cat on a boat · cat on a sailboat · cat on boats · cat sailing · cats sailing · Oct 26, 2022

Cat on a Boat - Training, Gear and Tips to Sailing with a Cat

Cats are perhaps the last animal you'd imagine bringing on a boat. Because it's generally accepted that cats hate being near water.

Well, cats not only make great companions aboard a boat, but they also have been doing this for centuries!

Cats have a long and fascinating history with sailing: serving not only as companions but as important crew members. Their presence on boats spans centuries with vital roles on board, ranging from pest control to boosting the crew’s morale.

Understanding the link between cats and the sea, the breed predispositions, potential challenges, and safety precautions is essential for anyone considering bringing their feline friend aboard.

The tradition of cats on ships dates back thousands of years. Ancient seafarers recognized the practical benefits of having cats aboard, primarily for controlling vermin populations that threatened food supplies and the ship's integrity.

The ancient Egyptians, known for their reverence of cats, were among the first to bring felines onto their vessels. As maritime exploration expanded, so did the presence of cats on ships. Viking sailors, for instance, are believed to have taken cats on their voyages to manage pests and provide companionship. During the Age of Discovery, European explorers and traders continued this practice, introducing cats to new regions and cultures. The Royal Navy maintained ship's cats until 1975, when they were banned on hygiene grounds. Despite this, cats remain common on many private vessels today.

History of cats on boats, this is a stamp of a sailor with a cat

Interesting anecdotes about famous Sailing Cats

Throughout history, numerous cats have become recognised as notable seafaring companions:

Trim – In the early 19th century, Trim accompanied navigator Matthew Flinders on his circumnavigation of Australia, becoming a cherished member of the crew.

Mrs. Chippy – A male cat named Mrs. Chippy sailed with Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1914, providing companionship to the crew during their arduous journey.

Simon – Served aboard the HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War, Simon was famously awarded the Dickin Medal for his efforts in controlling a rat infestation and boosting crew morale under duress.

If you want to know more about the history of cats and the Navy, take a look at this fascinating photo essay from National Geographic.

Many sailors keep pets on board because they are entertaining, efficient, caring, and loving. Of those, many of them are cats because they can be happy in smaller spaces, they have great balance and they are smaller (so you also need less space for food storage).

Keeping a cat healthy and happy on a boat can be quite simple if you remember a few basic steps. Also, not all boats will keep your cat equally happy, so we are also going to cover that later in this article.

You should be able to take your cat with you if the vessel is equipped with the necessary facilities for their comfort and protection, including enough living space, enough ventilation, a constant temperature, a secure enclosure, and a place to do their needs, aka a clean litter box.

But what if my cat isn’t a natural sailor. Should I still take them on board?

All mammals have the ability to swim, and some actually enjoy it. But most cats have an aversion to water – or rather, getting wet – which may give you reservations about taking your feline friend aboard. But, the fact that cats have been associated with ships for so many centuries, proves that they make ideal sailing companions when properly acclimatized and cared for.

The most important thing is to ensure that the boat is equipped with all the necessary facilities that a cat needs for its comfort and protection.

This means an adequate living space enriched with toys and scratch posts, unrestricted access to food and water, good ventilation and a constant temperature, secured areas for exploring, and a clean litter box where they can do their daily business.

Spending sunny days sailing the water can be one of life's greatest pleasures. I consider Mia to be a family member, so in the same way I will take her with me when I travel by plane, it is only natural that she also accompanies me on sailing trips. This particularly convenient when I’m travelling for several days, since the only alternative would be to leave my cat behind with someone else, and that is not always convenient or even possible.

Of all the ways I can travel with my cat, I consider sailing one of the best ones. But the short trips I have taken so far with Mia are nothing compared to the grand adventures of other sailing cats!

A great example is Lisa Clark, who adopted an abandoned kitten called Amelia in November 2013. Since then, the two of them have been happily sailing around the world in a fiberglass boat for the last 10 years and their adventures have taken them to western coast of Mexico, Central America and the South Pacific.

