My jaw was hanging low as I read this article in yesterday's paper. Then, as I was making this entry, I just could not help snickering, the image of kids and parents chasing their cats in this open area, kittens climbing the nets, hissing and bottled-brush tails, screeching, kneading, slashing, and preening. I mean, I love my cat and all, and can even understand cat shows (sort of, I mean, its a cat, they hate everything :o), but this is over the top in my book. Below are excerpts, let me know what you think. Frolicking felines and knavish kittens will have their day in the spotlight when the International Cat Agility Tournament and show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 and 22 at Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend.
The event is open to cats of all ages and varieties and they don’t need prior agility-course experience, according to Susan Lee, an agility official with International Cat Agility Tournaments Inc.“We set up the cat agility tournament course in the middle of the cat show and cats who have entered in the show can use the course between judging. Some cats will stretch and yawn and some will just play around. Some cats are so excited to go on the course and quickly learn they’re on a course.”
The track is much like one used for horses, but on a smaller scale, says Lee who, as an official trainer, believes that cats are very smart and more like horses.
“Cat agility people are looking at what horses would do (when designing the course) ... and some have worked with dogs and horses.” Lee adds that folks are welcome to use the track, when it’s open, to get in some practice runs. An official will be on hand to record times. The best course times can then used for the competition. The top three cats from the agility competition will be awarded cash prizes and their times will be recorded into the international competition books. The top three kittens and top three junior handlers (through age 17) are also honored.
Families are welcome. “Kids and cats can run around the course while competing,” Lee says.
The event, for cats of all ages and abilities, is sponsored by Cat Agility Tournaments Inc. and Great Lakes Area Cat Enthusiasts Inc.
Considering what people say about herding cats, this should be quite a show! My prediction: chaos!
ReplyDeleteSheeba and I have begun his training program. [cue the Rocky music] After a full 14 hours of sleep, he starts his workout by eating his special protein food (AKA dry crap), then he drinks out of the bathroom faucet. A half hour bath follows. Then the training begins in earnest. A full five minutes of running around like a crazy kitty, up and down the stairs, back to the bedroom, a flying leap onto his perch.
ReplyDeleteThen he sleeps for 6 hours.
We expect to have him ready for the course by...oh, let's say 2012.
;) B.
To a dog, you're his best friend...to a cat, well, you're the "help". I can't imagine cats doing anything they don't want to do...other than eat, sleep and poop...not necessarily in that order~
ReplyDeleteLMAO!!! I can't get Gizmo to do ANYTHING she doesn't want to do. Or for that matter to stop doing anything I don't want her to do. I'm with Beth's analysis. Pretty right on for the training thingy.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Joyce
oh hell no.
ReplyDeletewhen are the promoters of this gonna realize that cats only do what cats want to do when they want to do it?????
xxalainaxx
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteA "Cat Agility Tournament?!?" Conjures up images of a gold medal for hissing ...!
Best,
Marty
I'm with you! I cannot imagine. I would love to see this in action.
ReplyDeleteI was laughing out loud at Beth's comment, I see it's the same training program my daughter's cat, Hunter follows. My guy, Jett - well, he's still a kitten so he runs around a little more often with shorter naps. But, get him to do something he doesn't want to do? Not happening!
ReplyDeleteMaybe the promoters are in reality trying to create a hidden camera comedy show?
As I write this my little guy takes a flying leap onto my desk knocking a pile of work to the floor and he is now jumping down on the pile to spread it around and see what he can destroy. It's time for intervention!
Monica
wow! a kitty match!:)
ReplyDeletenatalie
I am sure my cat would turn her nose up at this. She would never be able to handle other cats in the room with her and she doesn't like to do much more than lay in the sun by the back door! Maybe that is why we named her Diva! Linda
ReplyDeleteKids and cats running around in an enclose area??? Nothing good can come of that one. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDelete