Cat on Board

As was mentioned in our first posting, one of our concerns with moving onto a boat was how our cat Zipper would adjust.  We didn't give her a vote in the matter, but still . . . .

Zipper (l) and Zorra (r)

Zipper is 15 years old.  Knowing that cats like consistency, and given that she is an old cat and even more set in her ways, we were really concerned about how a drastic lifestyle change from condo to boat would affect her.  2013 had already had its share of significant changes, as we lost Zipper's adoptive sister Zorra to old age back in May.

Zipper has always had lots of "cat-itude", i.e., sudden hostility toward everything with no apparent cause. Would moving onto a boat cause her to cower and hide for the rest of her life? Would she turn into an aggressive "cat from hell", even with us?  Were we going to make her last months/years absolutely miserable?

We are happy to say that Zipper has been gradually--but very definitely--obtaining her "sea legs."  Hiding under bed covers and in closets has given way to begging at the door to be let out for exploration of the boat and the docks (all under supervision, of course.)  The outside explorations started out as after-dark jaunts only ("if I can't see them, they can't see me"), but she now braves daytime hours as well.  It's really fun to see and we've enjoyed photographing her during this time.

Zipper at the door

Contemplating her escape

Scoping out the neighborhood

Watching the world from the forward stateroom

Full exposure at the dinette

Model boat as chin rest

Relaxing in the salon

Evening on the water

Helping in the engine room

Obviously the engine room is OK when everything is off, but Zipper still doesn't like it much when the engine or generator starts.  She reverts to her "under the quilt or in the closet" mode, but she recovers quickly.

Blood tests and recent weight loss indicate that Zipper may have some underlying health issues going on, so we don't really know how much time we have left with her.  But as long as her quality of life seems good--and her interest in exploring indicates that it is--we will continue to enjoy her company.