Have you ever wondered about leaving behind the corporate ‘rat race’ for a life of adventure and freedom? Instead of being tied down to a home and all the material things, what if you could live life more on your own terms?
Cats tend to live that way, doing what they want when they want. It’s one of the many reasons they captivate us. We admire their independent streak and how they can instantly revert to their wild and free natures in a second.
We often hear the expression, ‘It’s a dog’s life,’ but here’s the story of a kitten that has many people wishing they could have this cat’s ‘van life.’
Pawesome Van Life with a Rescued Kitten
Since May 2021, a young couple, Michael and Acacia, have been on the road, abandoning the life of paying rent for one of full-time travel and freedom. After eight months of living out of a smaller vehicle, they upgraded to a gradually customized van they call Yeti. It’s their tiny home on wheels as they travel for work across South Africa.
After lots of do-it-yourself projects, their van was finally feeling like a home. That’s when they adopted a kitten from a shelter named Rusks and decided to bring him along for the ride.
Adopting Rusks as a kitten from a shelter. Images and media via Instagram/yeti.the.van
“From the get-go, [Rusks] was full of energy, wanting to play with us, and so lovable, offering up many kisses and cuddles 🥹. Safe to say, we have been IN LOVE since we met him, and we are so happy to be his forever humans 🫶🏼,” the couple shared on Instagram.
Below is the day they adopted Rusks from the shelter on July 5, 2023.
Video via Instagram/yeti.the.van
In just a couple of months, the adventure kitten has seen more sights and had more adventures than many people have had in a lifetime.
Rusks the kitten viewing Yeti the Van.
There are so many gorgeous views and “hidden gems” to explore. Seeing it all through Rusk’s eyes makes it all the more ameowzing!
“[Rusks] has strolled the beaches, climbed trees, and even Kayaked,” Michael said.
Rusks poses majestically on a rock in South Africa.
Video by Michael and Acacia:
An Adventure Kitten’s Purrmanent Vacation
Now, followers of the couple’s “van life” on social media look forward to seeing what Rusks is doing on the open road. He’s happily posed on a picnic blanket by a scenic lake, sitting on Acacia’s lap on the beach, or running across the sand dunes.
“Rusks chilling around camp 🐈⬛ 🚐” via Instagram.
It’s a purrmanent vacation for Rusks and fam, and one most of us could only dream of at the moment.
“Have never wished to be a kitten before until I saw how soft Rusk’s life is 😭😭😭😭😭.. Rusk is living my life ❤️,” commented Instagram user Olwethu.
“He’s the main character and we are here for it 🥺🥰,” replied Michael and Acacia.
As they hit the road, Rusks has a favorite spot, a hammock, where he keeps an eye on everything. The couple says having the kitten along makes everything “extra fun,” and it’s fun for us to watch, too!
“Everything we do is extra fun with our furry friend along for the ride 🐈⬛🤍🚐 do you have a traveling cat? 🐾 This is Rusks favorite spot 🥹 his hammock is a cosy spot to sit with some extra suspension and to take in some views; he also gets a scratch every so often🤭.”
Video via Instagram/yeti.the.van
You can see more of their adventures on Instagram and YouTube.
