Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

I Spent Over 3 Years Traveling With My Cat In A Campervan
User submission
728
47.1K

I Spent Over 3 Years Traveling With My Cat In A Campervan

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s been over 3 years since I left our hometown of Hobart, Tasmania, to travel around Australia. Although I sold my house and all my stuff, there was one thing that I just couldn’t leave behind.

My cat Willow.

The solution was simple. Road trip with my best friend!

Since May 2015 we have traveled over 70,000 km, seen forests, beaches, and deserts, and even took a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef together. Late last year we finally made it all the way around and even spent summer back in our hometown.

But the adventure wasn’t meant to end there – and we have no intention of stopping anytime soon. This year we spent 3 months passing through the outskirts of the Simpson Desert before making our way back to the beautiful East Coast.

Some people are surprised to find that I travel with my cat. Once a backpacker at a campsite even exclaimed “Excuse me, there is a cat trying to get into your van!” ..

I know.

Our home is our camper van, a tiny house on wheels. I built it myself with a bed, cupboards, a kitchen, and plenty of places for a little cat to hide! It might be small but the whole Australia is our backyard.

It’s always a joy watching Willow explore the places we visit. She wears a tracking collar so that I always know where she is.

We post our photos on Instagram and it’s so nice to hear from people all over the world that they are following our adventure.

It wasn’t easy leaving my old job and life behind but I knew I had to make some changes for my own well-being. It was a slow process but now I am happier.

ADVERTISEMENT

I work a little bit where I can, invest my savings, and it’s enough to keep us going.

If Willow has taught me anything, it’s that you don’t need a lot to be happy. A bit of food, shelter, and a whole lot of love. And that if she doesn’t get enough pats each day you can guarantee that her demands will be made at 3am!

We have made the 2019 calendar and we are using it to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (ALS) research. It’s available on our website. Last year we raised over $3000 AUD.

I’m lucky. I get to see Australia through the eyes of a cat, and that I will treasure for a lifetime.

More info: vancatmeow.com

We have been travelling for 3.5 years now but every day is special

This year we spent 3 months in the desert and I was so happy to make it back to the beach! I’m not sure what Willow thought

Our camper van is our home. A tiny house on wheels with a bed, cupboards, a kitchen, and even a TV!

ADVERTISEMENT

Last summer we returned to our home state of Tasmania and visited all my favorite places

ADVERTISEMENT

Willow even got to meet her cousins!

She loves to explore but she never strays to far. She wears a tracking collar to keep her safe

Out in the desert there are lots of abandoned places to camp. This place was actually an old movie set

Willow’s favorite place to sit is on the dashboard where she has a great view

ADVERTISEMENT

The front bull bar is a great place to look out over the sun set

ADVERTISEMENT

Willow loves to follow me around but she doesn’t like to go too far from our van

ADVERTISEMENT

We might be all alone but we always have each other and the whole Australia to explore

Happiness is spending an afternoon with your cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

47Kviews

Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Share your thoughts
Add photo comments
POST
bpbperic avatar
Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow somehow always looks either unimpressed or like a badass, or a combination of both. Except for the last picture, there she looks sooo cute while sleeping 😻 Oh, and the owner and the places look nice too, I guess. 😉 🙂

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell yeah. Do it while you can. I guarantee you won't regret it 20 years from now and you'll have some great stories to tell. I'm so close to doing something like this. Having a cat with the right temperament might put me over the edge.

melissa_9 avatar
Melissa Nunya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The biggest part is starting them with all these things as a kitten. A lady I met trained her cat to ride the bus with her in Seattle like it was nothing.

Load More Replies...
fiendhunter_mx avatar
Fiendhunter
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's awesome. Honest question though: How do people do this? How do you travel for so long, and how do you prepare for it? Last time I had to save for a 3 week trip, it took me 3 years of preparation. I guess there isn't just one way but, does random works during the trip really maintain your basic needs (and the cat's too, in this case)?

d-berrylound avatar
Dorothy Berry-Lound
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful, confident little cat. And a great story, I hope you get many more adventures together.

spiritwolf avatar
spirit wolf
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Happiness is spending an afternoon with your cat indeed...or 24/7

jeanvandermerwe79 avatar
Jean van der Merwe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. I hope you will still have so much fun together. The photographs are beautiful.

catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some nice scenic shots. Willow is a beauty. But I wish he had shown more interior shots of the camper.

morganmcnatt avatar
Honesty Olishia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be nice especially for people wanting to start their own van trips.

