How to Start Cat Exploring
- by Rufus and Coco
This post was originally written by Julie Rouch from purrfectbuslife.com with some minor edits from the Rufus & Coco team.
Most, if not all, fur parents would want the opportunity to take their furballs out for a trip or an adventure. If you're a cat mum or dad trying to bring your kitty outdoors for the first time, getting started might be a daunting task.
In this post, we talk about cat exploring and some simple tips on how you can start going on adventures with your feline.
How to start cat exploring?
Let’s visit the vet
First thing's first, if you want to take your kitty outside you’ll want to ensure your cat’s well-being whilst outdoor. We recommend annual check‑ups and keeping all necessary vaccinations updated. Note that the vaccine requirements will change depending on where you live. While required vaccines will vary based on your location and the kind of exploring you will be doing, a little preventive care can go a long way in keeping your cat safe and healthy. We also recommend making sure your bestie’s micro chip is up to date in case of an unfortunate incident. Lastly, don’t forget to check with your vet the best way to prevent fleas, ticks, and heart-worms when you’re exploring the wilderness.
Start all pre‑requisite training & get your gear sorted
You will need some new gear such as a harness, leash, breakaway collar, ID tag, a backpack, first aid kit for pet, water bottle, treats, possibly some poo bags (even if cats cover theirs, we believe it is the right thing to do for other’s enjoyment of the outdoors), and possibly a tracker. You can check out our related post: 5 Road Trip Essentials for Your Cats.
We also highly advice having done all 3 basic training before getting further than the front door:
- Getting your cat to love its carrier
- Teaching your cat to walk on a leash
- Training your cat to travel by car
Plan outdoor excursions ahead
Make sure you always carry water, food and all the gear you have now acquired. In addition, prepare for whatever activity you intend to do. This means that if you plan to be on or near the water, you need to bring a cat life jacket. Alternatively, if you’re going to be in the woods, make sure you know what kind of wildlife or poisonous plants you might find to avoid any accidents or potential injuries to you and your kitty.
If the weather is cold, make sure to bring extra blankets or a pet jacket. If it's going to be hot, plan for pet-safe sunscreen, cooling mat, and creamy treats.
Another crucial step is to ensure that you and your cat are rightful visitors of the place you want to go to. Every place is different - whether it be a country or a state - which means that rules regarding pets will also vary. As a responsible fur parent and cat explorer, it's important to be aware and mindful of what these rules and restrictions might be in order to have a smooth and more enjoyable time with your feline sans the stress.