My crew (wife and daughters) are insisting that a cat is a necessity of life for an extended cruise (anything over 3-4 weeks)...I'm looking for the dirty, low-down details from those who sail with cats: How do you keep them on board (both in the marina and when underway? Where do you put the litter box? How you keep them out of bad places like the engine compartment, the bilge, and that nasty place under the v-berth? Do they chew on wires or hoses? Do they get seasick (and, if they do, do they hurl, or just go to sleep)? Any and all suggestions and advice will be welcomed!
- Status
Having lived with cats ...
... most of my adult life, they do all of those things at home, so you can expect the same on a boat. Personally, I'd leave them home. But, you may have to experiment with the situation to determine whether it really works for you & your family. Like people, there are real sea-cats who can tolerate motion, and there are lubber-cats who can't. There are some who are athletic and active, others who are more sedentary. Most boats have the engine compartment pretty well closed off. Just make sure they can't squeeze through some weird opening (e.g., seeking warmth). The first time you start the engine with the cat in there will be the last. I doubt that a cat will just fall overboard unless knocked by something (or someone). I can't imagine wrestling any of our cats into a life jacket, either! I've seen cats who love to snooze on things like furled sails, and those claw tracks, fur & upchuck issues can be detrimental to the sail service life. Roaming off-boat while docked can be a real problem. Most of them will be prone to do just that, and its tough explaining to them they need to be aboard for a departure that catches a certain tide/current. On the other hand, that might ultimately solve the problem ... There's also the transport problem between home and dock, and between a dock and your mooring. A cat will generally need to be contained in a carrier, particularly if you have an inflatable dinghy. That dinghy tied up next to your boat will be a tempting site for snoozing, fishing, or other feline purrsuits. Getting in & out usually requires a leap or two, and that inevitably involves claws. And repair kits. Clearly, cat litter & hair in the bilge will present a problem. If nothing else, it can clog the intake of your bilge pump & that's a safety issue. As for locating the litter pan, the shower/head is the usual spot I've seen used. A bit of an annoyance for humans using the facility, but it keeps the litter, etc. contained. PS: Don't use the "clumping" type of litter on a boat -- the stuff turns to go when wet, and dampness & boats seem to go together. Ditto with regular clay litter. Both are heavy too. Perhaps the cedar-flake variety might be better -- it floats & can be swept up without scratching the wood sole. Good luck --RonD
... most of my adult life, they do all of those things at home, so you can expect the same on a boat. Personally, I'd leave them home. But, you may have to experiment with the situation to determine whether it really works for you & your family. Like people, there are real sea-cats who can tolerate motion, and there are lubber-cats who can't. There are some who are athletic and active, others who are more sedentary. Most boats have the engine compartment pretty well closed off. Just make sure they can't squeeze through some weird opening (e.g., seeking warmth). The first time you start the engine with the cat in there will be the last. I doubt that a cat will just fall overboard unless knocked by something (or someone). I can't imagine wrestling any of our cats into a life jacket, either! I've seen cats who love to snooze on things like furled sails, and those claw tracks, fur & upchuck issues can be detrimental to the sail service life. Roaming off-boat while docked can be a real problem. Most of them will be prone to do just that, and its tough explaining to them they need to be aboard for a departure that catches a certain tide/current. On the other hand, that might ultimately solve the problem ... There's also the transport problem between home and dock, and between a dock and your mooring. A cat will generally need to be contained in a carrier, particularly if you have an inflatable dinghy. That dinghy tied up next to your boat will be a tempting site for snoozing, fishing, or other feline purrsuits. Getting in & out usually requires a leap or two, and that inevitably involves claws. And repair kits. Clearly, cat litter & hair in the bilge will present a problem. If nothing else, it can clog the intake of your bilge pump & that's a safety issue. As for locating the litter pan, the shower/head is the usual spot I've seen used. A bit of an annoyance for humans using the facility, but it keeps the litter, etc. contained. PS: Don't use the "clumping" type of litter on a boat -- the stuff turns to go when wet, and dampness & boats seem to go together. Ditto with regular clay litter. Both are heavy too. Perhaps the cedar-flake variety might be better -- it floats & can be swept up without scratching the wood sole. Good luck --RonD
Herding Cats
As a cat lover, I applaud your desire to have a boat cat. On the other hand, I'm not sure it's possible to make any cat obey the rules of the boat. I do recall, however, that Robin Graham took two cats with him on his voyage in the Dove. Best of luck with your efforts. I suggest, as J. Aubrey did in one of the O'Brien books, that if you get a boat cat, name it "Scourge."
