Since a few years, starting after sailing in a very severe winter, I use a tether to my cat.

Its a standard leashline from a kite (a long handle pass shockcord version). I have connected it with a noose to my sternbar (which could also be a tight line between the two hulls). The trick is that the noose can shift along this bar, because it is hold in the middle by a shockcord which runs from hull to hull.

So, when I fall overboard there is enough free space between me and the cat. Also when I capsize, I will not be hung up over the hullside because it will all stretch out far enough.

When I sail hanging out, the leash goes over the tiller under my steering arm to a ring just beyond my trapeze-hook. Its not in the way at all.

If necessary, I can detach myself from the the tether with the quick-release from the leashline. Which is also proven technique.








On the last photo you also see two lines hanging over the side the hull. They are also safety lines.
One is fixed nonstrectch and is to be used as a grabbing line when falling overboard. And the other black/yellow one is connected to a shockcord (which runs via the frontbeam to the other side). So this thick line I can stretch out and use for stepping up when I want to go back on board after a capsize.

The only problem with all these measures is the mindsetting behind it. I now use my tether all the times, even if it is not strictly necessary. I simply feel insecure without it!