Keeping a Cat On Your Boat While Docked

[BobMc]

Originally Posted by Chotu

I’ve had a cat aboard a couple times now.

But how do you deal with being at a dock with cats?

We cruised with two cats (various cats) onboard for 15 years and 45K miles. Didn't take more than once (maybe twice) of a cat "escape" that we realized we had to keep them locked inside whenever we were at a dock. Put screens on the doors which they couldn't get through and still allowed plenty of ventilation.

[sinnerman]

[QUOTE=flightlead404;3828767]I cruised with two, for 1.5 seasons. A couple years ago my lil buddy Biggles got off the boat in Stock Island Marina, never to be seen again. I was devastated.

I had the same thing happen with a girlfriend.......

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by wingssail

Occasionally (too often in my view) cats will explore on other people's boats, even going inside. People have even reported that they had cats pee on their beds.

I really prefer not to have anyone's cat come on my boat. So if your cat is prone to doing that, please keep it on board your own boat.

100%. Inconsiderate pet owners are the worst.

[Timpvf]

For cats that are roaming i suggest using Tractive gps. It works as long as you are in cell range. Weve been using one at home with our very active siamese and we find him everytime we need too. Pretty cheap subscription to insure you can find a lost furry one.

[Kupe]

Love this thread. Our new dock neighbor has a gorgeous Maine Coon and we look forward to seeing him every time we’re there. But wanted to mention an amazing sailing book with an amazing cat. Alvah Simons “North to the Night” and his adventure cat Halifax.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by wingssail

Occasionally (too often in my view) cats will explore on other people's boats, even going inside. People have even reported that they had cats pee on their beds.

I really prefer not to have anyone's cat come on my boat. So if your cat is prone to doing that, please keep it on board your own boat.

Originally Posted by Chotu

100%. Inconsiderate pet owners are the worst.

Happens with dogs as well

We are dodging dog crap on the marina berth every morning.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Happens with dogs as well

We are dodging dog crap on the marina berth every morning.

Those are the worst offenders. Loose dogs, dog droppings everywhere, nonstop barking in an anchorage.

[skipperpete]

Here’s a thought,

[valrichardson]

My cat Pheral and I have lived aboard in urban Connecticut for six years. The cat sits on the stern looking picturesque and greeting people as they go by. She doesn't have much interest in wandering away from the boat, and she is prevented from leaving the docks by security gate.

I'm mostly writing to offer my cat litter solution: the Breeze box, which uses permanent pellets up top and a tray to hold a puppy training pad on the bottom. I add some new litter every few weeks and change the training pad every other day or so. It's great because the pellets don't track, and you never have to go through the arduous task of changing an entire box of cat litter in the confines of a boat.

https://www.chewy.com/purina-tidy-ca...-box/dp/168317

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by valrichardson

, and she is prevented from leaving the docks by security gate.

She is prevented from leaving the docks because she is not an escapee.

Before we moved full time on the boat I enclosed our front verandah on the house in an attempt to keep our escapee in.

6ft high smooth walls - no grip
On top of that was wire stretched tight with PVC tube that rolled as soon as you touched it - no grip
Smooth barriers around the doorway so she couldn't climb around - no grip

Yet escape she did - it was a game for her

But a permanent moat around the boat works.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by skipperpete

Here’s a thought,

That’s a good meme!

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by valrichardson

My cat Pheral and I have lived aboard in urban Connecticut for six years. The cat sits on the stern looking picturesque and greeting people as they go by. She doesn't have much interest in wandering away from the boat, and she is prevented from leaving the docks by security gate.

I'm mostly writing to offer my cat litter solution: the Breeze box, which uses permanent pellets up top and a tray to hold a puppy training pad on the bottom. I add some new litter every few weeks and change the training pad every other day or so. It's great because the pellets don't track, and you never have to go through the arduous task of changing an entire box of cat litter in the confines of a boat.

https://www.chewy.com/purina-tidy-ca...-box/dp/168317

Forget the cats! I’m about to install one of these in the head. Puts the composting head to shame. Looks fantastic! Lol

You still have to sort out the tootsie rolls from the larger litter pellets though right? So the same emptying procedure minus the clumped bits?

[valrichardson]

Yeah, you have to clean out the "tootsie-rolls" Ha!


This box really keeps the odor down. I've been spending a few weeks during the winter every year in Atlanta with my elderly mother.


My room there is just off the kitchen. I ordered one of the Breeze boxes to keep in the room so my cat wouldn't have to share facilities with the resident cats. My mother was adamant that I was not to keep a cat litter box so close to the cooking/eating area.



After the first week or so, she quit complaining, and the box has remained there for three years now.

[rwidman]

Keep your cat inside the boat. Or outside, but in a cage.

If you don't you will lose your cat.

[nonav]

Harbor freezes over with thick skim ice out to 50 yards.

Now, row your dinghy to the dock for supplies.

Walk across that thin ice?

Nope!