As a cat lover, I applaud your desire to have a boat cat. On the other hand, I'm not sure it's possible to make any cat obey the rules of the boat. I do recall, however, that Robin Graham took two cats with him on his voyage in the Dove. Best of luck with your efforts. I suggest, as J. Aubrey did in one of the O'Brien books, that if you get a boat cat, name it "Scourge."
Boat Cat
"Barnacle" has accompanied me for the past four years as I single hand. I've had to cat proof my wiring, she wakes me at all hours, kicks cat litter all over while never succesfully covering her stink, gone overboard once, jumped ship once (causing me to extend a stay for two days looking for her), hides so well on the boat that more than once have thought I had lost her...You get the picture; a cat on board can cause you more grief than you can imagine. I wouldn't leave home without her. On the other hand, if I had crew for companionship, I wouldn't take on a cat- for the above reasons, and the risk to the dumb animal can result in heartache. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor, 86H23
"Barnacle" has accompanied me for the past four years as I single hand. I've had to cat proof my wiring, she wakes me at all hours, kicks cat litter all over while never succesfully covering her stink, gone overboard once, jumped ship once (causing me to extend a stay for two days looking for her), hides so well on the boat that more than once have thought I had lost her...You get the picture; a cat on board can cause you more grief than you can imagine. I wouldn't leave home without her. On the other hand, if I had crew for companionship, I wouldn't take on a cat- for the above reasons, and the risk to the dumb animal can result in heartache. Mark Major, s/v Lesismor, 86H23
Cat tricks!
Suggest you might want to read MAIDEN VOYAGE. Tania had cats on board on her solo trip around the world. The book also applies to other threads in that she was very limited as far as on board systems go.
Suggest you might want to read MAIDEN VOYAGE. Tania had cats on board on her solo trip around the world. The book also applies to other threads in that she was very limited as far as on board systems go.
Not a problem
Colin: Our cats go with us nearly every boating weekend as well as longer, extended holidays for periods of around 2 weeks. Quite frankly, I wouldn't hesitate to take them during longer trips either. Cats are relatively convenient in that there are no obligatory trips ashore to find that "just right" bush. We keep a litter box on the boat at all time just under the nav-stand on a carpet remnant (that catches the stray litter) and sweep up if any litter that finds itself outside the box - no biggie. Their food and water bowls usually find their way into the head, the only exception being during shower time. We let them out on deck while anchored although we keep a close eye on them. When we are at the dock, we always herd them down below, although usually they don't seem to mind this much. We've only had only incident of "cat overboard." We were anchored behind the islands at Port Ludlow and had been towing the dinghy during our trip through the San Juans. Skootie was on one of the steps on the transom looking at the dinghy which was resting right on the transom. He decided to investigate the dinghy closer, reached both front paws out to it and as it started to drift away slowly, he couldn't seem to bring himself to commit to jumping. As the distance between the dinghy and transom grew larger - SPLASH! ;-) Of course, we were watching this happen and I quickly nabbed him, even though he had already grabbed the swim ladder with his front paws. The other cat prefers to lounge anywhere, all the time. They both really like to be out while underway preferably under the dodger or on the cockpit floor. Like anything else, as long as you keep an eye on them, they are fine. Having cats onboard provides great entertainment while away from rigors of civilization! We haven't had any trouble with them getting into things. matt
Colin: Our cats go with us nearly every boating weekend as well as longer, extended holidays for periods of around 2 weeks. Quite frankly, I wouldn't hesitate to take them during longer trips either. Cats are relatively convenient in that there are no obligatory trips ashore to find that "just right" bush. We keep a litter box on the boat at all time just under the nav-stand on a carpet remnant (that catches the stray litter) and sweep up if any litter that finds itself outside the box - no biggie. Their food and water bowls usually find their way into the head, the only exception being during shower time. We let them out on deck while anchored although we keep a close eye on them. When we are at the dock, we always herd them down below, although usually they don't seem to mind this much. We've only had only incident of "cat overboard." We were anchored behind the islands at Port Ludlow and had been towing the dinghy during our trip through the San Juans. Skootie was on one of the steps on the transom looking at the dinghy which was resting right on the transom. He decided to investigate the dinghy closer, reached both front paws out to it and as it started to drift away slowly, he couldn't seem to bring himself to commit to jumping. As the distance between the dinghy and transom grew larger - SPLASH! ;-) Of course, we were watching this happen and I quickly nabbed him, even though he had already grabbed the swim ladder with his front paws. The other cat prefers to lounge anywhere, all the time. They both really like to be out while underway preferably under the dodger or on the cockpit floor. Like anything else, as long as you keep an eye on them, they are fine. Having cats onboard provides great entertainment while away from rigors of civilization! We haven't had any trouble with them getting into things. matt
Not in this lifetime...
