Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylin Meyer.
Hi Kaylin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when the unexpected turns your world upside down, filling it with joy, love, and adventure? Well, my story is one of those, and it’s centered around my unbreakable bond with a tiny creature who has brought an abundance of happiness into my life.
In May 2021, a seemingly ordinary day in Sacramento, a group of teeny, tiny kittens was found in a shed. And on a fateful day, June 21, 2021, one of these kittens appeared at my doorstep, weighing only one pound and just four weeks old. This tiny furball changed my life in a way I could never have imagined.
She had big, beautiful blue eyes and for whatever reason, I couldn’t stop singing “Blue jean baby, L.A. lady…” — the lyrics to Tiny Dancer by Elton John. I decided to google who that song was about—who is this tiny dancer??
Turns out, the song was written about a woman named Maxine Feibelmann, who was indeed a “seamstress for the band”. Long story short, that’s how Adventure Cat Max(ine) got her name! Ironically, I grew up a competitive dancer and to this day, my dad still calls me a tiny dancer. It was as if the universe conspired to link my cat’s name to that song.
Maxine was destined to adopt my adventurous lifestyle and love for the great outdoors. Ever since I stumbled upon Suki Cat’s Instagram page years ago, I knew that my next cat would be an adventure cat. Since welcoming Adventure Cat Max in 2021, she has been on roughly fifteen 30+ mile backpacking trips, a dozen car-camping road trips, and a gazillion day hikes.
This year, we went on our first solo backpacking trip—just me, myself, and my cat. It was incredibly empowering and now I seek to empower people to embrace solo adventures and encourage them to bring their cat along for the journey.
Now, I face a choice on every adventure: leave Maxine at home or carry an extra nine pounds to camp with her in the middle of nowhere. As my Instagram handle, @alwayschoosehappy, suggests, I choose happiness. For me, that means bringing Maxine everywhere, and she loves camping. After the camp is set up, she becomes a fearless explorer, running around like a wild cat, living her best life. And for me, sleeping in my sleeping bag with Maxine cuddled up in my little spoon is an unparalleled feeling. 10/10 recommend.
Whether you’re about to acquire a cat, already have one, or are an outdoor enthusiast who would take a cat outside, but didn’t know it was an option—I want to help you enjoy the outdoors with your cat safely. It turns out, you can train almost any cat to be a confident outdoor enthusiast. Not only is it possible, but it’s also good for the cat, both mentally and physically. I envision a future world where cats have as much normalization as dogs have in society today (hello: cat parks).
What’s amazing about cats is that they respond well to positive reinforcement, just as my Instagram handle, “always choose happy,” suggests—even cats prefer positivity. Cat training may demand patience, but the rewards are boundless, as the bond between you and your cat deepens.
My mission is to inspire people to take their cat outside (safely) and feel confident adventuring in the outdoors, with or without a partner. I answer all DM’s daily and am happy to help anyone get started with adventure cat training. Feel free to reach out at @alwayschoosehappy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Here’s something crazy. I arrived in Utah in March and I was only supposed to stay for a month or two during ski season—then I was going to move to Aspen. But, here we are 8 months later…still dwelling in the suburbs of the Greater Salt Lake City area.
Before my arrival, I was living in San Francisco and had never been to this part of Utah before. I did not know anyone in Utah. But, my life situation changed when I became recently single from a 6.5-year relationship. And, while my ex moved to Washington, I did not know what to do with my life or where to go.
But, I found this place in Utah with the most ski resorts per capita, so I said, YEP, that’s where I’ll go—and I SWEAR this place chose me.
From the moment I arrived, magic unfolded. My first Airbnb host was with a woman writing a book about her spiritual journey. The ski season was the best in history. Breathtaking mountain views, wild sunflowers, and the enchanting beauty of autumn leaves this fall. Wow. I couldn’t be more grateful to be exactly where I am, right here, right now.
I’m a big advocate for what you believe is what you achieve. I believe if you can change your thoughts, you can change your whole world. So, for Max and me, this meant saying goodbye to having a cat dad and yelling “Plot twist”.
Backpacking, camping, hiking, and skiing are my favorite activities in the world and just because I no longer had anyone to go with, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Plus, you are never truly alone when you’re with your cat.
This is your daily reminder to embrace the present, shout “plot twist” when life changes course, and continue your journey with curiosity. You never know what incredible adventures and heartwarming moments are just around the corner. Remember, we always have choices in life. Choose happy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am 33, recently single, an adventure cat influencer, content creator, and global marketing lead at a large tech company. I have no idea what I want to do with my life, but if I can inspire just one person to take their cat outside or go on an adventure whether or not they have someone to join them—then I will feel like my mission is accomplished.
I work a regular 9-5 job during the week but get outside as often as possible. I am an avid hiker, camper, backpacker, climber, skier, and happiness advocate—and my adventure cat joins all of the fun including 30+ mile backpacking trips. I recently bought a converted van and going on solo trips has been the most empowering and also, healing experience.
My content revolves around my love for adventures, adventure cat life, good food, strength, and a healthy lifestyle, all while promoting confidence and happiness wherever I can. Feeling comfortable in your skin and exuding confidence as a fearless female adventurer are the core principles I advocate for.
I also don’t sacrifice feeling good for an outdoor adventure. I wear lipstick on hikes and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Why? Because it makes me feel like a million bucks! I’m talking about that kind of feeling where you’re ready to conquer the world, one mountain at a time.
It doesn’t matter if I’m alone on the trail with just my cat or surrounded by a group of hikers, I wear it for me because that feeling of confidence and empowerment is all that matters. Trust me, when you feel good, you look good, and you radiate confidence from within.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwayschoosehappy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylinmeyer/