Lisa Clark Sailing around the world with a cat

Photo via Instagram: @captainlizclark

Before introducing a cat to a boating lifestyle, it is important to take into account the following factors:

1. Your cat’s temperament

Consider whether your cat's personality aligns with the unpredictability of life on a boat. Cats that are very anxious or averse to change may struggle with the constant motion on board and the confined spaces.

2. Health and Veterinary Care

Ensure your cat is in good health and all vaccinations are up to date. Access to veterinary care may be limited while at sea, so it is wise to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit for your cat. Your vet can give you advice on the essential medications and other items that you may need while isolated from the land for extended periods.

3. Food and Water

Cats are desert animals by nature, and drink far less than dogs. So, they obtain most of the water they need from their food. When taking a cat on boat you should consider switching to a moist food diet, so if the unfamiliar surroundings of the boat affect their drinking habits, at least their hydration levels will be kept up by their food. However, cats are really picky and will need time to get used to a change in diet before the trip. Make sure to introduce them to the new moist food gradually, in the weeks before sailing. Another good tip is to pack at least 10-20% more moist food than you would normally need for the trip. Unexpected things can happen, and it is essential that your cat has enough food once the boat leaves the dock.

4. Seasickness

Cats can experience motion sickness just like we can. Symptoms include drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. Consult a veterinarian for advice on preventing and managing seasickness in cats.

If you decide to give your cat Dramamine or Stugeron, it is important to administer the correct dose for a cat and in a form that is easy to swallow. Again, your vet can help with this. If your cat does vomit, it is essential to replace their lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

5. Safety Measures

The following safety equipment should always be on hand to protect your cat:

Life Jackets – Buy a well-fitting feline life jacket to ensure buoyancy if your feline friend falls overboard.
Lifelines – Attach these to the jacket or harness if your cat is wandering the boat unsupervised.
Netting and Barriers – Install netting around the deck to stop falls and restrict access to hazardous areas.
Identification – Fit a collar/ID tag with contact information. Microchipping adds an extra layer of security.

6. Litter Box Arrangements

Designate a stable, easily accessible area for your cats litter box. The box should be regularly cleaned to maintain hygiene in the confined space of a boat.

For day trips we use a portable litterbox and biodegradable World’s Best Litter that can be easily washed away in the water (always check local regulations about this).

If you are on a longer trip or living abroad, try using a very tall litterbox so that the litter stays inside. Top-entry litterboxes work best for sailing environments, although some sailors have built-in litterboxes into a cabinet, for extra coolness.

7. Training and Acclimatization

Help your cat adapt to life at sea with the following steps:

Start Slowly – Let your cat explore the boat while it is still in the dock, to familiarize itself with the new environment under controlled conditions.
Leash Training – Train your cat to wear a harness and leash. This will make supervised exploration of the boat much easier and prevent accidental escapes.
Establish a Routine – Maintain consistent feeding and play schedules for your cat, to provide a sense of normalcy amidst the changing surroundings at sea.

8. Entertainment

Try to create an environment with enough scratching, climbing and hiding spots to keep your cat occupied when you can be watching them at every moment.

Ship cats have been a part of many different types of ships throughout history, including those used for business, exploration, and even warfare. There are several reasons cats have been brought aboard ships, but the most common is keeping rodents in check. Vermin on ships can damage ropes, timber, and electrical cables.

While individual temperament plays a significant role, some cat breeds may be naturally more predisposed to adapting to life on a boat.

Maine Coon – Known for their robust size and friendly demeanour, Maine Coons are often very sociable and adaptable: two important traits well suited to the dynamic environment of a boat.

Siberian – With origins in Russia's harsh climates, Siberians are hardy and agile, potentially making them well suited for the challenges of seafaring life.

Turkish Van – Nicknamed the Swimming Cat, Turkish Vans have a famous affinity for water, which might make them more comfortable in a maritime setting.

Bengal – Bengals like Mia are energetic and intelligent cats, with a love for exploration. Their active nature makes them excellent candidates for leash training and outdoor adventures.

Some sailors think a cat's sharp vision might guide them to avoid a shipwreck at night.

