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Before you head out on adventures with your cat, it is important to remember that not every cat enjoys exploring the outdoors. Some cats are naturally curious and confident, while others are happiest staying inside. Pay attention to your cat’s personality and comfort level, and never force them into situations that make them feel unsafe. With that being said, it is still might be a good idea to slowly introduce your cat to new situations, especially when they are still kittens. 

Harness Training Comes First

The first step to exploring the world with your cat is harness training. Before your cat ever goes outside, they need to be comfortable wearing a harness. This is one of the most important safety steps you can take because it gives you control if your cat gets startled and tries to run into a busy street or another dangerous area.

I personally recommend the Voyager harness because it is simple to put on and secure. It only has one clip to adjust and tighten, making it much easier than many other harnesses. As long as you purchase the correct size, it fits very securely. Be sure to measure your cat first and compare those measurements to the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer.

Before going outside, let your cat wear the harness and leash around the house for about 10 to 20 minutes each day. Some cats will adjust within a few days, while others may take several weeks. Every cat is different, so be patient and let them become comfortable at their own pace. You can then ease your cat into going outside on a front porch or deck if you have one. 

Creating a Safe Space With a Carrier

Once your cat is comfortable with their harness, it is time to introduce a carrier or backpack. I recommend the Petsfit backpack because it is comfortable, well ventilated, and works great for everyday adventures.

Leave the backpack open on the floor near one of your cat’s favorite spots in the house. Let them investigate it on their own without forcing them inside. Always leave the opening unzipped so they can come and go whenever they want.

The goal is for your cat to see the carrier as a safe place rather than a prison. If they become stressed while inside and cannot leave, they may begin associating the carrier with fear. Taking things slowly helps build positive associations and makes future trips much easier.

Taking Your Cat on Walks

Once your cat is comfortable with both the harness and the backpack, you can begin taking short walks.

Not every cat enjoys walks, and that is perfectly okay. Ralph has always been an adventurous cat. He is the type that immediately tries to explore every open closet or room he has never seen before, so introducing him to outdoor adventures came naturally.

One of my favorite things about the Petsfit backpack is that I can leave the top open while we walk. Ralph enjoys sticking his head out and watching the world go by. If something startles him or he becomes overstimulated, he simply climbs back inside where he feels safe.

If you leave the top of your carrier open, always keep your cat wearing their harness. Many carriers include a short safety tether that clips to the harness, but I personally do not use it. There have been reports of cats becoming tangled in these short straps, and if Ralph ever jumped out unexpectedly, he could end up hanging from the backpack and get injured.

Instead, I hold his leash while we walk. I keep enough slack so he could safely reach the ground if he ever jumped out, but not enough for him to run into the street. Thankfully, Ralph rarely wants to leave his backpack because he enjoys riding in it.

Start with short walks around your neighborhood and gradually increase the distance as your cat becomes more confident. Do not stay away from home too long without giving your cat access to a litter box. I always place a puppy pad at the bottom of Ralph’s backpack just in case he has an accident.

Flying With Your Cat

Personally, I avoid flying with Ralph unless it is absolutely necessary. He does not enjoy sitting in one place for long periods, and he is very vocal when he is unhappy.

Before booking a flight, carefully read the airline’s pet policy. Ideally, your cat should remain with you under the seat instead of being separated from you. I also recommend placing calming scents inside the carrier. If your cat becomes extremely anxious, talk to your veterinarian about whether a calming medication may be appropriate.

A portable litter box is another essential item. During longer flights or layovers, I bring Ralph into the airport restroom every couple of hours to give him the opportunity to use it. I also keep a puppy pad inside the carrier as a backup in case he cannot make it in time.

Flying is not the right choice for every cat. Some cats handle it surprisingly well, while others find it extremely stressful. If your cat does not travel comfortably, it is usually best to avoid flying unless it is truly necessary, such as moving to a new home.