Visit any camp or hiking trail and you’ll spot dozens of dogs happily trotting beside their humans. But as it turns out, more and more cats are joining in on our outdoor adventures – including hiking! With a little planning, you too can hit the trail with your feline buddy – without losing your mind. (Or your cat!) So let’s find out how to hike with a cat so you can get started right away.

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Is your cat an adventure cat?

Now it’s true that some cats are confident, curious, and revel in novel experiences – especially outdoors! (While others prefer to stay in their comfort zone and shy away from anything new.) You know your cat best, so consider your cat’s personality before taking them out hiking with you. With proper training, basic adventure cat gear, gradual introduction to new experiences, and careful attention to your cat’s behavior, almost any cat can be an adventure cat.

Is hiking good for your cat?

Cats have exceptionally acute senses, so taking them to an outdoor environment can be a fun, enriching experience for them.1 Being on the move from walking and hiking can keep your feline buddy in top physical shape. Indoor cats can learn to enjoy hikes, but they may need extra time or training to adjust to the stimulation of being outdoors. Just be patient as your cat learns this new activity and you’ll both benefit.

Kittens may adapt more easily to new experiences like leash and collar training, harness training, and adventure hiking, but even older felines can enjoy exploring the outdoors.  

Read more: How to Keep Outdoor Cats Safe

A cat walking outdoors with a harness and leash

⚠️ But with all that said, any outdoor activity with your cat involves the risk of them getting lost while out in the woods or wilderness. That’s where a cat GPS tracker can come in handy as an emergency measure – so you can follow your cat’s movements in real-time, no matter where they end up scampering off to.

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Choose the right adventure cat hiking gear 

Though your cat might prefer to roam freely outside, the right hiking gear can help keep them safe while you’re both out in the woods or the wilderness. For example, it’s a good idea to pack a basic pet first aid kit when hiking with your cat. Plus, add the local emergency veterinary clinic’s phone number into your contact list.

Besides, for extra safety, you should consider getting a…

Cat harness & leash

Cats are experts at wriggling out of collars, so a harness with wide padded straps is a better option. The harness will provide a secure attachment for a leash. Many cats dislike harnesses and leashes at first, but they can and do adjust to them with time, patience, and tons of practice.

Start by having your cat wear the harness during a normal day at home. After a few days, attach the leash and practice walking together indoors. Give your cat lots of praise and belly rubs when the harness is on. That will make wearing the harness a positive experience that your cat will look forward to. 

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Cat backpack

If your cat doesn’t get the hang of leash training, or if you prefer trekking for more miles than your cat cares to walk, try a cat backpack for a change. This allows your cat to be cozily nestled against your back while enjoying the view from a safe space. A cat backpack is also a great way for those little paws to get some rest on a long hike. 

Some cat parents prefer a front-facing pack so they can interact with their cat while hiking. In either case, choose a pack that’s large enough for your feline friend to lie down. Because, who doesn’t enjoy a quick catnap during a hike?

A man hiking with a cat in a backpack

⚠️ Always keep your cat harnessed and leashed while in the cat backpack, and keep the leash clipped to the backpack or held securely in your hand. You want to avoid having your cat leap from the backpack if you encounter a dog, wildlife, or some woodland “prey” animal on the trail!

Something to identify your cat

Especially if they get lost. Which, if you’re out in the wilderness, can mean a ruined trip where you end up spending more time yelling yourself hoarse for your cat over enjoying yourself. All it takes is a split second for you to pause to take a photo of that breathtaking view…for your cat to give you the slip and scamper off into the undergrowth. (Where they may or may not return once you’ve called out for them a few billion times.)

So before heading out for your hike, make sure to attach ID tags to your cat’s harness and include your phone number on the tags. For an extra layer of security, make sure your cat has been microchipped before you set off on the trail. Both these ID tools can be immensely helpful in reuniting you with your cat if a fellow hiker or camper runs into them in the woods.

Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date

Going outdoors exposes your cat to greater risk. You may have put off certain feline vaccines in the past because your cat was an indoor-only cat. To prepare your cat for hiking, visit your veterinarian to discuss having your cat vaccinated for rabies and feline leukemia. Be sure all their heartworm preventatives are up to date, as well as flea and tick medications. These are extra important if you plan to make hiking with your cat a regular activity.

Start your hiking adventure at home

Once your cat is comfortable wearing a harness and leash or riding in a backpack, try walking with your cat in your yard or a quiet park. Respect your cat’s limits and watch their behavior closely. Don’t force a skittish cat to remain outside for too long – it will only make your cat wary of the outdoors and set back your training efforts.