...or any other. But if you must, more power to you. As a former cat owner I do have a recommendation on cat litter. I agree with the earlier post about not using clumping or clay litter. There is a synthetic litter, can't remember the name but it looks like plastic beads. Absorbs water and odor well, and lasts about two weeks per cat (check the package)without smelling. You just have to sift it every day. I think (check me on this, also) that it will eventually break down in water, so it is probably more bilge friendly than clumping or clay litters. Not 100% sure if this will work on a boat because I never was brave enough to take the cat with me, (my last refuge of sanity and all that.) I think this litter is worth a try, always worked great in the house. Good Luck. Bob s/v Simple Dreams Chicago
...or any other. But if you must, more power to you. As a former cat owner I do have a recommendation on cat litter. I agree with the earlier post about not using clumping or clay litter. There is a synthetic litter, can't remember the name but it looks like plastic beads. Absorbs water and odor well, and lasts about two weeks per cat (check the package)without smelling. You just have to sift it every day. I think (check me on this, also) that it will eventually break down in water, so it is probably more bilge friendly than clumping or clay litters. Not 100% sure if this will work on a boat because I never was brave enough to take the cat with me, (my last refuge of sanity and all that.) I think this litter is worth a try, always worked great in the house. Good Luck. Bob s/v Simple Dreams Chicago
We've sailed for thirty years with cats
If there is a problem having cats on board, we've met it head on with a number of cats over the years. One got loose from her harness and climbed a tree and stayed there for two days, another got stung by a bee and almost died and one jumped from the dinghy and swam to the mother boat and climbed the stern ladder and was steaking for the sleeping bags by the time I caught him. He was the only one that didn't like boats and ironically his name was "Skipper". There has been a lot of good advice given already in these responses so if I repeat some, forgive me. The suggestion of what type of kitty litter is a good one but what ever you do, bring enough. We have a long story about running out of kitty litter in Desolation Sound. Our kitty box normally stays up in the forepeak cabin but finding a spot where it doesn't move much is the best thing. Yes, cats do get seasick. When you watch one starting to lick it's mouth, you're about to have a problem. For those cats that do get seasick, we carry some cloth covered plastic small blankets and then we have old towels to place under the cat.. If they do get sick, it is easy to clean up. Holding the cat sometimes helps. One of our cats always got seasick and then one season, she just didn't do it anymore. We have no idea why she quit. Normally, they get over it in a day or so. One of the best things to buy for your cats is the Sherpa Bags for animals. They are soft sided and fit in a bunk and you can carry your cats from the car to the boat and anywheres else for that matter. Our cats know which bag is whoes and they see it as their space. So when things for bad, that is where they tend to go. Our cats also have to wear a Walking Jacket (www. metpet.com) when top side or at the docks. One likes her jacket and the other hates it but goes along with it on. None of our cats have fallen overboard while underway but if they did the jacket would be easier to hold. By the way, we found this jacket after one of our cats got out of a harness. One thing many people don't think about is the cat first aid kit. Talk to your vet about what should be in it. We have seringes to administer medications, hair brush, eye wash, etc. I don't want to spacifically name stuff--your vet can do that. We also bring a scratching post or pad and a bunch of toys. We didn't realize that they miss their things as much as we do, so we have a cat bag to take to the boat. We also carry a salmon net (fits on the boat hook) just in case they hit the water but we've never had that problem. Since we use an Avon inflatable, they have little problem getting from the dink to the mother ship but we use to have a Hunter 40 with a stern that was awsome even to adults. Several of our cats slipped going up the rungs but since we were there we normally caught them before they got very wet. One time we were rowing around in our inflatable in very shallow water. My wife and I were looking over the side at little fish, some crab and whatever. The water was extremely clear. We had Lanki, our Siamese with us, and she wa watching as well. All of a sudden, she just walked off the dinghy. We were as surprised as she was and she climbed back on board on the oar. We took her back to the main ship to dry her off--so take extra towels with you. Our cats like Sidney, B.C as one of their favorite stops. There are a family of Swans there and our cats have never seen such big birds up close. It's like going to heaven for a cat. It's a wonderful place for adults as well. There is a neat book on the market entitled, "The Cat that Went to Paris." It will give you some ideas of what to expect. Like us, they like quiet anchorages the best. They sit on the dodger top and enjoy the sun and watch the birds. Good luck with your cats, Les
