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Is Hiking With Cats Becoming More Popular? The Data Says Yes (2026)

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Yes — and the signals back it up. Here's what's driving the adventure cat trend and what it means for the community.

The Numbers

  • "Adventure cat" searches have grown significantly year-over-year since 2018
  • #adventurecat has over 1 million posts on Instagram
  • Cat harnesses, GPS trackers, and backpack carriers have become increasingly common products for cat owners interested in outdoor adventures
  • Many outdoor communities and park visitors have noticed more leashed cats on trails in recent years

What's Driving It

  • Remote work. More people working from home means more time for outdoor activities — and more time with their cats.
  • Social media. Cats like Millie the Adventure Cat and others built massive followings showing what's possible, inspiring thousands of owners to try it.
  • Better gear. Escape-proof harnesses, GPS trackers, and purpose-built backpack carriers have made adventure cat ownership safer and more practical.
  • Breed awareness. More people are choosing breeds specifically for outdoor compatibility — Bengals, Maine Coons, Savannahs — rather than defaulting to whatever's available.
  • Mental health awareness. Outdoor time with pets is increasingly recognized as beneficial for both owner and animal.

What This Means for New Adventure Cat Owners

The community is larger and more resourced than ever. There's more gear, more guides, and more experienced owners to learn from. The barrier to entry has never been lower.

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