15 Cat Breeds that Love Outdoor Adventures

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

cute cat relaxing on a beach
pascalk/123rf

Cats are often seen as independent creatures, content to lounge indoors, but some feline friends are born explorers with a love for the great outdoors. These adventurous cats thrive on climbing trees, exploring new environments, and even walking on a leash with their owners. Whether it’s hiking through the woods or simply enjoying a sunny backyard, certain cat breeds are perfect companions for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the top 15 cat breeds that not only enjoy adventures but also excel at embracing the beauty of the natural world.

1. Maine Coon

Maine coon in snow
miezekieze/Pexels

The Maine Coon, known as the gentle giant of the cat world, is an excellent companion for outdoor adventures. With its large, muscular build and thick, water-resistant coat, this breed is well-suited for exploring various environments. Maine Coons have a curious and playful nature, making them eager to roam, climb trees, or simply follow their human around. Despite their size, they are gentle and friendly, forming strong bonds with their owners. If you’re looking for a laid-back yet adventurous feline friend, the Maine Coon is a perfect choice for outdoor activities.

2. Bengal

A Bengal Cat
Igor Karimov 🇺🇦/Unsplash

The Bengal is a sleek, athletic cat with a wild appearance and a natural love for the outdoors. Known for their boundless energy, curiosity, and intelligence, Bengals thrive in environments where they can explore, climb, and hunt. Their adventurous spirit makes them perfect for hikes and outdoor adventures. Bengals are highly social and form strong bonds with their owners, often enjoying walks on a leash. With their striking spotted coat and agile movements, Bengals are always ready for an exciting day in nature, making them one of the top breeds for outdoor exploration.

3. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat
STVIOD/Pixabay

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural-born adventurer with a thick, water-resistant coat that helps it thrive in cooler climates. Originally bred to survive the rugged outdoors of Scandinavia, this breed has a strong hunting instinct and loves to explore wooded areas or high vantage points. Their muscular build and sharp claws make them excellent climbers, while their calm and affectionate temperament ensures they stay close to their human companions. Whether it’s scaling trees or navigating rocky terrain, the Norwegian Forest Cat is always eager for outdoor escapades.

4. Abyssinian

Abyssinian Cat outdoor
tsapenkodg/PixaBay

The Abyssinian is a highly active and adventurous cat known for its boundless energy and curiosity. With a lithe, muscular body built for agility, this breed loves to climb, jump, and explore every corner of its environment. Abyssinians thrive in outdoor settings, where they can chase after insects, investigate new sights, and leap between trees. Their intelligent and playful nature makes them quick learners, allowing them to adapt to leash training and join their owners on hikes or outdoor adventures. Always eager to explore, the Abyssinian makes an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. American Bobtail

American Bobtail Cat
dec_is_goofy/Reddit

The American Bobtail is a rugged and adventurous breed, well-suited for outdoor exploration. Known for its athletic build and distinctive bobbed tail, this cat has a wild appearance but a calm and friendly temperament. Its muscular body and strong legs make it an excellent climber and hiker, and its adaptable nature allows it to handle different weather conditions with ease. The American Bobtail enjoys exploring new environments, whether it’s hiking trails or playing in the backyard. This intelligent and playful breed is perfect for cat owners who love outdoor activities.

6. Siberian

A Siberian Cat
Vahab Ghadiri/Pexels

The Siberian cat is a natural-born explorer, built for the outdoors with its dense, water-resistant triple coat that protects it in harsh weather. Originating from the cold forests of Russia, this breed is strong, muscular, and highly agile, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Siberians are known for their playful yet calm demeanor, and they enjoy climbing, running, and exploring new surroundings. Their intelligence and curious nature make them quick learners, and they adapt well to new environments, making them ideal companions for adventurous cat owners.

7. Turkish Van

A Turkish Van Cat
Simona Marinkova/Unsplash

The Turkish Van is a unique breed celebrated for its affinity for water and energetic personality. Often referred to as “swimming cats,” Turkish Vans love to splash and play in water, making them exceptional companions for outdoor adventures that involve lakes, rivers, or even a backyard kiddie pool. Their strong, muscular bodies and playful nature allow them to engage in various activities, from climbing trees to running around in open spaces. These cats are intelligent and social, often forming strong bonds with their human companions, and they thrive in environments where they can explore, play, and enjoy their natural instincts.

