When we think of pets on the road, most of us picture dogs riding shotgun in the car or bounding along sandy beaches. But what about cats? In this episode of Travel with Us a While, I sat down with my friend Sheryl Lund, who has not only travelled extensively but also brought her cats along for the ride.
What followed was a conversation about courage—both feline and human—as Sheryl shared stories of road trips, ocean crossings, camping misadventures, and her first big solo journey by ship in the 1970s.
Meet Celine and Lily – The Travelling Cats
Sheryl’s first travel companion was Celine, a Siberian forest cat originally from Sweden. Though timid at first, Celine quickly bonded with Sheryl and soon became a regular at her beach house in Tasmania.
Not long after, Lily, a timid but sweet-natured Burman kitten, joined the family. To Sheryl’s delight, Celine immediately mothered her new sister.
Together, the pair joined Sheryl on stays in pet-friendly Airbnbs (though “pet friendly” usually meant dogs only). Many hosts were skeptical of allowing cats, but Sheryl reassured them with her meticulous preparation—bringing her own bedding, a portable vacuum, and leaving no trace behind.
“They didn’t bark,” she laughed. “So they were very quiet house guests.”
Their biggest adventure? Crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania to Melbourne, where they endured a night in noisy enclosures alongside barking dogs. Stressful for Sheryl, but her cats came through unscathed, settling in happily with family on arrival.
Practical Tips for Travelling with Cats
Thinking about hitting the road with your feline friends? Here are some tried-and-true tips from Sheryl’s adventures:
- Check “pet friendly” policies carefully – many places assume pets mean dogs.
- Bring your own bedding for cats to sleep on – it keeps them comfortable and avoids mess.
- Pack a portable vacuum and brush to keep fur under control.
- Take familiar toys – they help cats feel at home in a new place.
- Use secure carriers for travel between destinations.
- Keep routine in mind – regular feeding times and quiet spaces reduce stress.
Cats may not bark, but they can be excellent, quiet travel companions when well prepared.
A First Solo Voyage – Storms at Sea
Sheryl’s love of travel began long before her cats. At 22, fresh from completing her general nursing training in Sydney, she set off by ship for England to study midwifery.
Her vessel, the Ocean Monarch, left Sydney bound for Southampton. The first night was unforgettable—though not in the way she’d hoped.
The ship sailed straight into a fierce storm, leaving Sheryl seasick and sleepless. Water poured down corridors, staff rushed about with towels, and the ship even made headlines in New Zealand for nearly needing an SOS.
“I thought I was in the Poseidon Adventure,” she recalled.
And yet, after that harrowing night, Sheryl never suffered seasickness again. Six weeks later, she had her “sea legs” firmly beneath her as she disembarked in England, ready for the next chapter.
European Camping and Tassie’s Chill Nights
From Southampton, Sheryl joined a Contiki camping tour of Europe. With simple A-frame tents to pitch and share, it was her first taste of camping—something she quickly became skilled at.
Back in Australia, she continued camping adventures, including a trip to Tasmania in March. The days were glorious, but the nights proved icy cold.
“How did I stay warm?” Sheryl laughed. “By shivering all night!”
Despite the chilly nights, Tasmania stole her heart. She returned soon after, nursing at the old Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hobart. Within two weeks, she’d made three lifelong friends—and though she left for more training in Melbourne, the pull of Tasmania drew her back.
From Nursing to Lifelong Travel
Nursing gave Sheryl incredible flexibility. She could work almost anywhere, and she seized opportunities to explore—whether through professional training in Melbourne or personal journeys that took her across seas and around Australia.
Her passion for travel has always intertwined with her love of animals and her curiosity about people and places. And while this episode covered only the beginning of her story, Sheryl has many more adventures to share—from her work with the Menzies Research Centre to journeys across the Australian outback.
Final Thoughts
I loved hearing Sheryl’s stories—especially about her brave cats Celine and Lily, who defied expectations of what it means to be “pet friendly.”
Travel, whether with companions of two legs or four, is full of surprises. Sheryl’s adventures remind us that with preparation, courage, and a touch of humour, the world opens up in unexpected ways.
If you’ve ever travelled with pets—or embarked on a journey that tested your courage—I’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments or reach out to join me on my Podcast – Travel with Us a While.
Click this link to listen to Sheryl’s conversation with me on my Travel with Us a While podcast.
Until next time,
Bron Hogan
