Going outdoors for a hike or an overnight camping trip, it's best to be ready for the expected and the unexpected. When you go on adventures with your cat, you need to be twice as ready.
Making sure you plan for both you and your cat is key to keeping your adventure fun and safe. There's nothing more frustrating and scary than realizing that your cat's needs are not being met and having little to no resources to fix it.
Also, this list is the list I use for myself and my cat Mia, but you know your cat and your adventure better than anybody, so modify this list to fit both your cat and your adventure needs.
Leash Walking Your Cat
Don't take your cat on adventures without a leash; it's dangerous for both of you. If your cat is not used to a leash, start by getting them comfortable with it at home in a safe and controlled environment.
The rule of thumb is that if you believe that there might be dogs or predators where you are hiking, your cat must be on a leash. That means not letting your cat off the leash in areas where there are people, cars, other animals, or anything that could hunt down or scare your cat.
Cat Harness
Your cat needs to have a properly fitting harness. A lot of adventure activities will require that your cat have a harness.
There are many different types of cat harnesses out there. If you don't know which one to choose, take a look at this video to learn which one is our favorite:
- ✓ Designed to be escape-proof
- ✓ Adjustable, grows with your cat
- ✓ Easy to put on and take off
- ✓ So light your cat won't even notice
If your cat is not comfortable in a harness, do not force them. You can teach your cat to walk on a leash by following these steps.
After lots of research, I decided there was no harness that would meet everything a cat needs, so we started a journey to design the best cat harness. I believe we achieved it. Find out all about it in this video:
Cat Leash
You will also need a leash. I like using a leash made out of climbing rope. It's more durable and more tangle-free.
A minimum length for a leash is about 6 feet, but I prefer using a longer one so that the cat can have more freedom to explore. The one that I use is 14 feet.
Led Light
I never go on a night adventure without an LED light. They are small, lightweight, and you can find them for under $10.
As soon as it starts getting late, way before dusk, attach the LED light onto your cat's harness. This will help you see your cat and also make your cat more visible to others.
Collar ID Tag
Your cat needs to have a collar with ID tags on it at all times when they are outdoors. If your cat got lost, a microchip won't do it, as the first thing somebody will do is look for a collar and tag. Make sure to include your phone number and name.
Keeping Your Adventure Cat Safe
Cat Backpack
If you're going to be hiking for more than a few hours, you're going to need to bring along a backpack for your cat. They will need a place to rest and unwind in case they get agitated.
Also, in case you encounter a hawk or some predators on the hike, you might want to put your cat inside so that they have a harder time seeing them and targeting them as prey.
Cat backpacks can be very bulky, so I prefer using a small soft-sided carrier. They are lightweight and easy to carry inside my hiking backpack.
Cat Backpack
Instead of a cat carrier, when going on a hike, I recommend you take a cat backpack instead. They can be very soft-ish or more robust. If you plan on going on a nice, long hike, I recommend you spend a bit extra and get a backpack that's going to help you make your hike enjoyable.
The backpack should be big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in. Some cats will prefer to go on top of the backpack, but it's good to have the option of giving them a place to hide if they need to.
Keeping Your Aventure Cat Warm/Cool
Cat Sweaters / Jackets
Weather can change fast, and cats have good tolerance to low temperatures, but as a rule of thumb, if we are cold, using a sweater, they are cold as well. There are plenty of cat sweaters and coats available on the market that will keep your cat warm on a cold day.
Emergency Shelter
An emergency shelter is a good idea to have in case you get stranded overnight. I like to use a tarp and some paracord, and you can have an emergency shelter in just a few minutes. They are lightweight and easy to carry.
Bring some extra blankets to keep your cat warm in case of an emergency.
Getting Your Cat to Listen Outdoors
High Quality Treats
Your cat will need treats when adventure walk. They are great for positive reinforcement and keeping your cat's attention on you.
I like to bring along the highest grade of treats that I have, freeze-dried chicken. Your cat will have a lot of competing stimuli outdoors, and a cheap treat will just not cut it.
Clicker/Whistle
Some cats have such a strong connection with their secondary reinforcer (Clicker) that they will come running when they hear it.
A clicker's click is very unique and can be heard from afar. If your cat got lost, using the clicker to capture their attention can come extremely handy.
Meal Time With an Adventure Cat
Water and Water Bowl
Just like you, your cat will need water when they are adventure walking. I like to use a portable water bowl that attaches to my backpack. This way, I never have to worry about where my cat is going to get water from.
Food and Food Bowl
Your cat will also need food on the trail. I like to bring along her favorite food, but also some kibble, so in case we get stranded, I have extra food that won't go bad if we are exposed to hot temperatures.
Leave No Trace
Poop Bags
Leave No Trace applies to kitty waste, too. Cat feces can contain harmful parasites like T. gondii, so it’s best to clean it up and carry it out.
This way, you protect the environment and keep the trails safe for all. Not doing so can cause authorities to regulate the trails and potentially forbid the presence of cats altogether.
Portable Litter-Box
Mia is comfortable using dirt or even snow to pee and poop, but if I'm in a rush and we are on the go, a portable litterbox makes doing business a lot faster.
- ✓ Comes with a scooper
- ✓ Easy to clean fabric
- ✓ Flexible to fit well
- ✓ Carry litter
The problem of going on a hike with a portable litterbox is that you need some litter. Clay litter can be very heavy, so try to go for a corn or tofu litter instead, as it's lighter as well as biodegradable, so in case you spare some on the floor, it will be reabsorbed by nature.
Before you take your cat outside, learn if your cat is adventure-ready and familiarize yourself with the most common leash walking mistakes.
Stay Wild, Stay Safe, See You Outdoors!
Albert & Mia
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