Grandpa Earl Climbed Into His Old Pickup. The Passenger Seat Was Already Taken.
The cracked leather bench seat of the old pickup has a very important passenger today. Earl sits behind the big steering wheel, one hand resting on top, his overalls and work shirt dusty from a morning of chores. He smiles out through the windshield at the quiet neighborhood street lined with trees and front porches. Beside him, Duchess sits upright on the passenger side, her long white coat fluffed out and her golden eyes staring straight ahead with total composure, as if she is the one giving directions.
While this makes a charming picture, cats should travel in a secure carrier whenever a vehicle is moving. A loose cat can distract the driver, slip under the pedals, or be badly hurt in a sudden stop. Choose a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier and buckle it in, ideally on the back seat. Many cats find car rides stressful, so practice with short trips, place a familiar blanket inside, and reward calm behavior. Never leave a cat alone in a parked car, as temperatures can rise dangerously in just minutes, a special concern for flat-faced breeds like Persians. If your cat gets very anxious during travel, talk to your vet.
Duchess certainly looks like she owns the truck. Wherever Earl is headed, whether it is the hardware store or a quick drive around the block, he clearly enjoys having his fluffy copilot along for the ride.






