Voyage III

Cats On Board

Those of you who have met our two cats or have heard about them know that Dusty (the tortoise-shell) is very assertive, sociable and fearless. She makes herself known to anyone within petting distance. She was about four when she showed up at our house 5 1/2 years ago - probably because we were already trying to feed Frosty (part siamese). Frosty is about 6 to 6 1/2 years old now - but was feral and was (and still is) poorly socialized despite more than 5 years of being an indoor cat. We had little doubt that Dusty could make the transition to ship's cat - but both of us had grave doubts about Frosty.

A few months ago I consulted various cat books and newsgroups on the web, searching for tips on taming or socializing timid cats. The consensus was that drug therapy (tranquilizers - primarily valium) had modest success when used in conjunction with a socialization plan of action. I contacted my vet, who then did her own research and consulted with an animal behavioral specialist in Austin. She suggested that I contact the specialist and decide what to do. The specialist, during a free phone consultation, also felt that valium was in order. She wanted to 'enroll' Frosty and me in a six-week plan with the objective of familiarizing Frosty with the boat as quickly as possible. After a couple of days consideration, I decided against working with the specialist. All I really wanted was the valium! (For Frosty, of course)!

We had vet checkups for both cats, adding the Program flea injection for each. This would allow us to let the cats out to once again become acclimated to indoor/outdoor living. We also wanted to make sure that they'd return home and more or less come when called.... We also bought harnesses for each of them - to enable us to use a leash, if necessary, and to 'fish' them out of the bay with a boat hook if they chose to go for a swim.

Meanwhile, home was becoming a pretty insecure place for both cats. We would leave them for 2 or 3 days at a time when going to Windwalker. They definitely associated our suitcases with a feast, followed by famine, probably consuming 3 days food before we'd pulled out of the driveway. Then - as realtors came through, and various workmen and later, house showings - their safe home haven had moments of sheer terror.

Dusty was the first 'ship's cat'. She was terrified during the first hour of the 4 hour drive to Clear Lake from Austin, but settled down a bit later on. It took her a couple of hours, once aboard, to venture from the v-berth and explore the rest of the boat. Food was high on her set of priorities followed by the litter box. We were satisfied with her progress at the end of the two days aboard.

Frosty was going to be more problematic - since I hadn't cut her claws nor tried putting on the harness - both prerequisites to bringing her aboard. I started her on a 1/2 cat dose of valium (1/2 milligram) for several days before the planned weekend. She definitely reacted to the valium. She was a bit unsteady on her feet, more affectionate and a little disoriented. Two days before leaving I upped her dose to a full cat dose - during which I was able to put on her harness and clip her toenails. Finally the day arrived and into the carrier Frosty went. She literally went catatonic - curled up into a tiny ball the entire drive to Clear Lake. Once on the boat, she refused to come out of the carrier until 7pm, when I physically removed her. We were getting really worried as she hadn't eaten, used a litter box nor had anything to drink in 12 hours. She explored - found the important places on the boat and found a hiding place amongst the cockpit cushions in the v-berth. For the remainder of the weekend, Frosty was remarkable - affectionate, brave and still very drugged. We figured that perhaps she was behaving as a kidnap/hostage victim behaves - liking her captors out of desperation.

Since that initial visit by both cats, we have had both aboard together, for several days at a time. They have had the full run of the boat - altho' they rarely venture beyond the cockpit. We discontinued valium for Frosty two days after her first trip to the boat and have not needed it since. Once aboard the boat she is calm and extremely affectionate to both me and Fred. She is treating the entire boat like a 'safe place' and is even showing herself to guests and strangers. Aboard - she's the cat we've always wanted her to be.

Both cats will continue to wear harnesses when aboard. We are confident that they will be able to handle and enjoy life aboard (and at sea) and they haven't demonstrated any inclination to be sea-sick. But if they get sick - I have the cat dosage for Dramamine and will place them on top of the stove, gimbaled.

We know that having cats on board will complicate our immigration into various countries - however most countries permit pets if they don't leave the boat. And we're glad they're with us!