The best cat we ever knew, Domino. She lived 18 years, 8 of them on a boat. She traveled across an ocean, flew on a few planes, and kept us company over countless passages. We adopted her as a kitten, and tried our best to give her a good life into old age. We will miss you Domino: R.I.P., Rest in Peace.
Early Years
We adopted Domino as a kitten from the Toronto Humane Society. This fiesty little kitten chose us, grabbing from inside her cage. We brought her home and she’s been our baby ever since. Domino was a companion for our still young Maggie, who had lost her sister Serena, killed by a car a few months before. Maggie wasn’t immediately a fan of this interloper, but they grew on each other.
We coddled Domino in her early years, me especially. I didn’t let her outside after what had happened to Serena, so she was an indoor cat. A little later, we adjusted, and let her hang out in our backyard when we spent time there, but Domino didn’t venture far. Who knew she was destined for so many adventures later?
Dommie on the Go: Boat Cat
It’s been 8 years since we upended our lives and bought our first boat. By then, Maggie had passed, and Domino moved on Sava with us. Like me, Domino got seasick when the conditions were rough, but she adapted. Our girl was a trouper.
Domino, R.I.P. , you easygoing girl. She travelled everywhere with us on Sava and Go. From Florida to the Bahamas through Covid in the Caribbean and much more. We joked that she loved Covid times because we were always on the boat to feed her and play with her. Domino was never much into playing, though. She’d paw at a toy for a few minutes and then turn on her side and have a nap.
Domino was not a particularly cuddly cat. She’d sit on our laps for a bit and of course let me kiss her and pet her, but only for a set amount of time. She would walk away when she was done, often finding very uncomfortable looking places to rest.
One thing she did enjoy was company. If people came over, that meant more chances for pets and treats. She was friendly and loved to be part of the action.
Dommie loved the boat
That’s the joy of living with a cat: you let them be themselves, and they let you be you. Dommie was a gem, and she rarely got mad at us. We went on many visa runs over the years, and even spent 8 weeks driving around New Zealand. For most of our excursions, Domino preferred to stay on the boat, and had many lovely cat sitters and care givers. They all loved her, and so did we.
One memory I have of Domino is after she spent nearly two weeks in quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand. We drove to Auckland and picked her up at the center and she seemed surprised to see us. She must have thought we had flown her away from us and were never coming back! We felt awful and vowed to not quarantine her again.
After we reunited in New Zealand, she snuggled up to us for days, even sleeping in the bed (it was chilly in N.Z.). I miss those days. I miss Domino already. I always will.
Domino: R.I.P.
It wasn’t always easy having a boat cat, negotiating entry visas, finding pet sitters, and taking dinghies to the vet. We are so glad we did it with Domino. She loved sitting outside at night, watching the sunset and listening to Brian play guitar. When flying fish flew onto the boat, she had no interest, but she liked watching the birds and smelling each island’s distinct scent.
She soothed us when we were upset, like during lightning storms in Panama. Domino made us laugh when we were stressed, and befriended everyone who visited Sava and Go. She loved hopping onto the dock at a marina when it was easy, and would go for a walk or roll around in front of us.
Domino loved wet food, treats, and having her hair brushed and her ears scratched. She did not like getting wet.
You were the best cat we ever knew. We were lucky to know you for your long life. We think they were good years. Domino: R.I.P. We love you.
If you are thinking of getting a pet, adopt don’t shop. There are so many little creatures like Domino looking to share their love.
If you read to the end, and you know Domino, please share your memories of her in the comments. We would love to hear your stories.
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Oh gosh – I’m so very sorry. I haven’t read all of your seagoing adventures from the beginning so hadn’t even realised you had a beloved cat with you. I was smiling so much at your story about her being an indoor cat for years as you were fearful about road accidents and then she spent her last few years travelling the world! I’ve have been so afraid of her wandering off lost forever if she went on land at a port.
I have always had black and white cats – I maintain they have the best personalities. I’m on my 5th (last four were rescue cats) since childhood, all having lived around 15 years. My best cat ever, Pepsi, died in 2024 while were on holiday. I was so upset that it’s taken me awhile to have another one. We just got Ruby in June this year and she’s settling in but I still am calling her Pepsi. It’s so hard losing a very special cat.
Your photos and blog about Domino are really nice. Much love and prayers for your sadness – Val in Cambridge, UK