Essential Gear for Cats Living Aboard: Our Top Picks for a Happy Boat Life

ericaoliviasilva24

Mar 14

2 min read

Updated: Sep 3

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Over the past year we've tested a lot of gear, and some things have become essential to life aboard with Luna. If you’re new to boat life with a cat, you might want to start here first: Essential Tips for Living Aboard With Your Cat

Black cat lounges on a tan couch while a person brushes its head with a purple brush, looking sleepy and relaxed.

The Brush Luna Is Completely Addicted To (and Why It Works So Well)

This brush deserves its own section because Luna is absolutely obsessed with it.

Boat life means fur can build up quickly in a small space, so regular brushing helps keep the cabin tidy and reduces shedding.

We tried a few brushes, but this one works best because it:

removes loose fur easily
is gentle on her coat
takes seconds to clean

The real test? Luna literally comes running when she sees it.

👉 Click here for the brush we use

Man with cat in a backpack carrier stands on a sunny marsh trail by the water, looking out over the shoreline.

Luna's Cat Backpack (For Safe Adventures Ashore)

A good cat backpack is a game changer when living aboard.

Marinas, dinghies, and unfamiliar docks can be overwhelming for cats, so a backpack lets Luna safely come ashore with us without stress.

What we looked for:

Good airflow
Solid structure (not floppy)
Comfortable straps
Space for her to hide if she feels the need to

👉 Click here for the backpack we use We quickly realised safety matters more than anything when bringing a cat onto a boat — especially around marinas and pontoons. We put together a full safety checklist for boat life here.

Black cat in a pink harness licks a treat tube held by a person indoors.

Harness & Lead

Before Luna was allowed on deck, we spent weeks training her with a harness. A good harness keeps them safe while they explore.

What matters most:

Escape-proof design
Soft but strong fabric
Adjustable fit

👉 Luna’s harness

👉 Luna's lead

Black cat sniffs a white fountain on a wooden floor near a blue rug and toy ball; a red extinguisher stands nearby.

The Cat Fountain We Swear By

This took way too much research. We finally found one that:

is extremely quiet
wireless/rechargeable
easy to clean
uses reliable filters

👉 Our favourite cat fountain

Blue Petpet storage bag and litter tray in a hallway, beside a red fire extinguisher and purple polka-dot pet tunnel on a wooden floor.

4. Litter Setup That Actually Works on a Boat

This was another big learning curve.

A good boat litter setup needs to:

control smells
work in small spaces
stay stable underway

👉 Our litter tray

👉 Luna’s preferred litter

5. Luna's Favourite Boat Toys

Living on a boat means space is limited.

So we prioritise toys that:

pack small
keep cats mentally stimulated
she is obsessed with

Luna’s favourites:

👉 Cat tunnel

👉 Any string, shoelace or yarn!

👉 Catnip balls

👉 Motor bug

Sleeping black cat curled on a blue patterned couch, resting nose against a light blue toy ball with red text.

Final Thoughts

Living aboard with a cat is one of the best decisions we’ve made. Luna has adapted beautifully to boat life — naps in the sun, watching seabirds, and the occasional supervised deck adventure.

If you’re curious what day-to-day life actually looks like, we share more in: Our First Month Living Aboard a Sailboat

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.