Has anyone had any experience with this business? Curious about feedback from anyone that has. They cater to truck drivers who want a pet cat for their truck, more specifically exotic looking types as I read in their ad. Website is cranberrycoastcats.com if anyone interested.
Pets- Cranberry Coast Cats
- Thread starter rdtrpn
- Start date
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
I would steer well clear of this for several reasons, first of all breeding cats from the cab of a truck raises lots of red flags with me, lots of potential problems with health, socialization, care and well being of the cats, its no place for young kittens to grow up in. Second these cats are mixed blood domestic/wild hybrids and this can also spell trouble if done wrong - you would want to know how many generations removed from wild the kittens are - too close to wild equals all the behaviour problems you would expect from something like a mountain lion. That is an extreme example but wild is wild, maybe the cat is small and cant kill you but it can still be a problem. The "champion" cats they are referring to are in the an association considered by most to be "out there" on the fringes of the cat world, most consider it to be a joke so there is little meaning to any titles.
IMO, if you want an exotic LOOKING cat that will still be a safe, socialized, loving and responsibly bred cat - look at a breed such as the Ocicat or Egyptian Mau and look to a breeder showing in CFA or TICA - associations who's titles actually mean something. A good place to look for one is Fanciers Breeder Referral List: Find pedigreed kitten and cat breeders worldwide Browse through the breed profiles to learn about the different breeds (not just the look) as each has different characteristics that you may or may not like. Other wild hybrid breeds are the Bengal, Chausie, Savannah, Serengeti, and Toyger. If you want a smaller cat you might look at a Devon Rex or a Singapura - both of which also have a unique appearance you wont see every day.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Wow Bombay, you know your kitties!
I have two Bengals at home. I love em! I think they'd be good truck cats, as they love to lounge. They are half-brothers, and one is pushing 19 lbs, and the other is an obvious runt at 12 lbs. I would recommend this breed if, like Bombay says, they are removed enough from the wild.
If you plan on getting two or more cats for the truck, I'd advise getting them seperately by about 6 months to a year. Otherwise, they could end up bonding to each other, rather than to you.
However, if you get one cat, the more likely you are to be able to train it like a dog.
I have two Bengals at home. I love em! I think they'd be good truck cats, as they love to lounge. They are half-brothers, and one is pushing 19 lbs, and the other is an obvious runt at 12 lbs. I would recommend this breed if, like Bombay says, they are removed enough from the wild.
If you plan on getting two or more cats for the truck, I'd advise getting them seperately by about 6 months to a year. Otherwise, they could end up bonding to each other, rather than to you.
However, if you get one cat, the more likely you are to be able to train it like a dog.
Not looking to breed, just to have a pet.
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
Yeah, cats are a way of life - can't imagine not having any. I have bred Bombay's and at some point when things stabilize I hope to get back to that, so much fun watching them come into the world yet so hard letting them go to new homes. As you said a Bengal CAN be ok, I've seen some (whole males no less) that we so laid back, friendly and loving you'd never know there was any wild blood in them. I've also seen the other extreme so beware of those doing it wrong - that really is the trouble, weeding out the good from the bad breeder. Back in the late 90's they were very popular and folks were jumping in to make a buck - not caring what they produced other than $$$ signs. You definitely want to visit the cattery ahead of time, and maybe go to some TICA shows if this breed appeals to you. If you see LOTS of cats or the place smells................RED FLAG!
As far as pairs, I think its just the opposite. If that is the plan its better to get litter mates, most times they end up being inseparable life long pals but they will still bond to their humans. If an affectionate cat (aka:velcro-cat) is something you desire then you should seek a breed where that is likely. Of course every cat is an individual just like we are but some breeds are more likely than others to possess this trait. Bombay's and Burmese are known to posses this quality but there are plenty of others. One thing you might avoid is the more active breeds which would not be a good fit for spending long periods in a truck. Breeds such as the Abyssinian or any of the Oriental derived breeds (Siamese based) would best be avoided, good pets but a bit too active to be in a confined space
As far as pairs, I think its just the opposite. If that is the plan its better to get litter mates, most times they end up being inseparable life long pals but they will still bond to their humans. If an affectionate cat (aka:velcro-cat) is something you desire then you should seek a breed where that is likely. Of course every cat is an individual just like we are but some breeds are more likely than others to possess this trait. Bombay's and Burmese are known to posses this quality but there are plenty of others. One thing you might avoid is the more active breeds which would not be a good fit for spending long periods in a truck. Breeds such as the Abyssinian or any of the Oriental derived breeds (Siamese based) would best be avoided, good pets but a bit too active to be in a confined space
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
Yes, I know but if you poke around that website you will find that THEY are breeding from the cab, not good if you ask me.
