Making my cat an “adventure” cat

[kcallaghy]

Hey folks! Random question. I just adopted an energetic six month old kitty, and I think some of her energy will outlast kittenhood. I’d like to try and make her an “adventure cat,” – i.e. she lives indoors, but she can come outside on a harness and leash and possibly come with me on hikes or bike rides in a bubble backpack. Has anyone in this forum done this with their cat? I’m looking for recommendations on equipment (harnesses, backpacks, flea/tick treatment), training, and any cautionary tales. Please be polite – I am a conscientious pet owner and I wouldn’t do anything to endanger my cat. Thanks!

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[Wanakena]

My current and previous cat are/was indoor only but with access to the balcony. They both love(d) being “outside”. They each had a flea episode which I treated with Revolution. It requires a prescription but it works very well and it also kills heartworm and a couple other parasites.

My two cats that I had years ago in NY were indoor cats that I took outside on walks. They went on a simple collar and leash. (If I were to take my cat out today I would use a harness.) They were quite easy to train and loved going outside. In fact, they would get excited and run to the door if they saw the leash in my hand. I used Advantage for their fleas. I prefer Revolution but Advantage also works and it isn’t as expensive if cost is an issue. We didn’t have ticks in my area so I have no experience with them. I hope you and your kitty have fun exploring the outdoors together.

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[Michael Waldo]

yes, we harness trained our cat from an early age. Might want to Google it and find tips I the age to start and the right harness. And when walking our cat, he didn’t stop to sniff and pee every few feet.
: )

• This reply was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by Michael Waldo.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by Michael Waldo.

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[mehud7]

`Two things to think about that I have seen in the news recently: backpacks with cats being stolen from the car or from a person wearing them, cats can get frightened and run, pulling the leash out of your hands. I would recommend getting a similar aged kitten for her to play with safely inside and consider a catio if your space allows it.

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[kcallaghy]

Thanks all!

@Wanakena, yeah I’ve used Revolution before and it sounds like a good option. Thanks for the well-wishes!

@Michael Waldo – heheh yeah that sounds like it would be a benefit of cat vs. dog walking. Also they bury their own poop!

@mehud, Thank you for your concerns. There are definitely always risks, and I’ll be careful of these. Unfortunately another kitten isn’t an option for me. I do have a balcony I can convert into a catio, but even then, my kitty is a jumper, so I’d want her to be on the harness while she’s out there.

Re: cats being stolen from cars, if you’re referring to the story I’ve linked below, that was actually my friend and former neighbor. She was stopped at a gas stop when the car was stolen with her kitty inside. Very scary, but could happen to anyone. She was taking her cat with her to visit family.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/01/29/stolen-car-cat-pet-finder/

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