Nomadic Nurse Diaries

Dear Van Life Skeptics and Feline Enthusiasts,

Today’s topic: Van Life with a Cat. Now, before you start picturing litter boxes tipping over on winding mountain roads, let me introduce you to my co-pilot, Watson. She’s got her paws firmly planted in this lifestyle, and I’ve never seen her more entertained, more content, or more downright spoiled. So, to anyone who says van life and cats don’t mix, let me present Exhibit A: a purring, sun-soaked, perpetually delighted Watson.

First off, the van setup itself? Prime real estate for a cat. We’ve got windows all over, which means wherever we are, Watson always has a new view. She spends hours surveying her kingdom of moving scenery, as if she’s on some feline version of a world tour. One day, she’s watching squirrels in the forest; the next, she’s staring down seagulls on the coast. Every window is her new Netflix channel, and she’s hooked.

Then, there’s the close quarters. I mean, Watson is always within a six-foot radius of me, so this whole setup basically means endless cuddles. I am now her 24/7 personal pillow, and let me tell you, she’s not mad about it. I’m also convinced she thinks this van life thing was my attempt to make sure we’re never more than an arm’s length apart. Mission accomplished.

Did I mention the mattress? Watson is living the high life on an 8-inch memory foam mattress. This cat has better sleeping arrangements than I did in college. She’s taken over my bed, which she considers her sprawling throne, complete with plush blankets and prime sunbeam real estate. And as if that’s not enough, she’s also claimed the full dashboard for daily sunbathing. She’ll stretch out, close her eyes, and just soak it in like she’s at some luxurious spa. It’s honestly the best life hack I never planned for—portable cat paradise.

So when people say, “Oh, I don’t know about taking a cat on the road…” I laugh. Frankly, it’s a breeze. Cats are the ultimate van life companions. Unlike a dog, Watson doesn’t need constant walks, she’s never trying to jump out of the van to chase a bird, and her idea of high-energy playtime is a five-minute burst of pawing at a feather. Low-maintenance doesn’t even begin to describe it. As long as she has her views, her sunspot, and me within reach, she’s set.

In my (expert) opinion, van life is actually easier with a cat than a dog. Cats were made for this level of cozy, portable comfort. So if anyone tells you that you can’t do van life with a cat, let them meet Watson. She’ll prove them wrong—probably while rolling around in her sunbeam on the dash, looking like she just conquered the world.

With love from Watson’s chauffeur and cuddle dispenser,

The Nomadic Nurse