You have probably heard about hiking with dogs but do you know it is possible to hike with cats too? Adventure cats will likely get used quickly to hiking than the shy, indoor ones. Perhaps one important step is to ensure that your cat’s vaccination is up to date, the reason for this is that the cat ay becomes exposed to unvaccinated animals alongside fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can infect her while hiking. Traveling with pets can be a very difficult option for many, it is even more difficult when you have to travel by air. With proper planning, you should be able to avoid all the challenges of traveling with your pets, especially when you consider the following tips and tricks.
Choosing the right cat backpack for your kitty is the most important thing or step you should take. Just like humans and dogs need the right items for hiking, your cat also requires items that will make hiking more convenient, and pleasurable. Make sure you have the right hiking gear for yourself and the cat before embarking on your hiking adventure. You must ensure that you have enough water and snacks for you and the cat. Do not give your cat human food, and that includes chocolate and fruit. You May want to include cat threats, alongside dog poo bags to avoid the cat littering the track with fecal wastes. Airlines do have strict regulations when it comes to bringing your dog into the cabin. In most cases, dogs are always required to stay in their kennels and under the seat located in front of you. If your pet is too big, putting them in kennels and under the seat in front of you can be very uncomfortable for them hence you must choose a soft-shell carrier that will fit the size dimension of the pet. You need to keep in mind that some airport authorities may not allow you to put your dog out of their carriers even after passing through security checks.
While you are walking your cat on a leash and harness, there is a possibility that something may get their attention and scare them, for instance, a dog or other hikers, it is important to help your cat feel safe by getting a safe space such as a backpack for them. It is important to train them to use the backpack before you embark on hiking.
Some cat backpacks come with training or exclusive guide plus email support. The backpack for a cat is also a necessary tool that helps you carry your cat when they become tired during hiking. You should also pack sunscreen for yourself and the cat, plus medical supplies in case of accidents leading to injuries or animal attacks. It doesn’t matter how well your pet is potty-trained, it is always important to have an extra layer of absorbent pad tucked in the bottom of the carrier to soak up any accidental pee or poo from the pet. You should add a pad or blanket for the animal to sleep on and to make them comfortable for the entire duration of the trip.
At the beginning of training, you should consider a location where there wouldn’t be many distractions for the cat. It should be an unpopular trail Doing this means there are fewer chances of meeting other people and bigger animals that can scare your cat. If you can’t find a quiet trail for your cat, then you should consider hiking in the early morning or evening when trails are not that busy. As the cat gets used to a few animals and people, you may want to decide to take her through the busier hiking trails.
If you are planning a morning flight with your dog then it will be wise to skip breakfast and hold back the waters for about 2 hours before you embark on the flight. You need to keep in mind that flying can be very dry and if your flight is just an hour or two, your dog should be fine with little water, if you are on a long flight, then the animal will probably need water some few times, depending on the duration of the flight. Keeping your pet hydrated throughout the duration of your traveling is very important, and you should consider making plans for their food portions. Traveling can be stressful for you and your pet; hence you don’t want to add more stress by switching their food to something they are not used to. Make sure you pack enough food and water, just in case your travel plans changes.
Cats can be very sensitive to weather and time when it comes to hiking. On a very hot trail, for instance, you should consider hiking along a path with lots of shades and on the winter days, you should avoid wet conditions. You should also avoid windy hiking parts; most cats don’t like walking in windy conditions.
When it comes to timing, experts suggest that you should start hiking with cats at small distances and gradually increase the hiking time base on the agility and strength of the animal to cope with hiking conditions. You can develop a hiking routine as your cat begin to gain confidence even with little or no reliance on a backpack. You should be prepared to carry your cat once in a while once you notice signs of exhaustion. If your dog is reacting to a condition that is currently being treated, perhaps it will be better to avoid traveling with them. You may want to complete the treatment of an ailment in your pet before considering traveling with them. Sometimes, pets such as dogs can embark on unnecessary whining and barking, especially when they are anxious, and if your dog is a type that worries a lot, you may want to ask your veterinary doctor for some recommended sedatives or any other calming medication to calm the animal down for some hours. There is a reason why the trail is there and you should stay on it to the end. Veering off the trail can expose you and the cat to several dangers, you may even miss your way back. Veering off your trail may also expose you to stuff like poison ivy, hungry predators, dangerous terrains and toxic plant life. Trampling feet on delicate plant life along a path that is not designated as a hiking trail may also lead to the death of such plants or the ecosystem. To contribute your quota towards preserving the environment, you should stick to your hiking trail always.
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