Cat sails the waters of the Caribbean since she was a kitten – Metro.co.uk

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Meet Miss Rigby an American-Burmese cat who has lived on a boat since she was a kitten.

Also known as Rigs, Riggles or Chicken, the champagne-coloured kitty loves nothing more than exploring the waters of the USA and the Carribean with owners Shane and Maryvonne.

Shane, 53, and Maryvonne, 52, previously owned an architectural business together before quitting 10 years ago to pursue their passion for sailing.

They now live on their boat and travel full-time with their pet.

Miss Rigby comes from a breeder in Connecticut, Maryvonne says. Burmese cats are known to be the most dog-like of all cat breeds.

They are extremely loving and loyal and also trainable well, as much as you can train a cat.

She has lived on the boat with us her whole life since she was an 11-week-old kitten. The boat is her home and she loves it.

For the last two years, Miss Rigbys adventures have been documented on Instagram, where shes quite the star.

Her journey started in Long Island, New York, and she has since sailed up and down the East Coast and into the Bahamas several times.

The lucky cat has travelled through the Caribbean and stopped at most of the islands with her doting humans.

Maryvonne said: We have so many memories but the main one is how happy she makes us and how much we laugh at her and love her.

We can be in terrible sea conditions but she makes it bearable with her purring and cuteness. I cant imagine not having her onboard.

Our walks/hikes are also a lot of fun and watching her do crazy runs makes life better. We have trained her to be like a dog and she hasnt let us down.

As fun as it is to have a cat on a sailing boat, the couple has to make sure its safe for Miss Rigby to roam around.

Our main concern always is her safety, Maryvonne says. Whilst at sea she is mainly locked down below and is only allowed on deck in the cockpit in calm conditions and under strict supervision.

Maryvonne continued: We are often asked about why she doesnt wear a life jacket.

We tried one on her but it just made her more clumsy. She can swim well and we would pick her up quickly if she fell in. I would jump in after her.

In case of an emergency, the couple also has a net hanging from the back of the boat in case Miss Rigby slips off the boat whilst at anchor.

Maryvonne added: This has never happened thankfully. She is very sure-footed and aware of the water around her.

Clever cat.

If your cat has an unconventional life, email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.

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Cat sails the waters of the Caribbean since she was a kitten - Metro.co.uk