sailing with cats??

LaceyKay · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2006

I have two cats, Turks and Caicos, who are almost a year old. I am possibly leaving for the Caribbean in about a year for a 8-12 month cruise.

I couldn't stand to leave them, but they are enough of a pain in the house, much less a tiny boat. I have no idea what to do. Any stories, advice, or comments on taking the little ones along???

Thanks!!

duffer1960 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006

Make sure your litter box (if you use one) has high sides on it. Also make sure it is in a secure location and won't move when heeded. For more info, look at the living aboard section; there was a pretty extensive thread in there about cats on board.

Denr · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006

If you run out of food or your refrigeration gives up the ghost you could eat the little rascals too! Cats stir fried are hard to beat mmmmmmm!

sailortjk1 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006

I love Denr's posts.
If you are ever bored, just search Denr's post and you will be entertained for hours.

SailorMitch · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006

The interesting part about Mr. Denr (well, actually there are too many to list) is that he's a cat lover -- and I don't mean for the dinner table, either.

Yes, his posts are entertaining -- even when he's calling me a trouble maker!

Denr -- Henry says hi!!!

Denr · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006

Are you bring Hank on our trip this summer? mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Kenshu · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006

We have lived aboard with our cat Oedipus for the past 4 years. She was about 10 years old when we moved aboard. She adopted very easily to the boat. We did buy a covered litter box and it works fine. She has only fallen overboard once. We were dockside and she was outraged but okay. She moves freely around the boat underway, no seasickness. All cruising has been in the USA so don't know about entering foreign ports (she speaks no foreign language to my knowledge). She knows no fear. We have to watch her carefully as she often likes to go out to the very end of the bowsprit. She's been no more of a pain than when house bound.

locrian13 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006

One of our mods once the boat is back in the water (I have a funny feeling we'll be finishing up all the other winter projects until the eleventh hour) is to screen in the hatches and the companionway. Have you had trouble with your cat 'escaping' when you're in port? I have one that I don't think would try it (I'm not sure she's going to take to this sailing bit too well), and one that I'm sure would be off exploring his first chance.
Also--have you done anything different to regulate the temperature down below? I'm worried it may be too hot for them...although, if Denr stops by for a visit, the fricassee will be halfway done, I guess.

SailorMitch · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006

Locrian,

To see some hatch screens that will bring tears to your eyes (not to mention your pocket book), sail that beautiful P-35 down to Waukegan and humbly beseech Captain Denr for a tour of his mega-yacht. He has some teak screens made by Glebe Creek that are works of art. And if you ask nicely, he might share some of his favorite pet recipes with you as well.

Denr -- Henry will not be joining our sailfest this summer. He has never been on the boat and I don't think he would care for the experience. He's a homebody. Besides, he's pretty small and wouldn't be worth cooking up. God, I sure hope you-know-who doesn't find out I said that!

Kenshu · #10 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006

For the first 3 years, our cat never left the boat. She would stay on deck whether we were around or not. Last year, however, she suddenly developed wanderlust and we couldn't keep her on board. In fact, we were going on a weekend cruise and the cat jumped ship just as we started to cast off. I grabbed her and put her back on board. Off we went. After we got the sails up and trimmed, my wife said, "Where's Oedipus?" A quick search, no cat on board. Fortunately, she jumped onto a friends boat who kept her for the weekend.