Although most people probably consider a dog, or even a parrot, the perfect boating companion, cats are actually a far more traditional crewmate. Records of cats on boats date back to the ancient Egyptians and the Viking golden age, and cats have even been known to serve in the naval forces (with some receiving impressive decorations for their service!).

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing


Benefits of cats on boats


In addition to being adorable and offering plenty of attention-grabbing Instagram opportunities, there are many practical benefits to having a cat on board that sailors have been aware of for centuries, leading to their reputation for being good luck and bringing good weather.

Cats have traditionally been welcomed onto ships as a form of pest control, helping ensure safer and more hygienic journeys. This may have led to the superstition that a cat on board is good luck (killing bacteria-ridden rats = healthier crew members). What’s more, cats have a natural reaction to barometric pressure changes, so a change in your feline friend’s behaviour can give an early warning of incoming storms (possibly explaining why they’re thought to bring good weather to sailors).

Cats are also great companions. Although they might not be as overtly friendly as dogs (although this will obviously depend on each specific animal – I’ve definitely known stand-off-ish dogs and very friendly cats), cats have many traits that can help boost mood, battle depression, and provide all the love, affection, and playfulness you need for long days/weeks/months at sea.

Even if you don’t believe in superstition, having an extra good luck charm aboard for any passage can’t do any harm! Especially when they’re this cute!

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing


Things to consider before bringing your cat on board


Now you know why sailors have often preferred to have a feline shipmate; it’s time to consider how to make your vessel as safe and comfortable as possible for your furry friend (and while you’re at it, why not check out our ten top tips for bringing your dog onboard). 


1. Harness and leash


Before taking your cat aboard, some leash/harness training is a good idea. Once aboard, make sure your kitty is fitted out in their harness before setting off. This will make it much easier to attach a leash if they decide to come on deck while underway; allowing you to stay in control of where they go and giving you a better chance to catch them if they slip on deck.

If your cat prefers to spend the passage indoors, you might prefer to take the leash off (keeping the harness on) so they don’t get tangled up while finding a safe and cosy spot to curl up in. Just keep the leash near the main hatch in case they want to go out again later! 

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



2. Life jacket


In addition to a harness and leash, a well-fitting life jacket is a must for any sea-faring animal. These days, there are loads of pet lifejackets available, but finding one that fits your cat can be tricky, as most seem to be sized for dogs. Knowing your pet’s weight will help, and you might even want to get a tape measure out or try a few different sizes to find the best fit. 

Make sure you get a lifejacket with a handle on the top so you can more easily scoop your fur baby out of the water (by hand or with a boat hook) should they take an unexpected tumble.

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



3. Scratching post


Any cat owner will know that cats love nothing more than sharpening their nails on almost any surface! A scratching post is essential if you don’t want kitty-sized holes in all your furniture and clothing. However, space on a boat can be minimal, and store-brought scratching posts often have large bases that take up too much premium floor space.

You can avoid this issue by purchasing some sisal rope from Amazon. Simply hot-glue the rope around some plywood and screw it to the leg of your saloon table, mast step, entrance to the boat, or anywhere else your cat takes a liking to!

You might also want to take a look at our earlier post for more tips on boat organisation and storage while you’re at it.


4. Food & water


It goes without saying that your pet needs plenty of food and water onboard, just like they would in the house! But there are a few things to consider…

Firstly, although smaller boxes of dry cat food are generally easier to find in the shops, they are usually packaged in cardboard—which, as you can imagine, is less than ideal in a damp environment! So, if you don’t want a soggy mess of “dry” food, aim for bigger, resealable bags packaged in plastic. These will actually keep your cat food dry and are often cheaper in the long run.

Serving cat food can also be a challenge on a moving boat. Non-slip silicone food mats make a massive difference in how much cat food manages to escape food bowls and litter the galley floor. Silicone trays are also better than solid ones for uneven boat flooring, as they can adapt to different contours and won’t slip around.

For water, you want something nice and deep so you don’t lose the whole thing every time you go over a wave or hit a gust. Cats can be fussy with water, so I wouldn’t go as far as to recommend plastic for this job, but finding a shatterproof container is a good idea. You might even want to stick it down with Velcro or Blutack – trust me, it’s a pain when the water bowl spills on passage!

Image credit: VIVAGLORY/Amazon



5. Cat Heads 


Like humans, kitties need a place to ‘go’ on passage. A lidded litter tray will keep the litter contained, prevent spills, and help keep bad smells from polluting the boat. Wood pellets and recycled litter are also great for reducing smells whilst offering a more eco-friendly option for cats on boats than chemical or artificial litter.


6. Consider a catio (for indoor cats)


If you don’t trust your kitty to leave the boat while at port, a catio can be a great option to let them enjoy some fresh air and new smells without letting them run free. Catios can be really easy to build; all you need is a crate and an entrance/exit specifically for your fur baby.

The tricky part is ensuring your cat only uses the catio. Felines can be sneaky, and when it’s warm outside and you want to open the hatches, you’ll need to watch your indoor cat carefully to ensure they don’t escape! Try installing some netting over your hatches in the summer to keep your kitty contained while still allowing fresh air into the boat.

Image credit: @eilacbargeandvanlife Instagram



7. Dreamies (for outdoor cats)


If you decide to let your cat explore while docked, you’ll need to ensure they have a good recall (i.e., they’ll come back when called). A great trick to convincing a cat to come home is by shaking a bag of Dreamies while calling their name. Be sure to offer lots of treats and love when they get back so they know there’s an incentive to come home (no matter how good the hunting might be ashore).

Practice your cat’s recall regularly at home before bringing them aboard.

