BOATTRADER NEWS & TIPS

When people hear the phrase “cats on boats”, they most often think of a multi-haul vessel design known as a catamaran style boat? but that’s simply not always the case. As rare as it may seem to be, more and more boaters are taking the necessary and patient steps to share time on their boats with these gentle feline friends.With centuries of breeding dogs to be on the water, having dogs on boatsis quite common. But unlike their specially bred canine counterparts, cats do not have a natural ability to adapt to a water environment. Generally, domestic cats have not been bred to be on the water so they do not typically swim and or enjoy being near water. Yet, avid boaters – that also happen to be avid cat owners – may still wish to overcome these laws of nature, and take their cat on a boat. With the right preparation and careful attention to special accommodations, having a cat on board can be enjoyable for boaters and cats, alike.

 

Preparing Cats for Time on a Boat

Because cats are not naturally inclined to be on the water, it is best to slowly introduce them to a water environment, and a boat. Some cats have an innate fear of water and will tremble at the mere sight of it. In more difficult cases, such as with older cats, adapting to a new ‘watery’ environment could prove more challenging than, say, that of younger cats who may still possess the inherent adaptability often found in youth.

 

Once on the boat, it is best to help cats become familiar with the boat while docked. Loud boat engines on powerboats may be startling or hurt sensitive ears of cats. The speed and wind produced by powerboats might also be hard for cats to handle. These may be reasons why cats are most often seen on sailboats, trawlers and – a cat’s personal favorite – catamarans.

 

Keeping Cats Safe on Boats

Cats are known to be very well-balanced and good on their feet. Many boaters that observe cats on boats are surprised to see how nimble they are walking around the edges of boat decks and marina docks. Despite their ability to gracefully walk boat decks, BoatSafe.com suggests that both cats and dogs should be fitted with a special pet life jacket for water safety. A slip into the water could be disastrous for cats that do not know how to swim.

 

When packing provisions for boat trips or weekend excursions, be sure to include plenty of fresh water and food for kitty. Keeping cats on boats cool under the sun and protecting delicate paws on hot boat decks is important to ensure their health and well-being on a boat.

 

Special accommodations should also be made for fresh litter for cats while boating. Of course, for the well-trained cat that only conceives of doing his business “outside” of the human living quarters, there are many marinas that offer dog walking trails that cats can also utilize. By using advanced searching tools from MarineFuel.com’s e-Marina, boaters can locate a marina that offers pet-friendly facilities.

 

 

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