Simon's story began in the summer of 2016, as reported by the website The Dodo. Part of a litter rescued by American adventurer and filmmaker JJ Yosh, the little black kitten was just hours away from being put down because nobody had come forward to adopt him.
An unlikely climbing partner
At the time, the filmmaker had absolutely no intention of adopting a pet. He was determined not to give up his nomadic lifestyle, which was packed with extreme sports. Yet, the clever little cat quickly adapted to his fast-paced life.
The curious kitten loved nothing more than settling himself comfortably on his new owner's shoulders.
King of the mountains
Over their nine years together, Simon has become a true "adventure cat". He has climbed several mountain peaks towering at over 13,700 feet in Colorado, USA.
Whether tucked safely in a backpack, wearing his harness, or perched on JJ Yosh’s shoulders, Simon turns heads wherever he goes. Under the handle @backpackingkitty, his social media adventures have won him hundreds of thousands of followers, all charmed by how confident he is looking out over the steepest cliffs.