Finally, make sure to offer treats and praise. By making each open-air experience a positive one, you enhance your cat’s quality of life and build a bond of trust. 

A cat walking outdoors on a leash

Choose a peaceful trail

Once you are ready to venture beyond your yard, choose a quiet park or trail for your adventure cat’s first hike. Check first to see if the park welcomes pets – some nature preserves don’t allow pets because they contain sensitive nesting areas or rare species. 

Also, keep in mind that not all trails are right for hiking with your cat. Busy trails with lots of human traffic may be too tough to navigate with a leashed cat. Similarly, parks that allow dogs to run off-leash can set the stage for unpleasant interactions.

Try and hike early in the morning or late in the evening if needed to avoid crowds and allow your cat to get accustomed to the new location.

Travel safely in the car with your cat

Getting your cat to a favorite hiking spot might require a car trip – which it helps to get your cat used to, since it can be a frightening, disorienting experience for them!

  • Start by taking short car trips close to home. Make the ride a positive experience by offering treats, soothing words, or engaging in special playtime after the car ride. Gradually increase the length of the car ride until your cat is comfortable in a vehicle.
  • Whatever your cat’s opinion of riding in the car, it’s best to keep your cat harnessed and leashed in a travel crate while you drive. This keeps your cat from crawling underfoot or onto the dashboard while you drive.
  • Once you arrive at your destination, the leash and harness allow you to safely transfer your cat into and out of the travel crate without worrying about a sudden dash across a busy parking lot.

Read more: How To Travel With A Cat: Tips For A Fun, Safe Road Journey

Take your cat for a hike!

Don’t expect your feline buddy to hike for miles on your first adventure. Your cat might walk slowly, sniff the flowers, climb on logs, or suddenly lie down on the trail. It’s all part of the experience for an adventure cat. A narrow path, rather than an open field, can help your cat learn to move forward in one direction rather than meander aimlessly. Or, if your cat loves to play, bring a human friend, have them drag a stick in front of your cat, and watch the chase begin!

Your first hike might be a short one, but you can gradually increase the length of your treks. Your hiking cat will soon be able to walk on the leash or ride in the backpack for longer distances. With time, you may work your way up to overnight backpacking or camping trips with your adventure cat. A multi-day wilderness adventure can be fun and exciting for both of you. Many cats enjoy riding on the top of a hiking backpack to take in the view.

Remember to bring all the essentials to ensure safety and comfort during your cat backpacking or camping trip. Even a true adventure cat appreciates small luxuries like a fluffy bed after a long day on the trail. Also, follow the Leave No Trace rules when you hike with your cat. Be prepared to take any trash back home with you for proper disposal, including cat waste. It’s just the right thing to do, and will help to make future hikes with your cat more pleasant for all.

Final safety tips when you’re out hiking with a cat

Being aware and prepared will make hiking with your cat safe and fun. The weather can make or break your cat hiking adventure. Always check the forecast before heading out. Even the most daring adventure cat does not tolerate extreme heat or stormy skies. 

Bring along water and snacks

  • Watch for signs of dehydration in your cat.
  • Plan to take breaks on your hike to allow kitty to rest or explore a small area.
  • Keep your cat harnessed and leashed during these breaks to avoid an impulsive pursuit of a squirrel or worse, watching helplessly while your cat climbs onto a tree branch that’s too high for you to reach! 

Watch out for any dangerous wildlife

Creatures large and small can put a damper on your cat’s hiking adventure. Depending on where you hike, be aware of predators like mountain lions, coyotes, and hawks.

Dogs, even those on a leash, may want to interact with your feline friend. Be prepared to pick up your cat or tuck them into a backpack to keep them safe and lower the stress level for everyone. 

Finally, be sure to check your cat for ticks when you get home. And have a good brush handy to remove stubborn burrs and seeds that may attach to your cat’s fur.

Be mindful of poisonous plants

If your cat rubs up against poison ivy, it’s not likely to create a problem for your cat – but rather for you. A cat’s fur keeps the plant’s itch-causing oils away from the skin. But these oils could rub off on you when you pick up your cat, resulting in an unpleasant, itchy rash. So make sure to learn how to identify poison ivy and other noxious plants before you hit the trail.

Read more: What Plants Are Poisonous To Cats & How To Avoid Them

Ready to hit the hiking trails with your cat?

With the right planning and prep, you’ll be well on your way to creating some special memories with your feline buddy. Being well-prepared and having the right hiking gear can make your cat hiking adventure more enjoyable and stress-free. 

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Still on the fence whether cats qualifies as hikers? Here’s Kitsune the adventure cat who’s climbed more mountains than most people!

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a fellow outdoorsy cat parent – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.