Load More Replies...
elichaffner avatar
Kiss Army
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Happiness is spending an afternoon with your cat" - I couldn't have said it better myself!

ccanon1979 avatar
Annette Preston
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So did Willow need a period of adjustment or was she used to riding in the van already? Can you track her on your computer?

richardeast84 avatar
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She got used to the van when I was building it in my friend's driveway, the. We took short trips. I have some more info about her if you google 'vancatmeow willow'

Load More Replies...
pankajbengani avatar
richardeast84 avatar
meagang_tam avatar
meAgan
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beautiful! This guy's living THE life, I wish I had a cat and travelled more. The pictures are amazing too, he's a really good photographer!

sheranerose777 avatar
James Grey
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't have don't it any differently. Best kinda of travel buddy...the peace, the fun times...no annoying chatter. The Dream!

dazzles431 avatar
Sarah Hartness
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep trying to convince my husband to do this, we don't have kids. there's nothing holding us back. Man, I'll just keep living through other people. LOL

marysinclair avatar
Mary Sinclair
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful for Rich and his little furry friend Willow. I'd love to be able to do something like that but left it too late now - instead of which I'm now alone except for my 2 feline furries. They do such funny things and keep me so amused but they rule my house! We have conversations too and believe me they talk. Bet Willow does to Rich !

webmaster_8 avatar
Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I see one of these all I can think is any of my cats would go wandering off and that would be the last I ever saw of them. Not because they hate me and want to escape but because they're cats and they go off exploring.

irisschmits avatar
Iris Franken-Schmits
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been looking for tracking devices for cats, but so far, I only found large GPS-trackers that are to big for my cat to carry around. Can you tell me what kind of tracking device you have for your cat? She looks really happy :)

jasonapolinario avatar
Jason Apolinario
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a cat lover myself, and seeing this really made my day. What a wonderful cat you got there.

jasonapolinario avatar
Jason Apolinario
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a cat lover myself and seeing this really made my day. That's a wonderful cat you got there. Knows how to seize the moment.

benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. Makes me miss my kitty. I had to put her down two weeks ago. More stories likes this please

toramacaw avatar
Tora Wookiee Macaw
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolute proof one CAN travel with a cat!! What a wonderful life you two have!!

kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this and like the idea. Unfortunately my cat, Jack the Ripper, would have me in shreds the first time I tried to put him in a van.

haagenti avatar
Sigrid Mets
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So adorable. Too bad I cant even get my cats out from the house

stripes_three avatar
ElectricBooty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was the one driving, I would be sneezing all over Australia! (Cute cat tho).

erinsheppard avatar
Erin Sheppard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow is a beautiful kitty - safe travels to you and your feline friend.

mysticalman avatar
MysticalMan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not unusual for cats to dislike being photographed especially at times when they prefer just loving touch. People feel this way sometimes as well. So photographs, much as we like them, do not always show the cat or person the way the person who loves them knows they really are.

iggnir avatar
bob
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's funny how in these popular travel journals, every single time the protagonist is white and handsome. Is this some kind of trend? Or only white and beautiful people can afford this kind of stuff?

ashbobash avatar
Ashley Say Wha?!?
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man I'm a huge cat lover and am tired of this 9-5 grind, so can I come? Willow is so so cute and clearly loves you! (It's clear you love her too ;)

comerfordsamantha46 avatar
Samantha Comerford
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bloody lovely ! What a lucky kitty . I’d like to read more about Willow and her travels . I wonder, does Willow have a diary . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Stay Safe

bitch_1 avatar
Bitch
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Straya C**t? Should've bought a one way ticket to anywhere else!

xuyogomo avatar
RosalieKimbro
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow somehow always looks either unimpressed or like a badass, or a combination of both. Except for the last picture, there she looks sooo cute while sleeping 😻 Oh, and the owner and the places look nice too, I guess. 😉 ......HERE► www.jobsthings.com

formdoxtechnology avatar
Formdox
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Formfox Technology is the best Home health care software.HomeCare HR Employee Management,Homecare Agency Management Software

walescott avatar
Scott Wale
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

No cats allowed in national parks in Australia so we can assume none of these pics are national parks. I day this because escaped cats become feral cats and fetal cats account for millions of native animals killed daily yes that's millions daily.

ashbobash avatar
Ashley Say Wha?!?
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see your point, but in this case he has already explained that the cat doesn't like to travel far and that she has a tracking system. He seems to be a responsible cat owner and clearly loves Willow, so there really is no worry here. It's the people who don't take provisions for such an experience that you should fuss at, if anyone.

Load More Replies...
bpbperic avatar
Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow somehow always looks either unimpressed or like a badass, or a combination of both. Except for the last picture, there she looks sooo cute while sleeping 😻 Oh, and the owner and the places look nice too, I guess. 😉 🙂

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell yeah. Do it while you can. I guarantee you won't regret it 20 years from now and you'll have some great stories to tell. I'm so close to doing something like this. Having a cat with the right temperament might put me over the edge.

melissa_9 avatar
Melissa Nunya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The biggest part is starting them with all these things as a kitten. A lady I met trained her cat to ride the bus with her in Seattle like it was nothing.

