Kitty litter alternatives???

[Nereus32]

My husband and I are planning a long time cruise and we will be bringing our 7 year old cat. I am having a major dilemma with what to use as litter. First of all I don''t want to have to store such a heavy awkward litter container, plus Im not interested in stepping on litter on deck or down below. I have heard of sailors using turf like pieces of fabric and even grates that hang over the edge of the boat. I am open to all ideas so please fill me in!! Thank you all so much.

[robinx]

Hi,

I''ve had the same problem with kitty litter in the past, not to mention it getting down into the bilge of my Newport. I would suggest rough astroturf with a little littler in it. As your cats gets more and more used to having the astroturf below it, as well as its smell, he will gradually, and actually rather quickly no longer need littler, and just use the astroturf in the box, which you can wash by dangling it over the side... but I would not wash it 100 percent as to retain some of your cat''s scent... Let me know how it goes, I cruise with my black bombay cat, Lava with much success, he loves it.

[Nereus32]

robinx.

Thanks for the info. You aren''t the first one who has told me about the astroturf. I will have to try it. Did you keep your cat in a harness? My cat is declawed in her front paws. Im terrified she will fall over board because she isnt as dextrous as she used to be. Thanks again

[robinx]

I only have him in a harness when i''m at a dock or when he''s on dry land. He is in his lifejacket almost all the time when we''re underway, unless he''s down below and the hatch is closed. I also have put webbed lifelines for his benifit. He has all of his claws but they don''t seem to help on deck because it''s fibreglass! When we''re heeled over he''s on the windward side of the mast and he positions himself do that he can''t slide. When he ventures from his spot, say for food or to use his kittyhead, he displays extreme caution.

Good luck with the Astroturf!

-Robin