Feline fans, put your paws up: today is National Cat Day! Let’s take a moment to celebrate all the whiskered wonders who warm our hearts (and sometimes our feet). From the coziest of lap-loungers to the most curious window-watchers, cats come in as many personalities as they do patterns. But these days, many cats are taking their adventures outdoors, too.
Cats rule the roost on the so-called “cat islands” of Greece and Japan, as well as Istanbul’s fabulous feral subculture immortalized in the film Kedi. This kind of freedom isn’t always an option in a city like LA, where cars and coyotes can make unchaperoned excursions especially risky. Luckily, the rise in feline leash-training means that many cats and their human besties found a way to take on the world together, safely.
Adventure Cats: Walking on the Wild Side
For courageous kitties, leash training opens a world of exploration. These “adventure cats” join their humans on walks, hikes, and even camping trips! And it’s not just kittens: there are even stories of 10-year-old rescues stepping confidently into the great outdoors.
If you’re curious, Adventure Cats is a meow-valeous resource to help you learn more about safely turning your indoor feline into an intrepid explorer. They advise that not every kitty is cut out for outdoor adventures, and that’s perfectly fine! Before venturing out, make sure your cat is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm; consult your vet, because outdoor kitties need a slightly more expanded regimen than the indoor-only cats.
Once you’ve gotten the vet’s go-ahead, find a properly fitted harness and leash and head out to your yard (if you have one) or a grassy park outside your home. Remember to take things slowly, taking note of your feline friend’s responses.
If your cat seems to warm up to the adventure, sniffing around a bit more each time and displaying increasingly comfortable body language, then it might be time to attempt a lengthier stroll. And from there, the world is your oyster (or, oyster-flavored Churu treat?)
Bubble Cats: Peek, Don’t Pounce
Not every cat dreams of conquering the backyard wilderness. For those slightly less adventurous felines, “cat backpacks” with clear, see-through bubbles offer a safe way to observe the world. From the comfort of their portable perch, they can watch birds, squirrels, and passersby, all without ever stepping a paw on the ground.
Watch those Whiskers: Safety First
Whether your cat is walking, hiking, or riding in a bubble (or on your shoulder like a pirate’s parrot), safety is always paramount. Keep dogs, other cats, and other forms of wildlife in mind. Cats register potential threats differently than humans do, so remember to always key into your individual cat’s reactions and responses: flattened ears often indicate anger, and a low-to-the-floor pose with a bobbing neck isn’t your cat’s way of imitating a weasel—it’s likely a sign that they’re feeling trepidatious.
Even though it might be adorable in theory to watch your tortie chase a tortoise on the trail, remember to never let your cats off-leash when out on a journey together. They’re faster than you think, and can jump much higher than you can.
Collars, ID tags, and microchips are all essentials, and planning ahead is key: if you’re going hiking or camping, be sure that you know the trail rules, pack plenty of food and water, and bring a cat carrier just in case.
The World Is Not a Litter Box
Adventure or no adventure, responsible disposal of kitty waste is essential. Cat litter should always go in the black bin, sealed in a plastic or biodegradable bag. These same rules apply out on your adventures. Though it may feel like going over to the “dog side,” attaching a dog waste-bag canister to your leash will prepare you for any clean-up side quests during the day’s excursion. By keeping waste out of waterways, you’re helping protect the environment and LA’s rivers, creeks, and ocean.
Whether your cat prefers riding in a backpack, padding around on four paws, or simply watching hummingbirds from the window, today is the day to celebrate their cuteness, curiosity, companionship, and loveable charm. So, go ahead and give your feline friend a little extra love today. They deserve it.
