Boating Superstitions: #4 Cats are Good Omens
Aug 28, 2025
Cats have been a welcome crew member since the early days of sailing. Trading, exploration and naval ships all made sure to have a ship cat to control the rat population on board. Rats were notorious for gnawing on ropes and wood, stealing food and, later, chewing on wires. Most importantly, they would spread disease to the food and people on the boat. The cat’s role was to hunt, catch and eliminate these rodents.
With long travel routes, cats were also a source of comfort to the sailors. Rumor has it, if a cat approaches you, it brings good luck. On the contrary, if it turns away, it brings bad luck. So even though rats on board aren’t much of a problem for cruisers these days, it is still in your best interests to make sure the ship’s cat is well fed and treated with respect.
Courtesy Pacific Yachting
