While out hiking in cat country, keep your kids in sight at all times, especially small ones who love to run around and squeal w/ delight. Dogs like to hike as well and can give a warning bark. Dogs are used in hunting cats, who, when tree'd are often dispatched with the lowly .22 (lessens pelt damage) and bleed out.
Back in the late 80's it was not an unusual occurance for cats to be found on the then outskirts of Las Vegas in neighborhoods.(Summerlin and Green Valley come to mind)
Depending on dress modes, in town, when wearing a sport coat, windbreaker or jacket with pockets, I prefer a revolver inside the RH coat pocket. It never has to be removed to bring into play if confrontation with 2-legged type critter is up close (probably hard on the coat if used tho, and you don't have to police the brass later). Hiking, IWB w/ tee shirt covering when its warm, pocket of coat when cold.
Bigger is better, more is good as well. 5 rds. of 125/158 gr., 10 rds. of 90 gr.; big cats, pack of feral dogs, bad guys... or just a walk in the park feeling pretty good about life ready for life's little challenges.
Adios