If so, head over to Instagram user @momo_meow_khrap’s post where they share five tips to get started with adventure cats.
