Outdoor Adventure With Cats
Guest Article by Albert Colo from Outdoor Bengal
Cats are curious, especially living inside the house. They don't have much entertainment, aside from what you give them. So anything new for them will be a different experience.
Providing some adventure to your cat can increase activity, decrease mental stagnation and prevent different issues. An enriched environment will allow cats to create positive experiences in an open space. The goal is to create a safe and secure environment that provides conditions that ensure good health and welfare.
Cats are Designed to Eat Meat and Thrive Outdoors
Cats are obligate carnivores, and they need to get some of their nutrients like taurine or vitamin A from animal protein or meat. This has turned cats into amazing predators with a great capacity to store and release their energy, optimal for their hunting style (stalk, pounce, kill, eat).
Adventure Cats as a way to improve their Physical Enrichment
Because of their energy storage ability, cats are like ticking energy bombs. They will find outlets for their energy if we don’t provide it to them via physical or mental stimulation.
While playing with your cat is crucial for their well-being, there are other ways to physically enrich a cats’ life: The Outdoors.
Cats should be familiarized with the outdoors gradually. You may consider walking your cat on a leash indoors till it builds enough confidence. That will help your cat to embrace the environment and analyze the risks of the outdoor world without worrying too much about the harness they are wearing (more about leash training later in this article).
Going on an adventure with your cats, such as hiking, or camping, is fun and good for them, but it can’t be done overnight. Building habituation will allow your cat to feel comfortable around new noises, other people, and other animals.
How to Know if a Cat is an Adventure Cat?
Taking your cat on outdoor trips will help you bond with your cat on multiple levels; making sure that your cat is comfortable from the beginning doing baby steps is the best way to get far with your cat.
If a cat has built sensitivity towards noises or people from the outside, the process might take longer. Cats that get scared and uncomfortable when they transited from one place to other might be against going outdoors because they don’t know any good coming from leaving their homes.
Consider watching this video to see if your cat is ready to go on adventures.
How to Train a Cat to Walk on a Leash?
To train your cat to tread on a leash, firstly, let your cat get used to the harness. While indoors, most cats are not used to having a harness around their body. It may take time for the cat to adapt to it. The harness smells foreign and it might be uncomfortable on their fur.
Choosing the Right Harness
Function and comfort are equally important when choosing a cat harness. Get a harness that is simple to put on and take off. Your cat should feel secure and comfortable while wearing one. 100% escape-proof harnesses don’t exist but you should get a harness that is hard to escape from because cats are escape artists and can wiggle out from them if the leash goes tense.
Putting the Harness on a Cat
Put the harness on your furry friend but without a leash. The best way to put a harness on is by using clicker training commands: Ask your cat to sit and stay and then place the harness on your cat. If your cat moves, stop and ask them to sit and wait again. After putting the harness on, reward generously.
Your cat will be uncomfortable at first. Leave the harness on and play with your cat. Give a couple of treats to your cat while putting on the harness, then remove it gently. Give your cat treats only with the harness on. Continue doing this while gradually extending the duration your kitty or cat wears the harness. This will create a positive association.
Desensitizing walking on the Harness
Desensitization should take place indoors. It’s a way to learn how your cat reacts while wearing the harness and for your cat to understand that is okay to walk on a leash.
Gradually lengthen the period of duration the cat wears it and guide them around the house. Work your way up to being capable of walking around your house and inside your building/backyard.
First Outdoor Adventures
Once your cat feels secure using a harness and leash, you can start planning to go on outdoor adventures. Start with places around your home that are quiet and free from people, noises and dogs. Be ready to pick up and hold your cat if it becomes exhausted or larger animals come closer.
Main Mistakes to Avoid When Walking a Cat on a Leash
The #1 mistake that makes cats escape from their harness is allowing the leash to go tense. Cats will only escape from the harness by backing up and they can only wiggle out of a harness by backing up if the leash goes totally tense. If you see your cat backing up outdoors, walk closer to your cat so that the leash gets slightly loose. If you need to guide your cat, do it with a gentle but single pull, not by applying pressure on the leash gradually.
Another common mistake that cat owners make is selecting the wrong harness for their cat. Choose a harness that is lightweight and comfortable for your cat. If your cat isn't comfortable wearing a harness, don't force it on them. Not all cats will like all harnesses.
Finally, be patient, and don't expect your feline to walk around the block straight away. Begin by taking some steps around the house and gradually increasing your distance. Remember that cats can take longer to adapt and adjust, so give them time.
Enjoy the outdoors!
Author: Albert Colo
Website: www.outdoorbengal.com