Cat named Mavi makes waves surfing and paddle boarding with owners
A cat named Maverick, also known as Mavi, is making waves for participating in surfing and paddle boarding with his owners, Kayla and Nick. Digital media platform The Dodo released a video on Sunday highlighting Mavi's unusual water skills.
Mavi's owners bring the cat along for a variety of water activities, including wake surfing, pool outings and longboarding. In the video, Mavi demonstrated his balance on the water by walking the nose of a surfboard.
Kayla and Nick take Mavi with them nearly everywhere they go, introducing him to water at an early age. Kayla spoke about Mavi's early interest in liquid environments. “Ever since he was little he was fascinated with all things water,” Kayla said.
Mavi joins a varied lineup of non-traditional animals participating in ocean sports, including surfing dogs, pigs, snakes and goats.
Mavi's owners also share advice on a dedicated Instagram account featuring water training tips for cats. Suggested techniques include setting up boards or kayaks inside the house for advance practice, holding picnics on the shore to give cats hours to adjust, using food and treats to teach movement on and off equipment, avoiding rushing the training process and ensuring the cat enters the float willingly before leaving the shore.