Hiking With Your Cat: A Beginner’s Guide

Cats are excellent co-regulators, family members, and… hiking companions?? That’s right! Hiking with your cat is a fun and rewarding experience that is not as hard as you might think. Plus, you’ll be the envy of all your hiker friends. (It’s not every day you see an adventure cat out on the trails! 😉)

Why You Should Try Hiking With Your Cat

I hike with my dog all the time, and I love it. There’s nothing like exploring a new place with someone who is always down for everything and truly loves the experience just as much as you do. 

But hiking with my cat allowed me to see my hikes and nature itself through new eyes. I think part of that is because cats are so different from dogs when it comes to hiking and walking on a leash. They are very curious, easily distracted, and they move at a wildly different pace. One minute Twain (my cat) will be at a dead stop, smelling a plant and staring in the forest, and the next he’ll be at a full on sprint with me rushing to catch up. 

Admittedly, I found this a bit annoying at first. I am one of those people that finds it hard to “stop and smell the roses”. When I am on a hike (or for most other things for that matter), I am so focused on completing the task, that I often don’t take the time to stop and appreciate the sights and sounds around me. Sure, if there’s a gorgeous waterfall, bubbling stream, or mountain overlook I will take a few minutes to pause, look around, and snap some photos, then it’s onward once more!

But I am talking about really taking in the little things. Like a tiny wildflower growing on the side of a trail, the way moss so richly carpets a downed tree, or the song of birds in the canopy above. 

So when I am standing there waiting for him, I can take pause and really look around. These tiny moments help me slow down and appreciate the natural world and connect with nature more deeply. And it’s a refreshing change to break out of my “go, go, go” mindset that rules my life, and while I am actively working on this, I’ll take any help I can get. 

Essential Cat Hiking Gear

You don’t need much to start hiking with your cat, but there are a few essentials, as well as some nice to have items that you may want to consider.

Cat Harness

If you’re going to walk your cat, you need a harness. You cannot simply clip a leash onto their collar, because cats like to dart and sprint around, and since most cat collars are break-away, this is a recipe for an escapee. Or, if their collar is not break-away, they can seriously hurt themselves.  

This is the harness I use, and I am really happy with it, as I have gone through a couple others that broke prematurely. It’s worth noting that I also let my cat outside on a tie out (this one in case you’re interested) almost every day during the warmer months, so it’s been well tested against my cat whipping around the way cats do, and still it hasn’t broken. He has slipped out of it a couple times, but that’s because he was tangled or stuck (which is not common when hiking). 

Cat Backpack

I also recommend getting a cat backpack, especially if you plan on taking your furry friend on any more than a very short hike. There are very affordable options, and it is really helpful if your cat gets tired, stressed, or simply doesn’t feel like walking anymore. It has saved me (and Twain…but mostly me) many times! 

This is the one I use. I chose it because it was one of the roomier options I could find, has a lot of mesh, so it’s really breathable, and the fact that it expands is a nice bonus. (This is actually how I put him in because he doesn’t like being put in through the main opening.)

Retractable Leash

A retractable leash is so incredibly helpful for walking a cat. Why? Cats like to sprint out of nowhere, so a static leash just isn’t going to cut it. Plus, it’s way less fun. When you give your cat some room to run, you get to experience the thrill of sprinting out of nowhere too. Invigorating to say the least. It is pretty amusing though, and isn’t that what you’re here for? If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. This is the retractable leash I use, and I have no complaints.

Water and Water Bowl

Not much to say here. Unless you’re doing very short hikes, it’s a good idea to always have these with you, even if you keep them in your car to offer at the end of your hike. I always have a collapsable dish that Twain and Xena share and an extra bottle of water (at least) reserved for them.

Additional Items

A few final items that are important include ID tags with your cat’s name and your phone number and weather-related items such as a cat jacket (depending on your cat’s tolerance to the elements).

Even if your cat has a microchip, you may also want to consider getting a GPS tracking device for if your cat somehow gets away from you, because this can help you locate them quickly. The brand I have is called Tractive. Based on the reviews and the fact that it’s designed for cats, I found it to be the best option. Admittedly, I have not tested it yet, just put it on my cat a few times to help him get used to it, and he doesn’t seem to mind it at all. 

