Everyone loves crag dogs, and I always wish there were more puppies at the crag. By why limit ourselves? We should bring all of our animals. Including cats.
As a new(ish) cat owner, I am determined to get my cat outside. Sure, cats tend to be more independent than dogs, and would be fine at home while their owners are out sending the gnar, but some cats (like mine) can get a bit needy. Plus, if they love sniffing and peeping out the window so much, why wouldn’t they love a day of sniffing and peeping outside? Imagine all of the leaves they could chase.
Now, this is just my dream. I have no idea how to put this into practice. Thus, I ask theDIHEDRAL community, how do I get my cat to be a crag cat? Here are a couple of issues:
- How do you get a cat to walk well in a harness? We’ve been doing tons of treat and toys with the harness, but haven’t had much luck.
- How do you get a cat to be comfortable in a tent? We’re going to have to upgrade from day crag cat to weekend crag cat, of course.
- Do you bring a little hut for the cat, or do you let them find their own comfy spots?
- What other beta do I need to know to get my cat to become a crag cat?
If you have any advice, I would love to have it! We need to get a list of tips for cat owners everywhere to get more cats out at the crag!

Co-writer

As a dog person who also yearns to have a cat, I am keen to learn about tips too.
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I will be sure to collect them and write about them:)
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Go outside, and sit down. Leave the door open and the curious cat will come to the door and sit. Looking and smelling its surroundings. You may see it sit for a while. The animal is acting from primal instincts(imho). It needs to have a good idea that the area is free from any danger. Then it will come outside with you. It may come near you at first to feel safer. Then it will likely begin eating grass if you have any nearby. The animal will eventually slowly make its way to a prime spot for emptying its bladder etc..
The cat will likely begin curiously sniffing and exploring around. It takes patience, cats are very different (my cat) than dogs in the way they discover a new place. They go slow and cautious. Ihmo
I hope this is helpful.
–walk in peace
Capn Chris Olds
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Thank you! That makes sense…cats definitely have a slower, more cautious pace.
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So, I am definitely a cat person. I like individual dogs, but understand cats and never find any cat annoying.
Here is an inspiring guy who wasn’t a cat person until Milly.
https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/the-story-of-millie-the-rock-climbing-cat
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You can’t because cats are evil entities. Haha. But I’m biased since I don’t like cats in any capacity. I’m allergic and they’re always scratching me and climbing on me when they get near and I hate them.
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I don’t dislike cats but am also allergic to them. They seem to be drawn to people who don’t fawn over them and they try to jump in our laps. I’ve been told many times that a cat never comes out when people are over, as it is trying to jump on me. If a cat approaches you from the left, cross your left foot over your right knee just as it is about to jump. It will get frustrated and eventually try the other side. Revers your feet. Soon it will give up and go away. It’s fun to watch their thinking as you do this.
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lol. I’m allergic to cats but I would have an aversion to them anyway lol
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That is quite the system you have there!
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Aw, I’m sorry you haven’t had great experiences with cats!
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I’m allergic and don’t want to be around them
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Hope this helps.
https://www.petsradar.com/advice/how-to-leash-train-a-cat
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You’re the best, Fred!
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I don’t know if this FB link will work. My friend Amanda took her cat on ALL outdoor adventures. I don’t think it included climbing, but if anyone would have tips, she would. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=798660552&name=STSDirectNavUserDecorator
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Ooh, thank you!
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