With the aim of promoting the bond between families and their pets, a peculiar tourist proposal takes place in Singapore: it is a cruise for cats in which animals can enjoy a two and a half hour trip with their owners to aboard the Royal Albatross sailboat.
The initiative was implemented thanks to the good reception that the company had when it started this type of tours with dogs, a project that began in 2021 and through which more than 2,000 dogs have already passed.
To access the ride where the privileged felines are the protagonists, the ticket price is 166 dollars per person. The boat has a maximum capacity of 130 people and tickets sell out with each departure for families with dogs or cats.
Peter Pela, owner of the cruise, defines himself as a “cat lover.” In this context, he explained that when he inaugurated the dog trips he received a large number of requests for the proposal to be expanded to felines.
“We extensively researched whether to allow cats in and how to do so safely. After testing and consulting with numerous experts, authorities and veterinarians, we have designed the perfect sunset ride, a cruise made especially for our feline friends. “They are moments of unity with the family that will be remembered forever,” she assured.
The businessman clarified that although the experience may not be appropriate for all animals, “with proper education, precautions and responsibility from the pet family, cats and their owners can share an outing that is a great experience. linkage.”
The cat cruise promises to keep the animals safe, relaxed, comfortable and stimulated by the ocean views.
Unlike the three-course “gourmet meal” served to dogs on the Dog Cruise, cats are not fed on board, as this species is less motivated by food than dogs, the company explained. The human family, for its part, has access to a varied menu of between four and seven courses, accompanied by wine.
To compensate, Real Albatross gives them a gift bag specially designed for them when the trip ends: it contains a “gourmet dinner for cats” that the animals can enjoy in the comfort of their home, according to their usual feeding routine.
Certain requirements must be met to access the ship: cats must be over four months old, vaccinated, dewormed and sterilized. Additionally, for their safety, they are secured with a harness to avoid accidents.
The devotion to dogs and cats is not only found in Singapore. In the country the presence and importance of companion animals is increasingly noticeable. According to a recent survey by the research and consulting company Voices!, 8 out of 10 Argentines live with a pet in their homes.
Since the first measurement carried out by this survey company on this topic in 2018, the presence of pets has increased significantly (from 60% in 2018, to 70% in 2020 and to 79% in the measurement last July), which reflects the deep commitment of citizens with this type of animals.
For their part, 84% of respondents who have animals choose dogs, while 55% have cats. The significant increase in cat penetration is notable, growing from 40% in 2018 to 55% currently.
One of the most notable findings is the consolidated trend of pet adoption. 97% of cat owners and 90% of dog owners adopted their animals, compared to the small percentage that buys them.
Finally, the study revealed that 97% of dog owners and the same proportion of cat owners consider their pets as members of the family.
