By Whisker Wonders Kenya,
Unlike Billy, who cried through every car ride, Sussy didn’t make a sound. But that wasn’t because she was calm. It was because she refused to stay in a carrier. No matter how secure or cozy I made it, Sussy always found a way out. And once free, she headed straight for her favourite spot: my shoulder.
I’d be driving, hands steady on the wheel, and there she was—perched like a queen, gazing curiously out the window or brushing her fluffy tail across my face.
Once, she even strolled across the dashboard while I was stuck in traffic.
Other drivers smiled and pointed, amused at the unusual sight of a shoulder-riding cat. To them, it looked adorable. To me, it was becoming a growing concern.
Cute, Until It’s Not
At first, I thought it was harmless. People loved seeing us together, and I secretly enjoyed how special it looked. But I quickly realised the risk.
A loud noise, a sudden stop, or a playful leap toward the pedals could have ended badly. Cute or not, it wasn’t safe—for either of us.
That’s when I faced the challenge many pet parents know well: balancing what our pets prefer with what keeps them safe. Sussy hated confinement, but letting her roam free in a moving car simply wasn’t an option anymore.
Our Compromise
Eventually, we found a middle ground. I stopped driving alone with her. Whenever she had to travel, someone else took the wheel while I sat in the passenger seat, wrapping her gently in a blanket on my lap.
She still peeked out the window and purred happily against me, but at least she wasn’t in a position to distract the driver. It wasn’t perfect, but it was safer and that mattered most.
Travel Tip from Sussy
If your cat won’t stay in a carrier:
- Don’t travel alone with them.
- Never allow them to roam freely in a moving vehicle.
- Consider a secure carrier with a seatbelt harness.
- Use treats, scent items, or calming sprays to ease them in.
Do you have a bold, free-spirited cat like Sussy? We want to hear your #CatTravelTales! Tag us @whiskerwonderske or email info@whiskerwonders.co.ke to share your story.
Read next: Cat Travel Tale #3: The Kittens’ Close Call — What 20 Minutes in a Hot Car Almost Cost Me
