Cats on Board

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penstable

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As the girl about to embark on the trip and fully aware of the the male laughter when reading this note - can anyone tell me whether cats on board are an option ? whilst I have no ''girl luxury requirements '' I do have a cat - which by the way my boyfirend tells me won't be a problem. I think he is just trying to cushion the blow till we set sail and the RSPCA come to collect her...P.s he will be loging back in later to talk clever ''center cockpit'' and other such boating questions !
 
So you're "the bird" then <g> Lots of people have dogs aboard quite successfully, the main issues being getting on and off, in and out of the saloon, and toilet issues, but they get round them.

We're hoping to bring our dog out early next year, so we'll see how it goes.

Dont know much about cats... but there have been ships cats from way back. I would guess the biggest problem would be having them get used to living in a new home which moves from place to place. If they go wandering, will they come back, or will they find someone else to feed them... cats seem to do that from what I hear.

Hopefully someone with a cat on board will give you some info.

Cheers

Richard

P.S. I feel a bit like I'm responding to a troll here. The 50ft Manhatten, Port Grimaud, "The Bird", a Dufour 39CC....
 
A friend of mine lived aboard his Fortune 30.

Two incidents come to mind....

(1) Cat wanders off around the dock, jumps onto a fishboat and is discovered by the crew 10 minutes after leaving the harbour. Said cat is speedily returned to end of dock and manages to land on all 4 paws.

(2) Same cat .... wanders off and owner is a physical eduction coordinator in the local schools.

Owner finds cat in schooyard.

Cat is scheduled for neutering.

On returning from vets to boat with cat, is greeted
by ...

"Dad that's not our cat"
 
Pooh is the problem. Imagine the scene, boat close reaching in trade wind conditions; spanking breeze, hot day, all hatches shut because of the spray.

You are not feeling too well, and as you go below your bare foot mixes with the contents of the litter tray....

Nevertheless, the cat makes a useful fender. Fur to polish the topsides, the tail perfect for a clove hitch round the stanchions. Have to watch out for the claws and the brightwork though.
 
We have a dog and are setting off in Spring. I believe the pet passport regulations are the same for a cat (although I may be wrong), which means your cat will need to have a rabies injection, pet passport and be vet checked for certain countries.
A female cat (who doesn't have a wondering spirit) would be preferable. You should introduce it to the boat whilst moored up for a few days rather than immediately take it out sailing. If its fine alongside, go out for a short sail. I suppose if the cat really doesn't like it, it may be fairer to rehome it?
 
for a sensible answer,
we have two cats & a dog living on board our catamaran for past 3 years
no problems at all. i believe that as on land problems are with owners not the animals, you don't say where you will be heading for. we are in french canals at the mo heading for the med next year. Make sure your pets have all thier jabs, rabies jab etc etc as you will have probs taking back to UK. if you do return to uk can only use a recognized carrier ie ferry not on your own boat. In 3 years we have not had any trouble with wondering off or pestering other boats. we have a large fishing net always to hand for WHEN they fall in. great company tried it first to make sure they happy, no probs & would not be without our babies now they also keep us warm at night best of luck leave a p mess if you want to know more
 
Friends inherited a ships cat from an abandoned project boat in the Carribean and assuming it to be sea wise set off for the return trip to the UK. Poor creature was seasick almost the entire journey but curiously did not appear to want to leave the boat when it was sold and the time came take up life on land.
 
When we moved on board we took our two cats and they were ok. But they were elderly and never really took to the actual sailing bit, particularly heeling. Valium was the best anti-seasickness tablet. At 18 and 19 tehy succumbed to cancer/old age respectively.

We had had them rabies jabbed and microchipped but the difficulties of bringing them back on own boat had stopped us ever making short trips to foreign climes with them. (Anmd we were boarded and searched by Customs once off the sandbanks between Ramsgate and Harwich and of course they saw the cats and cattray, so we were never inclined to take the risk.)

Much better to take a young cat if you really want a cat. If you want your cat, a nice spot, (which is secure when heeled), lots of treats, a covered litter tray and valium should be on your stores list!
 
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