If there is a problem having cats on board, we've met it head on with a number of cats over the years. One got loose from her harness and climbed a tree and stayed there for two days, another got stung by a bee and almost died and one jumped from the dinghy and swam to the mother boat and climbed the stern ladder and was steaking for the sleeping bags by the time I caught him. He was the only one that didn't like boats and ironically his name was "Skipper". There has been a lot of good advice given already in these responses so if I repeat some, forgive me. The suggestion of what type of kitty litter is a good one but what ever you do, bring enough. We have a long story about running out of kitty litter in Desolation Sound. Our kitty box normally stays up in the forepeak cabin but finding a spot where it doesn't move much is the best thing. Yes, cats do get seasick. When you watch one starting to lick it's mouth, you're about to have a problem. For those cats that do get seasick, we carry some cloth covered plastic small blankets and then we have old towels to place under the cat.. If they do get sick, it is easy to clean up. Holding the cat sometimes helps. One of our cats always got seasick and then one season, she just didn't do it anymore. We have no idea why she quit. Normally, they get over it in a day or so. One of the best things to buy for your cats is the Sherpa Bags for animals. They are soft sided and fit in a bunk and you can carry your cats from the car to the boat and anywheres else for that matter. Our cats know which bag is whoes and they see it as their space. So when things for bad, that is where they tend to go. Our cats also have to wear a Walking Jacket (www. metpet.com) when top side or at the docks. One likes her jacket and the other hates it but goes along with it on. None of our cats have fallen overboard while underway but if they did the jacket would be easier to hold. By the way, we found this jacket after one of our cats got out of a harness. One thing many people don't think about is the cat first aid kit. Talk to your vet about what should be in it. We have seringes to administer medications, hair brush, eye wash, etc. I don't want to spacifically name stuff--your vet can do that. We also bring a scratching post or pad and a bunch of toys. We didn't realize that they miss their things as much as we do, so we have a cat bag to take to the boat. We also carry a salmon net (fits on the boat hook) just in case they hit the water but we've never had that problem. Since we use an Avon inflatable, they have little problem getting from the dink to the mother ship but we use to have a Hunter 40 with a stern that was awsome even to adults. Several of our cats slipped going up the rungs but since we were there we normally caught them before they got very wet. One time we were rowing around in our inflatable in very shallow water. My wife and I were looking over the side at little fish, some crab and whatever. The water was extremely clear. We had Lanki, our Siamese with us, and she wa watching as well. All of a sudden, she just walked off the dinghy. We were as surprised as she was and she climbed back on board on the oar. We took her back to the main ship to dry her off--so take extra towels with you. Our cats like Sidney, B.C as one of their favorite stops. There are a family of Swans there and our cats have never seen such big birds up close. It's like going to heaven for a cat. It's a wonderful place for adults as well. There is a neat book on the market entitled, "The Cat that Went to Paris." It will give you some ideas of what to expect. Like us, they like quiet anchorages the best. They sit on the dodger top and enjoy the sun and watch the birds. Good luck with your cats, Les
Matey our cat
Sailing would not be the same without him. Start the engine and he did what all cats do,find a place to sleep. After a day sail out he would come to entertain. We solved the problem about his wanting to visit other boats. I caught him off the boat standing on the dock so I doused him with a hose. He licked for hours and never stepped foot off the boat again. We lived aboard for four years and I could leave the boat open and be gone all day and there he was sitting on the foredeck waiting for my return. A fellow sailor gave me an idea for a litter box. Matey was to smart for this but it might work for you. At the bottom of the litter box put 1/4" hardware cloth suspended about 2" from the bottom and cover with litter. Each litter change put a little less litter in. If you do this very slowly your cat will get used to scratching on the metal and you can do away with the litter. It worked well for his cat.
