🎙️ Episode Snapshot
In this fun and inspiring episode, I chat with feline adventurer and author Laura Moss about why every cat deserves adventure—whether they’re scaling a mountain or just sniffing socks in a laundry room.
Laura is the founder of AdventureCats.org, a Webby-nominated resource created to help cat parents explore the world safely and joyfully with their feline companions. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Fodor’s Travel, Best Friends Magazine, and she’s the co-author of two books: Adventure Cats and Indoor Cat (co-written with Golden Whiskers podcast alum Dr. Lynn Bahr!).
We cover:
What "adventure" really means for cats (hint: it's not always hiking!)
How to safely introduce cats to outdoor exploration
Tips to enrich your indoor cat’s world—on any budget
The twofold mission of Adventure Cats: improving cat lives & challenging stereotypes
Why adventure is about choice—not forcing your cat into something they don’t enjoy
Whether your cat prefers a kayak or a couch, this episode will leave you inspired to shake things up at home and give your cat a more adventurous, enriched life.
🐱 In This Episode
✈️ How Laura Moved 3 Cats Across the Ocean
From TSA chuckles to a smooth 10-hour flight, Laura shares what it’s really like to relocate three cats internationally—and how planning ahead made all the difference.
🧭 What “Adventure” Really Means for a Cat
Think your cat needs to summit a mountain to be adventurous? Think again. Laura redefines adventure in a way that works for every cat—from couch explorers to kayak companions.
🎒 Harness Training 101
Learn how to introduce a harness the right way (hint: treats, patience, and positive association), and why harness confidence starts long before you ever open the front door.
🌱 Enrichment = Lifesaving
Laura shares how enrichment activities—indoors or outdoors—can transform not just a cat’s wellbeing, but even boost adoption rates and break harmful stereotypes about cats and cat lovers.
🪜 Why Small Changes Feel Big to Cats
Moving a scratching post. Cracking a window. Leaving the closet door open. Laura explains how even tiny tweaks to your cat’s world can spark curiosity and joy—no matter their age or activity level.
👵🏼 Adventures for Senior Cats
Scott and Laura reflect on their beloved senior cats, Mia and Fiverr, and explore what gentle enrichment can look like for cats who can’t jump or run but still deserve stimulation and surprise.
🧠 The Science Behind Indoor Cat Boredom
Inspired by the book she co-wrote with Dr. Lynn Bahr, Laura explains how lockdown gave us human insight into our cats’ indoor-only lives—and why our homes should be built with their senses in mind.
🐾 Letting Cats Lead the Way
Whether it’s introducing outdoor walks or letting them sniff leaves in the bathtub, Laura reminds us that adventure should never be forced—it’s about choice, curiosity, and trust.
📘 Laura’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
💡 Redefine “Adventure”
Adventure isn’t just about the outdoors—it’s about enrichment. That could mean a new window perch, scent games, hiding spots, or just opening a closet door.
🧠 Mental Stimulation Matters
Even senior cats or those with mobility issues need mental engagement. Silvervine, puzzle feeders, new smells, and even cat TV can offer important stimulation.
🛡️ Safety First for Outdoor Time
Start harness training indoors with treats and patience. Always bring a safe space (backpack or carrier) when venturing out. And let your cat take the lead—don’t force them.
🛏️ Senior Cats Deserve Adventure Too
Heated window seats, branches to sniff, or new play zones near their cozy spot can be huge. Adventure is all about honoring what your cat enjoys now.
🎯 Fight the Stereotype
Cats are trainable. Men love cats. Cats can hike, kayak, and stroller-hop their way into people’s hearts—and that visibility changes minds and saves lives.
🔗 Connect with Laura
🌍 Website: https://www.adventurecats.org
📸 Instagram: @adventurecatsorg
📚 Books:
Indoor Cat (co-authored with Dr. Lynn Bahr)
🛠️ Products & Ideas Mentioned
DIY enrichment: Puzzle feeders from paper bags, hiding treats in boxes
Dr. Lynn Bahr’s “Hide and Sneak” paper tunnel
Heated window seats
YouTube “cat TV” for indoor visual stimulation
Harness and backpack training
💬 Final Thought
Adventure isn’t about distance—it’s about connection. It’s about giving your cat new things to smell, feel, climb, or watch. Whether you’re hiking through a forest or just leaving the linen closet open, every cat deserves to feel something new, something exciting… something alive. Let them choose. Let them lead. And let them remind you how magical the everyday can be.
🐾 Thanks for listening, Golden Whiskers family.
To get future episodes (and weekly wellness tips), make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter at GoldenWhiskersLove.com
🎧 Know someone who thinks cats are boring? Send them this episode.
See you next time—
– Scott
Host, The Golden Whiskers Podcast