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
Having read the rest of the article (see "News") all I can say is HOLY CR*P - 9 cats in the sleeper................with newborns? To me that sounds downright careless, mothers and newborns need quiet, safe places to be raised in not to mention the potential hazards to young kittens health riding around in a truck. A kitten has virtually no immune system before it begins to develop around 6-8 weeks. Most breeders won't let kittens outside the house (except vet visits) for any reason before they have had their second set of shots at 12 weeks. Cat associations have rules prohibiting the showing of kittens under 4 months for the same reasons.
An acquaintance has a cat that doesn't make the specific protein that causes the dander that people are allergic to so people allergic to cats can have that breed and not suffer allergies. I don't remember the name of the breed and they aren't cheap. I think around $600-$700 for a 3 or so month old kitten. For someone allergic and really likes cats though that breed makes the difference of enjoying and suffering.
Last edited:
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
greg334
Veteran Expediter
In addition to what P51 said, DO NOT get a Turkish Angora, they will flee that truck regardless what training they have. I have had so much grief with mine just at home and she will never get into my truck. She is 7 and still got so much kitten and curiosity in her that she will drive us up a wall. My wife came home from work, she fed the cats and this angora never showed up. It was snowing hard most of the day and stopped when my wife got home, I got up from my nap and ask where she was - I don't know said the wife. So I asked her, when you came home did you see her, Nope. So I knew she had to be outside, sure enough she is on the steps of the side door meowing like no tomorrow. later on I went outside and saw her path threw the snow and the path racing back to the house when she looked at the dog that was inches from her. Thank God we have a lab next door to keep her in check, she sees him now and hides in the bedroom.
My tortoise shell cat would make a great truck cat, conservative and reserve. But the Nascar cat, he may also be good in a truck, likes his stuff in the right place and only tries to escape when the birds land on the deck right in front of him.
My tortoise shell cat would make a great truck cat, conservative and reserve. But the Nascar cat, he may also be good in a truck, likes his stuff in the right place and only tries to escape when the birds land on the deck right in front of him.
buckeyewildman
Seasoned Expediter
If You Want A Real Pet Forget The Cat And Get Yourself A Pug
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
I saw the strangest thing once. Parked next to a long-nose tractor, and a cat was laying on the nose. The guy kept the window open so she could step on the mirror and climb back in. But the noise of the trucks didn't bother her. Now THAT'S a puppy-cat!
Currently, I'm debating taking my Aussie Shepherd with me. He's still a pup and very rambunctious. But I believe he'd calm down with just me around training him on social etiquette.
Currently, I'm debating taking my Aussie Shepherd with me. He's still a pup and very rambunctious. But I believe he'd calm down with just me around training him on social etiquette.
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
Attachments
butterfly610
Veteran Expediter
I have allergies to animals and I like cats, but have never been able to find out about ones for people with allergies. If anyone knows of different breeds, please let me know. I'm not too sure about a litterbox in the truck though....I'm a neat freak. I've looked into many dogs that are good for people with allergies. An italian greyhound is the only true odorless non-shedding dog. On the downside, they are supposed to be hard to housebreak, so it would probably only be good to get one that's a little older and already trained.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
I read somewhere that it is the food that makes the litter box smell. I think it is purina indoor cat food. The litter box really is not an issue if you you large litter.
I was really allergic to cats, I had no resistance built up at all before I got married. When we got married, one of the gifts we ended up with was a cat, so it was not a choice for me. It took 5 months of h*ll to get my resistance up enough to live with the cat. Since then my basset hound/beagle mix causes me to break out like the cats used to.
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
As mentioned above there are two breeds which are potentially good choices for allergy sufferers. Those are the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex, apparently the Sphynx is not. If it were me I'd choose the Devon over the Cornish for a couple of reasons, first I'm not partial the slinky body type of that breed and being that they are an Oriental based breed they are fairly active and can be quite loud and obnoxious when they want something.
First photo is a Cornish Rex, second is the Devon Rex.
