Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
As spring arrives and the days get longer and warmer, it's time to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Hit any outdoor trail, forest path or park and you'll see people out adventuring with their dogs in tow. But what if your favorite furry friend is a cat?
While hiking with cats may seem unconventional, it can be a great way to bond with your feline companion. It can also provide valuable exercise and mental stimulation that's essential for their happiness and well-being.1
Find out how you can go hiking with your cat safely with a few simple guidelines, including tips on preparing your cat, choosing a trail and managing their needs. Follow our cat owner's guide to hiking with your cat, and you'll be adventuring in no time.
Training your cat
Cats are natural explorers, but they may need some training and exposure to get used to their new hiking gear.
Start with leash training your cat
Before you hit the trails with your cat, be sure to leash train them. This is crucial to keeping them safe outdoors. It is also a valuable time to assess whether or not your cat will enjoy this. The majority of cats probably will not derive pleasure from being outside in a strange place and walking on a leash.
Kittens are usually more accepting of leash training, and can grow into a cat that finds hiking fun. Adult cats that have never been exposed to a leash and harness may never be on board with being a hiking buddy with you. Respect their wishes if that's the case. You know your cat's unique personality and preferences best, so avoid hiking with them if they're nervous or easily startle.
Leash training should start in a familiar environment in the house. Try placing the harness on your cat and allowing them to wear it. Be sure to praise your kitty and give them lots of treats! It may take several days to weeks before your cat accepts the harness. After that, it's time to add the leash. Allow your cat to drag the leash around during your training sessions, again using lots of praise and treats.
Spend some time outdoors
When your cat accepts the harness and the leash, it's time to head outdoors. If your pet is strictly an indoor cat, don't expect it to be love at first sight. The smells and sounds of the outdoors may be overwhelming at first. Keep your training sessions short and sweet, lengthening them over time to gradually expose your cat to more sights and sounds.
Go for a walk
Once your cat is comfortable with a harness and leash on outside, it's time to try walking. Never pull or drag your cat. Offer treats and rewards for following, eventually lengthening the time and distance they go. Stop if they refuse to participate, and try again another day.
Consult your vet
Once training is done and you're sure your cat is on board with the activity, consider a visit to your vet as part of your pet health spring checklist. The vet will check your cat's health and ensure they're up-to-date on their shots and have flea and tick medication on board. Vaccinations don't just protect your cat; they help keep all animals safe that your cat may encounter on a hike.2
Preparing to hike with your cat
Before you hit the trails, pack these essential pieces of cat hiking gear:
Cat harness and leash
A proper fit is imperative for safety. A cat that can wiggle its way out of a harness will be in danger of becoming lost or injured. Make sure the harness fits comfortably but securely. Consider stowing an extra harness and leash in your backpack in case the leash breaks or gets snagged on a bush during your adventure.
Cat backpack
Even if your cat likes to walk and explore, a cat backpack gives them a chance to recharge and rest on longer hikes and provides a safe spot to stow them if there are potential hazards or dogs nearby. Some cats learn to enjoy backpacks with a clear viewing area as well.
Blanket
A familiar-smelling blanket may provide comfort and keep your cat warm in their backpack or on the car ride home from your hike with a snuggly extra layer.
First aid kit
To provide pet first aid, you'll need all the basics, including antiseptic spray or ointment, gauze, bandage material, adhesive bandage tape and scissors.
GPS cat tracker
If the worst happens and your kitty gets away from you, a GPS tracker that connects to their collar can help you find them quickly.
Up-to-date cat identification tags and microchip
It's an important part of pet ownership to make sure your cat is wearing current identification tags and has been microchipped in case they wander off.3
Choosing the right hiking trail for your cat
If you're used to hiking with your dog, you might already be an expert at spotting potential dangers. Not all hiking trails are suitable for cats, especially if there are hazards like bodies of water, steep cliffs or tough terrain. Some trails are more crowded or favored by dog walkers, which you may wish to avoid.
Before you go, assess the trail's difficulty and ensure it's appropriate for your cat's fitness level. Then, visit without your cat to get a feel for any potential dangers. Prepare for your adventure by packing plenty of water and food for your cat. You'll also want to consider the daily pollen count if your cat suffers from any spring allergies.
Hiking with your cat
All the smells, sights and sounds on the trail will be new and exciting and can overwhelm your cat. Rewarding them with treats or verbal praise throughout the hike can help make it a more positive experience. Also, be sure to stop regularly so your cat can go to the bathroom, and make sure they have enough to eat and drink throughout the hike.
Take plenty of breaks and plan to go home before your cat gets too tired. Backpacking with your cat using a specially designed cat-safe backpack can help give their legs a break and help you speed up when it's time to head home.
After the hike
Venturing outdoors may bring your cat into contact with parasites such as fleas or ticks.4 Once off the trail, carefully check your cat, give them a good brush and provide a warm and cozy spot to rest. Your cat may need some quiet time to decompress after all that excitement, and may also require more food or water to account for the extra exercise. Even if your cat has just been a passenger in their cat backpack, it is still a physically and mentally draining experience, and they will need to rest and relax.
Ready to go hiking with your cat?
Hiking with your cat can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you've both felt cooped up during a long winter. With the arrival of spring, get some exercise and benefit from being out in nature together. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your cat is healthy, comfortable and safe on the trails.
In addition, hiking with your cat can add a new dimension to the experience for you. See the trail through your cat's eyes, and slow down to appreciate every new sensation. Watch as they take it all in. A trickle of water branching off from a stream, a bird singing in a tree or a worm moving across a log can all help ground you in this moment of shared quiet contemplation.
From Pets Best
As a pet lover, you want to make sure your cat is always safe and happy. Pets Best can help you with that. Wherever you venture together, our cat insurance plans can help give you peace of mind that your best pal is protected.
Sources/Citations
1 Boicelli, C. Cat Enrichment: What to Do if Your Cat Is Bored. Preventive Vet. Updated January 16, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/cat-enrichment-for-bored-cats
2 Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks. Cornell Feline Health Center. Updated July 2022. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vaccines-benefits-and-risks
3 Everything You Should Know About Microchipping Cats. Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital. Updated March 24, 2022. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.7hillsvet.com/services/cats/cat-microchip
4 Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats. American Humane. Updated July 8, 2022. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/indoor-cats-vs-outdoor-cats/