The Rescue Cat Who Cycled Around the World: Dean & Nala’s Story

What began as a solo cycling trip around the world turned into something completely unexpected after one tiny kitten changed the course of the journey forever. Since then, Dean and Nala have traveled across countries together, building a global community through their honest, heartwarming look at life on the road. Below, Dean shares more about their travels, their connection, and the reality of adventuring the world with a rescue cat by his side.

How It All Began

I’m originally from Scotland and set off on a cycling trip around the world. At the start, creating content was really just a way to keep friends and family updated. But once Nala came into my life, everything changed. People connected with our story, and it naturally grew into something much bigger—sharing not just travel, but companionship, animals, and the ups and downs of this lifestyle.

I found Nala as a tiny kitten on the side of the road in Bosnia—or, in fact, Nala found me, as she was chasing me trying to get my attention. At first, my thoughts were to find her a home, but she was attached to my side straight away and loved being on the bike, so we just continued the travels together. From that moment on, she became part of the journey, and people instantly connected with her. She kind of stole the show.

I’d describe our content as real, raw, and heartwarming, with a bit of chaos thrown in.

Life on the Road Together

There wasn’t really a big decision to travel with Nala—it just happened naturally. She trusted me and settled into the bike life straight away. We’ve now traveled through multiple countries across Europe together, and honestly, there’s no set number for how many more we plan to visit. It’s more about the journey than ticking boxes.

One of the biggest challenges when traveling the world with a cat, especially on a bike, is the weather—making sure she’s always comfortable. I’m prepared for most scenarios, but it’s always something you need to keep an eye on and plan for.

It’s hard to pick a favorite place we’ve been to, because every destination has something special, but I’ve always loved the quieter areas where nature feels untouched and we can just set up camp and relax together. I don’t really have a least favorite place because there’s always something nice about wherever we are.

Some of the most memorable moments from our travels are actually the simple ones. Finding a quiet spot by the water, setting up the hammock, and just watching Nala explore. One moment that really stands out was kayaking with Nala in Greece. She ran and jumped onto the kayak to join me, which I never thought a cat would do.

Meet Nala

Nala is incredibly curious and confident for a cat. Nothing really phases her—new places, new people, or new animals. But at the same time, she’s really affectionate and always wants to be close. That mix makes her perfect for this lifestyle.

She also has plenty of funny quirks. She loves climbing into places she definitely shouldn’t be (bags, handlebars, random boxes), and she’s got this routine of scouting out every new place like she owns it before eventually coming back for a cuddle after she’s explored everything.

A typical day for us is pretty simple. We’ll cycle for a few hours, stop somewhere, and let Nala explore while I rest or film. Then we’ll eventually find somewhere to sleep—sometimes wild camping, sometimes somewhere more sheltered. It’s a simple lifestyle, but every day feels different.

The Reality of Traveling With a Pet

One of the biggest realities of having a pet while living this way is the responsibility. You don’t really get to switch off. You always have to think ahead and make sure they’re safe and happy no matter what.

Nala has taught me a lot over the years, especially patience. I was thinking about this recently while sitting in long grass waiting for Nala to finish hunting mice while I was ready to cycle again. You need to be very patient if you’re traveling with a cat. She’s also shown me how adaptable animals can be when they feel safe and loved. You don’t need a perfect environment—just trust.

Building a Community

Through our content, we’ve built a really supportive and positive community. A lot of people might initially follow for the travel photos and videos, but they stay because of the connection with Nala, with the journey, and with the lifestyle.

Some of the messages that stay with me the most are from people saying the videos helped them through difficult times. You never really realize how much a simple clip can mean to someone until they tell you.

I also try to use our platform to support animal welfare where I can and encourage people to adopt rather than shop. Nala’s story itself is a good example of that. We’ve also recently become a registered charity called Nala’s Ark.

Quickfire With Dean & Nala

According to Dean, Nala can best be described in three words: curious, confident, and affectionate.

And when it comes to who’s really in charge? “Definitely Nala.”

Their favorite thing to do together is simple: finding a quiet spot in nature and slowing down for a while. After years of traveling together, it’s those peaceful moments away from the noise of everyday life that still matter most.

Final Thoughts

For anyone thinking about getting a pet, my biggest advice would be to make sure you’re truly ready for the responsibility. It’s not just the fun parts—it’s a long-term commitment.

And for aspiring pet creators, I’d say just be real. People connect with authenticity way more than perfection. You don’t need fancy gear—just tell your story.

At the end of the day, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned through all of this is to enjoy the small moments. They’re the ones that matter most, both in travel and with pets.

You can follow our journey on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at @1bike1world.