Audacious Couple Travels the World With Their Three Cats

One of the most challenging elements of traveling is leaving your animal buddies behind. One New York City couple, on the other hand, manages to take their three felines on vacations all over the world. Dan and Olivia Nguyen have taught their cats, Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut, to like being outside and to feel at ease in public places. The adventurous family’s various excursions are documented in an Instagram account with over 300,000 followers.

These friendly kittens have traveled far and wide, from Times Square to outside the Louvre in Paris. And, while they appear to be at ease in their surroundings now, this was not their natural state. Dan and Olivia adopted all three cats in the summer of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, and gradually adjusted them to outdoor life. Donut is a British Shorthair, whereas Sponge Cake and Mocha are Scottish Folds, which are identified by their little folded ears.

Their Instagram images usually include one or more of the cats dressing up in front of their present location with a bow or sweater. When they’re out and about, the Nguyens understandably keep their felines chained and leashed to prevent escapes. When they’re done wandering about, they can be safely stored in Dan’s cat backpack. “There are a lot of giggles, grins, and curiosity,” Dan acknowledges. “A lot of people approach us and want to say hello, which is always enjoyable.” “All of the bow ties and ribbons you see are custom-made by my wife,” he adds.

Going on these pet-friendly trips, however, requires some planning. Prior to boarding an aircraft, the Nguyens must obtain confirmation from their veterinarian stating that their pets are fit to fly and have received all essential immunizations. Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut, fortunately, can ride beneath the seat and stay close to their people because they weigh less than 22 pounds—even if this occasionally means the couple has to buy another seat to fit their third cat. All of the effort is definitely worthwhile when the family of five can stay together in new and intriguing areas.

Olivia and Dan Nguyen go on travels with their three cats: Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut.