Can cats travel well? Are there cat breeds that like to travel? Is there such a thing as an adventurous cat breed? We’ll be answering all of these questions and more in today’s post!
Many people think cats do not train well or have a sense of exploration as our canine companions. But speaking from experience, and learning from thousands of other cat owners, we know the opposite to be true!
Cats can travel well and yes, there are cat breeds who are more likely to enjoy a travel lifestyle than others.
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- Rescue/Shelter
- Abyssinian
- Bengal
- American Bobtail
- Manx
- Turkish Van
- Maine Coon
- American Shorthair
- Ocicat
9 Cat Breeds Who Travel Well
1. The Rescue/Shelter Cat (Mixed Cat Breed)
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Guess what? Our cat, Yoda, is a world traveler and he’s an adopted shelter cat!
That’s right, rescue cats or shelter cats can make awesome travel companions. Of course, each cat, despite breed, will be unique in their own way. Some might adapt to traveling more easily while others might not.
But if you find a playful kitty at the shelter and train them at an early age to walk on a leash with you, chances are you’ll have a cat who can travel well!
Why rescue or shelter cats are good cat breeds for travel:
- Rescues/adopted cats are generally eager to learn (great for training)
- They are grateful and loving, which aids in training and companionship
- Mixed breeds often combine two or more of a cat breed (which might genes from include travel-prone cat breeds)
- Adopted cats will already have some level of experience or training (unless they’re adopted as kittens)
- They tend to form strong bonds with their humans, creating a “go where you go” mentality
While a certain breed might be more easy to train (a key factor of training your cat to travel), there aren’t any guarantees.
Adopting a cat in need of a forever home, instead of buying a specific breed, helps save a life. And we’re proof that adopted cats can travel just as well as any other breed of cat!
2. Abyssinian Cat Breed
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The Abyssinian cat breed is one adventurous feline that loves to play, jump, climb, and explore the great outdoors. With their curious personality, combined with their intelligence and strong build, they make the purrfect travel buddy!
Abyssinians are often classed as the “clowns” of cat breeds, as they are playful, curious, and extremely witty.
Why Abyssinians cat breeds travel well:
- Abyssinians are astonishingly intelligent
- They have dog-like personalities, as such, they stick to their human companions
- Climbing, jumping, and general exercise is what they crave
- They tend to be quieter (great for plane travel)
- Enjoys lots of activity and attention
Related breeds to the Abyssinians are Siamese, Somali, and Ocicat cat breeds.
3. Bengal Cat Breed
Bengal cats are probably Instagram’s most favorited cat travel breed. I mean, have you seen Suki’s adventurous photos?
The hybrid Bengal cat breed attracts many people because of their agile stature, friendly personality, glittery marble coat, and sense of exploration. And let’s not forget their charming vocals and vocabulary!
Why Bengal cats make fantastic travelers:
- Bengals crave affection, attention, and love to play
- Their agility makes them fit explorers, hikers, and climbers
- As they are highly intelligent, they learn quickly and train well
- Extremely energetic, they have great stamina for travel
- Can adapt to all terrains, even water!
Bengal cats are becoming one of the most popular cat breeds for those seeking a furry travel companion!
Related breeds to the Bengal cat are Egyptian Maus and Abyssinians (which are crossed with wild Asian Leopard cats).
4. American Bobtail Cat Breed
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An all-weather adventure cat, the American Bobtail is a cat breed fit for travel!
American Bobtails are quick learners, making them highly trainable to walk on a harness and leash and go hiking. They make fantastic little hunters and have a wild-looking appearance, but are most famed for their distinctive stubby tail.
Why American Bobtail cats are great cat breeds for traveling:
- American Bobtails are the loving and intelligent “Golden Retrievers” of the feline family
- Easy to train, great for walking on a leash, plane travel, car travel, and more
- Devoted companions, will go with you practically everywhere
- Their double coat is all-weather and water-resistant
- Athletic and energetic explorers
Similar cat breeds to the American Bobtail are the Pixiebob, Turkish Van, and Birman cat breeds.
5. The Manx Cat Breed
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The Manx cat breed is a fun-loving, good-natured breed of cat that even loves car rides. Look no further than the Manx cat breed if you want a road-tripping pawtner!
The Manx hails from the Isle of Man, off the coast of Britain, where it adopted its unique personality. Even-tempered, the Manx loves a good cuddle just as much as it does an outdoor adventure. You could curl up with your sweet Manx after a long day of hiking!
Why the Manx cat breed travels well:
- Manx cats love to ride in cars, making great road-trip companions
- They don’t mind water – in fact, they can learn to turn on/off water taps and faucets!
- Manx kitties can learn tricks, can fetch, and easily learn to walk on a leash
- People-lovers by nature, your Manx will naturally want to follow you around
- Craves lots of attention, so taking your Manx with you on your travels is ideal!
If you enjoy traveling, but equally enjoy winding down after a busy day of exploration, the Manx cat breed might just what you’re looking for.
Related cat breeds to the Manx are the Maine Coon, Pixiebob, and Turkish Van cat breeds.
6. Turkish Van Cat Breed
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Loyal to their core, the Turkish Van cat breed is a highly sought-after breed of cat for its cashmere-like coat, playful disposition, and love for swimming!
That’s right, the Turkish Van cat is able to conquer both land and water. They require lots of attention, so taking them with you on your travels benefits both parties.
Why Turkish Van cats make great travel companions:
- Turkish Van cats love to explore on land and in water (great swimmers!)
