Sonja K Steiner reflects on the adventures of Mango and Peaches, affectionately nicknamed the “Campervan Cats.”
Mango was undeniably the explorer of the two, always indicating to the couple where he wanted to venture with his harness on. On the other hand, Peaches enjoyed her time inside the campervan and preferred observing the outside world from the comfort of the sofa.
Mango came into Rachel Heath and Jay Johnson’s lives in October 2014 as a beautiful 12-week-old ginger kitten. Right from the start, he craved companionship, refusing to sleep alone and making it clear by crying at their door. He was a loving cat, always wanting to spend time with them and play like any curious kitten. Unfortunately, a month later, Mango fell ill, and after various tests, it was revealed that he had a life-limiting condition that required constant monitoring and twice-daily medications.
From that point on, Rachel and Jay’s lives revolved around Mango, making traditional holidays nearly impossible. They first ventured on a holiday with Mango in Jay’s parents’ static caravan on the serene Devon coast. To make the journey comfortable for Mango, they set up a large travel crate on the back seat with all his familiar items. However, Mango had other ideas and preferred sitting on Rachel’s lap. Once securely harnessed, he remained content on her lap for the rest of the journey.
The caravan adventure turned out to be delightful for Mango. He could explore the outdoors with his harness on and, during quiet moments, they took him to the beach. The evenings were spent in front of a cozy campfire, with Mango comfortably settled on Rachel’s lap, showcasing the strong bond between them.
CAMPERVAN LIFE
During their time in Devon, the idea of buying a campervan sprouted in their minds. They saw it as an opportunity to embark on mini-trips over weekends and travel further afield for longer vacations, all while having Mango accompany them on their adventures.
Mango’s charm won the hearts of everyone he met. This adorable little cat left a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path. His loving face had the power to melt hearts effortlessly.
In January 2020, during a visit to PawPurrs Halfway House, a cat rescue center in Chorlton, Manchester, for a charity fundraiser and donation drop-off, Rachel and Jay unexpectedly encountered Peaches. Peaches was an 11-year-old cat with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), also known as wobbly cat syndrome. Despite their initial hesitation to adopt another cat due to Mango’s health issues, they couldn’t resist offering Peaches the
