Think Cats Can’t Be Great Hiking Partners? Think Again.

While it’s common to spot a playful golden retriever or an energetic Australian shepherd trotting along the red clay paths of Sedona, Arizona, a strikingly fluffy white cat resembling a Fancy Feast star is a rarer sight.

Meet Shuggie (short for Shugs), a two-year-old rescue Ragdoll who hikes several times a week in Sedona with his owner, Michael Sallinger, and his girlfriend, Maya Daito. Together, they scale rocks, navigate stream beds, and explore Indigenous caves among the vibrant desert buttes surrounding this picturesque town.

What Sallinger didn’t anticipate was the wave of attention Shuggie would attract on the trails, from excited gasps of "Oh my God, look at the cat!" to enthusiastic requests for selfies with him.

"Many people say, ‘You made my day,’" Sallinger recounts. Curious onlookers often inquire about how he trained Shuggie for the trails, while Shuggie himself, in classic cat fashion, remains unfazed by the spotlight.

Sallinger readily admits that Shuggie’s talent for hiking isn’t the result of rigorous training; it came instinctively. Just two weeks after adopting him, Sallinger and Daito, both massage therapists at Mii Amo at the nearby Enchantment Resort, learned that Ragdolls can be prone to obesity, prompting them to take him out for exercise along the Chimney Rock trail near their home.

With Shuggie secured in a harness and leash, the couple set off, prepared to carry the hefty feline if necessary. To their surprise, he closely followed them, tail held high in delight.

"Halfway through, we removed the leash since he was trailing us so well. He adapted remarkably fast," Sallinger notes.

That day, the couple managed nearly two miles, only needing to pick up Shuggie occasionally. Over the ensuing months, they gradually increased the distance of Shuggie’s hikes, and now he can trek up to six miles on his own four paws—further than many of the human hikers nearby.

Interestingly, Shugs was originally intended to be a house cat for Sallinger’s older feline, Pedals, who used to relish outdoor adventures. However, Pedals has largely surrendered the outdoor exploration to Shuggie, preferring to lounge in their outdoor “catio” equipped with hammocks and netting.

While Pedals relaxes, Shugs sprints over whenever they pick up his collar, which jingles with bells. As Sallinger and Daito prepare for their outing, a spirited Shuggie shows off on his hamster wheel-style treadmill in their apartment. The moment they open the door, he’s ready to dash out like a Labrador.

One of the trio’s beloved trails in Sedona is the scenic West Fork of Oak Creek Trail, which offers shade and cooler temperatures compared to many other paths in the area. Daito notes that Shug seems to thrive the most when he can take in the stunning views from a cave or lookout point.

"When he encounters a breathtaking view, he starts purring," Daito mentioned. "Perhaps he’s picking up on our excitement." In contrast, Sallinger observes that Shuggie signals when a trail is too steep, too rocky, or when he’s had enough by grumbling or simply lying down on the path until they agree to take a break for a few minutes.

The pair carries a cat backpack loaded with essentials for slushy trails or whenever a weary Shuggie needs a lift on challenging climbs. This was especially true when he made the trek up Wilson Mountain with his owner, likely becoming the first house cat to reach the local summit.

For Daito, having Shuggie as a hiking companion has been a true gift, encouraging Sallinger—an avid trail runner and cyclist—to ease up on the pace and intensity.

"Michael prefers steep paths and is very goal-oriented," Daito remarks. "I enjoy taking my time to admire the surroundings. Thanks to Shuggie, we now pause at every tree," she adds with a laugh.

What’s next for this adventurous feline? After the couple's recent overnight camping trip without him in West Fork, they’re eager to figure out how to include Shuggie in their next outdoor adventure, allowing him to share a tent with them. They’ve begun documenting Shuggie’s escapades on their Instagram account, @captainshugs.

People often assume, Sallinger notes, that cats aren’t interested in or capable of exploring the outdoors with their owners. Perhaps that’s because they haven’t given it a try.

Who knows? Cats might actually enjoy hiking more than we realize. Shugs, for instance, really misses his hikes when the desert heat makes it too uncomfortable to hit the trails. During those times, you’ll catch him riding in Sallinger’s car with the windows down, eagerly sticking his fluffy white head out to feel the breeze.

Yep, just like a dog.