Best boat pet/mascot?

[sweetsailing]

Minaret - that puppy is soooo cute!

[SmartMove]

Yep, without the white paws though.

[SmartMove]

Originally Posted by Talbot

For those who want a cat, but can't face vet bills, sand trays, import problems and worry about them wandering off.

There is a solution

Click here

ROTFL, it was more scary looking than serene though!

[SmartMove]

Originally Posted by tamicatana

Cats, of course, are the traditional ship's critter (other than rats):

Purr-n-Fur UK | Cats in Wartime | At Sea - Ship's Cats

Thanks to Astrid for the link

Cool link.

[Dos Gatos]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

From a guy who used to have one dog then two onboard, my answer is squarely: none.

If I had to have a pet I'd make it a cat. My dog was a schipperke which are one of the few boat breeds, but canal barges don't spend weeks at sea. We get photos from the new owners seeing our dogs happy and healthy, sleeping on the couches wearing sweaters and running around in fields with horses.

I agree. Singlehanding, I had a cat, then cats, then back to a cat and the next time I go it will be cat-less. I'm in a house now with the cat. He was brought onboard at about 6 weeks and seemed to be doing fine for a couple of years. However, seeing him on land in a more natural habitat I'd say it is unfair to the animal to bring one along. Great company for the owner but unless the pet comes willingly down the docks and jumps onboard (and even then) I'd give it a pass.

Maybe a volleyball next time, or a satphone with minutes.

[44'cruisingcat]

Our latest crew member:

[tamicatana]

Originally Posted by Dos Gatos

I'd say it is unfair to the animal to bring one along.

I'd say that depends on how close you and the critter are. I think critters are like anyone else. Rather not do without the ones they love, depending on how well critter adapts to the life.

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by SmartMove

That is one of the reasons we have cats. My husband's childhood cat lived to be 26 (he was in graduate school at the time). He doesn't (can't bear the thought) understand why people have pets with such a short life span (translation: too painful).

Our calico, Lilly, is 17 and going strong -- except for a day of seasickness at the beginning of voyages.

My dog Ruby is 13 yrs old and going strong ,she is a Georga mountian Cur(100 lb Pit bull) used for hunting hogs and bears,sweet as candy and loves other animals...

[westsail374]

I agree re the barking. Train your dog to kill intruders silently!

[garymcg]

4.5 lb. poodle, perfect boat dog.

[janice142]

Well, I don't know about mascot or pet, but my deck swabbie is called Skipper and she's just about perfect. She weighs in at a mighty 4 pounds 3 ounces, and no she does not bark incessantly but does let me know when a dinghy approaches my boat.



And frankly I'd much rather see dogs at a dock than cats. If only cats would stay on their own boats (instead of cruising around leaving "calling cards" or worse) I'd probably be much fonder of the purr factories. I'd considered getting a kitten/cat but I've yet to meet anyone that has been successful at keeping their feline beasty aboard.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by janice142

Well, I don't know about mascot or pet, but my deck swabbie is called Skipper and she's just about perfect. She weighs in at a mighty 4 pounds 3 ounces, and no she does not bark incessantly but does let me know when a dinghy approaches my boat.



And frankly I'd much rather see dogs at a dock than cats. If only cats would stay on their own boats (instead of cruising around leaving "calling cards" or worse) I'd probably be much fonder of the purr factories. I'd considered getting a kitten/cat but I've yet to meet anyone that has been successful at keeping their feline beasty aboard.

Get a bigger dog, cats will stop coming to call!



But seriously, good point. I had one dock neighbor once who got sued because her cat kept boarding a very nice yacht and doing cat stuff in it while the owners were away for some months. When they came back they absolutely freaked, she got kicked out of the marina at a time when there was a ten year waiting list for live aboard status, and they sued her for the cost of new upholstery. Probably cost more than her boat.

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by zeehag

this is the perfect critter for my boats--my pinche gato feo--bubba...smart and helpful--if he could only steer some.....or bleed fuel systems..lol

he never gets shore leave. not ever.
i take him to vet in a sherpa backpack for pets to 20 pounds.

in rough weather and on passages bubba wears harness and leash...easily located and he is happy.

I love cats and had a Siamese for years but if you want a pet to steer, get one of these.

[Nicholson58]

Sorry, can't help myself.

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

Sorry, can't help myself.

Intelligent dogs..