My Cat's Fifteen - What Are the Chances ?

[emmo]

Hi,
When the Ex left years ago with the boys, I got custody of the pets, now there is just the cat, about 15 years, loves outdoors, never used a litter box.
Whats the chances of getting her on board, weekends, then weeks, then away?

Emmo

[Roaring Girl]

We moved on board with out cats, then aged around 15. They were okay but never very happy with waves - both struggled with seasickness which we managed with cat valium, ginger and a lot of waterproof blankets. One loved to have a box on the berth, held in by it's own straps. The other wanted to be with the helm in the cockpit all the time. He had a long lead on a harness which enabled him to reach the litter tray whenever we were underway. We did not allow them off the boat and because of their age actually they were okay with that.

So you probably could encourage your cat aboard but she won't necessarily love you all the time!

[shipofools]

moved ours aboard at 10, and she had no issues with it. put the litter box in the head. showed her where it is, good to go.

[ReMetau]

I would get her using the liter box first.

[capn_billl]

Cats are very adaptable, and instinctively use a litter box when available. Start it on the litter box and see if it adapts.

[aegean adrift]

If you're going to be using a harness, you might get her wearing one around. And then attach a lead (untethered) to it and so on.

[GordMay]

At 15 y/o, I'd expect your cat is nearing the end of her life. (The average lifespan of cats is about 12-15 years). The odds of "boat training" a senior, aren't high (IMHO).
Just try, and see.

[CapnRumslinger]

I moved my cat onboard when she was about 13. We mostly stayed at the dock (it was more of an apartment than functional boat at the time), and she was fine, just wanted to wander the dock occasionally. I took her out sailing a couple of times, and she didn't like it very much. When the boat tilted, she was holding on to the rug for dear life, yowling at me. Then she found a corner and hid until we got back to the dock. No seasickness or anything, just an unhappy cat.
With a real trip coming up, I made the hard decision to give her away. It was a struggle to find a home for a 15-year-old cat! But I feel it was the right decision for me and for her.
I agree with everyone else about starting with the litter box. And I think you have the right idea about getting her gradually into it, starting with weekends. Cats are very adaptable. Lots of people have great success with a cat aboard. Just try and see.
Best of luck!

[aegean adrift]

Might want to check cat-specific forums for an even wider array of suggestions. Here are a few. (Require registration.)

Cat-World
Cat Forum : Cat Discussion Forums
TheCatSite.com - It's all about cats cats cats

FWIW, we've had cats live 22-23 years --

[First Mate]

Originally Posted by aegean adrift

Might want to check cat-specific forums for an even wider array of suggestions. Here are a few. (Require registration.)

Cat-World
Cat Forum : Cat Discussion Forums
TheCatSite.com - It's all about cats cats cats

FWIW, we've had cats live 22-23 years --

my cat is about 14, and I have mostly decided to just leave it with my relatives in Florida while we cruise the Pacific NW for the next couple of years.

However, I miss the cat terribly - haven't seen it since the middle of August but will see it again for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I had thought since it is so old, no sense in bringing it aboard, as it has only a short time left. But 23 years?

How on earth did you keep your cats so long? You must have done something unusual. Mine is already starting to get the kidney degeneration.

Maybe it would be helpful to explain how you kept the cats so healthy. Would the cats have lived so long on a boat? Anything different about being on a boat for a cat that affects their health?

[aegean adrift]

Originally Posted by First Mate

Maybe it would be helpful to explain how you kept the cats so healthy. Would the cats have lived so long on a boat? Anything different about being on a boat for a cat that affects their health?

First, I'm not a sailor, so can't give boat-specific information. I've been wondering about that myself lately!

Also, a lot probably depends on the cat, so I don't pretend to have universally applicable answers. But why are pet lifespans decreasing despite ever more sophisticated veterinary care options?

That said, I've always fed what's now called full-prey or prey model. And I vaccinate minimally. This is controversial, there are good arguments for all sides, and I don't want to stir up disputes here.

[barnakiel]

Worth trying. Go slow and observe. I have seen countless cats cruising happily.

b.

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by First Mate

Anything different about being on a boat for a cat that affects their health?

I don't know about the health of the cat, but I sure feel better.

[aegean adrift]

Originally Posted by ReMetau

I don't know about the health of the cat, but I sure feel better.

Are You Feeling Stressed? So Is Your Cat

So if you're feeling better, it's likely very good for kitty's health!

[First Mate]

not to hijack this thread, but maybe I should reconsider bringing the old guy on board (the captain won't be happy tho...he's old too...).

Just wonder what he'll do the first time the 60 HP 30 year old diesel is turned on then followed by the boat heeling and pitching....