Don't have a hiking dog? How 'bout a cat?

[erugs]

This was brought to my attention today and made me smile, remembering my special cat Kelly who liked riding on my motorcycle, hiking, and would probably have been a rock climber, as any time there was a ladder leading to the roof of the house, he was up there.

http://www.vtsports.com/articles/hiking-cats-april-2009-issue

Ralph, pictured on this site, just likes napping in the sleeping bag.

 

[grouseking]

A friend of my dad's tried to get his cat to hike the AT, starting from Georgia. I guess the cat did about 20 miles and just laid down, and wouldn't go any further.

grouseking

 

[TrishandAlex]

Excellent! One of our cats may be a possible hiker. I plan on getting a harness and trying him out sometime during the next month. At the very least, it will be entertaining.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

I don't know a thing about hiking with cats, but was a bit surprised at the limitations they placed on the cats in terms of distance and weather. They obviously had a feel for it.

If I had a hiking cat I think I would want a smaller one. The thought of an extra 20 lbs resting on the top of my pack doesn't appeal to me too much. At least if I'm going any distance. No question they would be great on the ledges.

 

[DiamondRidge]

The thought of meeting up with a harnessed and leashed cat on the trail is enough to make me giggle It would be a sight to see, that's for sure!

 

[pudgy_groundhog]

We once met a couple in Utah in an outdoors store with a cat on a leash, but never anyone on the trail. I would love to see a cat on the trail.

I'm amused thinking about the possibility of putting our cats on a leash. I suspect they wouldn't be too keen on the idea.

 

[TrishandAlex]

I worry about dogs on the trail...how would they react to a cat on the trail..? I envision a dog barking, and my cat clawing his way up my leg to get on top of my pack...

 

[erugs]

From my experience with cats and dogs, I think that most dogs would just blink their eyes and avert their gaze.

 

[Barkingcat]

Hmmmm...interesting concept.

Methinks it might be something to try with one of our cats.

We have a small one that, if she became bored after a bit I could put in my pack and carry around like a papoose.

 

[Brian Wood]

Hiking Cat

Here is a link to the hiking cat story that was on NECN the other day. It is hard to watch and not smile!

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/06/01/Meet-Toonces-The-cat-who/1243889028.html

 

[wardsgirl]

I worry about dogs on the trail...how would they react to a cat on the trail..? I envision a dog barking, and my cat clawing his way up my leg to get on top of my pack...

Naah, the cat would just hunker down and make itself 'invisible!'

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

I worry about dogs on the trail...how would they react to a cat on the trail..? I envision a dog barking, and my cat clawing his way up my leg to get on top of my pack...

Cats can pretty well take care of themselves. I had one when I lived in Africa that was continually attacked by dogs as no dog or cat was confined there. He would just lie still watching the dog as it rushed towards him. At the very last second he leapt straight in the air. The dog would pass under him and he would take off in another direction.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

Did someone mention hiking cats?

 

[Roxi]

dog in cat's clothing

From my experience with cats and dogs, I think that most dogs would just blink their eyes and avert their gaze.

Or run in the opposite direction. It's the wild animals that I'd be more worried about. At 18 lbs., my cat would be a tasty meal, and on his own for hiking. I'm not carrying him!

I often wondered if my cat would like hiking as he acts so much like a dog - comes when I call him, follows me around the house, lays at my feet, drinks out of the toilet....the one thing I wouldn't have to worry about is him chasing other animals. The day a chipmunk got into my house all my cat did was get all territorial (another dog trait) and prevent the chipmunk from going into my bedroom. Goddess forbid he actually chase the chipmunk, catch it, and kill it. That would be acting too much like a CAT!

 

[Snowflea]

Fillmore hikes, too.... to the kitchen when he hears the refrigerator door opening. He, too, was up to 18 lbs. at last weigh in.

Cute stories, thanks for posting.

 

[spencer]

great, now we are going to have "Do dogs really need leashes even if they are good dogs," "do you carry a gun while hiking" AND "what breed of cat makes the best hiking companion" threads all year long for eternity.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

Here is another VftT hiking cats thread

http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4102&highlight=braumeister+hiking

 

[WhiteMTHike]

Interesting, I'll have to take the guy in my avatar out sometime.

 

[Andrew]

Muncy (aka Kiastikitticus) who is my avatar, loves to hike. If I go for a walk I have to make arrangements so he won't follow. When we go for a walk he just meows if the distance between us gets to great, and I wait.

There is a dramatic mini-gorge just across from my place and up Crescent Brook a ways. I have been up there observing the falls and had him suddenly jump out of the forest next to me. He's pretty good at tracking off trail. His buddies Mama & Butters also join on walks. All three cats will follow me through the forest.

 

[TrishandAlex]

Andrew, that is so cool!