Also, cats can certainly do their business outside, but that doesn’t meant your cat will initially be comfortable with this. You can bring a litter box if you are unsure, and there are even collapsible options specifically for travel you can buy.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to carry a pet first aid kit just in case. You might include things like scissors, tweezers, gauze, self-adhesive bandage wrap, disinfectant, and antibiotic ointment. Side note: Be sure your kitty has the proper vaccinations before your first hiking adventure.

How to Train a Cat to Walk on a Leash

Before your cat can become a hiking cat, you first need to do leash training. I’ll let you in on what worked for me, but bear in mind, all cats are different. They have varying temperaments, personalities, confidence, and insecurities, so be patient and don’t push too hard. Again, if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. 

Start Training Young

The earlier you can start acclimating your cat to their hiking gear and being outside, the better.

The main reason this helps is because when your cat is young, they’re more flexible to learning new things. Like humans, they get set in their ways as they get older. It also teaches your cat confidence and helps them develop social skills they will need, because they are going to be exposed to cars, dogs, and other people. 

That’s not to say if you cat is older and has been an indoor cat their entire life, that it’s impossible to train them on a leash, but it’ll definitely some

Acclimate Your Cat to the Harness

To start getting your cat used to the harness, first just leave it in the places where your cat spends the most time (such as near their bed or other favorite hangout). Show it to them, let them rub their scent on it (or do this for them), and even offer treats when they are near the harness as positive reinforcement. This helps your cat become familiar and comfortable with the harness. You could potentially skip this step if your cat is very young and does not seem resistant to the harness…which leads to the next step. 

Harness Training & Walking on a Leash

Put the harness on your cat. Depending on your cat’s personality and comfort level, you may start by simply hanging it loosely around his/her neck. If they allow, then put the harness on completely, and clip it closed. Let them wear it for a while. 

Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, try taking them out on short walks around your own yard or even inside your house. Pay attention to your cat’s body language. Do they look happy, curious, and relaxed or tense, stressed, and scared? Are they meowing a lot? As a loving cat parent, you know your cat best, and if you sense your cat is uncomfortable, discontinue and try again later.

As your cat gets more confident and comfortable, you can increase the duration of your walks and begin to bring them on quiet, short hiking trails.

Note: For house cats who rarely travel, it’s also a good idea to get your kitty used to car rides, since you’ll likely be driving to trails.

Key Considerations for Hiking With Your Cat

Your cat is not a dog, so why would you treat them like one? They have their own unique set of needs, and you need to make sure to accommodate them.

Now, I am going to contradict what I just said a little…

It’s also okay to push boundaries and help your cat explore their capabilities. Not necessarily to “treat them like a dog” but to question the stereotypes. Like, why can’t my cat walk on a leash or go hiking with me? Why can’t I take my cat camping and on other outdoor adventures away from home? 

You totally can, and, you are probably here reading this because you’ve been asking yourself these very questions. Cats are curious, they love to explore the world around them, and like being active. 

I knew when I got Twain I could not just keep him inside all the time. I was also uncomfortable with the idea of letting him being a strictly outdoor cat because there are a lot of predators, like coyotes and black bears where I live, so for me, taking him outside in a safe and controlled way is a good balance.

Next, consider distance and difficulty. Cats do better with short distances; they are not about endurance, so steer clear long hikes, at least in the beginning. A quiet trail with trees to climb, critter activity to intrigue their senses, and things to explore like fallen logs would be a great place to start. Get to know your cat’s limits and be sure not to push too hard. 

Also consider environmental conditions. I would have no issue taking my dog for a hike in the rain or snow, but I will not subject my cat to that. I know that he hates it. Some cats may be more tolerant of these things though, or with the right gear, they may grow to love it, but if you have a cat, you know how much they despise being wet and cold. Additionally, you also should look out for heat. While cats typically love basking in the sun, that’s a far cry from a strenuous hike on a hot summer day. Choose more mild days to hit the trail with your cat and always bring plenty of water and a bowl for them.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, hiking with cats isn’t about checking off miles or reaching the summit—it’s about slowing down, staying curious, and sharing a unique new adventure with your feline friend. You’ll learn a lot about your cat, nature, and maybe even yourself along the way. So if you’ve been toying with the idea, this is your sign to give it a try. Who knows? Your cat might just become your favorite hiking buddy.