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



8. Test the waters


Before throwing your cat in at the deep end, make sure they’re comfortable on your boat. This means bringing them for stays aboard without leaving the harbour so they can get used to the boat itself, as well as the motion and the smells. Cats are really sensitive to smells, so it’s a good idea to give them plenty of time inside the boat to mark their territory properly.

Once your kitty seems happy and settled, start with short passages to see how they respond. If your cat is distressed, you may want to go inside with them and keep them company and reassured until you return to port.


9. Be careful when fishing! 


Fishing can be a fun and satisfying activity for boaters, but remember, even though you know those dangly, shiny, wiggly things are sharp, your cat won’t see them the same way! To cats, bait and lures look and smell like prey, and they won’t miss an opportunity to pounce, potentially causing serious harm.

So, keep your kitty safe by putting away your fishing equipment while you’re not using it, and keep a careful eye on your pet when you are.

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



10. Get a foldable, backpack-style cat carrier


Much to their dismay, sometimes cats need to be carried. But while bulky, solid cat carriers might be more traditional, they’re inconvenient, to say the least, with the limited storage on a boat. 

Upgrading to a rucksack-style cat carrier is the perfect solution! With lots of ventilation/viewing flaps to keep your kitty cool and comfortable, a little bag for treats, and padded handles, a good backpack makes carrying your cat easier for you and more relaxed for them. What’s more, many cat-backpacks fold completely flat, making them easier to fit under sofas (although you might want to place it in a waterproof bag for extra protection if storing in a locker). 

If you want a good starting point, I bought this one for my boat cat in 2021.

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



11. Check for vets


Although we hope our fur babies never get sick, any responsible pet owner should always know where the nearest vet is. And the same goes for boat pets! While planning your passage, you should always take a moment to check the closest vets and know what to do should your cat get into any trouble. This is particularly important for outdoor cats, who are more likely to develop injuries, fleas, or ticks while exploring new areas and may well need care during your journey.

In our experience, it can be difficult to receive treatment from standard veterinary practices, who want to know your pet’s entire medical history and register them with their practice before even considering making an appointment. 

Vets4Pets (part of Pets at Home) can be an excellent choice for the travelling cat. They don’t require loads of paperwork, usually have appointments with relatively short notice, and being nationwide, there’s usually one close enough to a marina to get your pet there without too much hassle.  


12. Know where your cat is 


Sometimes, you’d be forgiven for thinking your cat is a great magician, considering some of the tiny spots they can get into and their uncanny ability to ‘disappear’ in the blink of an eye! In a house, this might be endearing, but on a boat, it could be potentially disastrous. To help you know where your cat is, some ‘cat proofing’ may be necessary before you bring your fur baby onboard.

First, seal off any open access to bilges. Bilges might look like a fun cave to explore through the eyes of a cat, but you don’t want your kitty getting damp, dirty, and lost in the caverns of your vessel. Similarly, the engine bay (and anywhere fuel and oil are stored) should always be out of bounds for pets. Cats can be known to chew up and/or destroy wiring and systems (like a puppy!), so these should also be closed off if you have a feline shipmate.

If you have an outdoor cat, this might add an extra layer of complexity, as it’s impossible to know all the places they go! That said, if you’re leaving the dock, don’t forget to check your cat is actually aboard! It can be worth locking your boat cat inside for at least an hour before departure and triple-checking that you know exactly where they are immediately before casting off. 

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



13. Speak to your neighbours


Going off the above point, we all know cats love to explore! But when you’re part of a travelling community, your kitty making friends with the neighbours might not be the best idea. When you moor up, let the boats around you know that you have a cat, and ask them not to feed or encourage your cat to come aboard their boat. 

If your cat is particularly inquisitive, it’s a good idea to find out when your neighbours are leaving and ask them to check your cat isn’t aboard before they go. It could be worth locking them inside for a few hours either side of your neighbours’ scheduled departure for full peace of mind.


14. Be prepared for seasickness


It might not be ideal, but animals can get seasick like you and I, especially if they’re not used to travelling! Keeping the interior of your boat cool with lots of fresh air can help reduce those sicky feelings, and it can be a good idea to have cooling pads (we brought this one during the heatwave of 2022) and damp towels at the ready should your kitty start looking green around the edges.

If your cat is sick, you want to be quick with clean-up, as dried cat sick is a pain to get rid of, and you don’t want the smell to get a chance to stick! Assuming it’s not dried, it’s usually pretty easy to clean up cat sick with an eco-friendly cleaning spray and some kitchen towels.

Once you start sailing with your cat, you’ll get to know how they respond and what is normal or concerning for them. Remember that they’re more sensitive to movement than you are, and if they look unwell or distressed, it might be time to turn back.

Finally (and an essential piece of advice), don’t let them in the v-birth! They will get sick.

Image credit: Instagram @writingandsailing



15. Check local regulations 


Travelling with a cat can be incredibly rewarding. But not every marina you visit will be cat-friendly. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check whether the marina you’re visiting is comfortable with pets, particularly if your cat goes outside (obviously, if you have an indoor cat, this may be less of an issue, and the marina might not need to know).

Since Brexit, travelling abroad with your furry companion has become considerably more complicated, so make sure you have all the required paperwork for your pet, and always check local regulations for your destination before setting off.

Written by: Pippa Shaw
Pippa is a freelance copy and content writer living on her 28-ft sailing yacht with her partner and boat cat, Opie. As a full-time liveaboard and digital nomad since 2019, Pippa’s got plenty of nautical miles and boat renovations under her belt and is currently completing a UK circumnavigation before setting her sights on warmer waters.
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