After being the first TICA club in the UK to run a 2 day show –which was very successful from all angles - CoonTICA is very proud to be able to launch the very first ICAT event to be staged in the UK.
Cat Agility has become over the last few years a “must have” at any cat show in the US. It is wonderful to see the cats at their very best running round and having fun, showing them off to their best potential – not just sleeping at the back of a show pen. Watching the movement of these fine creatures with the flow of the fur as they jump and play with the course is lovely to see. It makes cat shows far more interesting for the visiting public, and is something we feel will attract the public through the doors.
ICAT was started by Vickie Shields (who judged for us at Bletchley) and
Shirley Piper in 2003. You can learn more at www.catagility.com.
You don’t have to be a trained pentathlon cat to take part. It’s really not about being the best, the quickest, the most purr-fect. Its about taking part – letting your cat exercise and have fun with you chasing the teaser – you don’t even have to be a show cat to take part. ICAT is open to all, local people may bring along their cats to try out their skills. As a vetted in venue all cats whether or not in competition will be required to vet in with our duty vet – as it’s paramount that we keep a healthy standard with all cats attending.
You don’t need to have been on an intensive training course to take part –but if you wish to start training your cats – don’t let me stop you. Initially the cat is put into the course (which is netted at the perimeter) and allowed to wander around to make itself at ease with the new surroundings. Then the fun starts and the owners get to play with a variety of teasers to encourage the cat to successfully tackle the obstacle course – in whatever order they like. To achieve a certificate at the beginners level the cat will need to have successfully mastered each obstacle twice –but in no particular order.
Whilst we appreciate that showing TICA does not leave you with much spare time as exhibitors, it doesn’t take long to put your cat into the ICAT area to stretch their legs for 5 minutes. Alternately you may wish to bring along one of your other cats that isn’t in competition and have fun with them.
We will hold ICAT at Blackpool which will be staffed by the UK’s very first Cat Agility Official Lindsey Wright. We will also provide penning in this area for those who wish to bring non competitive cats. Their will be a small charge to cover the cost of penning.
