Ever wonder how just absolutely perfect it would be to take your kitty on some kind of grand adventure? While cats are regarded as creatures of comfort, staying in the comfort of their homes, they actually make for very good travel companions once they are introduced to the concept of being exploratory with due care and patience.
Not only dog owners, but with each passing day, one notices more and more that even people travel with cats all over the world-be it on road trips, over a weekend in the woods, or even hiking across mountains. If ever you think about taking your cat on an adventure, well, good news: it is way more plausible than one could imagine. Cats love novelty almost as much as humans. Prepared properly, they will join any kind of outing with you, safely and joyfully. But where to start? What would you need? And how would your cat get used to those novelties?
In the following article, we will go over everything one needs to know to get going on a trip and adventure with one’s cat.
Getting Started: Training Your Cat for Adventure
Adventure training does take time and deliberation. You do not strap a harness on your cat one day and take him out to confidently walk at your side. Measures must be taken so that you and your cat can enjoy such experiences without undue stress or fear to either party.
Start Off Right with Proper Harness and Leash
But before taking your feline out into the great outdoors, the first thing you’ll want to do is find them a nice, comfy harness. A good harness will cost anywhere from roughly 15 to 40 dollars. Figure-eight and vest-style harnesses are really your best bets, as they offer a correct and comfortable fit while still allowing for freedom of movement. For example, the harness I applied to my cat-one that cost 25 dollars-continues to stand the test of time through quite an adventure or two.
Introduce the harness to your cat by allowing it to get used to the harness indoors first; don’t rush it. That’s because cats usually resist at first, as wearing a harness is really something new for them, and so one must reward your cat at every step of the process.
For example, the instances when they actually wear the harness, immediately give them small treats-think along the lines of $2 worth of cat treats in one day-to equate it with positive moments.
Indoor practice: The Key
Once your cat is comfortable in the harness indoors, it is time to start harness training with the leash either in your home or in your fenced backyard. This depends on the temperament of your cat; it can take anything from days to weeks. Meanwhile, let them get used to being on the leash, but make sure the leash is loose to minimize any tension.
With other cats, you will have to spend that extra dollar or two for encouragement. A few toys or that favorite blanket with the smell of home will work a miracle in getting your cat to adjust. Setting an allowance of about $10 to $20 for these “training tools” will make all the difference in how well it all goes down.
Associate with the Positives
You should apply positive reinforcement when training your cat for the outdoors. You must reward after each successful session-praise, little play, and even cuddles will do. For instance, on any ordinary day during the training, I used close to about $5 worth of treats to keep my cat feeling encouraged after every progressive step.
Take it slow
The most critical preparation for the adventure may be that of endurance. Don’t be surprised if your cat isn’t ready for an eight-mile hike after two or three practice sessions. Build up time out little by little. Start with short, 5-10 minute walks in the yard or neighborhood park. As your cat becomes more comfortable, you can begin to gradually extend both the length and the distance of your time together outside.
If you’re planning on more serious adventures, like road trips or hiking, allow several months to train your cat. Remember, cats are creatures of habit, and breaking them out of their comfort zone takes time. Trying to rush this process could backfire, making your cat fearful of the outdoors rather than curious and excited.
Estimating time and cost for training cats
From the initial harness purchase to the gradual leash training, expect to spend between $30 to $70 in total during the preparation phase. Time-wise, every cat is different, but in my experience, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to properly train a cat to be adventure-ready. This investment, both in time and money, pays off in spades once you’re both confidently exploring new environments together.
Gear needed for the adventuring cat
Having all your gear can make all the difference when taking your cat on a voyage; thus, it ensures the cat’s safety and puts your mind at ease. Below is the list of what you should have, especially if you are going to head somewhere you do not know.
1. Harness and leash
Your most critical equipment includes a harness and leash. A good harness needs to be tightened to your cat’s body enough not to allow him to wriggle his way out of it, yet loose enough for movement to explore. Good harnesses can range from 15 to 40 dollars, depending on brands and style. Therefore, invest in a well-fitted harness with adjustable straps and durable material.
Leashes cost around 10-20 dollars, and the light yet strong ones are the best. Although the temptation will be very strong to go with a retractable leash, the best kind for use with these dogs would be the regular leashes of about 4 to 6 feet in length for safety and keeping control in open areas.
2. Cat carrier
For traveling, it is necessary to invest in a safe cat carrier, particularly if the journey will be long. A sturdy, soft, or hard-sided carrier will serve your kitty best for road and air travel. Prices range from $30 to $60. However, you may want to try to find one that is a bit more comfortable if they are going on a longer journey. I once bought a soft-sided carrier that had good ventilation, and it cost about $50.
It’s hard yet light, which makes it perfect for road trips or whenever traveling by public transport in general.
3. Backpack carrier or stroller
If you go on longer walks or hikes, the backpack carrier or even a stroller comes in very useful. With these products, your feline friend will be allowed to take a rest while you keep on exploring. The price for backpack carriers goes anywhere between $40 and $80, considering the size and design. Pet strollers may cost a bit more, around $100-200 on average, but they provide a very safe place for your cat, giving your animal a chance to get out into new surroundings without being overwhelmed.
