Hi, This is Donna, Capt. Patrick’s wife. We are planning to live on our 25 ft C-Dory for 3 to 6 months in Florida with our dog (62#) and 2 of our cats (8# each and 10 years or older). Our dog is a true boater, but the cats are likely to SCREAM, er…MEOW loudly about the whole adventure. I am considering a crate for both cats to be in together when we are not secured with the door and windows shut or not on their harnesses/leashes (which we have just purchased, and they now must learn to accept). I have been looking at the 24” metal crates that fold up flat with a handle with 1 or 2 doors. Also have seen plastic tray crates with, I guess, metal sides. Has anyone ever used a crate onboard? Please share your experiences with what type and size, etc., crate to get and how do you handle two cats on board? Patrick, Skipper, and I are an experienced crew, but adding 2 cats to the mix is new turf. Suggestions?
Pets on board
- Thread starter pcator
- Start date
Our experience is with multiple dogs over the last 33 years--everything from a 20 lb on up to 125 lb lab which sailed over 30,000 miles, including crossing several oceans. No personal experience with cats, but most of our long distance boating friends had cats. They used plastic crates (but larger boats). My concern with metal would be rust in our Florida Environs. Usually the cats find a place where they are comfortable and adapt fairly well.
It depends on the cat(s). Molly didn't need a carrier; she was fine anywhere in the boat. We do take Izzy's carrier along these days, but use it mostly in the truck. It is her "safe haven" if something scares her (rare). We have a full camperback and that gives her a lot more room to roam. She also gets the biggest compartment for her poop box. We use the Breeze system, and it is great! No messy sand type litter, it is pellets that catch the solids. The liquids go through the box to a tray below that holds a pad, like a diaper. We scoop daily, change the pad weekly, change the pellets monthly. No smell, no tracking sand all over the boat.
Molly (sadly, departed) and young Izzy have been wonderful traveling companions. Both took immediately to the boat, both leash trained. We had one cat years ago who would NOT be on a leash... 6 pounds, with the heart of a jungle cat. She traveled with us in the motorhomes, but not on the boat.
Back to the carrier - we use a plastic one, big enough for Izzy to stand up and move around in. When we're traveling during the day, we put the carrier on the v-berth with the door open so she can come and go as she pleases. At night (at anchor or on a dock), we put her carrier in the footwell below the helm.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM or ask away here. You can read through our Wild Blue and Crew thread on the Grand Adventures forum and find MANY posts about our cats.
Happy traveling!
Best wishes,
Jim and Joan B and Izzy the travel cat
Molly (sadly, departed) and young Izzy have been wonderful traveling companions. Both took immediately to the boat, both leash trained. We had one cat years ago who would NOT be on a leash... 6 pounds, with the heart of a jungle cat. She traveled with us in the motorhomes, but not on the boat.
Back to the carrier - we use a plastic one, big enough for Izzy to stand up and move around in. When we're traveling during the day, we put the carrier on the v-berth with the door open so she can come and go as she pleases. At night (at anchor or on a dock), we put her carrier in the footwell below the helm.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM or ask away here. You can read through our Wild Blue and Crew thread on the Grand Adventures forum and find MANY posts about our cats.
Happy traveling!
Best wishes,
Jim and Joan B and Izzy the travel cat
matt_unique
New member
The Admiral and I brought our cats out for a day on Napoleon. They were not happy with the ride to the marina in the car and they were not happy with the sounds while underway.
Once we were at anchor with engines off they were OK and began to explore and look around. They took a nap with us as well.
Once the engines fired up they disappeared into every orifice on the Tomcat and meowed the entire time. A can of tuna should probably be packed as emergency gear when you have cats aboard (our cats will ALWAYS stop what they are doing and come for tuna juice).
I have a few pictures in my album from Cat Day.
Once we were at anchor with engines off they were OK and began to explore and look around. They took a nap with us as well.
Once the engines fired up they disappeared into every orifice on the Tomcat and meowed the entire time. A can of tuna should probably be packed as emergency gear when you have cats aboard (our cats will ALWAYS stop what they are doing and come for tuna juice).
I have a few pictures in my album from Cat Day.
Thank you all so much for your tips. This will help make our experience a good one. I will pack tuna, matt-unique! I do not think either of the cats will like engine noise - be it car or boat. After all, they think that if they are in the car they are going to the vet's office...never fun for them!
Jim, what a wonderful tip about the Breeze system. I have checked it out and will be buying one this week. I will only have one for two cats, so I suspect that I may have to change it more often. That is okay though. We had 11 animals. One we placed with ACN and he is living in the lap of luxury in Asheville - doing well. Four are going to our friend's farm in SC (we live on a farm too right now). One died. One is moving to FL. One will be fostered on a farm until we can get her later - she will be with her sister cat. This has been hard on us. Karen and Callie will be with us.
