We are Gwendoline and Romain, 26 and 29 years old and we live in Clermont-Ferrand, in the middle of the volcanoes of Auvergne.
We are in love with this region which is full of playgrounds for adventurers like us: walks among the volcanoes, water sports in the natural lakes of Auvergne…
Both of us have been passionate about cats since we were very young, and we adopted Uma from a family breeder when she was 9 months old.
Uma had never left her former owners' apartment, yet it was surprisingly easy to get her used to walks.
We subsequently created our family Bengal cat breeding program (the Bengal des Alpes Dorées cattery ) and Venus was born with us, from our first litter.
From a very young age, Venus seemed to be the most curious and the closest to us. We therefore wanted to keep her with us and accustomed her to this way of life from the age of three months.
Find Uma and Venus on their Instagram: @bengal.cat.uma
Why did you choose this particular breed?
Bengals are known to be relatively active cats (often identified as dog-like cats) and very close to their owners.
Given that we live in an apartment, it was difficult for us to have a dog. So it was naturally towards this breed of cat that we turned (and we absolutely do not regret it), with the objective of being able to share our adventures with it (it was inconceivable for us to "abandon" our cat by leaving it at home while we are out walking...).
And then, one cannot speak of the Bengal without mentioning its natural beauty. Their spotted or marbled coat, with golden highlights and powerful contrasts, is reminiscent of wild felines like the Asian leopard from which they are descended.
When and why did you start sharing their daily lives on social media?
When we first started taking walks with Uma, many hikers were surprised to see a cat out on the trail, and even more so a cat who walked so well. After hearing so many comments, we decided to create an Instagram account – @bengal.cat.uma – to share our walks and tips with as many people as possible. Our goal: to make walking with cats more accessible and show that it's not just for dogs!
How did you get your cats used to going outside and taking walks?
With Uma and Venus, we implemented a gradual acclimatization process, always respecting their pace. Getting a cat used to outdoor walks is a matter of patience and establishing a routine.
We started with short indoor sessions with the harness, then with the leash.
Once we had gotten used to these two pieces of equipment, we were able to take a few steps outside, in a safe and calm environment.
The idea was to transform each outing into a positive experience, by rewarding and reassuring them.
Each reacted differently to the discovery of the outside world: Uma was already an adult when she started, so she was inevitably a little more wary at first, while Venus, who was used to it at a younger age, immediately showed great curiosity, which has never left her…
We share this entire journey on our Instagram account, with videos and practical advice, and we develop these topics in more detail on our blog to help those who also wish to embark on the adventure.
How do you organize your trips or getaways with two cats?
Discover the organization:
Traveling with our two cats requires a little more preparation and organization, but it's always a real pleasure for us to be able to experience all of this with them.
We favour destinations close to nature where they can walk safely, although sometimes we do visit some cities (especially Lake Como which we visited this year, mixing city and nature).
The most complicated step?
The hardest part of planning our trips is always finding pet-friendly accommodations. There are a few on accommodation platforms (Airbnb or Booking, to name a couple), but the list is still relatively short… We hope that attitudes will change over time, but it's not a sure thing!
The to-do list before leaving:
Before each trip, we plan everything in detail: choosing suitable accommodation, stops along the way, and preparing their belongings (carrier bag, portable litter box, cushions, toys, scratching posts, etc.). Everything is noted in a checklist prepared well in advance; we can't afford to make a mistake!
Upon our arrival, we do our best to recreate a familiar environment with usual landmarks, notably by installing scratching posts, their favorite cushions…
Each day of the trip is then prepared in advance so that we can offer them walks they will enjoy and ensure that we all have a good time together.
We also strive to find quiet corners for them to relax away from the hustle and bustle, where they can unwind without stress, whether it's for a nap in the shade, a moment of play, or simply observing the scenery.
The goal is for them to feel good and remain calm despite the change of environment.
This type of trip encourages us to slow down, enjoy life more, and live in the moment with them. It might seem like a lot to some, but we love it!
Essentials for a walk:
- A comfortable and well-fitting cat harness is essential: it must be strong but comfortable to wear, as this is what allows them to explore safely.
- a fairly long leash (8m) so as to allow them some freedom of movement while still maintaining control.
- A carrier bag serves as their "safe place" when needed. It's a reassuring landmark for them, where they can take refuge if they want to take a break or if the environment becomes too dangerous.
- Water, treats, and a little food. Even though cats are small drinkers, it's important to encourage them to stay hydrated, especially during summer walks.
Gwendoline and Romain's advice for starting your adventure with your cat on the right foot
Follow us on social media, of course!
No jokes, the key is patience and listening. Never force your cat to go outside if it doesn't want to. The goal is always to create a positive experience.
Bengal cats are very active and relatively curious, but each one is unique. Training must be adapted to each cat's personality.
We freely share our experiences (with our successes and failures), but we do not claim to have the ultimate solution. In fact, it doesn't exist.
So you have to start small, stay consistent and above all: enjoy the incredible bond between you and your cat.
BF Petfood's tip for peaceful walks
Some cats can experience stress during their first outings or when exposed to the sounds of nature. To help your feline friend through this experience, consider BF® Petfood Relax tablets!
This natural solution, formulated with whey, rice, brewer's yeast, valerian, and passionflower, helps your cat to:
- Managing the stress of new environments
- Adapting more easily to external noises
- Experience your first hikes with serenity
PLACE THE RELAXING TABLETS
Important : Relax tablets are a complement to all the advice mentioned in this article! Do not take your cat outside immediately after giving them a tablet. Always respect their adjustment period and follow a gradual progression according to their pace.
