Scout & Ted: Our Co-Pilots with Paws 🐾

If our dream has a heart, it has four paws. Meet Scout and Ted, the two adventurous souls who are the true “why” behind our journey to pioneer cat-friendly van life in Vietnam. They’re more than pets; they’re our family, our co-pilots, and our daily dose of joy as we build this dream from the ground up.

Where Our Journey Really Began: A Rescue Story

We’ve had Scout and Ted for 2.5 magical months, but their story started with a act of compassion. They came to us from Paws for Compassion, a wonderful animal rescue centre here in Vietnam. They were part of a litter of five, and from the moment we met them, these two curious siblings stood out. It felt like they chose us as much as we chose them. Giving these two rescue kittens not just a home, but a future full of adventure, feels like the most beautiful way to continue the compassionate work that saved them. They are a constant reminder that the best things in life—and the best co-pilots—are often found when you open your heart.

🐱 Scout: The Fearless Explorer

At just 5 months old, Scout lives by a simple motto: “If it fits, I sits… but first, I must investigate.”She is our tiny, furry adrenaline junkie. No box is too deep, no paper bag too crinkly, and no windowsill too high to claim as her new observation post. We’re convinced her internal GPS is already active; she’ll stare intently at birds outside, her tail twitching like a radar sweep. While her brother naps, Scout is busy conducting important research—testing the structural integrity of cardboard, practicing stealth maneuvers under the bed, and ensuring every sunbeam is properly warmed. We have no doubt she’ll be our Chief Navigation Officer, chirping at road signs and demanding stops at every interesting-looking tree.

🐱 Ted: The Gentle Supervisor

Ted, also 5 months old, approaches life with a more philosophical, snack-oriented strategy. He is our Minister of Morale and Snack Quality Control. His perfect day involves a strategic nap in the warmest sunbeam, followed by a meticulous inspection of any food preparation activities. Don’t let his calm demeanor fool you—he possesses a deep, quiet curiosity. The rustle of a toy or the opening of a treat bag will bring him trotting over with wide, inquisitive eyes. He’s a purr machine, offering comfort and silent commentary on our work. In the van, we envision him as the calm center, the one who will remind us to slow down and enjoy the view while ensuring all snacks are up to standard.

Why Travel with Cats? Preparing for Life on the Road

For us, an adventure that doesn’t include our entire family isn’t a complete adventure. We know that traveling with cats requires thoughtful preparation, and that’s a journey in itself that we’re committed to documenting honestly.

Right now, in our Da Nang apartment, we’re in full “Pre-Van” training mode:

• Carrier = Happy Place: Their carriers are always out, filled with comfy blankets. We feed them treats inside and practice short, positive “trips” around the living room to build positive associations.

• Harness Adventures: We’re introducing harnesses and leashes slowly, letting them get used to the feel during playtime indoors. Our goal isn’t to walk them like dogs, but for them to be comfortable and secure when we need to move them outside the van.

• Confidence Building: Every new sound, surface, and experience in our controlled environment is a building block for their confidence. We watch their reactions closely, letting them set the pace.

Why Da Nang? Read about it in: Da Nang as Our Launchpad.

This blog will be our real-time diary of what works, what doesn’t, and the hilarious learning curves in between. We’ll share our successes and failures as we discover how to create a safe, low-stress, and enriching mobile environment for them.

The Heart of the Dream

Scout and Ted make the mission tangible. They are the reason our research into pet-friendly travel must be thorough, tested, and trustworthy. By documenting how we build a safe, low-stress mobile life for these two rescue kittens, we aim to create an essential resource for the entire community of pioneers. Their journey is Chapter 1 of ours.

By giving these two rescue kittens a home on the road, we’re writing a love letter to adventure, family, and second chances. We can’t wait to share their first big adventure with you.

Continue the Story: Now that you’ve met the crew, discover the territory we’ll explore together in Chapter 2: Why Vietnam for Van Life?.

✨ This story is part of Our Journey, the archive where we share the real stories behind The ScoutTed Roadmap.