Load More Replies...
fiendhunter_mx avatar
Fiendhunter
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's awesome. Honest question though: How do people do this? How do you travel for so long, and how do you prepare for it? Last time I had to save for a 3 week trip, it took me 3 years of preparation. I guess there isn't just one way but, does random works during the trip really maintain your basic needs (and the cat's too, in this case)?

d-berrylound avatar
Dorothy Berry-Lound
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful, confident little cat. And a great story, I hope you get many more adventures together.

spiritwolf avatar
spirit wolf
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Happiness is spending an afternoon with your cat indeed...or 24/7

jeanvandermerwe79 avatar
Jean van der Merwe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. I hope you will still have so much fun together. The photographs are beautiful.

catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some nice scenic shots. Willow is a beauty. But I wish he had shown more interior shots of the camper.

morganmcnatt avatar
Honesty Olishia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be nice especially for people wanting to start their own van trips.

Load More Replies...
elichaffner avatar
Kiss Army
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Happiness is spending an afternoon with your cat" - I couldn't have said it better myself!

ccanon1979 avatar
Annette Preston
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So did Willow need a period of adjustment or was she used to riding in the van already? Can you track her on your computer?

richardeast84 avatar
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She got used to the van when I was building it in my friend's driveway, the. We took short trips. I have some more info about her if you google 'vancatmeow willow'

Load More Replies...
pankajbengani avatar
richardeast84 avatar
meagang_tam avatar
meAgan
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beautiful! This guy's living THE life, I wish I had a cat and travelled more. The pictures are amazing too, he's a really good photographer!

sheranerose777 avatar
James Grey
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't have don't it any differently. Best kinda of travel buddy...the peace, the fun times...no annoying chatter. The Dream!

dazzles431 avatar
Sarah Hartness
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep trying to convince my husband to do this, we don't have kids. there's nothing holding us back. Man, I'll just keep living through other people. LOL

marysinclair avatar
Mary Sinclair
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful for Rich and his little furry friend Willow. I'd love to be able to do something like that but left it too late now - instead of which I'm now alone except for my 2 feline furries. They do such funny things and keep me so amused but they rule my house! We have conversations too and believe me they talk. Bet Willow does to Rich !

webmaster_8 avatar
Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I see one of these all I can think is any of my cats would go wandering off and that would be the last I ever saw of them. Not because they hate me and want to escape but because they're cats and they go off exploring.

irisschmits avatar
Iris Franken-Schmits
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been looking for tracking devices for cats, but so far, I only found large GPS-trackers that are to big for my cat to carry around. Can you tell me what kind of tracking device you have for your cat? She looks really happy :)

jasonapolinario avatar
Jason Apolinario
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a cat lover myself, and seeing this really made my day. What a wonderful cat you got there.

jasonapolinario avatar
Jason Apolinario
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a cat lover myself and seeing this really made my day. That's a wonderful cat you got there. Knows how to seize the moment.

benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. Makes me miss my kitty. I had to put her down two weeks ago. More stories likes this please

toramacaw avatar
Tora Wookiee Macaw
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolute proof one CAN travel with a cat!! What a wonderful life you two have!!

kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this and like the idea. Unfortunately my cat, Jack the Ripper, would have me in shreds the first time I tried to put him in a van.

haagenti avatar
Sigrid Mets
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So adorable. Too bad I cant even get my cats out from the house

stripes_three avatar
ElectricBooty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was the one driving, I would be sneezing all over Australia! (Cute cat tho).

erinsheppard avatar
Erin Sheppard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow is a beautiful kitty - safe travels to you and your feline friend.

mysticalman avatar
MysticalMan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not unusual for cats to dislike being photographed especially at times when they prefer just loving touch. People feel this way sometimes as well. So photographs, much as we like them, do not always show the cat or person the way the person who loves them knows they really are.

iggnir avatar
bob
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's funny how in these popular travel journals, every single time the protagonist is white and handsome. Is this some kind of trend? Or only white and beautiful people can afford this kind of stuff?

ashbobash avatar
Ashley Say Wha?!?
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man I'm a huge cat lover and am tired of this 9-5 grind, so can I come? Willow is so so cute and clearly loves you! (It's clear you love her too ;)

comerfordsamantha46 avatar
Samantha Comerford
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bloody lovely ! What a lucky kitty . I’d like to read more about Willow and her travels . I wonder, does Willow have a diary . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Stay Safe

bitch_1 avatar
Bitch
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Straya C**t? Should've bought a one way ticket to anywhere else!

xuyogomo avatar
RosalieKimbro
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Willow somehow always looks either unimpressed or like a badass, or a combination of both. Except for the last picture, there she looks sooo cute while sleeping 😻 Oh, and the owner and the places look nice too, I guess. 😉 ......HERE► www.jobsthings.com

formdoxtechnology avatar
Formdox
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Formfox Technology is the best Home health care software.HomeCare HR Employee Management,Homecare Agency Management Software

walescott avatar
Scott Wale
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

No cats allowed in national parks in Australia so we can assume none of these pics are national parks. I day this because escaped cats become feral cats and fetal cats account for millions of native animals killed daily yes that's millions daily.

ashbobash avatar
Ashley Say Wha?!?
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see your point, but in this case he has already explained that the cat doesn't like to travel far and that she has a tracking system. He seems to be a responsible cat owner and clearly loves Willow, so there really is no worry here. It's the people who don't take provisions for such an experience that you should fuss at, if anyone.

Load More Replies...
Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda