Toilet call for Cat on Stenaline Ferries

sandypas76

Hello,

I posted this in the Travel section and someone suggesred that I also try this Forum.

In June I'm travelling from Cherbourg to Rosslare as a foot passenger with my cat on a Stena Line ferry.
I live in Dublin. I'm bringing my cat over here to live me. So it's a one-way trip. It's not a holiday really. I'm taking the train and ferry for the purpose of moving my cat because I don't want to send him as cargo.

I emailed the company to get information on how to support my cat if he needs to answer the call of nature, as they say. For the moment I'm getting nowhere with them, so I thought there would be someone in the Travel forum who has experience with taking a cat on the ferry.

I don't know what to expect exactly.

Will I be able to open the kennel and let him out for feeding and the toilet needs? Do they provide a litter tray with sand, or will it be ok if my cat just does what he needs to do...on the floor? ?

And then? Will I be able to get something to clean after him?

If I find he's soiled the carrier, will I be given something to clean or will I need to bring cleaning products or wipers or else?

Any advice from people who have experience with this is appreciated. If you haven't had direct experience, I'm not sure there is a point in replying since I'm just really looking for feedback from someone who's done it before.

janmaree

You don't say if this is a holiday trip or if it's one way as in moving to Ireland.
If it's a holiday, I'd say just don't take the cat, find kennels or maybe some family member to take the cat in or to call in to your home to feed and clean up, etc., while you're away. As I read your post, my anxiety grew over all the simple things that could lead to serious upset. It seems you haven't made this journey with the cat before and I'm not really surprised that Stena aren't too helpful, I doubt they're keen at all. I don't travel with my animals but I can understand it if you have no choice so perhaps discuss the situation with your Vet first, he'll know what's what with pet passports, vaccinations and that kind of thing. I wish I could help but it's all I can think of really, others here will be far more knowledgeable and have better suggestions to make. Good luck

sandypas76

I haven't done a trip with a cat like this before, but that doesn't mean I can't get organised if I know what to expect when I am on board.
That's why I'm asking for people who have experienced this to give me an idea. Then, I'll go from there. It'd be worse to make assumptions and then be caught unprepared, wouldn't it?
I know my cat will be fine as long as he's with me. He's a good boy. He'll be a bit lost of course but I know he trusts me.
I just need to get organised for his toilet needs.
But you're right, Stena Line doesn't seem as organised as Irish Ferries.

Rancid

I have only ever travelled in a car with a cat in a strong cat-carrier and even then they were uneasy. Once, one of them escaped and ran panicking around the car, onto the dashboard, etc.
I think it would be too much to risk just opening your carrier on the ferry, no matter how well behaved your cat is in other circumstances.

For his toilet needs, would you consider a second cat-carrier with a 3 inch deep litter box inside? Open the hatches carefully so he can step straight into the litter one. Or for a little more privacy for him, one of those covered litter boxes that have a flap opening?
I think preventing him escaping is the most important thing to consider.

Have a word with your vet, perhaps he can give him a sedative for the journey to make it all a little less stressful for both of you.

sandypas76

Guys, I know you're trying to help but I'm also getting comments that unfortunately aren't helpful. At the bottom of my query I wrote:

"Any advice from people who have experience with this is appreciated." I was specific for a purpose.

I'm going to travel from Italy to Ireland by train and ferry.
It's at least a 2 and a half day trip.
In fairness, I don't feel I need to give details of the rest of the trip because my question is directed to those who have travelled with a cat on a Stena Line ferry.

I'm getting organised for anything else, for example I will buy a harness with leash so he won't run away...because of course he will if he has the opportunity!

My mum actually trained him to go on a leash with a collar, and he doesn't mind the leash. But I think the harness will be more efficient and gentle.
I will use Feliway to keep him as calm as possible.

Once we're on the train, he will settle down until we arrive.
He's not a cat that gets visibly hysterical and miaows for the all trip. I've tested that out. He calms down after a while he'sin the carrier.

He's 11 years old and he's a good cat. All I need is some feedback from someone who has already travelled on Stena Line with a pet. That's because I haven't seen the layout of their kennel area.
My vet doesn't have much experience with this unfortunately.
That's why I'm asking in the forum.

One of my ideas is to bring a bin bag that I will leave spread open and I will pour litter in that for the night, then in the morning I'll pick it up and throw it away.
I will probably have his litter tray with me in my suitcase but I will need to see if there is enough room for that and the carrier. I think the kennel is 112 cm long.

I must have him on a leash otherwise of course it's not going to work. I'll have food with me. A small container for water. I'm planning the stops along the way etc.
I just need to know about the ferry trip

Graces7

OP; when I moved from remote Scotland to Ireland , three planes and an 8 hr stopover, then a night in B and B were involved. They made the car, in carrier, travel in the hold.

First tiny plane, she messed. I got wet and dry paper towels and simply cleaned her off . Second and third flights no problems. In the hold but she coped fine. At Edinburgh I had her on my lap and fed her tuna. Then they held the plane to Ireland up as no one knew how to put a cat through customs ( soon after 9/11)

She was grand at the hotel; played with the light switch all night. BUT she stopped peeing etc until we got safe to destination. I think that this is a n innate safety thing so that predators in danger do not smell them? My almost last lap was by train and I had her on my lap but could see she was weary. They have the art of "closing down" when they are stressed

I would honestly not worry if she messes. Put enough dry bedding in the carrier that she can choose a corner. As she will. I was using sawdust at that time but dry cat litter is fine.

Try not to stress as this will transfer to her. It is a limited and one off event.

NB not sure re the bin bag; a thick old towel that you can bag and bin is better. Or newspapers.

My journey too lasted well over two days. And my cat was an ultra affectionate one too! Will be fine, it really will.

uck51js9zml2yt

sandypas76 wrote: »

Guys, I know you're trying to help but I'm also getting comments on things that I dont need.

I'm going to travel from Italy to Ireland by train and ferry.
It's at least a 2 and a half day trip. Can you not see that the ferry is just one part of the trip?
I even have to change station in Paris.

I)

Simply put..NO!
Your op said Cherbourg/Rosslare... Nothing about Italy or trains.
Being clear in your OP would have helped.

I suggest you contact the relevant transport organisations as they are best to advise on what services are available.

RustyNut

Have you concidered getting a cabin OP. It will give yo a little private, enclosed space where you can let Puss out to use the litter tray, stretch their legs etc.

muddypaws

Can't be bothered.

janmaree

sandypas76 wrote: »

Guys, I know you're trying to help but I'm also getting comments on things that I dont need.

I'm going to travel from Italy to Ireland by train and ferry.
It's at least a 2 and a half day trip. Can you not see that the ferry is just one part of the trip?
I even have to change station in Paris.
I just need to know about the ferry trip

Yes, we were trying to help.......based on the scant information you provided....... I'm feeling suitably chastised now and a bit annoyed myself. I will certainly keep my beak out of this, and similar questions in future. It's a bit like taking an exam where only half the question has been asked, leading to nothing but "wrong" answers.

I'm glad that the more experienced posters have turned up and hope that it all goes well for you and your cat. I still wouldn't do what you're planning, out of simple respect for my pets but I'm sure you know what you're doing. Sorry to have bothered you.

Graces7

janmaree wrote: »

Yes, we were trying to help.......based on the scant information you provided....... I'm feeling suitably chastised now and a bit annoyed myself. I will certainly keep my beak out of this, and similar questions in future. It's a bit like taking an exam where only half the question has been asked, leading to nothing but "wrong" answers.

I'm glad that the more experienced posters have turned up and hope that it all goes well for you and your cat. I still wouldn't do what you're planning, out of simple respect for my pets but I'm sure you know what you're doing. Sorry to have bothered you.

What choice do we have? We cannot leave them behind after all. I hate that when I moved my lot were confined to their crates in the car for a long journey but they were and are fine. Sometimes we have to do this and glad there are so many with knowledge to help a hard journey. Pets deal with these things as long as we are there.

Only thing when I came to Ireland was that when I got to Dublin ( had to book a wheelchair) they had left the cat in the concourse, like lost property...

janmaree

Graces7 wrote: »

What choice do we have? We cannot leave them behind after all. I hate that when I moved my lot were confined to their crates in the car for a long journey but they were and are fine. Sometimes we have to do this and glad there are so many with knowledge to help a hard journey. Pets deal with these things as long as we are there.

Only thing when I came to Ireland was that when I got to Dublin ( had to book a wheelchair) they had left the cat in the concourse, like lost property...

Back in the beginning, I asked if it was a holiday or a move because of course I understand that sometimes we don't have a choice, we still don't know which it is, by the way. I'm sorry that your trip was so difficult and glad that all's well but you were moving. If the OP is moving, then that's one thing but if she's trying to bring her cat on holidays, involving days of travelling and all that goes with it, then that's another thing altogether in my opinion. I enquired in a very polite way, I think, but the response fell rather short of the mark in that department which doesn't impress me at all. I really do hope that things go well on that journey but personally, I wouldn't risk say losing my cat for the sake of a holiday. It has nothing to do with how good the cat is, it's simply impossible to foresee all the pitfalls and I wouldn't put my cat through it......unless there is no other way. Thanks and take care of yourself. J.

Graces7

janmaree wrote: »

Back in the beginning, I asked if it was a holiday or a move because of course I understand that sometimes we don't have a choice, we still don't know which it is, by the way. I'm sorry that your trip was so difficult and glad that all's well but you were moving. If the OP is moving, then that's one thing but if she's trying to bring her cat on holidays, involving days of travelling and all that goes with it, then that's another thing altogether in my opinion. I enquired in a very polite way, I think, but the response fell rather short of the mark in that department which doesn't impress me at all. I really do hope that things go well on that journey but personally, I wouldn't risk say losing my cat for the sake of a holiday. It has nothing to do with how good the cat is, it's simply impossible to foresee all the pitfalls and I wouldn't put my cat through it......unless there is no other way. Thanks and take care of yourself. J.

From the OPs OP

"In June I'm travelling from Cherbourg to Rosslare as a foot passenger with my cat on a Stena Line ferry.
I live in Dublin. I'm bringing my cat over here to live me. So it's a one-way trip. It's not a holiday really. I'm taking the train and ferry for the purpose of moving my cat because I don't want to send him as cargo."

Sounds too as if English is not the Ops first language... moving is so utterly stressful
especially changing countries; OP good luck.

Cherry Blossom

The Op edited that in after Janmarees post Graces7.

With mod hat on, OP I realise you don't have many posts and maybe are not aware how boards works. Discussions evolve as people post. None of the replies have veered off topic and people have every right to ask for clarification and ask you questions. Your response to the first few posters was extremely rude and those posters have pulled you up on it.

To all: I think it's time we got past this argument now though so let's park it there.

sandypas76

muddypaws wrote: »

As a poster above said, I would get a cabin and take the cat in there if nobody noticed. Book it, go to the customers service desk when you board and pick up your key, wander around a bit with the cat carrier, then go upstairs to the cabin. The kennel area is on the same deck as customer service desk.

Hi thanks for the info.
In the meantime I managed to get few additional details from the company (like blood out of a stone though) and one of the things they said it that cats and dogs are in the same area, whereas a traveller on Irish Ferries informed me that IF actually separates cats and dogs. So that would be one thing to consider.

I wouldn't chance trying to sneak the cat in my cabin to be honest, but thanks for the advice.

sandypas76

I don't really understand the issue here.

I gave enough information for what I needed to know.

1. I'm travelling via ferry on Stena Line with a cat.
The rest of the trip, where I am from, MY NATIVE language (??totally out of context), the purpose of travelling, how old the cat is etc. is information that will NOT affect the reply I am looking for. It's not relevant, believe me.

