Two Adventure Cats Just Hit 1 Million Followers—And They're Kayaking in Coolers

**Vladdy and Fitz aren't your typical house cats.** The two northern cats owned by Heidi Korte, a content creator in the Temiskaming region, have captured the hearts of more than one million followers across all their platforms, trading typical indoor pet life for outdoor escapades. And when we say outdoor escapades, we're not talking about supervised backyard time. These cats kayak. In floating coolers. With life jackets.

The story broke this week via CTV News, and honestly, it's the kind of feel-good cat content the internet needs right now. Korte moved back to Northern Ontario and started documenting her cats' adventures—hiking, biking, snow sledding, and yes, kayaking in custom cat-sized vessels. Fitz and his brother Vladdie are adventure cats who live and explore in and around Ontario, Canada, accompanying their mom on hikes, bike rides, kayaking trips, and even snow sledding.

Here's the genius part: The cat kayak is actually a floating cooler sold on Amazon, and Fitz's mom has added some pool noodle stabilizing attachments to keep the cooler from flipping if the cat moves around during adventures. She didn't just toss them in and hope for the best—she trained them in still water first, then started towing the mini kayaks behind her own. That's the kind of thoughtful cat ownership that separates viral stunts from genuine enrichment.

The cats have wildly different personalities on the water, too. Fitz likes to chill in his cat kayak, lying quietly, chasing the occasional bug and napping contentedly, while Vladdie is apparently more rambunctious and prefers sitting up and watching everything around him. Both wear personal flotation devices, and Korte keeps them close to shore in shallow water. They're not just props—they're participants.

So what does this have to do with pedigree cats and responsible breeding? More than you'd think.

First, it's a reminder that cats—pedigree or not—are individuals. Some cats will never want to leave the couch. Others, like Vladdy and Fitz, thrive on stimulation and novelty. If you're shopping for a kitten and you have an active lifestyle, ask breeders about temperament. Some breeds are famously adventurous—Bengals, Abyssinians, Maine Coons, Savannahs. But personality varies within breeds, and a good breeder will help match you with a kitten whose energy level fits your life.

Second, this kind of content shows what enrichment actually looks like. It's not just expensive toys or a bigger cat tree. It's engagement. Korte didn't buy her way to a million followers—she built a relationship with her cats that allowed them to do cool things together. That takes time, patience, and a willingness to meet the cat where they are. It's the same mindset responsible breeders have when they socialize kittens: expose them early, go slow, make it positive.

Third, and this is important: adventure cats aren't for everyone, and that's fine. Leash training a cat requires consistency and a cat who's temperamentally suited for it. Not every cat will tolerate a harness, let alone a kayak. The worst thing you can do is force it because you saw a viral video. If your cat is happiest napping in a sunbeam, let them nap. Enrichment is about what your cat needs, not what looks good on Instagram.

But if you do have a cat who's curious, confident, and food-motivated? There's no reason they can't join you outside. Start small—harness training indoors, short trips to the backyard, gradual desensitization to new environments. Some cats will surprise you. Others will make it clear they're done after five minutes, and that's your answer.

The adventure cat trend has been growing for years, especially in Canada. Many adventure cats have gained large social media followings, with the hashtag #adventurecats bringing up hundreds of thousands of results, and while a cat on a leash is still an uncommon sight, cat training experts have seen increased interest since the pandemic. Vladdy and Fitz are just the latest proof that cats are more adaptable than we give them credit for—when we're willing to put in the work.

So yeah, two cats in Northern Ontario are kayaking in coolers and have a million people watching. It's cute. It's also a masterclass in understanding your cat's needs and building a life that works for both of you. That's the kind of ownership we love to see—whether your cat is hiking trails or just conquering the living room.

If you're looking for a kitten and you dream of having an adventure buddy, talk to breeders about temperament testing. Ask about the parents' personalities. Look for catteries that prioritize early socialization and exposure to new experiences. A well-bred, well-socialized kitten from a verified breeder is your best shot at finding a cat who's up for the adventure—whatever that looks like for you.