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Lã Nhật Tân, a freelance biologist and research associate at Yunnan University (China), is not only outstanding in his work but also impressive for his colorful travels. The special thing about his latest journey is not just exploring new lands, but also bringing along his special companion – his cat, Gạo.
A portrait of Gạo, a 4-month-old cat, with her owner.
The cat's long journey... by car
Nhat Tan and Gao's cross-Vietnam journey began in Ninh Binh when Gao was just 4 months old. As a British Shorthair cat, Gao quickly won everyone's hearts with his affectionate and adorable nature. Before starting the journey, he spent a month training Gao, helping him get used to the rhythm of life and activities on the road.
Nhat Tan shared: "I've trained Gao to develop the unconventional habits of wild cats: sleeping during the day and playing from dusk to night to easily adapt to the travel schedule. Cats usually sleep 16 hours a day, especially kittens. This helps Gao sleep in the car and relieve herself less often. Besides that, I also adjusted her eating and toileting habits to early morning and evening to suit the travel schedule."
Rice leisurely observes the world around it.
The journey of Nhat Tan and Gao spanned 19 provinces and cities, from Ninh Binh to Ca Mau, excluding only the highland provinces such as Tay Nguyen, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Tay Ninh, Vung Tau, and Phan Thiet due to unfavorable weather conditions. Tan chose Gao as his travel companion because he wanted to observe the cat's behavior in new environments and help Gao become more confident.
"I love animals and work in wildlife conservation, so I wanted to take Gạo out for a trip. I also wanted my cat to travel beyond its traditional 'territory,' to experience the interesting behaviors and habits of cats," he added.
Throughout the trip, Gạo was very well-behaved and curious. Initially, Tân kept Gạo in a cage, but later realized that the little cat loved observing the outside world, so he let her roam freely in the car. With his knowledge as a master's degree holder in zoology, he easily understood the psychology and needs of cats, making Gạo's trip more comfortable.
Rice is like a curious, sensitive child eager to explore new things.
Tan's most memorable moments with Gao weren't just about checking in at famous landmarks, but also about the times Gao sat by the window, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the scenery passing by.
Staying in hotels with a cat was also a challenge. Tan had to assure the hotels that Gao wouldn't cause any trouble and always make sure to have supplies like a litter box to maintain hygiene. Some places, like historical sites, didn't allow cats, but that didn't diminish Tan and Gao's excitement on this trip.
Throughout the trip, Gạo was very well-behaved and curious.
Travel experiences with pets
Nhat Tan shared that traveling with cats requires careful preparation and choosing the right means of transportation: "I advise against traveling with cats by motorbike, because even a small incident like not properly sealing the bag or a traffic accident could cause you to lose your little friend."
The optimal mode of transportation is a personal car, as riding a motorbike in the summer can cause heat, making cats uncomfortable and stressed. This might be easier for domestic cats, but exotic breeds often tolerate heat poorly, so temperature control is necessary to ensure your pet's health.
Traveling with cats requires careful preparation and the right choice of transportation.
Hygiene is also very important. Nhat Tan recommends bathing your cat once a week or even every 5 days with a specialized shampoo that has antifungal or anti-flea properties. This helps prevent skin diseases and parasites throughout the trip.
Before starting your trip, spend at least a month preparing your cat, establishing necessary routines. Bring along daily treats, at least 2-3 packets, to help reduce water intake and minimize stress during travel. "Remember to ask and convince the hotel to allow cats to stay. Asking only upon arrival will be very awkward," he added.
Before starting your journey, spend at least a month preparing your cat, establishing the necessary routines.
Tan also emphasized the importance of protecting nature and wildlife, encouraging people to pay more attention to this. For him, Vietnam, though smaller than China, is diverse in culture, geography, and landscapes, making it worth exploring.