I have been deliberately VERY SPECIFIC in the amount of details provided.
That's enough information for anyone with the required experience to be able to provide a reply (just to name an example Muddypaws). The rest of the comments are nice but they are not helping me.
I don't see why it is rude to state that. I am being clear because I think this can be helpful for those who read the thread.

There is nothing RUDE in telling people that they are not helping by behaving in a certain way. This gives the opportunity to modify their behaviour if they wish, or keep it as it is. I am just being honest because I am receiving lots of emails and it's taking me time to follow the forum, but in the end I am still waiting for an effective response. I think I have just got one today.

I probably shouldn't have posted the query here. I initially posted it in the Travel section. Someone suggested that I posted here but I wasn't too convinced. That might be one of the issues here. Simple as that.

2. In my initial query I have specified that I am looking for a reply from experienced travellers. . That's because I know that only those who have travelled on that particular ferry can help me. If the others haven't, even with all the best intentions, how can they possibly answer my question?

More than this, I don't know what I have to say in order to look for the help I need.
Very often people want to help even if they might not have the knowledge or experience to do so. It happens every day. We say thanks but...hey, that didn't help.
All I can say is: Thanks, but this is not helping me.

NO, I don't think it is necessary that I specify all the other details.

I believe I can handle a trip with my cat, and that is why I am NOT asking a broad question such as: How can I get organised to travel via train and ferry with a cat?
I did my research in the previous months and I passed that point. This is why I haven't included other details.

The question is clear enough to those who can actually provide a reply.
I am very specific and I have reasons for that.
This is not being rude or offensive in itself.

sandypas76

RustyNut wrote: »

Have you concidered getting a cabin OP. It will give yo a little private, enclosed space where you can let Puss out to use the litter tray, stretch their legs etc.

Thanks for your suggestion.
I don't feel like chancing this to be honest. If I were more familiar with the ferries maybe I would try it!

Cherry Blossom

I don't care who you are looking for a reply from. The OP doesn't dictate who does and doesn't have the right to reply. Everyone who wants has the right to throw their two cents in on this forum. I asked you nicely to park the issue and move on. Now I am telling you to. If you have any further issue with this take it to Pm and don't disrupt the thread any further.

uck51js9zml2yt

OP, the best source of advise is from the ferry coompany. Give them a ring in the morning, I'm sure they'll be glad to help you based on the information you provide.

sandypas76

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

I don't care who you are looking for a reply from. The OP doesn't dictate who does and doesn't have the right to reply. Everyone who wants has the right to throw their two cents in on this forum. I asked you nicely to park the issue and move on. Now I am telling you to. If you have any further issue with this take it to Pm and don't disrupt the thread any further.

Wow...
I must have had it all wrong here.
I was trying to find help on a specific issue, not engage in an exchange of opinions on cats and ferries.
I'm asked to allow people to talk but apparently I'm not free to do the same.
I was called rude, but it's fine for a moderator to lose it in a post.
Nice.
I'm out of here.

Thanks Muddypaws
Thanks Grace7

DBB

Sandypas76,
Your lack of self-awareness as to how pushy and rude your posts are is pretty astonishing, actually.
In addition, arguing with mods on-thread is against Boards rules, which you'll have realised when you read the charter prior to posting, and indeed when Cherry Blossom instructed you to take the discussion relating to your posting style up by pm.
You were lucky, really, that CB was so patient with you earlier. I'm not prepared to be so patient though, so you are now banned for a week. If you do decide to return, I'd strongly suggest you modulate your posting style so that you don't come across so snappy, pushy, and petulant.
If you decide not to return, well, to be perfectly blunt, with your posting style and failure to see the problems with it, it'll be no loss.
Thanks.
DBB

Cherry Blossom

Just for the record I am not a fan of myself or other posters being made look unreasonable or stupid by someone editing or deleting their posts after the fact.