Sailing would not be the same without him. Start the engine and he did what all cats do,find a place to sleep. After a day sail out he would come to entertain. We solved the problem about his wanting to visit other boats. I caught him off the boat standing on the dock so I doused him with a hose. He licked for hours and never stepped foot off the boat again. We lived aboard for four years and I could leave the boat open and be gone all day and there he was sitting on the foredeck waiting for my return. A fellow sailor gave me an idea for a litter box. Matey was to smart for this but it might work for you. At the bottom of the litter box put 1/4" hardware cloth suspended about 2" from the bottom and cover with litter. Each litter change put a little less litter in. If you do this very slowly your cat will get used to scratching on the metal and you can do away with the litter. It worked well for his cat.
litter idea
I'm not a cat man but I read about an interesting litter box idea in Ralph Naranjo's book Wind Shadow West. The jist of it is get a plastic litter tray put some dry litter in the bottom about 1/2" then mix up some resin and pour it over the litter to completely seal the litter in resin. Then, after it hardens put a small amount of litter on top. Gradually reduce the amount of loose litter over a few days until just the resin covered litter is left. Make a hole in one corner of the litter box , tie a light line to it. When the cat does its business there is no actual litter for it to kick around but it has become used to that, all you do is toss/drop the pan over the side to rinse it off. I think that's what Ralph did.
I'm not a cat man but I read about an interesting litter box idea in Ralph Naranjo's book Wind Shadow West. The jist of it is get a plastic litter tray put some dry litter in the bottom about 1/2" then mix up some resin and pour it over the litter to completely seal the litter in resin. Then, after it hardens put a small amount of litter on top. Gradually reduce the amount of loose litter over a few days until just the resin covered litter is left. Make a hole in one corner of the litter box , tie a light line to it. When the cat does its business there is no actual litter for it to kick around but it has become used to that, all you do is toss/drop the pan over the side to rinse it off. I think that's what Ralph did.
Bring Your Cats
We live on our boat with 2 cats. Admittedly it is a big boat (h450) so it is a little easier. We also have them completely de-clawed (front & back). We put the litter box in the forward head and we use (& recommend) the clumping litter. The plastic buckets it comes in has proven water / air tight. We do keep an eye on them when working in the engine compartment or other interior openings. Since our boat is a center-cockpit, we have the cockpit completely enclosed w/ plastic &/or screens and therefore limited the cats to the cockpit & below. Yes, they have gotten out a few times and our male even fell in once at the dock, but we try to keep an eye on them at all times. While traveling under motor they want to stay with us in the cockpit, but under sail they hide below. Our male gets sick (once in a day) if it is rough. Our female never has. One last thought, they are wonderful company and great pets and as a dog lover, far better than a dog on board. We love sleeping in on a rainy morning & listening to the dog people running their engines to take their dogs ashore. Good Luck
We live on our boat with 2 cats. Admittedly it is a big boat (h450) so it is a little easier. We also have them completely de-clawed (front & back). We put the litter box in the forward head and we use (& recommend) the clumping litter. The plastic buckets it comes in has proven water / air tight. We do keep an eye on them when working in the engine compartment or other interior openings. Since our boat is a center-cockpit, we have the cockpit completely enclosed w/ plastic &/or screens and therefore limited the cats to the cockpit & below. Yes, they have gotten out a few times and our male even fell in once at the dock, but we try to keep an eye on them at all times. While traveling under motor they want to stay with us in the cockpit, but under sail they hide below. Our male gets sick (once in a day) if it is rough. Our female never has. One last thought, they are wonderful company and great pets and as a dog lover, far better than a dog on board. We love sleeping in on a rainy morning & listening to the dog people running their engines to take their dogs ashore. Good Luck
Suggestions
Colin, you asked for "any and all suggestions and advise" would be welcomed. Find a different crew.
Colin, you asked for "any and all suggestions and advise" would be welcomed. Find a different crew.
