The adventure cat lifestyle has been increasing in popularity over the last few years, and a lot of new cat parents are wondering the same thing – “when should I start bringing them outside?” If this is you, I’d like to say that you’re making the best choice for your cat! You are expanding your cat’s world while keeping them safe, and this is the best combination. Keep reading to find out more!
What is an Adventure Cat?
The most accepted definition of “adventure cat” simply means that the cat is allowed outdoors in a harness and leash. Your cat does not have to be doing anything extreme to be considered an adventure cat.
At what age should I start bring my kitten outside?
In general, you should try to start adventure training as young as possible, as long as they are healthy, vaccinated, and trained. Kittens should complete their course of vaccines before they are exposed to the outdoors, as there are illnesses that could make them very sick. They should also have completed their harness and leash training (with a good fitting harness), as well as backpack training, before you attempt to bring them outside. This means that the best time to start is around 4 to 6 months old. If you’ve missed this age period, it doesn’t mean that you can’t train them anymore, but it means that it may be a little more difficult or take longer to train. Young kittens are more of a blank slate, and will usually just accept whatever situation they’re in, and think nothing of it. Most of the time kittens will happily accept that going outside equals being on a leash, because they don’t know any better.
Can I train older cats?
You can absolutely train older cats! A lot of adventure cats are former rescue cats, and going on adventures made them more confident and bonded with their new owners. However, the caveat is, with older cats, they do know what is normal and what isn’t, and training may be a little more difficult. They may be more fearful and unaccepting of anything new that they haven’t experienced before. It comes down to their personality more than anything, whether they are more laid back and confident, or if they are more stubborn and fearful. This may be something that you can ask the cat shelter, because they know their cats’ personalities.
Note about cat shelters – some really dislike the idea of cats being outdoors at all, even if they are on a leash at all times. They believe that this is how cats get lost, and will reject applicants who mention bringing them outside. Also, some cats don’t show their true personality while in the shelter, due to being unhappy and afraid in the shelter. A lot of rescue cats become more confident after they move to a proper home.
Is adventure cat training always successful?
I’ve heard some people say “I tried putting him in a harness once and he hated it, so we gave up”. This is really not giving the cat enough time to get used to the harness, and taking the opportunity away before they are given a fair chance. Harness and leash training could take weeks or months! Please be patient with your cat, especially if they are older.
On the other hand, if you are getting a cat with the expectation of turning them into an adventure cat, you have to accept that there is always a chance that they don’t like it, and prefer to be at home. And that doesn’t mean that they are defective, or that you messed up the training. Being on a leash does allow them to be outside safely, but if they don’t want to be outside in the first place, then there’s no good in forcing it. The goal is to prioritize your cat’s happiness, whether that means going on walks on a leash, or staying in their comfy homes.
Theoretically Teddy 