Are you wondering to know can cats go hiking? The process of hiking with a cat will be explained in detail in this article.
A hike is one of the best activities you can do. You get to explore new places, get plenty of fresh air, and keep fit while doing it. All those benefits can also apply to your cat — if he’s up for it. The popularity of hiking with cats is growing, and for good reason.
As well as being a fun activity, hiking can be an exciting and entertaining adventure for your cat as well. When your cat is only allowed indoors, it can help to prevent boredom. If you do your homework, you and your cat can enjoy many hiking adventures together if you understand the pros and cons of hiking.
Can Your Cat Go Hiking?
As an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) and founder of Cat School, Julie Posluns believes that not all cats should go hiking. The most confident cats—the extroverts of the cat world—should go for hikes and other adventures away from their home base, says Posluns. Despite the fact that hiking can provide your cat with important mental and physical exercise, if she is easily spooked, anxious, or stressed, you may want to consider other ways to enrich her life, such as an enclosed outdoor space, such as a catio.
Despite the fact that hiking with a cat is becoming less silly and more popular, you must remember that it isn’t as simple as wearing a harness and leash. Before a toe bean ever meets the trail, adventure cat parents spend countless hours training their feline friends. Your adventurous feline can take a rest in her cat hiking backpack or at home whenever she doesn’t feel as adventurous as she should.
What is the best way to train my cat to hike?
A lot of preparation is required before you take your cat on her first hike, according to Adventure Cats. You’ll need to teach your cat how to walk on a leash and wear a harness, then get her used to walking on a leash in unfamiliar surroundings. In case you ever get separated while hiking, it’s important to teach your cat to come when called.
It is also important that your cat wears an ID tag with your contact information in addition to a quality harness and leash.
Before your first hike, do a little research. Choose a trail that’s appropriate for your level of fitness and start with short hikes to give your cat a chance to become accustomed to it. In addition, check the weather, since a rainstorm won’t be pleasant for you or your cat.
Take frequent snack breaks along the trail and make sure your cat feels comfortable during the experience. Don’t forget to bring snacks and water for you and your cat. From a higher vantage point, your cat will enjoy your arms or shoulders, your cat may feel more secure and confident. While your cat may walk some of the ways, be prepared to pick him up and carry him if needed.
As with any new activity, hiking with your cat will require some time to get used to. Start by sticking to trails you know well, keeping your outings brief, and ensuring that your cat has a fun time on the hike. For additional advice, connect with people who hike with their cats. Most importantly, be patient with your cat during the leash training process and as he gets used to being on the trail. You and your cat might have a whole new activity to enjoy together if you take your time and keep things positive.
What should I do to prepare for hiking with my cat?
If you want to keep your cat safe while hiking, you need to do plenty of preparation. Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital recommends scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian if you believe your cat would enjoy hiking so that your vet can ensure your cat is healthy and ready. Vaccinations and parasite prevention plans can be verified by your vet. If your cat gets lost on the trail, it’s a great idea to microchip him.
Taking your cat on hikes can be a fun activity for both of you, but you should gradually introduce it to the idea.
Can a cat hike with you? What are the risks?
Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital suggests that hiking may or may not be beneficial to your cat. There are risks involved, especially when your cat might get scared and escape, and you need to be prepared for what you’re going to face on the trail, including parasites like ticks, heat, and bad weather. You should be able to enjoy hiking trails safely with your cat, though, with plenty of planning.
5 Tips for Safely Hiking With Your Cat
In order to keep your cat engaged throughout your adventure, keep these tips in mind.
1. Start indoors.
A life of adventure begins within the safety of your own home. Begin training your cat to walk on a leash and harness by gradually introducing her to her harness, then putting it on, and eventually attaching the leash. It is only appropriate to introduce your adventure buddy to the great outdoors after she has received all the necessary vaccines and has been trained on a lead.
2. Take it slow.
If your kitty is new to hiking trails, Posluns suggests starting with a brief walk and working up to longer excursions. When your kitty is ready to hit the trails, Lilly suggests starting with a brief walk and working up to longer adventures.
3. Safety first.
Besides a well-fitting harness, leash, collar, ID tag, and tracking device for adventure cats, you’ll also want to take into account any cold or hot weather gear your cat will need. Your cat’s microchip should be updated if your contact information has changed recently.
4. Plan for recalls.
Hiking safely with your cat should include a plan if things don’t go as planned. If you plan on taking your animal outside, you should always be prepared. For preventing your cat from bolting and not returning if she slips out of her harness, Lilly recommends positive enforcement training. “Learn your cats a recall cue so they’ll come running back to you when you say ‘here’ or make a trill or some other signal,” Lilly advises.
5. Hike in a cat-friendly area.
Choosing the perfect hike for your cat depends on the personality of your cat. “A wide-open lounger may feel safe on a hike through the plains with minimal coverage overhead. In areas where there is more tree coverage, an “under-the-coffee-table-cat” might like to hike,” Lilly suggests. If you’re walking your cat with a dog, you should always choose a trail with low traffic and leash laws to prevent a curious canine from scaring her.
Take your cat hiking and relax
While it may seem like a lot of preparation to go hiking with your adventure cat, remember that you are trying to create special memories with your cat. Your cat hiking adventure can be more enjoyable and stress-free if you are well-prepared and equipped with the right hiking gear.
In addition to increased exercise for your cat (and you! ), hiking with your cat will immerse your cat in a rich sensory world, with new smells, sights, and sounds to discover. It is easy for you and your cat to navigate everyday tasks with leash and harness training.
Moreover, you will create a unique bond with your adventure cat as you explore these new experiences together.
Take a moment to appreciate the scenery around you if your cat hikes at a slower pace than you are used to. It’s good for both of you!
Take a wild hike with one adventure cat in the video below!
Frequently asked questions
Can you take cats on walks in a backpack?
Tethered cats should always be kept inside backpacks.
It’s important for your cat to be harnessed trained before he starts backpack training, so he won’t be able to jump out of the backpack from its tether.
Do cats like going on adventures?
Many cats enjoy traveling with their owners, much to their delight! Based on my own experience traveling with my own cats, Fish and Chips, I can say that most cats are willing to travel with their owners.
Should I take my cat hiking?
While you may think that cats enjoy sitting on the couch all day, many cats actually enjoy exploring the outdoors, and these adventurous kitties would be delighted to go for a walk with their owners. In addition to providing mental stimulation, leash walking a cat can be great exercise for your pet.
Can you take a cat on runs?
When you take your cat shopping for some tiny running clothes, you might get him more motivated to run. You can start in private with a treadmill. As he runs, tell him how cool he looks.
