Trained cats to “purr-form” on agility course November 20, 2009

For those of you who might think of “trained cats” as an oxymoron, the folks of Great Lakes Area Cat Enthusiasts (G.L.A.C.E.) will prove you wrong with their International Cat Agility Tournament, part of Michigan Family Pet Expo, Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22 at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

Expo visitors will witness dozens of fit, fine-tuned and fired-up felines finessing their way through an obstacle course of tunnels, fences, hoops and ladders. The cats are encouraged on by their owners enticing them with toy birds and dragonflies dangling from the end of small wooden poles.

G.L.A.C.E., based in Okemos, Michigan, awards cash prizes to owners of cats that demonstrate the fastest times with the least number of mistakes. Some cats may qualify for international agility titles and can also earn certificates attesting to particular “cat-e-gories” of skill.

The International Cat Agility Tournament will include mixed-breed house cats and kittens as well as purebreds like Abyssinians and Bengals that are generally stars in cat agility given their muscular, active and athletic natures, and beautiful Persians with their flowing coats that are breathtaking to watch.

“People are always amazed when we talk about training cats,” says G.L.A.C.E. President Susan Lee. “Actually, cats are more like horses than dogs on the agility course. They look ahead to the next obstacle much like a horse will look ahead to the next jump.”

G.L.A.C.E., part of The International Cat Association, has members in eight states and holds competitions in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio. The group will also judge an exhibit of purebred cats featuring more than 20 breeds and conduct a Parade of Breeds explaining cat breed origins and personalities, along with seminars on grooming and “What Color is My Cat and Why?” Staff from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine will answer questions on feline health.

“More people are beginning to see cats as the highly intelligent, complex creatures they are,” Lee said. “That is, of course, when they want to be!”
For more information on cat agility training and G.L.A.C.E., go to www.glaceshow.com. For showtimes, go to www.PetMichigan.com.

Official Website: http://www.petmichigan.com