How to train your CAT for full-time VANLIFE | Tips & Tricks

LINK TO THE BACKPACK US - amzn.to/42waEDu
LINK TO THE BACKPACK EU - amzn.to/4by00R0
LINK TO THE BACKPACK UK - amzn.to/3OAuLe4*
Today we're sharing how we're training our cat Gizmo for VANLIFE. We're talking about some basic tips to help you prepare for full-time travelling with your cat!
Travelling with a cat requires some preparation. In this video we're discussing the most important steps of how to prepare yourself and your cat best for a stress-free life on the road.
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Topics of today's video
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00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Cat travel backpack
02:00 - First time exploring the van
04:35 - Walking your cat on a leash
07:16 - What if it doesn't work out?
08:28 - Safety & security
09:50 - Scent & territory
10:50 - Things to bring on a hike
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We hope this is useful to you! Just want to point out that we're no experts, we're learning as we go and this is all based on personal experience and lots of research.
Of course we haven't moved into the van yet, so we hope that by the time we do Gizmo will already be used to the idea so he can adapt quickly to his new lifestyle. We'll definitely give you an update about the moving process and our day to day life in the van with our cat.
We're open to any tips or suggestions to make this process as smooth as possible, so feel free to comment below with your ideas or experiences.
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ABOUT US
We're Stef and Bo, a Belgian couple dreaming to leave ordinary life behind to travel full time. Together with our cat Gizmo we plan to hit the road as soon as we're done converting our brand new van into a tiny home on wheels. Hop along on our channel and watch us crawl our way to total freedom!
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How to train your CAT for full-time VANLIFE | Tips & Tricks
#vanlife #vanlifewithcats #travellingwithcats #adventurecats

[@stefandbo]

Do you take your cat on walks sometimes or do you travel a lot with your pet? Let us know any tips or advice 😊

[@lisapezzella522]

a harness that clips on, the hook is on the back.

[@jakelesnake]

Im always so skeptical of these pet videos, there's usually a focus on how the individual will best teach the cat to accept whatever the owner wants but it's so refreshing that you are taking a LOT of time to make sure he isn't stressed and I can see you guys pay very ckose attention to his subtle movements and expressions to know if he's okay with what's going on. You guys truly understand how sensitive and tedious this task is. Truly appreciate your guy's gentle approach and comprehensive methods to making sure he is as happy healthy secure and stress free. From one cat lover to another, thank you

[@stefandbo]

Thanks so much for saying that 🙏🏽 we do think your pet’s well-being should always come first. If we would’ve had any doubt about it we’d never consider vanlife with our cat. He deserves the best kind of life and we truly hope we can give that to him!

[@CarolynnMc01]

It looks like Gizmo did really well with this trip outdoors. I bet he settled right in. This is the first video I have seen from your channel. I subscribed.

[@stefandbo]

We've been doing these trips since he was little and he does seem to like it, but we're still very cautious whenever we take him out. Thanks so much!

[@jasmineroseeden]

This was really helpful thankyou 🐾

[@stefandbo]

Glad to hear 😊

[@thembilithleportia4626]

Smile, I love this video because I have cat's two, now I'm learning ❤❤❤

[@stefandbo]

Thanks so much, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[@mscatherinelong67]

I love Gizmo ❤️

[@stefandbo]

He's such a sweetheart 😽

[@champigranja1179]

Your cat is so beautiful!!! I hope you all are doing great.

[@stefandbo]

Thank you! We're doing good, working on the van now so hopefully we can move in soon!

[@quennelyon3265]

I love this video! Really helpful. What is this backpack called? Can you link it? Or did i miss it in the video🤔

[@stefandbo]

We hope so! In the meantime we’re already living in the van and we’re so happy we took the time to prepare ourselves and Gizmo as much as we could. This is the link to the backpack, we still use it everyday: kit.co/stefandbo/cat-vanlife-must-haves/cat-carrier-expandab

[@susanlaane9320]

Hey! Just found you guys- looking for tips on how to get our kitty used to traveling in a car and go camping with us. A harness and a backpack are my first thoughts.. do you have any recommendations- the backpack you have looks great. Groetjes from Keerbergen Belgium❤

[@stefandbo]

The backpack is definitely a great one. As for harness, make sure to take your time when putting it on. We feel like the more relaxed we are, the more easily he lets us put it on. Other than that, just go for it and see how it goes 😊

[@PlanetJoJo]

Goed bezig!

[@stefandbo]

Thanks!

[@Angelareadsalot]

What kind of backpack do you use for Gizmo? I really like it! I am hoping to start doing small hikes with my kitty :)

[@stefandbo]

www.amazon.com/Pecute-Ventilated-Breathable-Expandable-Traveling/dp/B07SHS85BW

[@stefandbo]

We really like it because you cat fold it open so he can even take a nap in it when we're sitting down somewhere. We also use it in the car especially in the city where it's not so safe to sit on our lap. Go for it, just start slowly and be aware of any signs in your cat's behaviour 😊

[@Angelareadsalot]

@@stefandbo Thank you so much! It looks like it has some wonderful features, and I only want the best for my sweet girl, Ladybug. I also found your video extremely helpful. Wishing you both and Gizmo lots of safe adventures and good memories from Texas, USA :)

[@stefandbo]

@@Angelareadsalot Thank you, that means a lot to us! Have a wonderful day!

[@littlesparrows-loved]

People seeing a cat in the van might think he is stressed and call the police if he is in there at great lengths. Vans heat up. How will you keep the temperature even? I want to get a cat but I wonder about this.

[@stefandbo]

We have two fans, window reflectics that keep the heat out and a portable airconditioner, so we’re well prepared. We never leave the him alone in the van in a busy area or if we feel it’s not safe. We’ve been doing this for a year now and he seems to be doing really well. Just take it slow and don’t rush your cat. We definitely stress more about it than our cat 😄

[@littlesparrows-loved]

So true we do. I go to college and will be living in a van in a week. Summer wont be an issue but cannot bring a cat into a classroom with me. Ugh

[@silentminority2074]

cats always cautious with the new environment. it takes them hours or days to get familiar with the new places. and when they are really familiar they will disappear for months until they will get bore or hungry or cold. and when they will be back they act like you must serve them because they are your owner

[@stefandbo]

Haha that's exactly why we love them so much isn't it!

[@frznrrfan.frznrrfan102]

If my cat disappears for a month while I'm on the road,,😸 I'm looking for a new kitty/companion 😂😂

[@albanomadarts]

Are you going to have something between the seats to put Gizmo on so he can see outside?

[@stefandbo]

We're not sure yet, we think when we're driving in the city we'll keep him in his backpack but when we're more remote ha can sit on our lap (of the passenger)

[@allisonboston5738]

I think a lot of ppl use Apple AirTags to track their pets. I’m wanting to start full time van life with my cat, but I’m nervous that he won’t adapt.

[@stefandbo]

We'll look into them! We're nervous about it too, tbh, but if I look at the many people who've had success at living in a van with their cat(s), it's clear that most cats will adapt just fine. I think it definitely depends on your cat's character and how relaxed/stressed you are around your cat

[@steph291]

cats can sleep by the fire and get to 40c and they enjoy that... so when having a hike in the wood, keep in mind their body temperature.

[@stefandbo]

Yeah we noticed already the first time we took him out that he got cold quickly. Whenever we do go for a walk it's usually max 30min/1 hour if the weather is nice and warm. If it's too cold he's gonna stay in our toasty van 😊

[@MugHungary]

Is his name Gizmo?

[@stefandbo]

Yes 😊