Big Adventures, Healthy Cats, and Real Stories: What’s Coming at the Travel Cat Summit

Mark your calendar: October 5th is the big day — the Travel Cat Summit is back and ready to inspire. From sharing the real journeys, challenges, and wins that come with raising and adventuring with cats to practical harness training, wellness tips that actually work, this year’s speakers are covering it all. Here’s what to expect from each one.

Patience, Prep & Safe Spaces: Building Confidence for Cat Adventures

Building your cat’s confidence outdoors doesn’t happen overnight — it takes time, the right gear, and creating safe spaces they can trust. Kayleigh McLaughlin, owner of Harvey, share this with us: 

"Start slow and let your cat set the pace — whether it’s adjusting to travel gear or exploring a new trail, gradual introductions help build their confidence. Positive reinforcement (their favourite treats), a safe carrying option, and plenty of patience will make adventures enjoyable for both of you."

Rachel Gernander expert in traveling with your cat and mom of Ham, commented:

"Ham considers his backpack his safe space. It's important to have a sturdy, reliable cat backpack in case he gets startled while we're out in public or we need to pick up the pace on the trail.
When Ham started harness training as a kitten, he had an extremely sensitive tummy. Instead of treats, I used play as a form of positive reinforcement. Playtime distracted Ham from any annoyance he might've felt while wearing a harness, and he began to associate his harness with fun.
I always bring squeezy treats on outings, as well as poop bags and wet wipes. The Travel Cat litter box is easy to pack on cross country flights. If we're traveling somewhere new, I usually research beforehand for the nearest vet so I have that information in case of emergency."

According to Christina, proud parent of Lupin, you should take this in consideration:

"Practice makes perfect! Truly taking your time to introduce your cat to something new will foster better results than hoping they get it on the first try! If you don't succeed at first, try try try again!"

Adventures don’t always begin with grand hikes or long trails — sometimes they start right in the backyard. For Victoria Sobinova and her cat Lucifer, the journey is about patience, building trust, and letting confidence grow one small step at a time, this is what she has to say:

"Doing more with your cat starts small and with patience. Adventures don’t have to mean walking on a leash right away, sometimes it’s simply enjoying the backyard or exploring the neighbourhood safely from a carrier. Let your cat set the pace and build their confidence step by step, watching their body language closely and celebrating the little wins along the way. If they seem unsure, pause and reassure them with familiar comforts, like a favourite blanket or toy, to help them feel secure. Trust builds slowly, and the goal isn’t just to go further - it’s to make every adventure a positive and safe experience for both of you."

Wrapping it up, Gracen and Austin show how patience pays off with Keke & Rio — proving that confidence grows one safe step at a time:

"We would say to start harness/leash training, car rides, and socialization as soon as possible. These things are great for adventure cats but also just for cats who stay close to home—harness, leash and backpack training are great for vet trips or emergencies, same goes for car rides. Socialization will help your cat feel confident in many situations, including when you have someone look after them or if they stay with a friend while you're away"

Respect the Signals: Listening to What Your Cat Tells You

Cats have zero chill about hiding how they feel — ears back, tail flick, you know the drill. The trick is actually paying attention. Geldermans — expert, traveler, and full-time mom of Liebs — has one clear message: you need to pay attention:

"I would love to talk about cat body language and really take time to learn how to read your cat, respect their signals, and don't push them to do anything they don't want to do- especially for content purposes. At the end of the day, we must respect our cats, even if that means not getting "the perfect shot or video"

Merlin & Mahina mom's, Charmaine Camvel, shared this with us: 

"Did you know a cat’s ears are like twin radar dishes constantly scanning the environment for unfamiliar sounds? They can detect high frequency noises up to 64 kHz which is far beyond our human capacity. Their noses are like wildlife GPS systems. While humans have a measly 5 million scent receptors, cats have over 200 million scent receptors. They detect any stressors or emotions we’re feeling. And then their whiskers can pick up the slightest vibrations. They have ultra-sensitive senses that are on high alert in unfamiliar environments."

Zafrina, mom of cats influencers Kitty & Lynx, expert in cat adventures, expressed this:

"Know your cat's personality, cues and body language. Your cat's comfort and safety should be the #1 priority. The fun will follow after!"

It’s Their Journey Too: Making Adventures Cat-Centered

When you see your cat not just as a pet, but as a partner in adventure, every outing becomes about connection, curiosity, and joy. Heidi Korte, who has been everywhere with her cat. Fitz, give us the inside tips:

"Adventures are about feline enrichment- they can be quite simple. My cat's favourite thing is running through a field right near my house."

Ludovica Soldarini, to Italy-based cat Ziggy, shares:

"Treat your cat like a travel buddy, not just a pet. Start with short outdoor experiences—always using a secure harness—and let them explore at their own pace."

Kaitlin, mom of cat influencer Peak, say this for the people reading: "Cats are far more adaptable than most people realize. With patience, training, and the right gear, they can hike trails, explore cities, and even fly safely. The key is gradual exposure and always making the experience positive for them. For anyone ready to start, we created a step-by-step leash training guide available on our Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/pawsandnomads to help cat parents build confidence and take their adventures further."

Adventuring Together Means Asking Together

Adventuring with your cat can open doors — sometimes all it takes is asking the right questions and discovering how many people are willing to help, Erika Flores who travels a lot with Star, says this:

"Embrace the quest to ask questions on the spot, you will have allies (cat people) that try to accommodate you if your cat is well behaved. Even in places typically no pets are allowed."

Safety Rules Every Adventure Cat Parent Should Know

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Michelle Gagnon doesn’t sugarcoat it with Bodhi: safety always comes first. She let us know a really smart tips you should definitely save for next time you and your kitty are at the great outdoors:

"Safety tip #1. Always keep them on a leash for everything. It's not worth losing them. Make sure they can't escape. Try the hang test. Pick them up by their leash and they should not be able to escape and it shouldn't be choking them. This way if a dog comes and there's no time to pick up your cat, you can grab the leash and wing them up onto your shoulders. This has saved Bodhi more than a few times.

Safety tip #2. Before venturing out, think of what the potential hazards are, like dogs and think about how you're going to protect them. Consider bring dog spray, a knife and a trekking pole or a big stick for defence. Provide them with food and water and protect them from the elements. Bring them rain, wind and/or sun protection.

Safety tip #3. Learn their body language and this can keep them safe. They can tell you when there's people or dogs about to come around the corner or if there's a predator nearby.

Safety tip #4. Where there is potential for a fall from their human, a cat should not be locked into a backpack or bike carrier. Instead they should shoulder ride or sit on the backpack so if anything happens they can jump down and get out of harms way. It is especially useful downhill skiing or going down steep downhills on the bike. There's many situations this can be useful.

Safety tip #5. Also please don't put their backpack or carrier on a paddle board or kayak.This could be dangerous and they could get trapped if anything happens. For water training, they need comfort from you, not the backpack. Pick them up, put them on your lap and comfort them instead. If this is too much for them, they need more water training without the board."

If you’ve never taken your cat on an outdoor adventure before, you may not know where to begin. Thereysa Tabert, proud mom of Gingi and Luna, mentions this:

"I always make sure safety first when I take my cats out, I know them very well and I know how they react in different situations. For example, I know I need treats if I ever lost my cat Luna, she will come if I call out "nom noms", but my cat Gingi who is more shy will not respond or eat treats when he's scared. I ensure I have Tractives on them to ensure that I can find them, if they are escape artists, it might even be better to have a Tractive on the collar in addition to their harness. When I go adventure with my cats I am always watching my surroundings, are there dogs? wild life? too many people? Etc.

And of course, I make sure to bring their backpacks with that they LOVE, so they know if they are ever scared, to go back into their safe space. I have done tons of training with my cats and they understand their commands which really helps, for example, they know the command "backpack" and will go in when I ask them to. These are all things I practice to ensure my cats are safe!"

In the same line, our speaker Samantha Segui, or you may know her as the owner of Lynx Point, said:

"Giving your cat time to adjust! Even just letting them wear the harness indoors for a few days before pushing the boundaries of the outdoors! Sit with them with a door open or a window and make sure their leashed just in case! Have high value treats!"