A $60 backpack carrier proved to be a very worthwhile investment on my first few excursions when often my cat wanted to rest but still wanted to see what was happening around her. Well worth the investment.
4. Microchips and pet trackers
Even with the best harness and leash, things could go wrong, and that is where, not strictly necessary, a pet tracker can give you extra peace of mind. The price of a pet tracker ranges between $50 and $100; most of these require a small monthly subscription for the GPS services at about $5 to $10. Other cat owners use Bluetooth trackers, much cheaper at about $30 to $50, but the range is incredibly smaller.
Microchip them: Good cat owners microchip their cats. This may cost around 45 to 50 dollars but this can increase chances for recovery to tenfold when the pet becomes a runaway.
5. Portable litter box and accessories
A portable litter box is a must for all overnight trips or longer road trips. Most portable litter boxes range from about $15 to $30 and small enough to fit easily into the car or inside of a smaller bag. Though it’s likely your cat won’t use it while riding in the car-my cats never did!-it’s nice to have one on hand when making stops and when arriving at your destination.
Then of course, there’s the little bag of litter, too, at about $5 to $10 for a travel size amount.
Other important supplies include a collapsible water bowl (typically priced around $10) and a small container of your cat’s favorite food. You’ll want to pack enough food for the duration of your trip, so plan on around $10 to $20 for food, depending on the length of your adventure.
Planning your adventures
With the majors out of the way, now is the time to plan the adventure: anything from a weekend road trip to a week of camping – preparation means a seamless, fun adventure for all concerned, cat and human alike.
1. Deselect cat-incompatible locations
Note that ‘pet-friendly’ does not always mean ‘cat-friendly’. One of the main mistakes that people make while traveling is assuming that since it says “pet-friendly,” their cats will be allowed. Most of those policies on being pet-friendly are dog-forward. It is always safe to call ahead or inform an establishment directly. Confirm if your cats will be allowed into their facility-be it a hotel, a vacation rental site, or a campsite.
I’ve found that in some cases, an additional pet fee may apply—around $15 to $50 per night in hotels or rentals. However, many places will waive this fee if your cat is well-behaved or if you’re a frequent guest.
2. Time your trips
Cats are creatures of habit and can get easily overwhelmed by noisy or crowded environments. When planning your adventure, consider traveling during off-peak hours or seasons. For example, if you’re planning a hike or visit to a park, early mornings or weekdays are usually quieter, providing a calmer environment for your cat. Similarly, traveling in the fall or spring can offer milder weather conditions, which are ideal for outdoor adventures.
Long trips: Stop every 2 to 3 hours to let your cat get out, stretch, drink water, and use the litter box. Each stop need not be long; it can be 10 to 15 minutes. However, these small stops will reduce the stress related to the trip.
3. Overnight adventures
If it will be an overnight journey, ensure those things that are familiar with your cat are taken along to make her feel as close to home as possible. For instance, take her favorite blanket or toy to keep her relaxed in the new place. Set up their space in the accommodation immediately: set up the bed, litter box, food, and water in a quiet, comfortable spot away from the noise and also away from the passage of people.
You will also be challenged to camp with the involvement of a safe tent or enclosed space for your cat. You can even purchase a portable pet tent, which can range from $20 to $50, whereby the pet will be protected from the wild animals and sleep comfortably.
4. Health and Safety Considerations
Before embarking on any adventure with your feline friend, make sure your cat is vaccinated and also flea and tick protected if venturing into a wooded or rural environment. If traveling out of the country or even out of state, check local regulations for requirements on health certificates and/or vaccinations. In the United States, health certificates from a vet can usually be obtained for $40-50, and some airlines will require one.
Additionally, always carry a small first-aid kit for your cat. A basic pet first-aid kit costs around $25 to $30 and includes items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tick removers. It’s better to be over-prepared than to find yourself without necessary supplies in case of an emergency.
5. Emergency Contacts
The good practice is finding out, for any one of those big adventures, where a local vet is and committing it to memory in case of those emergency cases. Most of them have their vets’ listing online, and quite a few of them offer 24-hour emergency services. I make a list of two or three vet offices near me in case of an emergency. It’s also good to keep stored the phone number of your regular vet, especially if you will be calling them from the road to consult about something regarding your cat’s health.
The Best Cat Adventure Ideas
With your cat so well trained and fitted out to travel properly, it will be time to move on to some of the best of the adventures available, from hiking right through to road trips. In fact, the ways you can enjoy the great outdoors are unlimited with your feline companion. Here are a few fun, adventurous activities you might consider:
1. Hiking
Absolutely! Hiking with your cat is one of those super rewarding outdoor activities for a cat owner. Start with small, easy trails that will allow your cat to get used to the sights, smells, and sounds of the great outdoors. Stick to paths that have minimal foot traffic, at least in the beginning, so your cat isn’t overwhelmed.