- They are low maintenance – requiring minimal grooming despite their luxurious coat
- Loving and loyal, they’ll follow you on your travels
- Highly energetic and playful, they require lots of activity (perfect for traveling)
- Intelligent and social, Turkish Van cats need mental & physical stimulation to thrive
If you live near the beach, consider getting a Turkish Van cat for its love for the water. How cool would it be to take your cat to the ocean every day?
Related breeds to the Turkish Van are Birman and American or Japanese Bobtail cat breeds.
7. Maine Coon Cat Breed
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Maine Coons hail from, yep, you guessed correctly… The state of Maine, USA! These “gentle giants” are the largest of the domesticated cat breeds, but most would say their personalities are even bigger!
Highly intelligent and playful, Maine Coons are eager to learn and easy to train! Explore with them on a leash, go camping, hiking, you name it, and these balls of fluff will be up to the task.
Why Maine Coon is a cat breed that likes to travel:
- Maine Coons are life-long learners and easy to train
- They are extremely gentle and affectionate
- Eager to please, Maine Coons thrive off attention and playtime
- They boast dog-like loyalty, making them great travel companions
- Require lots of space and activity, a good fit for a travel lifestyle
While Main Coons make exquisite feline friends and superb travel companions, they can grow to be quite big. So traveling by plane or via a cat backpack might be a little tricker, as they are larger cats.
Similar cat breeds to the Maine Coons are Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Birman cat breeds.
8. American Shorthair Cat Breed
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The American Shorthair cat breed can adapt quickly to new environments, loves to learn tricks, and is a stealthy hunter – all great qualities of a cat breed who likes to travel!
Thanks to their strong build, American Shorthairs are known for their puzzle-loving intelligence, endurance, and agility. They tend to be independent explorers rather than cuddle buddies, but they remain family-friendly.
Why American Shorthairs make good travel cats:
- American Shorthairs love to explore, hunt and solve puzzles
- They require lots of activity and attention
- Easily adapt to new situations, which is ideal for traveling
- Agile and curious, they have a knack for exploring for hours
- Enjoy affection, but on their own terms
Related or similar breeds to the American Shorthair are the British/Exotic Shorthair cats and Ocicat cat breeds.
9. The Ocicat Cat Breed
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Last but not least on our list of the 9 most adventurous cat breeds who like to travel is the distinctive Ocicat cat breed!
The Ocicat is another cat who likes to travel, thanks to its ability to train easily and learn quickly. Ocicats can learn to fetch or to walk on a harness and leash in no time!
Why Ocicats make excellent travel cats:
- Highly athletic, the Ocicat cat breed requires lots of activity
- They crave companionship and will seek out their humans
- Easily trainable to fetch, walk on a leash, and more!
- Are people-oriented, friendly, and affectionate
- Generally extremely healthy and diligent
These spotted cats love to explore, learn new tricks, and are eager to please their human companions.
Related breeds of the Ocicat are the Abyssinian and Siamese cat breeds.
Characteristics for Cats Who Like to Travel
As you can see, there are many different types of cat breeds who travel well or who are prone to adapting to a travel lifestyle more easily.
But overall – what are the general characteristics for cats who like to travel?
Look for these character traits in cats (if you want a cat who enjoys traveling):
- Curious
- Loves the outdoors
- Highly trainable
- Quick learners
- Adapts to new environments easily
- Playful, active, energetic
- Diligent and loyal
- “Dog-like” traits (follows you around, listens well, etc.)
Our cat Yoda is not a specific breed of cat but displays many of these character traits listed above, which makes him such a great travel cat.
Tips for Training Your Cat to Travel
Cats can travel as long as they can be trained. When we first started traveling with our cat, Yoda, he had to learn his way around car travel, walking on a harness and leash, and so on. It didn’t come naturally – he had to be trained as a young Jedi. 😉
1. Train your new cat/kitten at a young age. Some older cats are trainable too, but it’s easier to train cats at a young age. The earlier you introduce a “travel lifestyle” to your cat, the better.
2. Introduce anything new slowly. Whether it’s putting the harness and leash on for the first time or riding in the car together, you must be patient and go at your cat’s pace – which might be slow at first. Forcing your cat into a new situation without a slow introduction will do more harm than good.
3. Practice and familiarization are key. The more you take small car trips, the more likely your cat will get used to the car. The more you walk your cat on a harness and leash, the more they’ll get used to the idea. And so on and so forth…
4. Reward and positively associate. For every accomplishment, a new trick, or positive behavior, make sure to reward your cat in training with plenty of treats! Make sure to positively associate new travel gear – such as cat carriers, backpacks, harnesses, and so on – with yummy treats, food, cuddles, and other “pawsitive” rewards.
5. Use travel as mental and physical stimulation. Traveling with your cat is more than just transporting your cat from one place to another. Really adopt the idea to use travel as mental and physical stimulation outlets for your cat. If your cat is extremely curious, take them with you on hiking expeditions and let the forest, birdies, and fresh scents invigorate their senses. It’s better than staying at home.
Final Thoughts: 9 Adventurous Cat Breeds Who Like to Travel
Let’s change the stigma of cats being unadventurous creatures! Cats can travel, and not only travel but actually enjoy traveling and the sense of exploration and mental/physical stimulation it gives them.
Which of these nine cat breeds who like to travel is your favorite? While we love all cats, we always hope to promote rescue or shelter cats first, as this is where we found our furry best friend and lifelong companion! ❤️
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