Do cats need litterboxes and can they go hiking?

[Dogsncats]

Hi, me and my cat Toby are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little puppy.

However, when we get our puppy I want to spend lots of time hiking with him/her and I'm afraid my cat will be lonely. He walked into my yard and then house as a stray and surprisingly well-adjusted, calm kitten with amazing manners (I tried everything to look for possible owners). Because of this he is able to come to rides to the video store and be taken to others houses for dinners and visit work with me. So I'm wondering, what else can cats do that we don't know about?

If I'm taking my dog outside to poop all the time, can my cat get rid of his litter box? Can he come hiking if I leash train him? I know I will just have to find out slowly, but is there anything unusual any of your cats enjoy and how did you get your cat used to it?

Toby does a good stay/come/sit... but only for food. He also follows me around the house, even into the shower and he about a 10 months old now.

PS I am reading Tao of Puppies by Krista Campbell, it's a great book.

[Merlinsmom]

Cats are smart :) Some more than others though!

I'd suggest you put the litterbox outside first-so your cat gets used to going outside.

As to taking it hiking-I personally wouldnt recommend it-given that there could be other dogs around who want to chase it-it could get scared-run off-and you might never find it again.....

I had my cat on a leash for a while-after she'd been injured and couldnt be let outside on her own-she adjusted well to it-but it was a temporary thing-I can only suggest you try it and see!

I suppose it's really up to you-you know your cats nature better than anyone :)

I think it's rather cute you can take your cat everywhere-I dont know any other cat like that!!! :032

[theGoldenPup]

I'd suggest keeping the litterbox (in a place where puppy won't get into it), just because of convienince. When we go hiking here one of my cats likes to go with us. He follows Blaze and I, crosses the creeks, and sits with us for snacks. The other cats don't really like going, though they do occasionally, but...they think I go to fast and get lost and call "MEOW!" And I"ll say "Kitty!" and then I hear MEOW! And it goes on and on...they don't get to go too often!

Look into clicker training! You can teach your cat tricks too, and you'll be better at training when you get your pup. (and if you're interested in agility www.icat.org cat agility!).

GoldenPup