When we first starting taking Mario out for trips in the trailer – before we had Stitch and Milo – he was a bit out of sorts. Of course, he never enjoyed the ride in the truck. We expected that. But when we pulled into campsites, unhitched, and unloaded him into the Airstream, he still never really relaxed. Noises, from passers-by and other sources, disturbed him. He especially didn't like it when we drew the blinds at bedtime. It was as if hearing the noises and not being able to see their source made things worse. We had to leave a couple blinds open each night so he could satisfy himself that there were no threatening monsters outside.
It got a little better one week-long trip to Austin, especially after his Auntie Kelli came for a visit. Kelli cat-sat for us a few times when we had a house in Austin, and, each time we returned it seemed he had not missed us at all.
Everything changed when we got the kittens though. Stitch especially. When we brought Stitch with Mario on the next trip to Austin, Mario was more relaxed and at ease. I don't know if it was because he always had company, even when we were gone, or if it was because he didn't want the little kitten to see that he was afraid. Either way, it's made a big difference in our comfort level traveling with cats. And now that we have Milo with us too, we know that they all have the companionship they need to make it happily through those days when we might be absent for hours.
Stitch (L) changed everything for Mario (R).