8. Ocicat

Ocicat cat
alexvol2014/123rf

The Ocicat is a striking breed known for its spotted coat that resembles that of a wild cat, but with the loving temperament of a domestic feline. These active and adventurous cats are incredibly social and thrive on interaction, making them excellent companions for outdoor activities. With their athletic build, Ocicats love to climb, jump, and explore, showing off their agility and energy. Their playful nature and intelligence mean they can easily be trained to walk on a leash, making outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. Whether it’s hiking through trails or simply exploring the backyard, the Ocicat is always ready for a new adventure alongside their human friends.

9. Somali

Somali Cat
grase/123rf

The Somali cat is a vibrant and playful breed, known for its striking appearance and energetic personality. With a semi-long coat and captivating, expressive eyes, these cats are as beautiful as they are adventurous. Somalis are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, making them ideal companions for outdoor activities. Their playful demeanor means they thrive on physical stimulation, so whether it’s climbing trees or chasing after toys in the garden, they’ll be in their element. Forming a strong bond with their humans, Somalis are always eager to join you on your outdoor adventures, making every outing a delightful experience.

10. American Shorthair

American Shorthair
Emmalea Rodriguez/Pexels

The American Shorthair is a versatile and adaptable breed known for its friendly nature and robust health. With a stocky build and a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, this cat is as charming as it is durable. Originally bred for pest control on farms, American Shorthairs have retained their adventurous spirit and love for exploration. They are natural hunters and enjoy outdoor activities, making them great companions for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Their easygoing temperament and loyalty to their humans ensure that they’re always ready for an adventure, whether it’s in the backyard or a nature trail.

11. Manx

Manx cat
Jill Schafer/Pixabay

The Manx cat, easily recognized by its distinct lack of a tail, is a playful and sociable breed that thrives on adventure. Originating from the Isle of Man, these cats are known for their strong hunting instincts and athleticism. Their sturdy build and muscular legs make them excellent jumpers and climbers, allowing them to explore their surroundings with ease. Manx cats are also affectionate and enjoy being around people, making them great companions for outdoor activities. Whether chasing after a toy in the garden or accompanying you on a hike, the Manx’s playful nature and curiosity will keep you entertained on every adventure.

12. Savannah

Savannah Cat closeup
Jason Douglas/Wikimedia

The Savannah cat, a captivating hybrid of a domestic cat and the wild African serval, is known for its striking appearance and adventurous spirit. With its tall, lean body and distinctive spotted coat, the Savannah embodies the essence of an explorer. These cats are incredibly active and thrive on physical challenges, making them perfect companions for outdoor adventures. Their playful nature and high energy levels mean they enjoy climbing, running, and exploring their environment. Savannahs are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, easily learning commands and enjoying leash training. If you’re looking for a feline friend who loves the great outdoors as much as you do, the Savannah cat is an ideal choice for your adventurous lifestyle.

13. Burmese

burmese cat
Марина Шишкина /Pexels

Burmese cats are known for their playful, affectionate nature and striking appearance, featuring a sleek, muscular body and beautiful, expressive eyes. These outgoing and social felines have a strong affinity for their human companions and enjoy being involved in every aspect of family life, including outdoor adventures. Burmese cats are incredibly curious and have a playful spirit, often following their owners around and exploring their surroundings with enthusiasm. Their high energy levels make them well-suited for outdoor activities, where they can romp and play. If you’re seeking a feline partner who thrives on companionship and loves the outdoors, the Burmese cat will undoubtedly bring joy and excitement to your adventures.

14. Siamese

Siamese
Marko Obrvan/Pexels

Siamese cats are not just striking in appearance with their sleek bodies and striking blue almond-shaped eyes; they also possess a vibrant and engaging personality that makes them perfect outdoor companions. Known for their vocal nature and strong attachment to their human family, Siamese cats are curious explorers who thrive on adventure. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly, making them adept at leash training for outdoor excursions. These cats are naturally adventurous, often investigating every nook and cranny of their surroundings. Whether hiking, lounging in the sun, or playing in the garden, a Siamese cat will keep you entertained and engaged throughout your outdoor adventures.

15. Russian Blue

Russian Blue
Andrzej Barabasz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Russian Blue is a captivating breed known for its stunning silvery-blue coat and vivid green eyes. While they may have a calm and reserved demeanor, these cats are also playful and curious, making them excellent companions for outdoor adventures. Their strong hunting instincts drive them to explore their surroundings, often leading them on little excursions in search of interesting sights and scents. Russian Blues are intelligent and adaptable, which allows them to adjust to various environments. They thrive on routine but are also willing to embrace new experiences, making them suitable for outdoor activities. With their affectionate nature, a Russian Blue will happily join you on your outdoor escapades while remaining close to your side.

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