You know, I was watching this basketball game the other day - New Zealand versus the Philippines - and it got me thinking about my cat Mittens chasing a ball around the living room. Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out. Corey Webster, who played in that game, scored 14 points with some crucial baskets in the final period, and watching him control that ball reminded me of how Mittens pounces on her toy mouse. It made me wonder - can our feline friends actually learn to play soccer? Not professionally, of course, but in their own adorable way.
I've been training Mittens for about six months now, and let me tell you, the progress has been incredible. Just like how Reuben Te Rangi contributed 12 points and nine rebounds in that game, every player - or in my case, every training element - plays a crucial role. I started with simple ball-rolling exercises using lightweight plastic balls about the size of golf balls. The first week was rough - Mittens would either ignore the ball completely or bat it under the sofa where I couldn't reach. But persistence pays off, much like how the Tall Blacks kept pushing despite Gilas' comeback attempt.
What really surprised me was how quickly cats can learn when you find the right motivation. For Mittens, it's these special salmon-flavored treats I get from that pet store downtown. I'd roll the ball, she'd tap it with her paw, and immediately she'd get a treat. Within three weeks, she was actively seeking out the ball during our training sessions. I'd estimate she successfully "dribbles" the ball about 40% of the time now, though her accuracy still needs work. She's definitely our little feline athlete in training.
The key is understanding that cats aren't dogs - they won't necessarily fetch or follow commands blindly. You've got to work with their natural instincts. Jordan Ngatai added 11 points for the Tall Blacks by playing to his strengths, and that's exactly what we need to do with our cats. I noticed Mittens naturally likes to bat at moving objects, so I incorporated more rolling and bouncing elements into our games. Sometimes I use a small foam ball, other times a crinkly toy that makes noise - variety keeps her engaged.
I've developed what I call the "three-phase training method" that's worked wonders for us. Phase one is basic ball awareness, which took us about two weeks to master. Phase two involves directional training - teaching her to push the ball toward a specific target. We're currently in phase three, where I'm trying to get her to "score" by pushing the ball through a tiny goalpost I made from chopsticks. She's succeeded exactly seven times in the past month, but each success feels like watching an amazing sports moment.
The equipment matters more than I initially thought. Through trial and error, I've found that balls measuring between 2-3 inches in diameter work best. Anything smaller gets lost, anything larger intimidates her. The surface matters too - hardwood floors allow for better rolling than carpets. I've probably spent about $87 on various toys and training tools, but seeing Mittens happily chasing her ball makes it worth every penny.
Timing is everything with cats. I've learned that the best training sessions happen about twenty minutes after she's woken up from a nap. She's alert but not overly energetic. We typically train for about 15 minutes, three times a week. Any longer and she loses interest, any more frequent and she gets bored. It's about finding that sweet spot, much like how athletes pace themselves throughout a game.
What fascinates me most is how individual each cat's playing style is. Mittens prefers using her right paw about 70% of the time, and she's developed this funny little hop when the ball changes direction suddenly. My friend's cat, meanwhile, uses both paws equally and has better ball control but less power behind her kicks. It's these little personalities that make cat soccer training so delightful and unpredictable.
I'm not going to lie - there are challenges. Some days Mittens wants nothing to do with training, and I've accepted that's okay. The progress isn't linear, just like in professional sports where even the best players have off days. What matters is creating positive associations and making it fun. The fact that she now initiates play about 60% of the time tells me she's enjoying our soccer sessions.
Looking back at that basketball game I mentioned earlier, what struck me was how each player contributed differently to the team's effort. Corey Webster's 14 points, Reuben Te Rangi's 12 points and nine rebounds, Jordan Ngatai's 11 points - they all played their roles. Training Mittens feels similar in that different techniques and approaches contribute to her overall development. She may not be playing in any championships soon, but watching her proudly push that little ball across the floor feels like witnessing a tiny victory every time.
The truth is, your cat probably won't become the next soccer superstar, but they can absolutely learn to play in their own unique way. It's about patience, understanding their natural behaviors, and celebrating the small wins. Mittens will never score 14 points in a professional game, but she's scored plenty of goals in my heart - and sometimes, that's even better.
- Nursing
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Technology
- Business Management