Many live-aboard families choose cats as companions. Cats are great sailing pets, much better than dogs. Cats have a lower activity need, and many may adjust well to life aboard a vessel with less attention and special care than a dog. Cats have long been a part of ships due to their adaptability and entertaining companionship.

As mentioned earlier, living with a cat on a boat is possible, and many cat lovers are doing it. However, here are some things to consider if you want to bring your cat with you on your boat:

I would like to separate the cat´s needs into 3 big groups:

Food & Water
Entertainment
Health & Hygiene

Food Aboard

Cats are not very good at drinking water, they absorb most of the hydration through food. Particularly on a sailing vessel, cats will get dehydrated food will just make matters worse.

Consider switching your cat to a wet diet when on a boat, so in case they are not very regular at drinking water, they still have a healthy hydration level in their bodies.

Regarding food, if you leave the dock, consider always packing enough food for 10-20% more days than you are going out. Things happen and you should ensure that your cat can eat throughout the trip.

Entertainment

While cats need less activity than dogs, they still need mental and physical stimulation.

Try to provide an environment where your cat can thrive, with enough scratching, climbing, and hiding spots. Usually, boats don't lack those, but satisfying your boat will help keep your cat healthy and your boat intact.

Health and Hygiene

See a vet before you go to ensure your cat is healthy enough to travel.

Another safety consideration is leaving your cat roaming around the boat. If the boat is underway, the cat should wear a harness or a lifejacket and attach it to a lifeline, so in case it fell on the water, it'd be easier to get back up. When not underway, those measures are still recommended, but if the cat is walking around without a harness or a floating device for cats, there should be always someone paying attention to the cat.

Bengal Cat on a Sailboat

Do cats have a preference for motorboats or sailboats? In general, cats prefer smooth rides without a lot of noise. If you have to decide between travelling on a motorized vessel or a yacht, your cat will probably prefer the sailboat. Not only are they more elegant, they have certain design features that are better suited to feline sailors:

Their displacement hulls cut through the water, instead of jumping the waves, so the ride is smoother
They are powered by the wind, so there is less noise and smell from the engines
They generally have more vertical space, so there is more area for your cat to explore

However, this only applies to boats on the open water. There are many cat sailors who are more than happy to travel through inland rivers and waterways on narrowboats or canal barges. These are powered by motors, but travel at a much slower pace and have plenty of room for exploring. Check out this guide to living with a cat on a narrowboat by Liv and Matt!

One of the most important things to do before setting sail with your cat is to prepare the boat. The process includes ensuring your sailboat is secure for cats by "cat-proofing" it.

Before bringing a cat on board, you must take steps to cat-proof your boat. This means blocking access to any places that could be dangerous. Be careful to seal up any holes leading to the bilge. Most sailboat bilges are damp, unclean, and cramped, which creates problems. Cats are known to chew and damage electrical panels and wires, so it is important to secure them. Keep cabinets shut and consider fitting nets over deep cubby holes to keep your cat from becoming entangled, or stuck behind a panel or bulkhead.

Final considerations before taking your Cat on a Boat

1. Legal and Quarantine Regulations

Research the pet importation and quarantine laws of destinations to avoid complications during travel.

2. Emergency Preparedness

Develop a plan for potential emergencies, including cat-overboard scenarios and available veterinary care in various ports along the journey.

3. Environmental Enrichment

Provide toys, scratching posts, and interactive play to keep your friend mentally stimulated in the confined spaces of a boat.

4. Hydration and Nutrition

Ensure a steady supply of fresh water and appropriate food to meet your cat's dietary needs.

5. Watch their Behaviour

Constantly monitor your cat for signs of stress or discomfort, such as changes in appetite, grooming habits, or litter box usage, and address any issues promptly.

So, while cats have long history as shipmates, introducing your cat to life on a boat still requires thorough preparation and consideration. However, by assessing your cat's suitability, implementing safety measures, and providing proper training, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your cat on the water.

Understanding the unique needs of a cat in a marine setting will make it a harmonious experience for both the pet and owner, with companionship and discovery. Having a cat aboard your boat can definitely put the wind in your sails, an if you still don’t believe me, just look at this video of Mia and myself circumnavigating Long Island on a beautiful 30ft yacht!