Introducing Rio, our charming boat cat from Rio Dulce, who has become an inseparable part of our boating life. At just 6 weeks old, Rio entered our lives, small, adorable, and filled with a touch of wild spirit. 

Considerations of having a Boat Cat

For quite some time, we had contemplated the idea of having a cat onboard. The turning point came during our stay in Guadeloupe when we encountered a litter of puppies on the street with their mother absent, seeking comfort by our feet. Our children’s desire for a furry companion grew, and we learned that many sailors found cats to be wonderful additions to their boat life. Not only do cats offer companionship, but they also assist in keeping unwanted pests like mice and cockroaches at bay.

Unsurprisingly, our son Victor had wished for a cat on his 13th birthday, like many of his previous birthdays.

The opportunity presented itself
About a month and a half ago, upon our arrival at the marina in Rio Dulce, Elliott and I attended a morning yoga class, part of the Rio Dulce sailing community’s social activities. Joanne, one of the yoga instructors deeply acquainted with Rio Dulce, offered us the chance to adopt a young kitten in need of a home. She had connections with a local family who’s cat recently had a litter of kittens. The kittens were only 6 weeks old, but the family, unfortunately, couldn’t keep them.

A local visit
A few days later, Martin and the kids followed Joanne and Bill in the dinghy into a secluded branch of the river. There, they found a humble wooden hut with walls barely holding up and a tin roof offering little shelter from the elements. The family residing there, shared their space with numerous animals – parrots, dogs, and cats, all part of their modest abode.

Two Kittens
Initially, we brought both kittens home. One was destined to join a local restaurant owner, Erick, later that day. The kittens, worn out from their dinghy ride, snuggled up together for a nap, presenting an adorable sight. As they woke up, their curiosity led them to explore our boat. Martin ingeniously crafted a small cardboard box for them to play in, and they took to it instantly. It became evident that these two were inseparable; they ate together, used the litter box in tandem, and provided each other with endless companionship. As much as we cherished their bond, we knew we couldn’t keep both.
Fortunately, a bout of bad weather delayed Erick’s visit for a couple of days, allowing us to witness the joy they brought to each other’s lives. Elliott sat down and sewed a mouse for the kittens with fabric from martin’s old ruined shorts. It took almost all day, and the kittens welcomed it into their play.

New playmates
After Rio’s sibling was taken to his new home, he initially called out for him, but he soon realized we were not so bad after all. We joined in the playtime, and the bond between us grew stronger.

While caring for a young kitten demands attention and some sleepless nights, having a cat onboard has added immeasurable warmth and charm to our boating life.