Two Very Different Adventurers

Now that we have added Mushroom to our family & our adventures we've gotten a few questions about how she does compared to Pinecone. I love that each of my cats adventure so differently, it just shows that no matter what expectations you feel for how your cat should do, they have a mind of their own and will need you to listen/watch for what they need or want. Pinecone: - Does not enjoy being out around people - Loves her bag & lets me know when she wants in it - Slowly climbs on shoulders when she wants to explore out of the bag - Always pauses and sniffs her environment while walking the trail -If you have been following for a while you know above all else, Pinecone LOVES ROCKS Mushroom: - Loves people & other animals, very social - Does NOT like her bag or being picked up - She keeps to the trail really well, good at following a path - Loves to scratch & climb trees - She is still pretty new to us, we can't wait to keep finding out more about what she likes and doesn't It's wonderful having such different adventurers, each location can be specially picked just for them. I can take Mushroom to crowded locations to get love from all the people & I can go on less trafficked trails with Pinecone so she can adventure in her own way. The most important thing is listening & watching for cues your cat is giving you while outside. Providing a safe space, like a backpack, when they want it. A harness and leash they find comfortable being in so they have a less likely chance of escaping (also getting your cat microchipped, if you adventure with them I would say this is a HUGE must). Bringing the treats, because whether Pinecone stays in the bag the whole time or Mushroom greets the hikers, they both deserve all the love/encouragement & delicious snacks! Something they both love, lick-able cat treats 😂. I hope this helps show that when you start training or trying to take your cat outside, it can look different from anyone else adventuring. Don't set a time limit or expectation on learning what each adventure looks like. It took Pinecone a whole year to be ok around waterfalls and now she can get out of her bag around them. Getting outside and enjoying the world with your pet is what it is all about! Happy adventuring!