Cat Agility? A Joke?
Most definitely not!!
But agility in cats?
Why not? Since dog can do agility contests or shows why not cats? Cats may not be as easily trained like dogs but with patience and regular exercises, they can perform as outstanding as a regular agility dog (if not better). Agility ring in Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is differ from the regular cat judging ring in several ways:
1. The cat can be a household pet (HHP) which must be spayed or neutered if he/she is 8 months and above in age.
2. The cat can be a registered cat breed but must not be of wild ancestry
3. Cats with kinks in tail, crossed eyes or other kind of faults are welcome to join CFA Agility Contest
Therefore, a cat with the ability to run the course and eagerness to try all that counts in CFA Agility. One thing so special about CFA Agility is that it accepts cats from all walks of life: being the favourite pet, the kitty living in a shelter (temporarily, I hope) or the top confirmation show call; all are equal in CFA Agility Contest.
The agility course is set up with a combination of stairs, jumps, tunnels, hoops and weave poles. Each cat enters through the gate and is given a little time to get comfortable with the surroundings. Some may enter ready to run the course, but they will be the veterans, most likely. When he is comfortable (note the tail coming up), the cat is led through the course of obstacles by the Handler (the cat owner) using a toy as a lure. The Handler should not touch the cat with hands, but may encourage him with the toy.
From the first paw touching the stairs until the last obstacle is completed, the time is kept on a stopwatch by the Ringmaster. The score is based on the number of obstacles completed. If the cat completes all obstacles bonus points are given for seconds under the maximum time of 4 minutes 30 seconds.
I am happy to announce that for the CFA International Division (Asia/Latin-America), I am one of the 2 certified Ringmaster to conduct CFA Agility Show. CFA clubs in the International Division (Asia/Latin-America) that would love to learn more about CFA Agility or having CFA Agility Show, please do not hesitate to contact me at horatio168@gmail.com
And finally, a video presentation on how does CFA Cat Agility Show looks like…
