In Vancouver, BC, where towering evergreens meet the Pacific Ocean and the wilderness feels just a few steps away, one family is turning heads on the trails—and even more so on the water. It’s not just the sight of a stand-up paddleboard gliding through glassy waters or a well-packed bicycle cutting across scenic paths. It’s the presence of a curious, confident Savannah cat named Findus perched right in the middle of the action.
Findus, almost three years old, has been raised not just as a pet, but as an adventurer. His humans—a software engineer and his 12-year-old daughter—set out from day one to include their feline companion in every facet of their active outdoor lifestyle. “We love being outside, and when we decided to bring a cat into the family, we made the choice to train him as our adventure partner,” his owner Victor Okunev says. “Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come together.”
From Kitten to Cat Explorer
Findus joined the family at just three months old, and his training began immediately—but not in the way many might expect. There were no boot camps or crash courses, just a slow, thoughtful introduction to the world beyond the front door. “We started exposing him to the outdoors gradually,” Okunev says. “Within a week, he was not only comfortable on a paddleboard but also took his first swim in the shallow, warm lake water.”
It might sound exceptional, but his owner insists the key ingredient was simply patience. “Cats aren’t like dogs. You can’t rush them. They’re intensely curious and need time to explore and assess their surroundings. Once we respected that, everything else followed naturally.”
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Daily Adventures and Wild Weekends
These days, Findus lives a life many house cats—and their humans—might envy. His routine includes daily excursions that range from neighborhood walks and scenic bike rides to paddleboarding sessions on local lakes and rivers. And in the warmer months, the trio embarks on overnight stand-up paddleboard tours, sometimes paddling straight into ocean-bound adventures.
“He’s a sponge,” says his human. “He takes everything in—every sound, every scent. You can tell he’s completely present. And what’s more, he loves it,” he says. These outings aren’t just about travel, either. Each trip includes a carefully chosen location where Findus can safely roam off-leash. His favorite? A small, grassy island nestled mid-river where he can explore without risk of traffic, people, or predators.
Gear Fit for a Feline Explorer
Of course, adventuring with a cat isn’t as simple as clipping on a leash and heading out the door. Safety and comfort are paramount, especially when dealing with unpredictable elements and the cat’s need for rest and security. “We went through a few commercial cat backpacks,” his owner recalls, “but none of them worked for what we needed.”
The solution came in the form of a DIY invention: a custom-made cat carrier constructed from a milk crate and PVC tubing. The result is a sturdy, breathable, and surprisingly stylish cat pod that has become a staple for every trip—whether strapped to a paddleboard, mounted on a bike, or carried on a long walk. “It’s stood the test of time,” they say proudly. “We even shared the design on Findus’ Instagram page (@AboutFindus), and it’s been a hit with other adventure cat owners,” Okunev says.
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A Bigger Mission: Reconnecting Cats with Nature
While Findus’ Instagram feed is full of cute photos and awe-inspiring landscapes, there’s a deeper message behind every post. “Cats evolved in the wild for over three million years,” says Okunev. “They thrive in nature. The fresh air, the sun, the soil, even the microbes—they’re all part of what keeps a cat physically and mentally healthy.”
That said, they’re quick to point out that simply opening your door and letting your cat roam free isn’t the answer. “Outdoor cats are at enormous risk—from cars, dogs, wild animals—and they themselves are a threat to native wildlife. Cats are unmatched hunters, and free-roaming cats kill billions of birds each year. We don’t want to be part of that.”
Instead, the family advocates for a growing movement: the “adventure cat” lifestyle. This approach bridges the gap between a cat’s need for the outdoors and the responsibility of keeping both the animal and the environment safe. It’s not easy, and it requires time, effort, and plenty of patience—but, as Findus proves, it’s more than possible. “The benefits—for the cat and the people—are worth every second.”
Advice for Aspiring Adventure Cat Pawrents
For anyone curious about raising their own four-legged explorer, Findus’ family has one core piece of advice: commit to the process. “Start slow, stay consistent, and be patient,” he says. “Don’t get discouraged if your cat hesitates at first. It’s all about trust and positive experiences.”
And the reward? A deeper bond with your pet, richer experiences outdoors, and a lifestyle that brings you all a little closer to nature.
So, next time you’re out on the trails around Vancouver or gliding across a calm lake, don’t be surprised if you spot a Savannah cat, ears perked and tail high, exploring the world alongside his humans. That’s Findus—adventure cat, nature advocate, and proof that a little imagination (and a lot of PVC) can go a very long way.
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