'We found a cat abandoned in the street - now she travels the world with us'
A couple are travelling the world with their beloved rescue cat in tow.
Léa Baillie, and Romain Dubois, both 22, have dubbed their trip ''back-catting'' as they explore South Asia with their furry friend by their side. Léa adopted Nour, now 15 months old, in November 2022. The poor moggy had been abandoned on the street in Paris, France.
The busy student was keen that her cat would meet her half-way in terms of lifestyle, taking the kitten out for walks and on public transport while studying for her degree in Paris. The experience of joining Léa out and about rather than being left to their own devices like other cats.
After graduating in April 2023, Léa and her boyfriend Romain - who met during their time at uni- decided to go travelling before getting full time jobs. Not wanting to leaving Nour at home, they decided to bring the fearless feline with them as they travel around Vietnam.
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The kitten has visited some lovely parts of the world (Léa Baillie & Romain Dubois/SWNS)
Nour has become accustomed to life on the road (Léa Baillie & Romain Dubois/SWNS)The couple have forked out £1,297 so far on flights, food, and vaccinations, so that Nour can join them on their travels. Léa and Romain believe the key to travelling with a pet is "planning ahead" - to ensure that your cuddly companion is as comfortable and safe as possible.
Léa, a Marketing and Communications graduate from Etaples, France, said: "We wanted to give Nour the experience of travelling with us. Romain and I didn't want to start our careers yet, so decided to go backpacking.
"But I couldn't imagine leaving Nour at home! She loves coming out and about with us when we're at home, so we thought we'd bring her along with us. We already had her harness and carry case, so we just had to get her vaccinated and her own pet passport.
Nour has even acquired a taste for cycling (Léa Baillie & Romain Dubois/SWNS)
The adorable traveller even has a passport (Léa Baillie & Romain Dubois/SWNS)"We can only fly with pet friendly airlines and stay in places that allow animals, but it's been totally worth it as we've made amazing memories together!"
Léa and Romain met while studying in Paris two years ago and had always dreamed of travelling the world together. When Lea adopted Nour, she ''couldn't imagine'' leaving her behind.
Nour grew up to be comfortable in a harness and adapted quickly to the couple's adventurous lifestyle. The kitten spent most of her time in Paris but would travel to Léa's hometown of Etaples, France, every weekend.
She even accompanied the couple on holidays to the French Alps and Luxembourg. "We already knew that Nour liked travelling with us, so we knew she wouldn't be distressed if she came backpacking with us too," Léa explained.
After graduating from the University of Paris in April 2023, the couple decided to plan a trip around Asia - ensuring that Nour was well accommodated. They spent £130 on vaccinations, and booked flights and accommodation that would allow pets.
Romain explained: "The key is being organised. We have to plan everything and make sure that when we arrive, we'll be allowed to have Nour with us. Even after booking everything, we always ring ahead to double check that we can have Nour on the plane or in the hostels."
After ensuring that it was safe for Nour to travel, the trio departed from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on 8 October 2023. During their time in Vietnam, Nour has met monkeys, explored the rainforests, and ridden on a motorcycle.
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In the next four months, the intrepid trio will travel to South Korea, Philippines and Thailand.
Léa said: "The other passengers on the flight love Nour - it's not every day you see a cat on a plane. We love travelling with her, and our dream would be to become digital nomads and continue travelling around the world with Nour and work at the same time.
"Travelling with a pet definitely comes with challenges - we can't book a 20-hour coach trip because Nour needs to have lots of breaks and fresh air. Sometimes I worry she might get lost, but we keep a close eye on her and if she's left in our room we make sure we tell housekeeping not to go in, so she doesn't escape. She never tries to run away - she's very relaxed and is just happy to be with us!"
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