Meet Honey Bee, an extraordinary feline from Seattle who defies all expectations. This isn’t your typical housecat lounging by the window; Honey Bee is an adventure cat, a hiking enthusiast, and an inspiration to everyone she meets. Despite being blind, she fearlessly explores the great outdoors, proving that limitations are often self-imposed. We caught up with Sabrina Ursin, Honey Bee’s owner, to uncover the remarkable story of this adventurous kitty and her life on the trails.
From Fiji Streets to Washington Trails: Honey Bee’s Journey
Honey Bee’s story began far from the Pacific Northwest, in the sunny isles of Fiji. Sabrina, while volunteering at Animals Fiji, a shelter and clinic dedicated to animal welfare, encountered a kitten who stole her heart. “Honey Bee was just so affectionate and adorable,” Sabrina recalls, “I couldn’t say no.” This irresistible charm led Sabrina to bring Honey Bee back to Seattle, importing her in January and welcoming her into a new life of adventure. This little “Cat Bee,” as some playfully call her due to her sweet nature, was about to embark on journeys far beyond anyone’s imagination.
Unleashing the Adventurer: Honey Bee’s First Hikes
While Honey Bee enjoyed outdoor freedom at Animals Fiji, allowing her to roam the clinic grounds, Sabrina knew city life presented different challenges for a blind cat. To ensure Honey Bee could still experience the outdoors safely, Sabrina started with gentle explorations. “I started taking her on little walks in the yard,” Sabrina explains, “which turned into trips around the neighborhood, then Seattle city parks, and finally, hikes this summer.” These gradual steps transformed Honey Bee into the seasoned hiker she is today.
Gearing Up for Adventure: Hiking Logistics with a Cat
Taking a cat hiking, especially a blind one, requires careful planning. Sabrina outlines their routine: “To get Honey Bee ready for an adventure, my husband and I first offer her a clean litter box.” This clever preemptive measure ensures comfort during car rides. Then comes the harness, essential for Honey Bee’s safety on the trail. Their hiking pack includes water, kibble, a pet sling for when Honey Bee tires, and waste bags – all the necessities for a responsible trail kitty. Car rides, initially a challenge, are improving as Honey Bee learns to associate them with the exciting hikes ahead. They wisely limit trips to within an hour of Seattle for now, prioritizing Honey Bee’s comfort.
Honey Bee pauses near the trail, ready to explore the ferns and beyond.
Trailside Encounters: Reactions to the Hiking Cat
Honey Bee is a star on the trails, captivating everyone she meets. “Honey Bee always draws amused surprise from people who see her on the trail,” Sabrina shares. The novelty of a cat on a hiking path often overshadows the fact that she’s blind. Children are particularly drawn to Honey Bee, and thankfully, she welcomes their attention, along with friendly sniffs from dogs. Honey Bee serves as an exceptional ambassador, not only for cats but for animals with special needs, showcasing their incredible adaptability and zest for life. Despite her blindness, Honey Bee’s curiosity is boundless. She navigates trails with surprising skill, using her other senses to perceive her surroundings, rarely bumping into obstacles or misjudging edges.
Honey Bee likes resting on a soft backpack when she gets tired.
A Sensory World: What Hiking Means to Honey Bee
For Honey Bee, hiking is a full sensory experience. While sight is absent, her other senses are heightened. “She walks around sniffing things, listening to the sounds of other people and small animals, digs little holes and explores textures on the forest floor,” Sabrina describes. Honey Bee embraces new experiences with enthusiasm, whether it’s a new package at home or an unexplored trail. Even tasting trees and rocks is part of her adventurous exploration of the world around her.
Honey Bee takes time for cuddles with one of her favorite hiking partners, owner Jonathan Ursin.
Favorite Trails and Tips for Aspiring Cat Hikers
When asked about Honey Bee’s favorite trail, Sabrina points to the Mason Lake hike. The variety of environments, from diverse plant life to intriguing rock boulders inhabited by pikas, captivated Honey Bee’s senses. The pikas, though unseen, were clearly fascinating to her. Despite being only 7 miles roundtrip, the Mason Lake adventure became Honey Bee’s longest hike, taking a leisurely six hours, showcasing her thorough exploration and enjoyment of the journey.
For those inspired to hike with their own cats, Sabrina offers practical advice: “If you want to take your cat hiking, the first thing to accept is that most cats are not going to be interested.” She emphasizes starting small, introducing leash walking in a safe yard before venturing further. Cat personalities vary greatly, and many may simply resist leash walking altogether. Honey Bee’s fearless and curious nature is exceptional; Sabrina’s other cats wouldn’t enjoy hiking. It truly depends on the individual cat’s temperament.
Honey Bee’s Inspiring Spirit
Honey Bee’s impact extends beyond her hiking adventures. “I love how confident Honey Bee is, even though she doesn’t know where she’s going,” Sabrina reflects. Honey Bee’s unwavering optimism and fearless approach to new experiences are profoundly inspiring. She embodies pure joy and serves as a reminder to embrace life’s adventures, regardless of perceived limitations. This little “cat bee” continues to inspire countless people with her zest for life and her remarkable ability to thrive in a world perceived through senses beyond sight.
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