Dealing with Dogs

​Sharing the great outdoors with your feline explorer is a joy, but encountering dogs on your adventures can be a bit tricky.

 

Cats and dogs have different communication styles, and even the friendliest canine can trigger your cat's fight-or-flight response.

 

But don't worry, with a bit of preparation and know-how, you can handle these situations calmly and confidently, ensuring both your cat's safety and a positive experience for everyone involved.  

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Prevention is the Best Policy:

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• Choose Dog-Friendly (or Dog-Free) Trails: Research trails and parks beforehand to gauge their dog-friendliness. Look for trails that are less popular with dog owners, or those with designated off-leash areas where you can easily steer clear. AllTrails is a great free resource for getting information on trails before heading out with your adventure cat. 

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• Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for approaching dogs. If you see a dog in the distance, assess its body language and owner's control. If you feel unsure, it's okay to change your route or take a break.

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• Harness and Leash: Ensure your cat is wearing a secure harness and leash. (We love the SurferCat Harness and Leash set. Code BAO10 saves you 10%)

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• Safe Spot: Train your cat to stay close to you at all times when adventuring and reward them for coming back towards you when other people or animals approach. We have an article on training your cat to stay close and stay under voice control. 

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• Backpack Safety: Reward your cat for jumping into the backpack when you put it down for them. We can't tell you how many times the backpack has saved us a lot of stress when dogs were coming towards us. We love the Petsfit backpacks because they provide a safe place for our cat to hide when she feels threatened by oncoming people or animals. 

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Asking Dog Owners to Leash Their Dog:

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In our experience, dealing with dog owners is actually the trickiest party of encountering dogs.

 

Most dog owners are polite and helpful but sometimes these encounters can be socially delicate as some dog owners feel it's their right to have their dogs off-leash regardless of the environment. You'll want to handle the situation in a way that deescalates any tension rather than increasing it. 

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Even if a dog owner says their dog is "friendly," it's crucial to prioritize your cat's safety and comfort. It can be intimidating to stand up to dog owners who aren't used to seeing cats on the trail. We totally get this as we've encountered it ourselves!

 

Polite but firm ways to request that a dog be leashed:

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• "Excuse me, but my cat is a bit nervous around dogs. Would you mind leashing yours, please?"

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• "I'm training my cat to walk on a leash, and unfamiliar dogs can be a bit overwhelming. Would you please leash your dog while we pass?"

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• "I appreciate that your dog is friendly, but my cat is still getting used to the outdoors. It would be really helpful if you could leash your dog for now."

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Remember to remain calm and polite, even if the owner seems resistant.

 

In most cases it's best to put your cat in the backpack or pull off the trail and offer to wait until the dog has passed.

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When a Dog is Charging:

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In the unfortunate event that a dog charges towards you and your cat, take immediate action to protect your feline friend:

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• Stay Calm and Assertive: Project confidence and authority. Use a firm voice to command the dog to "stay" or "back off."

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• Shield Your Cat: Place yourself between your cat and the dog, using your body as a barrier. If possible, lift your cat or place them in their carrier.

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• Use Deterrents: If the dog continues to approach, use a deterrent like a loud noisemaker, a spray bottle of water, or even a hiking stick to create distance. We carry bearspray (a kind of mace) which we have never had to use (even with aggressive dogs) but carry just in case of a really bad scenario. This is a powerful substance which could injure the oncoming dog and should only be used as a last resort if your safety or the safety of your pet is seriously threatened.

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• Seek Help: If the situation escalates, call for help from other people nearby or contact animal control if necessary.

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Coyotes: A Special Consideration

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In some areas, you may encounter coyotes while on your adventures. Coyotes are naturally curious and may view your cat as prey.  

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Here are some tips for minimizing coyote encounters:

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• Avoid Dawn and Dusk: Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider exploring during other times of the day. If you must hike during these times (we spend part of the summar in California so we know that sometimes it's the only time of day that's suitable for hiking), we'd recommend carrying your cat in their backpack during the duration of the hike. 

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• Make Noise: Talk loudly or sing while hiking to alert coyotes to your presence.

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• Carry Deterrents: Carry a whistle, air horn, or bear spray as a precaution.

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• Stay Close: Keep your cat on a short leash and close to you at all times.  

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• Steer Clear of Wooded or Brushy Areas: Undergrowth can provide a great hiding spot for coyotes or other predators as you won't be able to see them until it's too late. Always carry your cat in their backpack if you are in a heavily wooded area with low visibility. 

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• Don't Run: If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large and loud. Back away slowly and avoid running, which may trigger a chase instinct.​

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By being prepared, proactive, and assertive, you can successfully navigate encounters with dogs and other wildlife, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures for you and your adventure cat.

 

Remember, your cat's well-being is paramount, so don't hesitate to take action to protect them if needed