Dan Nguyen, a lawyer residing in New York City, is an internet sensation with almost 500,000 followers on social media platforms. His fame owes to his remarkable journey of exploring the world alongside his furry pets.
Dan Nguyen and his wife Olivia Nguyen have amassed a large following on Instagram and TikTok with their account @spongecake_thescottishfold, which features their three cats traveling the world. The couple began documenting their feline adventures in November 2021 during their first international trip to Paris. Since then, they have explored various cities, including Venice and Milan, with their indoor cats, who have grown accustomed to the outside world with gradual training. Despite having distinct personalities, Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut all love to explore, according to their owners. Their travel videos have received thousands of views and likes, making them popular among cat lovers worldwide.
In a photo taken in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut can be seen posing together. According to Dan, Sponge Cake is an adventurous cat who loves to explore, while Mocha is a calm and sweet boy who enjoys walking on Fifth Avenue. Donut, the newest addition to their family, was initially hesitant to go outside but is now a big fan of the outdoors.
The trio’s online presence began when Olivia decided to create social media accounts for them. Dan, who authored the book “Adventure Cats: How to Train Your Cat for Outdoor Adventures,” trained the cats for travel by starting with local destinations like Central Park and gradually increasing the difficulty level. The process involved treats, gentle petting, and encouragement.
For those looking to follow in their footsteps, Dan and Olivia advise building trust with your cat and making them feel safe. They refuse to travel without their furry companions, even if it means more planning and preparation.
Dan and Olivia Nguyen embarked on their first out-of-state adventure in 2021 with their three cats, Sponge Cake, Mocha, and Donut. The trio accompanied their owners to Orlando, San Francisco, and Sacramento, as the couple wanted their pets to be with them. Their confidence boosted by this trip, they decided to take their cats abroad for the first time to Paris in November of the same year. This experience turned out to be quite enjoyable for the felines as well. Since then, the adventurous cat parents have explored Venice and Milan and plan to visit Switzerland in the fall. However, traveling abroad with cats is not as easy as it sounds, given the different rules and regulations that countries have in place. To navigate this, Dan and Olivia obtained certifications from their vet, which was faster than getting certified by the US Food and Drug Administration. This way, they could ensure that their pets were safe to fly and had the necessary vaccinations. If you plan on traveling with your pet, do check the United States Department of Agriculture’s website for the latest requirements. Although some airlines require pets to travel in the hold, Dan and Olivia’s cats are small enough to go in the cabin.
Olivia Nguyen and Dan prefer to bring their cats with them in the cabin when flying instead of checking them in as luggage. Cats weighing less than 10 kg can be carried in carriers that qualify as hand luggage and placed under the passenger’s seat. The couple books an extra ticket if the number of cats exceeds them, but not all airlines permit this. They prepare a check-in suitcase a day before their flight, containing disposable litter boxes, wet and dry food, toys, and scratching posts to ensure that their cats are comfortable during travel. These globe-trotting cats are not only famous online, but they also attract people’s attention on the streets.
Dan and Olivia’s cats have become quite the sensation in Paris, France, especially in front of the Louvre Museum. Passersby often stop to take pictures and chat with the couple about how they trained their cats to be comfortable in busy outdoor spaces. When not in Paris, the cats enjoy spending time in Central Park or Times Square in New York City. Although they try not to overwhelm their pets with attention from strangers, cat lovers cannot resist taking photos of them in their cozy sweaters and colorful handmade neckties. Overall, the cats bring a lot of laughter, smiles, and curiosity wherever they go.
In a delightful photo, Sponge Cake the cat is seen sporting a bow tie while standing in front of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The talented Olivia Nguyen is responsible for creating these custom-made accessories, as well as purchasing trendy pastel sweaters for her feline friends. According to Dan, Olivia enjoys dressing up her cats for fun and taking adorable photos. However, due to the delicate nature of her designs, she is extremely careful with them during travel. In fact, she carries them by hand in a box rather than packing them in a suitcase. It’s clear that Olivia is dedicated to making her cats look their best!