And when it comes to adventuring with Willow, Jackson and Dorito, Michele Freeland keeps things simple: safety first, always. Here’s how she makes it happen:

"Adventure doesn't have to be stressful or dangerous— your cat can safely explore the world with the right gear and preparation. It's all about creating positive, stress-free experiences together.Tip:
Start slow and build trust! Begin by introducing your cat to a harness and carrier indoors before venturing outside. Gradually add short, positive outdoor sessions and always use a secure harness, leash, and travel carrier as their safe spot.

More in detail:
10 Tips for Safely Doing More Adventures with Your Cat:

Cats may be known as homebodies, but with the right approach, they can safely enjoy new experiences beyond the four walls of your home. Whether it's a stroll in the park, a weekend trip, or just a relaxing patio session, safe exploration enriches your cat's life and strengthens your bond. Here's how to do more with your cat-while keeping safety the top priority.

The 10 Tips:
1. Introduce Gear Early
Start slow by letting your cat sniff and explore the harness and carrier indoors before using them outside.
2. Positive Reinforcement
Use treats and praise to make the harness, carrier, and outdoor experiences positive.
3. Start Small
Begin with short, calm outdoor sessions— just 5-10 minutes at a time - so your cat builds confidence gradually.
4. Choose Safe Spots
Avoid loud, crowded areas and off-leash dog zones. Quiet parks, patios, or backyards work best for beginners.
5. Check the Weather
Too hot or too cold can make adventures stressful or even dangerous. Stick to mild, comfortable weather conditions.
6. Stay Secure
Always double-check the harness fit and keep your cat on a leash. Reflective gear adds extra safety for early mornings or evenings.
7. Hydration & Breaks
Bring water and give your cat time to rest during longer outings.
8. Travel Litter Box
For extended trips, a portable litter box ensures comfort and reduces stress.
9. Emergency Prep
Pack a small first aid kit and know where the nearest vet is located - just in case.
10. Know Their Limits
Every cat is different. If your cat seems stressed or fearful, slow down and don't force it.

Closing summary:
With patience, the right gear, and a safety-first mindset, you and your cat can enjoy countless adventures together. Start small, stay prepared, and let every journey be a positive one."

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Tailoring Cat Adventures With Safety First

From mountain paths to sunny windowsills, Rae and their cat Sparrow prove that the best journeys are the ones shaped to fit: "The key to do safely do more with your cat is to go at their pace. Start small, start harness training indoors and short sessions where it’s quiet. Slowly and gradually build up from there. When your cat feels safe and supported, their confidence grows and that’s when the real adventures can happen."

“When it comes to cat adventures, health, safety, and comfort, the carrier should never be an afterthought. It’s an essential item for cats, just as a car seat is for babies.” – Dr. Mansum Yau, author of The Ins & Outs of Cat Carriers: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Cat Carriers

And finally, Britt reminds us that even for cats like Theia, Pippen and Jinx, every adventure starts with comfort and safety.

"When it comes to adventuring with cats, there’s no “one size fits all.” Every cat has their own personality, preferences, and comfort level. It’s important to pay close attention to their body language to let them set the pace. What feels safe and fun for one cat may feel overwhelming for another. That comfort level can also change as they grow older.

For example, my three cats all enjoy the outdoors in very different ways. Jinx is happiest soaking up the sun at camp or riding along in her backpack, but she’s not interested in bigger adventures. Pippen has always loved being out and about, but as a senior (17 years old), she now needs more breaks and shorter outings. However, she still loves being along for the ride in her backpack! Theia, on the other hand, is young, confident, and energetic. She loves to hike right alongside the dogs, always ready to explore.

Respecting your cat’s unique preferences and adjusting if those preferences shift over time keeps adventures safe and positive for everyone involved. "

Pack your curiosity (and maybe a few treats) — We can’t wait to see you and your feline friends at the Travel Cat Summit, don't forget to register and be one of the few winners of a free Travel Cat Tote Bag.

Details and registration can be found at TravelCatShop.com/summit

Join us from 1pm-4pm ET / 10am-1pm PT / 6pm-9pm BST

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