You, A Savannah Cat, and the Great Outdoors

Tips For Taking Your Cat On Outdoor Adventures and Harness Safety

If you're like me and those I follow on Instagram, you love the outdoors and want your Savannah to experience it too. While other breeds of cats are capable to walk and hike in the great outdoors, Savannahs are known for their high energy level and agility. They have a canine-type personality that makes them great outdoors companions.

Whether you're in the market for a Savannah or already have one or ten, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking your Savannah outside. The outdoors can be an incredible experience for you both are, but your Savannah's safety--and your own are the number one priority. I've made a short (shhh) article on some things to remember while getting ready to take your furry friend on a great outdoor adventure.

First and foremost, respect your cat, and don't force them into an outdoor adventure. Taking the cat or kitten for short walks around the house is a start I call "mastering the harness." Getting them to stay still for the harness for some can be tricky, and it can also be pretty straightforward if your cat is used to being handled. You can use suckering ideas such as wet food or a favorite treat to help the kitten stay still. You can also have someone help you the first few times.

Next, allow your kitten or cat to get used to the harness. Keep your cat in a smaller room to not cause injury, and hold and love on your cat while on the ground. When your cat is calm, slowly decrease the attention but maintain the harness. If your cat doesn't mind, allow him to wander while wearing the harness. If your cat hates the harness and freaks out, don't push it. Keep all experiences positive, and don't allow your cat to "have at it," and become a bucking bronco. If spooked, take the harness off and give some love to let them know they're safe.

ClawsonSavannahs "Groot" with his little human Abbie

Always end an experience on a positive note with love and treats. Some cats take repeat tries, but they'll get the gist. Once they understand that "this thing on me isn't going to eat or hurt me,"; attach the leash and practice leading them slowly again. At first, you DO need to lead them by pulling carefully in the direction you want them to go. Once they've got it down, you're no longer the leader; but the follower.

If you've already mastered the harness experience, let's jump to the next step; going outdoors! My best advice is to attach the harness and leash first if you don't have an enclosed patio or outdoor catio. Then, please pick up the kitty, and carry her outside. Step at least four feet from your front door, and then put her down. This safety measure removes any ideas they may get to bolt out the door when the harness is applied or near an exit door.

Start going for short walks in quiet, desolate areas where your cat won't be easily spooked. It's always best to start with your backyard and gradually build from there. If your cat seems to embrace the experiences, enjoying them more and more, you're ready for the next step.

The big day comes. You found a quiet route on a hiking trail, and you're ready to give it a try. The first thing to consider is your kitty's gear. There are three crucial cat hiking gear essentials:

F7 "Arusha" owned by Nicole Ferron and bred by Clawson Savannah

--Good-fitting harnesses that don't slip off are vital. It should fit snuggly around the chest and back, and the vest-looking harnesses have been my favorite.

--Next is the leash. Make sure you have a leash six feet or longer to allow your cat room to free roam but still under a watchful eye. The kitty will want to wander, so give them a little space.

--Lastly, I recommend a backpack. You'll want one even for a pro-hiking kitty because sometimes your prowler is done for the day and needs a rest. Find a backpack wide enough to allow your pet to lie down comfortably. You can find both inside carrier-type packs or ones where the top of the pack is like an alter for carrying your royalty around, and they can head-butt or smack you with their tail.

Keep your cat on the leash, even while in the backpack carrier. Ensure the other end is securely tethered to the backpack or in your hand. Find one with extra pockets to hold other hiking gear, water, and a travel pet bowl.

We're almost ready for that adventure, so what's next? The weather. Always be conscious of the weather, mainly if it's a hot day. Plan a trip to an area with more shade and allow stops, water, and rest breaks. (It's ok, you can blame the cat for these). Remember, your cat is more fragile to heat than a human, so don't overdo it.

You don't want to get stuck in a rainstorm. Always bring rain protection for your cat, even if there's no chance of rain. I advise people to be safe and not take unnecessary risks or be unprepared. A good friend of mine was caught in a rainstorm two years ago while hiking in southern Utah with their dog and Savannah. The rainstorm turned into a flash flood, and water was over him and his pets within minutes. Luckily this story has a somewhat good ending. They survived, but his dog had broken its leg from hitting rocks when swooped down, and it took some time. Luckily he packed his Savannah in the backpack and was able to keep him and his pets from drowning. So PLEASE always know your weather and surroundings and tell someone where you'll be.

Ok, you're now ready for the hike. You may know what to expect if you've taken your dog hiking. But cats are natural roamers and love to explore everything. Be patient with your furry friend, and don't yank them back onto the trail. Oh, and no rabbit or rodent hunting--you have no idea what disease it could carry.

F2 "Shooter" is owned by Julie Schupak and Greg Block. Shooter was bred by Lynda Ryskamp of Salem’s Pride Savannahs.

The outdoors can be a beautiful and exciting place to explore, but it can also pose risks to your cat. Wild animals and other hikers' pets are just a few potential threats you need to be prepared to encounter. I've learned that some people don't follow the rules. For instance, you can meet free-roaming pet dogs on trails with explicit leash requirements. And often, your cat will hear a threat approaching before you do. If you notice them displaying stress signals, pick them up and tuck them safely into your backpack. That'll keep them out of