We tried out harnesses on them yesterday and Karen loves hers and Callie had no real objection. We will let them wear them some today and then will try the leashes soon.
I was worried about the metal crate/carrier, so I will be checking out non-metal ones. Thanks, Thataway.
Again, thanks everyone...I will be enjoying the cat albums soon. Donna
Jim, what a wonderful tip about the Breeze system. I have checked it out and will be buying one this week. I will only have one for two cats, so I suspect that I may have to change it more often. That is okay though. We had 11 animals. One we placed with ACN and he is living in the lap of luxury in Asheville - doing well. Four are going to our friend's farm in SC (we live on a farm too right now). One died. One is moving to FL. One will be fostered on a farm until we can get her later - she will be with her sister cat. This has been hard on us. Karen and Callie will be with us.
We tried out harnesses on them yesterday and Karen loves hers and Callie had no real objection. We will let them wear them some today and then will try the leashes soon.
I was worried about the metal crate/carrier, so I will be checking out non-metal ones. Thanks, Thataway.
Again, thanks everyone...I will be enjoying the cat albums soon. Donna
Hi again Donna,
One tip I'd recommend: give the cat time to acclimate to the boat. Our Molly did not like the truck, but felt the boat was her safe haven. She immediately took to the boat and had no problem with engine noise or movement. Little Izzy was introduced to the boat within a week of adopting her. We did a short trip and overnight... brought her toys, food, and litter box. Gave her plenty of attention and let her wander all around the boat for a couple hours before we shoved off. Now, months onboard are no problem... it is just another "home."
If you toss 'em in the truck, then move them immediately to the boat, it is a lot of sensory overload for animals who like their routine. We put her favorite blanket in the boat/carrier and allowed Izzy to use the carrier as her safe place with the door open, not a confinement. A soothing voice helps. Some familiar cat toys.
Same thing with the leash. Molly just took to it with no issues... but, she would walk beside me all the time without the leash. With Izzy, we started out by sitting outside with her harness and leash on... no walking, just enjoying some time together. Then a short walk around the patio. Gradually increasing the distance. Now, she comes and rubs on me when she wants to go out for a walk. I ask her if that's what she wants and she waits patiently at the door. When I get her leash out, the tail wagging tells me it's what she wants.
When we walk, it isn't the same as walking a dog. If you try to do a "destination walk" with a cat you will probably be disappointed. I let Izzy decide the pace and the "side trips." Sometimes we will be out for 30 minutes and maybe cover 100 feet. Other times, she wants to explore further. You can "encourage" them, but if you try to move them too much, you will be taking your cat for a "drag" instead of a walk. It is surprising how strong a 7 pound cat can be. So, we walk... when she pauses, I pause... the outward appearance is that we are both taking our time. The reality is: she has me trained to heel.
Molly was older, more mature, more worldly, and very sure-footed. We gave her the run of the boat... didn't let her out on the bow when we were moving, of course. But, at anchor or at the dock, she was allowed to walk the coamings, be on the bow, or hop up on top. Izzy is still a youngster, so we watch her more closely. Like most "teenagers", she can still be a bit clutzy. Both cats fell off the boat... ONCE... and the circumstances were similar: their leash got caught. Left to wander, neither has taken an unintentional swim. We do keep a net handy - just in case. (I was once stopped by a game warden who asked if I was fishing. When I said no, he asked about the net in plain sight. :wink: ) We were able to reach over the boat and scoop them up without the net, but best to be covered for all situations.
In our cruising, we have run into many folks with dogs, not as many with cats. It often makes for interesting conversation and people who ask if they can pet the cat, because they had to leave their furry one home. Izzy is family, she goes where we go. We make allowances for her needs and do all we can to make her feel secure and comfortable. In return, we get wonderful companionship, good snuggling, plenty of laughs, and no need for blood pressure medicine... since petting a cat is known to be very soothing. :wink:
When conditions got rough on the boat, Molly would let us know it was time to slow down... she would "holler" at me, then go sit on the floor towards the back of the cabin. Smart cat - the place with the least movement in the boat. Izzy takes the movement and noise in stride. If it gets lumpy, she and Joan will sit in the aft dinette seat.
In the last 4 years, we took one trip without the company of a fine cat. Molly had just passed away and we hadn't met Izzy yet. It wasn't the same. The boat seemed less "like home." I know having a pet onboard isn't for everyone... it takes more time, space, and effort. For us, it is SO worth it.
Keep us posted on how this all works for you.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
PS We are out traveling with our 5th wheel right now. Joan took one of our leather recliners out to make room for Izzy's tower. I was not in favor of that, but it has certainly worked out to be the right decision. Happy wife, happy life. Happy cat, happy wife. See the previous sentence. 8)
One tip I'd recommend: give the cat time to acclimate to the boat. Our Molly did not like the truck, but felt the boat was her safe haven. She immediately took to the boat and had no problem with engine noise or movement. Little Izzy was introduced to the boat within a week of adopting her. We did a short trip and overnight... brought her toys, food, and litter box. Gave her plenty of attention and let her wander all around the boat for a couple hours before we shoved off. Now, months onboard are no problem... it is just another "home."
