Life on the water isn’t just for humans. Cats, with their natural curiosity, can be surprisingly adaptable to narrowboat life. From roof-top sunbathing to balancing along the gunwales, boat cats bring both companionship and fun to their owners. But what does it really take to keep a cat happy, safe, and thriving on a canal boat?
cat in basket narrowboat
Why Cats Make Great Ship-Mates
Cats are independent yet affectionate, and they can comfortably adjust to smaller living spaces, a perfect fit for narrowboat life. They also provide entertainment and emotional comfort, especially during those quiet evenings on-board.
Whenever I visit my friend, Lina, who lives aboard a narrowboat, we enjoy cosy nights of cats, candlelight, and wine. Many years ago, after one such evening, a small white cat followed me along the towpath as I left her boat. The following morning, she appeared again on the back deck at 6:30 a.m., politely insisting she be let in! Thirteen years and hundreds of miles of canal travel later, Molly is still a devoted boat cat. As I said to Lina, “Friends that boat together, stay together.” That could apply to Lina and me… or Lina and her cats.
First Days Onboard: Letting Them Adjust
A new cat should be kept indoors for at least 2–3 weeks (4–6 weeks is better) to allow them to familiarise themselves with the boat as their territory. This helps prevent them from wandering back to a previous home, and ensures they feel safe before exploring outside.
Creating Comfy “Lookout Spots”
Cats love to observe their surroundings. Space is limited on a narrowboat, but a cat will love any furnitre or fittings that will elevate them to be able to see out of the window. Some cats may prefer the dinette, kitchen worktop, or the roof! Whatever the choice, having high vantage points helps cats feel secure and engaged.
Boat Cats Fall In – Here’s Why It’s Okay
It’s a common worry for boaters: what happens if your cat takes an unexpected dip? Many confident cats misjudge a gunwale now and again. The good news is that cats are natural swimmers, and most climb out, shake off the embarrassment, and return to exploring as if nothing happened. Boat owners often note that their cats are far more upset about being towel-dried than the fall itself! Just offer warmth and reassurance, and watch for any signs of illness—a soggy moggy moment usually becomes just another charming chapter in life afloat.
Safety Tips for Cats on Canal Boats
Microchip and ID: A collar with a phone number and your boat name is a good idea, in case your cat wanders too far.
Life Jackets: Many cats are fine without one, but nervous or adventurous felines may benefit from a cat-specific buoyancy aid like the Baltic Maja, with secure straps, a lifting handle, and high-visibility colours.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Boat Cats
Reboarding Solutions: Canal sides are steep. When working cargo boats were towed by horses, occasional underwater ramps were built in, to allow a horse to climb out, should they take an unexpected dip. A cat could climb out if you have a rope or cylindrical fenders at water level. Carpet tiles or hessian sacks draped over the side are good for claw grip. Some boaters keep a fisherman’s landing net for rescuing a soggy cat.
ginger cat by riverside | ahmed
Outdoor cats may need careful monitoring. Some owners wait hours for their cat to return home, before setting off on a cruise, while others lock cats indoors at night for safety. Boat life allows their natural hunting instincts to thrive and exploring towpaths, hedgerows, and nearby fields keeps cats active and busy. Just remember that cruising schedules may need to adapt to a cat’s wanderings.
Some cats are happiest staying inside, especially those unaccustomed to roaming. Mental stimulation is crucial: scratching posts, cat grass, window hammocks, and interactive toys are lifesavers on wet or rainy days.
Practical Living Solutions for Boaters with Cats
Space may be limited, but there are ways to make life comfortable for both cat and owner:
Litter Tray: A bathroom or shower room works best.
Drying Station: Keep a towel handy beside the door for unexpected splashes.
Famous Boat Cats & Nautical Kitty Lore
Cats have been companions on boats for centuries. Modern social media celebrates adventurous felines—from Instagram “boat cats” documenting life afloat to historical ship’s cats protecting cargo and keeping rodents at bay.
Take Dolly the Cat, who famously stowed away from the Isle of Wight on a luxury motor cruiser, only to be found via microchip weeks later in Poole—a charming reminder that some cats are born to explore!
Fox Narrowboats Hire
While we don’t recommend bringing a cat on a short holiday narrowboat hire, dogs are most welcome on both holiday and day boats! If you’re considering full-time liveaboard life with a cat, hiring a Fox Narrowboat first gives you a safe way to test the waters. You can see how the lifestyle feels, how you and the cat might adapt to life on the water, and whether this unique way of living suits your family.
Share Your Cat Stories
Now we’d like to hear from you. Do you know of any cats on board? Has your cat ever taken an accidental swim? How did they handle it? Would your cat run away to sea like Dolly the Cat? Share your cat-pics and stories with us on Foxboats Facebook or tag us on Instagram.
See how many liveaboard cats you can spot on your next Foxboats holiday.
Photo Credit: Ginger cat by riverside Ahmed on Unsplash Grey cat on stump Anna Keibalo on Unsplash . Cat in basket licenced dreamstime.
