If you have plans to travel and adventure with your cat, it is important to take the time to properly introduce them to new situations and environments. Many people want to give it a try, but they end up going about it in the wrong way. Patience is key, and the training process varies in length depending on your cat.
In this episode of the KittyCatGO Adventure Podcast, I speak with cat behaviorist Ingrid Johnson about how to introduce your cat to new situations. It’s important to respect your cat’s limitations and comfort zone so you set them up for success.
I think we need to elevate our expectation of the cat. They should all wear harnesses, they should all wear collars, they should all have some degree of training. And if we did all of these things, and treated them like more like God-forbid we say “dogs, we’re just treating them like the way cats should be treated.
Ingrid Johnson, Cat Behaviorist
Overview of the Episode:
- Tips for properly introducing your cat to new situations and environments
- How even just exploring in the backyard or on a back porch is a great way to enrich your cat’s life
- How to tell when your cat is nervous
- The importance of having a safe space when exploring, like a backpack carrier or stroller
- How to overcome negative exploring experiences
- The importance of respecting your cat’s limitations and comfort zone
- Finding the kind of adventure your cat enjoys and is comfortable with
- Tips for introducing your cat to new people and how to handle environments when there are other people around
- Meeting up with fellow cat adventurers
- Keeping your adventures positive and safe
- Clicker training outdoors
- Places to go with your cat
- Figuring out why your cat might run when you pull the harness out and how to fix that
- Our Star Wars kitties
- How to become a cat behaviorist
- How to handle door dashing kitties
- How to handle dog-aggressive cats
- Ways to bring the outside in to your cat
Resources & Gear:
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Where to Find Ingrid:
Website: www.fundamentallyfeline.com
Instagram: @fundamentallyfeline
Facebook: Fundamentally Feline
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About the Author
Emily Hall is a cat trainer and cat adventure enthusiast. As “mom” to seven cats, one dog, and two sugar gliders, she has been writing in the pet industry for 10 years, with a focus on traveling and adventuring with cats. Emily and her husband enjoy hiking, road-tripping, camping, and canoeing with their three cat adventurers. Read more about her here.
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