If you toss 'em in the truck, then move them immediately to the boat, it is a lot of sensory overload for animals who like their routine. We put her favorite blanket in the boat/carrier and allowed Izzy to use the carrier as her safe place with the door open, not a confinement. A soothing voice helps. Some familiar cat toys.
Same thing with the leash. Molly just took to it with no issues... but, she would walk beside me all the time without the leash. With Izzy, we started out by sitting outside with her harness and leash on... no walking, just enjoying some time together. Then a short walk around the patio. Gradually increasing the distance. Now, she comes and rubs on me when she wants to go out for a walk. I ask her if that's what she wants and she waits patiently at the door. When I get her leash out, the tail wagging tells me it's what she wants.
When we walk, it isn't the same as walking a dog. If you try to do a "destination walk" with a cat you will probably be disappointed. I let Izzy decide the pace and the "side trips." Sometimes we will be out for 30 minutes and maybe cover 100 feet. Other times, she wants to explore further. You can "encourage" them, but if you try to move them too much, you will be taking your cat for a "drag" instead of a walk. It is surprising how strong a 7 pound cat can be. So, we walk... when she pauses, I pause... the outward appearance is that we are both taking our time. The reality is: she has me trained to heel.
Molly was older, more mature, more worldly, and very sure-footed. We gave her the run of the boat... didn't let her out on the bow when we were moving, of course. But, at anchor or at the dock, she was allowed to walk the coamings, be on the bow, or hop up on top. Izzy is still a youngster, so we watch her more closely. Like most "teenagers", she can still be a bit clutzy. Both cats fell off the boat... ONCE... and the circumstances were similar: their leash got caught. Left to wander, neither has taken an unintentional swim. We do keep a net handy - just in case. (I was once stopped by a game warden who asked if I was fishing. When I said no, he asked about the net in plain sight. :wink: ) We were able to reach over the boat and scoop them up without the net, but best to be covered for all situations.
In our cruising, we have run into many folks with dogs, not as many with cats. It often makes for interesting conversation and people who ask if they can pet the cat, because they had to leave their furry one home. Izzy is family, she goes where we go. We make allowances for her needs and do all we can to make her feel secure and comfortable. In return, we get wonderful companionship, good snuggling, plenty of laughs, and no need for blood pressure medicine... since petting a cat is known to be very soothing. :wink:
When conditions got rough on the boat, Molly would let us know it was time to slow down... she would "holler" at me, then go sit on the floor towards the back of the cabin. Smart cat - the place with the least movement in the boat. Izzy takes the movement and noise in stride. If it gets lumpy, she and Joan will sit in the aft dinette seat.
In the last 4 years, we took one trip without the company of a fine cat. Molly had just passed away and we hadn't met Izzy yet. It wasn't the same. The boat seemed less "like home." I know having a pet onboard isn't for everyone... it takes more time, space, and effort. For us, it is SO worth it.
Keep us posted on how this all works for you.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
PS We are out traveling with our 5th wheel right now. Joan took one of our leather recliners out to make room for Izzy's tower. I was not in favor of that, but it has certainly worked out to be the right decision. Happy wife, happy life. Happy cat, happy wife. See the previous sentence. 8)
Adrienne picked up a Furminator grooming tool for our dog and it is amazing how well it works. We just spent a week on the boat with our 55 pound dog and there was almost no fur to be found. Before there would have been hair everywhere, even in the sump trying to plug the bilge pump.
Jeff & Mimi
New member
Milehog":39f8or70 said:
We travel with our girls, Claire & Angel, both Bull Terries and they do really well on the boat and our only problem is that there hair gets everywhere. Where did you find the Furminator and how does it work. Thank you in advance for the information.
PETSMART has them but their price is quite high. They can be found online (Amazon?) for much less.
The Fuminator's comb, more of a serrated blade, really, traps and strips out all the loose hair. The tool is somewhat aggressive but by following directions the pet will be just fine.
If you do buy one let us know how it works for you.
The Fuminator's comb, more of a serrated blade, really, traps and strips out all the loose hair. The tool is somewhat aggressive but by following directions the pet will be just fine.
If you do buy one let us know how it works for you.
Since we traveled with labs, the only reason we had "life jackets" is for the savety harness (cliping onto jacklines) and a pick up point if necessary in rough weather. As for recreation awimming, the labs (and many dogs) don't need life jackets. When we went thru Central America, we didn't let the dogs ashore for 6 months (Because of a red tic infestation and Weils disease)--they got all of their exercise swimming around the boat for that 6 month time peroid.