Conish Rex Cornish Rex Cat Breeders: Fanciers Breeder Referral List
Devon Rex Devon Rex Cat Breeders: Fanciers Breeder Referral List
Another good place to visit is Planet Devon
Planet Devon -- The Devon Rex Home Page
Another thing to remember if you have allergies is frequent baths helps quite a bit - and YES I mean for the cat. If you get them used to it as a kitten it isn't a problem. Maybe you can get some free showers if you explain your cat needs a bath. LOL
Food does play a role in litter box oder, I don't know anything about an indoor only formula but what does make a difference is feeding a high quality food, by that I mean the stuff you only find in pet superstores like Petsmart, such Iams, Nutro, Science Diet, etc. There is more nutrients and less waste in the food and in turn the cat produces less waste - stools tend to be dense and somewhat dry as a result and do smell less. The other trick is frequently changing the litter. Rather than load the box up just give them enough to dig in, and when a deposit is made scoop it up and toss it.................that would give new meaning to the term "trucker bottle" LOL. Also stay away from that scooping litter - the stuff is terrible for tracking and will soon be all over the cab. I like Fresh Step Clay - it has little green deodorizer pellets and does a good job even with multiple cats.
First photo is a Cornish Rex, second is the Devon Rex.
Conish Rex Cornish Rex Cat Breeders: Fanciers Breeder Referral List
Devon Rex Devon Rex Cat Breeders: Fanciers Breeder Referral List
Another good place to visit is Planet Devon
Planet Devon -- The Devon Rex Home Page
Another thing to remember if you have allergies is frequent baths helps quite a bit - and YES I mean for the cat. If you get them used to it as a kitten it isn't a problem. Maybe you can get some free showers if you explain your cat needs a bath. LOL
Food does play a role in litter box oder, I don't know anything about an indoor only formula but what does make a difference is feeding a high quality food, by that I mean the stuff you only find in pet superstores like Petsmart, such Iams, Nutro, Science Diet, etc. There is more nutrients and less waste in the food and in turn the cat produces less waste - stools tend to be dense and somewhat dry as a result and do smell less. The other trick is frequently changing the litter. Rather than load the box up just give them enough to dig in, and when a deposit is made scoop it up and toss it.................that would give new meaning to the term "trucker bottle" LOL. Also stay away from that scooping litter - the stuff is terrible for tracking and will soon be all over the cab. I like Fresh Step Clay - it has little green deodorizer pellets and does a good job even with multiple cats.
Attachments
Here's a link to the cats I was talking about. Croshka - Reputable cat breeders of Rare Siberian Cats - Kittens for Sale
butterfly610
Veteran Expediter
I looked at the Cornish and Devon Rex after reading this, and I really like the Devon. I think it's pretty neat looking. The ears are cute. It would definately get some looks wouldn't it? Also, LOVE the Siberians. They are beautiful.
Never thought about doing that with the litter. Just using a little and then throwing it out. I knew about the wiping them down though. Lots of people say they do it as a kitten and then it's not a problem anymore. I think they have wipes for people with allergies to wipe down cats and dogs. My sister used to use them for her Boston. As far as the food goes, I firmly believe in feeding all animals high quality food so that wouldn't be an issue.
Thx for the links!
Never thought about doing that with the litter. Just using a little and then throwing it out. I knew about the wiping them down though. Lots of people say they do it as a kitten and then it's not a problem anymore. I think they have wipes for people with allergies to wipe down cats and dogs. My sister used to use them for her Boston. As far as the food goes, I firmly believe in feeding all animals high quality food so that wouldn't be an issue.
Thx for the links!
I looked at the Cornish and Devon. I didn't like the Cornish because it looks bald. The Devon is really short haired too but at least doesn't look bald. The Siberian is prettiest to me but would be the worst for hair problems I suspect. Once in a while I'd like to have a pet but most of the time I think only adults should have pets so I shelve the idea.
butterfly610
Veteran Expediter
Lol...can you imagine one of those "cat collector" people getting into the trucking business. Oh wait, I think I saw one on his way. This guy had 5 cats in his dash. No exxageration, I counted them. Not that long ago, we were in Laredo, and this guy had a great dane in his truck with him. A great dane....like a miniature horse! I don't think that would be that good for a dog that big. At least he let it outside on a chain in the grass a lot. But a dog that big needs running and playing room. It didn't look out of shape and seemed to be happy though. I don't know.