HIKING WITH CATS: TIPS FOR THE path

Hiking with a cat could seem strange or maybe not possible, however it’s not solely doable — it’s conjointly changing into quite common. It’s not only about buying a good quality cat bubble backpack.

You may assume that cats are content to pass the day dozing on the couch, however several cats truly get pleasure from exploring the outside world, and these venturous kitties would like to accompany their homeowners on a hike.

In addition to providing mental stimulation, leash walking a cat are often nice exercise for your pet. it’s going to even ease pain for a few cats, like Marcus, a kitty at the best Friends Animal Society that suffers from a condition referred to as Manx syndrome that affects his medulla spinalis and muscles.

However, before you hit the path along with your feline friend, confirm your cat is in healthiness and inform yourself with the hiking tips and safety pointers below.

Before you go
Is your cat trained?

cat walking on leash in snowThis suggests that having a kitty that’s comfy sporting a harness and walking on a leash. Your cat’s initial trip into the nice outdoors shouldn’t air a well-liked hiking path — or on any path in any respect. begin leash coaching in your home, get into the yard so attempt a quiet outside space to assist your cat get acclimated to new surroundings. Learn a lot of concerning leash coaching.

It’s conjointly a sensible plan to show your cat to come back once referred to as. Accidents happen, and if your kitty suddenly finds himself off leash for the primary time, you wish to understand he’ll return right back at the sound of your voice.

Do you have the proper gear?

In addition to your hiking boots and your cat’s harness, you ought to conjointly pack these fourteen necessities to confirm you’re ready for nearly something.

Is your cat insusceptible and on insect, tick and heartworm interference treatment?

Don’t take your cat outdoors wherever she might be exposed to susceptible animals, fleas, ticks and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes if she isn’t up up to now on all of those.

Is your cat microchipped, and will she have a collar and tags?

Your cat must always wear a collar with simply clear identification tags that feature your name, address and sign. A silicon chip may be a sensible plan similarly.

How robust is that the trail?

Take your cat’s age and fitness level under consideration once selecting your path. Older cats and people with medical conditions might not be able to cowl long distances or rough parcel of land, and kittens shouldn’t be expected to hike for long periods of your time or be allowed to climb or jump too so much as their bodies are still developing and that they might simply break a bone.

If your cat is at home with solely walking (or being carried) for a mile or 2, don’t suddenly spring a 10-mile trek on your unsuspecting feline.

How’s the weather?

Even if your cat enjoys the occasional swim, she might not look after hiking within the rain. Also, take into account the length of your cat’s coat — or lack of coat — before heading out on a very hot or chilly day. If your cat may be a beardless breed or has fine, light hair, she may have sunblock.