Cat on board

In our travels about we have seen many cruisers with a dog, or even multiple dogs, on their boat. They are especially noticeable riding in dinghys, anxiously anticipating their on shore potty breaks. We have also met a number of cruisers who have tried various arrangements on their boats so their canine companions will relieve themselves aboard and not require the trip to shore. Some of these methods are more successful than others. Another issue to consider is exercise because dogs, unless they are elderly (maybe), need to get out daily and run off some energy. Cats are so much easier.

But the feline variety of pet is rarely seen or mentioned. I wonder since cats don't need to go ashore for the above mentioned reasons, if they are just not so visible as dogs. And maybe there are fewer cat lovers than dog lovers. (That's just a guess and probably wrong.) I think there might be a general assumption that cats are not necessarily happy sailors, but that could be an inaccurate assumption.

People are often surprised that our cat, Callie, is a boat kitty. She has now been on several trips with us and, generally speaking, has been quite relaxed about the whole thing. She does not like the world outside the salon very much and will only venture out on the deck when things are calm and quiet. The watery world must seem very strange to a 12 year old, land based cat. All new smells, sights and sounds. But she spends most of her life sleeping when at home, and things are not much different here on the boat. She lays around in various places on the boat, getting up to eat, drink or use her cat box (how convenient!). Occasionally, if we are out in the cockpit, she will come out to join us – briefly. It's not her favorite place. Just as well in my opinion because I don't want her to decide to jump on a dock somewhere and head for what she considers to be safer ground.

Recently she did have a pretty traumatic time however. It was the 4^th of July and that means fireworks. Loud, bright fireworks. She was totally freaked as soon as the first round went off and found a hiding place in a dark, cramped corner of the boat. We couldn't find her at first she was hidden so well. Eventually we did, but she stayed there even after we tried to talk her out with the usual kind words and caresses. I felt bad for her but there was nothing to be done about it but to let her take her time recovering. Unfortunately, that evening was followed the next day by several hours of a rough sail. Not really what she needed to relax. She found a new hiding place and stayed there most of the day.

All that is past now and she is once again back to her lazy ways. Until the next clap of thunder or choppy sea.