A Happy Boat is a Fun Boat
Those are all very real concerns you have but some are not important and others can be worked out. The one thing that probably can't be worked out, Captain, is your "crews" wishes. If the crews wishes are as strong as you seem to indicate then this is a major issue that has to be dealt with. Seems to me there are only two options: satisfy the crew, or, don't satisfy the crew. Looking at this analytically this equates to "Happy Boat" or "Un-happy Boat". And you get to make the choice. Are we having fun yet??? (Sorry - couldn't help that last comment. I know, easy for me to say.)((and it was!)) Okay, back to your concerns: How to keep a cat on board? This is like trying to train a kid and since you've been through that a couple times you know what I mean. Take each case as it comes along. What really worked well for our cat was when he jumped off and I was on the main dock with a hose nearby. Most cats don't like water. It's been about four years now and I'd say he's nearly 100 percent trained. His litter box has a cover which helps to keeps about 99 percent of the sand in. The carpet captures about 95 percent of what escapes and the vac gets the rest. 2. When underway he stays below - always. Also, if you have eagles in the area (we do in many areas) keep the cat below deck. 3. Litter box is under the salon table, along with a rug. We also have a rug runner down the walking area. You don't want to grind the litter into the sole hence the runner and carpet. We also have a Dirt Devil vac. 4. Bad places - no problem. They will explore but after they've cased the place out I think most cats will end up in the forpeak, aft end of aft cabin, or holed up on a soft blanket in the salon. 5. Chewing on wires or hoses - shouldn't be a problem unless there is a loose one around and it looks like a toy. 6. Some cats can get seasick but that depends on the individual cat - just like humans. The one we have is pretty good about keeping dinner down and I can't remember an 'accident' although there may have been one and he's been on many trips including to Alaska and back. Mostly he tends to just hole up and sleep on it when underway. Advice? Suggestions? When you agree to the cat on board realize you may still be the Captain but life is easier if the Admiral and crew is happy. And, once the cat is on board it is NOT YOUR boat, it's his. Don't go kicking him off the settee - if he's comfortable snozeing go find another seat! We used to have two cats and a dog but they all passed away of old age and my wife came home with this "pound" cat and how could I say "no"? He's reached full size now which is a few ounces under 20 pounds! (a BIG cat!) and he adds a lot of enjoyment to our cruising. In port or at anchor he spends hours standing watch. First the bow, then port midships, stern (open transom), stb'd midships, and back to bow. Generally about 5 minutes in each location. Everybody who walks by and sees him on the pulpit seat want's to pet him. Attached is a picture of his other usual activity taken several hours after loading the boat the day we cast off the docklines for Alaska. This is the main salon settee seat next to the chart table. I'd give you my advice on what your decision should be but you're the Captain and it's your boat. ....Right? Oh, and good luck in making the right decision.
Those are all very real concerns you have but some are not important and others can be worked out. The one thing that probably can't be worked out, Captain, is your "crews" wishes. If the crews wishes are as strong as you seem to indicate then this is a major issue that has to be dealt with. Seems to me there are only two options: satisfy the crew, or, don't satisfy the crew. Looking at this analytically this equates to "Happy Boat" or "Un-happy Boat". And you get to make the choice. Are we having fun yet??? (Sorry - couldn't help that last comment. I know, easy for me to say.)((and it was!)) Okay, back to your concerns: How to keep a cat on board? This is like trying to train a kid and since you've been through that a couple times you know what I mean. Take each case as it comes along. What really worked well for our cat was when he jumped off and I was on the main dock with a hose nearby. Most cats don't like water. It's been about four years now and I'd say he's nearly 100 percent trained. His litter box has a cover which helps to keeps about 99 percent of the sand in. The carpet captures about 95 percent of what escapes and the vac gets the rest. 2. When underway he stays below - always. Also, if you have eagles in the area (we do in many areas) keep the cat below deck. 3. Litter box is under the salon table, along with a rug. We also have a rug runner down the walking area. You don't want to grind the litter into the sole hence the runner and carpet. We also have a Dirt Devil vac. 4. Bad places - no problem. They will explore but after they've cased the place out I think most cats will end up in the forpeak, aft end of aft cabin, or holed up on a soft blanket in the salon. 5. Chewing on wires or hoses - shouldn't be a problem unless there is a loose one around and it looks like a toy. 6. Some cats can get seasick but that depends on the individual cat - just like humans. The one we have is pretty good about keeping dinner down and I can't remember an 'accident' although there may have been one and he's been on many trips including to Alaska and back. Mostly he tends to just hole up and sleep on it when underway. Advice? Suggestions? When you agree to the cat on board realize you may still be the Captain but life is easier if the Admiral and crew is happy. And, once the cat is on board it is NOT YOUR boat, it's his. Don't go kicking him off the settee - if he's comfortable snozeing go find another seat! We used to have two cats and a dog but they all passed away of old age and my wife came home with this "pound" cat and how could I say "no"? He's reached full size now which is a few ounces under 20 pounds! (a BIG cat!) and he adds a lot of enjoyment to our cruising. In port or at anchor he spends hours standing watch. First the bow, then port midships, stern (open transom), stb'd midships, and back to bow. Generally about 5 minutes in each location. Everybody who walks by and sees him on the pulpit seat want's to pet him. Attached is a picture of his other usual activity taken several hours after loading the boat the day we cast off the docklines for Alaska. This is the main salon settee seat next to the chart table. I'd give you my advice on what your decision should be but you're the Captain and it's your boat. ....Right? Oh, and good luck in making the right decision.
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