My cat hung out with me for the 1.5 years I was on the road. I had a harness and a 50ft line. After I was in place for 3 days, I would let him go, any less and he'd be off running. He sometimes came when I called...unless I wanted him too....then he was not coming back till he was good and ready.
He dragged the 50ft of line twice..once in Zion and once in northern BC and both times, I/he was darned lucky to find him. He and I were in the Mojave National Preserve for 10 weeks and I really don't know he survived the coyotes and bobcats, but..he did and is still alive and kickin. Although he chooses to sleep with a red head now, rather than coming with me.
Gary Haupt