Cats on Sailboats: How Safe Is It? Vet-Reviewed Considerations & Safety Tips

Some people really like to push the envelope when it comes to their cats. The increasing number of people who are training their cats to wear a harness and walk on a leash have managed to prove that many cats can do well in unusual situations, as long as they are set up for success before entering that situation.

But what about training them for a life (or a few days at least) at sea? It’s not a secret that most cats don’t like water, but some people want to take their cats on sailing trips. Is this safe or practical?

Is Sailing With Cats Safe?

Sailing with your cat can be safe, but it’s imperative that you take some big precautions to keep your cat safe and on the boat. The best starting point is starting with a cat breed that is known to commonly like water, like Bengals, Turkish Vans, and Maine Coons. Keep in mind that each cat is an individual, so you may still end up with a water-averse cat, even in a notoriously water-loving breed.

What to Know Beforehand

There are multiple steps that you should take before your cat should even set foot on a sailboat, like verifying the rules of the marina or areas you’ll be traveling to and training your cat to wear a harness and leash, collar with a tag, and a lifejacket made for a cat.

If you’re planning to take your cat on your liveaboard sailboat, it’s extra important to verify rules and regulations because many marinas don’t allow pets at all or only allow dogs. Your cat should also be fully vaccinated and cleared by a vet before they go on your sailboat.

Other parts of keeping your cat safe on a sailboat involve getting your cat used to the boat itself, as well as the sights, sounds, and smells your cat is likely to encounter on your boat. Your cat should also be familiar with embarking and disembarking protocols. If your cat will be entering and exiting the boat in a carrier, they’ll need to be comfortable with the carrier. If you’re planning on walking your cat on a leash off and on the boat, they should be fully comfortable with this and should always be kept from having the opportunity to jump into the water or escape on the dock.

Why Is Sailing With Cats a Trend?

A large portion of people who take their cat on a sailboat also live on that boat. There are a lot of reasons that someone might choose to live on a sailboat, from a love of the water to differing living expenses compared to purchasing a home. Many people enjoy the companionship of a pet, and people who live full-time on a sailboat may be more prone to loneliness than the average person, especially if they spend periods of time at sea.

Cats are considered by many animal-loving sailors to be a great option for a sailing companion. Cats are compact, often more so than dogs, so they’re a good size for the limited living space available on a sailboat. Unlike dogs, who should get daily walks or runs and playtime in a fenced-in or controlled environment, cats benefit from having multiple shorter bursts of activity throughout the day, 15-30 minutes long at a time, which can be done indoors.

Cats often can get their excess energy out through activities like scratching, playing, climbing, doing the zoomies, and hunting, all of which are activities that can be tweaked to be done on a sailboat safely. Don’t release mice on your boat or anything, but playing with toys often mimics hunting for cats, appeasing their instincts.

Cats also have less waste than dogs and are more likely to quickly learn to use a litter box. Dogs can be trained to use a box or a pad, but it isn’t instinctual for them and may take time to train. Just keep in mind that any pet waste regulations in the area will still apply to waste from your cat’s litter box.

In Conclusion

Assuming people continue to live on sailboats, then it’s very likely that the trend of having cats on sailboats is here to stay. People are looking for more ways to enrich their cats’ lives by taking them on adventures, and there are few things more adventurous than going sailing, especially for a cat.

Don’t expect to wake up tomorrow and have a cat that’s willing to be your sailing companion immediately. It may take time; however, you never want to force your cat to do things they do not want to do.

• See Also: Can a Cat Ride on a Motorcycle Safely? Facts & Tips

Featured Image Credit: Nikiforov Alexander, Shutterstock