You’ll want a good harness and lead- perhaps $30-50 total-and a backpack carrier to pop your kitty inside when they are getting tired of the walk or just want to have a snooze. The pack itself can range anywhere from $40 to $80 and carries them safely while you’re still hiking.
If you will be in hot weather, bring lots of water and take breaks in the shade. Portable water bowls, $10 or so are essential on any hike.
2. Road trips
As a matter of fact, a road trip can be a very wonderful adventure for the both of you, though cats can make surprisingly great companions once they get used to the car. It could range from a day’s outing in the countryside to a cross-country drive.
A long drive will require budgeting for essential items such as a sturdy carrier between 30-60 dollars, a travel litter box costing 15 to 30 dollars, and a very comfortable blanket or mat to put your cat on. The favorite food and toys of the animal should also be packed to let it feel relaxed during the ride.
Good news: Place the carrier in a quiet, stable part of the vehicle. Owners’ other ideas: Try playing calming music or spritzing a cat-friendly pheromone spray ($15 to $20) to make travel less nerve-racking.
3. Camping
So why not take them on a tete-a-tete under the stars if you are one of those that love nights out in the open? Camping with your cat needs extra preparation, but is very plausible with the proper tools. Firstly, a portable pet tent, available for investment at 20-50 dollars, shall grant your animal a place to rest safely at the campsite.
You will also want to take a travel litter box, portable food and water dishes, and plenty of familiar items to make your cat comfortable in her surroundings. Plan ahead for chilly nights, too: A cozy blanket or cat bed can be had for $15-$30.
If they have enough time to get used to it, and feel safe, they usually accept camping. Just let them just do an overnight camp-out first. Progress gradually to longer day camping outings. For protection from the wildlife, always keep your cat on a leash or in a carrier.
4. Canoeing or kayaking
If you like being out on the water, your cat can even join you for a serene day of canoeing or kayaking. Though many cats really despise the water, quite a few of them are adventurous and just curious enough to join you for a trip in a canoe or kayak. You will, of course, want to make sure they are safe with a pet life vest, which costs about $20 to $40.
Introduce your cat to the boat when it is still onshore, at their own pace, and always leashed while on the water. Good to have, too, is a dry bag ($15-30) to stash treats, towels, and even a miniature litter box if one plans an extended adventure.
5. Cross-country skiing or snow sport
If you reside in colder climates, this need not be a winter that should prevent either you or your cat from making adventure escapades. Cross-country skiing can actually be quite unique and exciting with your cat. A few adventurous cat owners attach a sled onto the backpack or harness of the feline partner, thereby enabling themselves to be pulled over snowy trails.
Get your cat a set of good winter gear; that would be one warm coat or sweater, costing about $15 to $25, booties, plus a backpack-type carrier when they would need carrying. Let your cat be monitored very closely at all times to make sure it doesn’t catch a cold.
Conclusion
Sure, this might sound a bit far-fetched, but the idea of voyaging with cats is not only workable, once properly prepared, but also highly rewarding. From casual cruises around town to spending the whole weekend camping, there are so many activities a cat can be a great companion for, provided one is fully equipped with gear and training.
First, the cost of training your cat to wear a harness and leash ranges in price from 15 to 40 dollars, depending on style and brand. In the same way, while a good carrier would range from $30-60, a backpack carrier or a stroller could lie in the range of $40-$200, with both very important in giving your kitty rest time to lounge around in comfort during travel. And let’s not forget additions such as a portable litter box, from $15-$30, water bowls at $10, treats at $5-10 a trip that make life so much easier on you and your cat during the trip.
First and foremost, safety comes first. Gadgets like GPS trackers ($50 to $100) and microchips ($45 to $50) bring tranquilization. The pet first-aid kit ($20 to $30) will make sure that in case of some minor misadventure, one is well-set. Another important thing to take along while on the road is a copy of your cat’s medical records and vaccination proof, necessary for crossing state lines and staying in pet-friendly accommodations. Health certificates from a veterinarian can be needed for longer journeys, which could cost an approximate $40 to $50.
Of course, after obvious, more than anything, how well one knows his or her cat-what to do and where to plan-be it some gentle hike, a road journey over newer territory, or even the most adventurous camp. Ensure that your cat is comfortable and relaxed. Success here lies in the gradual exposure and respecting the comfort zone of your cat.
In plan your adventure in low-peak seasons, and budget some extra dollars, if possible, for additional costs like pet-friendly accommodations ranging from $15 to $50 per night or camping gear like a pet tent or enclosure for $20-$50.
Most important of all, however, is the time you are going to share with your cat, which is irreplaceable. From that $10 hike in the local park to the planned weekend excursion that may cost you about $200 for gear and supplies, it will be totally worth the cost in building this companionship between you and your cat. Every time you take your kitty on another adventure, you make their life and yours more exciting, while each of those moments forms one very special companionship-one morphing into lifelong treasures. Whether around-town drives or weeks-long exciting excursions, prepare accordingly, pay attention to your feline friend’s particular needs, and set up camp to enjoy the view from some very curious eyes of your kitty.
The adventure awaits-and there is no reason for your cat not to be right by your side, exploring and making memories at every corner.
