Equipping Your Cat for Adventure
If you plan to head out on an adventure, you need to make sure you’re properly equipped, and the same goes for your cat! Below we’ll take a look at some of the common cat gear that cat explorers use when they’re out and about.
Please note that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links which means I may gain some benefits at no additional cost to you :)
Harnesses
Everyone has different preferences for the type of harness and leash they want, so below are a few options that have been tried and tested by cat owners. Keep in mind that no harness is truly escape-proof, so be wary of brands that market their products as such. You should always choose a harness with the safety and comfort of your cat in mind. Sometimes the less aesthetic choice is the safer choice, and knowing how your cat reacts in certain situations can help you to determine the best fit. Always be mindful that harnesses must be adjusted properly or else you increase the risk of your cat escaping.
Butterfly Harnesses
The mesh butterfly harnesses are a very popular pick among cat walkers. This harness covers more of a cat and is known to be difficult for cats to escape. I would recommend this style of harness for cats who often pull away or get easily spooked. While this harness is quite secure, they are not always easily adjustable and you should check with a sizing chart before purchasing. There are different variations of this harness with some being secured with velcro, clips, or a combination of the two. Some cat explorers do not like the look of these harnesses while others choose to select colours and patterns to show off some flare or represent the cat's personality.
H-Style Harnesses
H-style harnesses are very popular for a number of reasons: they are adjustable, lightweight, fairly easy to put on, allow for layering in the winter, and are less of an eyesore. These are a good choice for cats that don't like the bulky feel of other harnesses but may not be as worthwhile for cats who have a knack for escaping. I have always equipped Reinhardt and Perseus with the Come with Me Kitty harness, but I don’t necessarily recommend this harness for others, particularly if you are still learning, as it can be easy to escape and difficult to get on your cat if they’re impatient. One benefit to this harness is that it distributes pressure on the shoulders and breastbone of the cats while many other H-styles are secured around the cat’s neck which can cause cats to choke if they start to tug.
For a more in-depth resource on harnesses I’d recommend checking out @theoretically.teddy’s blog post. Selvynna has personally tried all harnesses in that review and breaks down the pros and cons for each one!
Leashes
Selecting the right leash will depend on your cat's ability and your own confidence as a cat explorer. When you first start out it is best to use a leash that is not too long or too thin. Consider what level of control you need for your adventures and choose accordingly. Once your cat has adjusted and you gain more experience, you may wish to switch to other leashes that give your cat more freedom. Some people also like to keep style in mind, and there are many local businesses that can supply you with aesthetic and functional leashes of varying materials and lengths.
Bungee Leashes
A bungee leash works particularly well for beginners cats as they tend to tug more than experienced cats. Bungee leashes do not have a fixed length and adjust as your pet pulls, giving them more freedom. The adjustability also allows the leash to absorb some of the shock and makes it easier for you to practice guiding your cat without having to worry as much about yanking them too hard. I would recommend switching leashes once your cat is more experienced as these leashes provide less overall control for the owner and can lead to your cat picking up bad habits.
Retractable Leashes
Retractable leashes are a popular choice as they allow for your cat to have greater freedom and you also have the choice to set a fixed length. I recommend only using these once your cat is experienced and you know how your cat will act in certain situations as these leashes reduce your overall control and allow your pet to wander at greater distances. The handle of the leash is also bulky and heavier than other leash types, and the thin rope or cable can be more difficult to untangle retractable leashes or to do the drop-and-pick-up maneuver that is sometimes necessary with cats. I like to use a retractable leash for Perseus as it allows him to move freely or suddenly change speed without causing him to be get jerked backwards all the time.
Nylon Leashes
Another good option for cat walking is a nylon leash. These are lightweight and come in a range of lengths and thicknesses. Nylon leashes can get icky if you’re walking through wet areas or in the rain, but they are one of the few leash types that are washable! I personally like to use nylon leashes for Reinhardt as it works well for his walking style which is very chill without many sudden bursts of speed. Nylon leashes are also easy to quickly drop and pick up without having to worry about damaging the product.
Cat Carriers
Cat Backpacks
Cat backpacks are great because they can become safe spots for your cat and work particularly well if you encounter a dog and need to quickly scoop your cat up. It is recommended that you get a bag that is breathable and allows enough space for your cat to move around.
Some cats may need time to warm up to being in a backpack and treats are always your friend in this situation. Backpacks work great for car rides, vet trips, and even airplanes (although double check yours fits airplane standards)!
We started Reinhardt in a small travel backpack as it seemed quite stylish, but he outgrew it within a year and we have since transitioned to using the larger backpack as pictured to the right.
Cat Strollers
Cat strollers are another excellent way to get your cat some fresh air! They are more expensive than backpacks, but they function quite well for neighbourhood walks and can be fully sealed to prevent your cat from escaping. If you’re rolling around town with one of these, you’ll need to get used to receiving double takes and having strangers approach you to get a better look of your cat.
Airline Carriers
To start, please know that every airline will have different size and weight requirements for pet carriers. Due to this, we can’t guarantee that what works for us will work for you. In all honesty, we haven’t found the perfect cat carrier for larger cats, but for long distance flights, we usually opt to use the travel backpack or a Mr. Peanut’s platinum carrier. The backpack fits the best under seats, but is an unusual size which can be a risk when first checking into the airport with your cat. The Mr. Peanut’s carrier is spacious and even comes with a pop-out section for added space, but it can be incredibly difficult to fit it under some airline seats and sometimes requires you to roughly shove the wiring down.
Long-Distance Travel Gear
If you plan to take your cats on road trips, I highly recommend investing in a pet seat cover. Sure, the first muddy paw prints in the back seat might be cute and easy to clean, but it’s not as fun when you see claw marks in your leather.
Some people also prefer to purchase car seats for their pet or even travel crates which can be safer when driving unfamiliar roads. You’ll want to ensure your cat is already familiar with car travel before attempting any road trips and test all your gear beforehand to avoid being stuck with a yowling backseat driver.
For more ideas on what to pack for a road trip, check out our post on Road Trips with a Cat.
If you plan to whisk your cat overseas, you’ll need to double check that your carrier meets airport regulations. Some carriers that have been approved by some airlines include Sherpa bags and Mr. Peanuts carriers. We’ve personally used a Mr. Peanuts carrier for plane rides with Lynx Air and Air France with no issues, and both Reinhardt and Perseus love to nap in their bags when at home.
Handy Extras
Pet-friendly cleaning wipes
First aid kit for pets
Clickers (for training)
Travel bowls for food or water
Cat tube snacks and other treats
Cat toys
Reflective strips/collar attachments for night walks
Raincoats
Hopefully you’ve found this to be helpful in your journey to purchase some adventure cat gear!
To end, here’s a final message from Reinhardt: ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????