Occasionally a story will strike a real chord with you, and this was the case for me with this one.  Paul J. Thompson is deaf and he takes to sea in his sailboat La Chica.  He cannot hear the sound of other boats approaching, but his cat, Skatty, can.  Skatty is a 6-month-old polydactyl Maine Coon.  Polydactyl Maine Coons are like a normal Maine Coon, but have visibly extra-wide, multi-toed paws.  Descended from cats that hardy seafaring people chose, our present-day polydactyl Maine Coons are a direct visible genetic link to the beautiful heritage of maritime family life.

So, back to Paul and Skatty …
Skatty has learned that Paul is deaf, and will alert him to passing boats, someone coming aboard, text messages, and even an empty food bowl!  That leads to the topic of “Pets and their safety at sea.”  Skatty is keeping Paul safe while on the boat, but how is Paul keeping Skatty safe while out at sea, and how can we all keep our pets safe when we take them boating?

First and foremost preparation and observation will ensure preservation.  In rough seas Skatty will be found below deck and at night behind Paul’s knees.  When they are above deck Paul knows where Skatty is at all times.  He has invested in a fishing net, and has attached a rope ladder to the stern of the boat, so if Skatty falls overboard Paul can scoop him up with the net or Skatty to pull himself up the rope ladder.  Skatty wears a harness.  In rough seas and in the dinghy he wears a Pet Life Jacket.

Your pet’s life jacket should:

• Be snug fitting so that it stays on if your pet goes overboard;
• Be a bright colour;
• Have a handle at the back so that you can lift him/her out of the water;
• Have back reflective strips in case your pet falls into the water at night.

Sheer Deelites Pet Life Jackets have handles and reflective strips.

Basic Rules To Follow When Taking Your Pet Boating:

• Introduce your pet slowly to boat life.  Unusual sounds and the motor starting may frighten them at first;
• It is vital for your pet to come when s/he is called;
• Your pet should wear a Pet Life Jacket;
• Add safety features to your boat, such as safety net, ladders, etc;
• Ensure fresh drinking water is available;
• Provide a shaded area and protection for their feet
• Make sure you know where your pet is at all times;
• With dogs, make sure they have basic swimming ability;
• Have a basic pet first aid kit onboard;
• Make a check list, both for yourself, and for your pet, before heading out onto the ocean.

As Aucklanders we love the sea and boating, and as families most of us love our pets and include them in family activities.  So by all means take your pets boating with you, but remember these simple rules, to ensure every member of your family arrives back home safe and sound.

We would welcome any feedback on this post, especially if you have any other tips for making our pets more safe at sea …