Cat named Mavi takes to the waves, joining others in popular water sports
A cat named Maverick, also known as Mavi, has joined the list of water-loving pets after being featured in a video published by media brand The Dodo. The cat participates in water sports alongside his owners, including paddle boarding, wake surfing and longboarding.
Mavi's owners, Kayla and Nick, take the cat with them on various outings, including spending time in pools. Kayla explained that Mavi showed an early interest in water environments.
“Ever since he was little he was fascinated with all things water,” Kayla said.
Mavi joins a variety of animals known to hit the waves, including goats, dogs, snakes and pigs. In video footage, Mavi demonstrated balance by walking the nose of a surfboard.
To help cats acclimate to the water, Mavi's owners shared tips in an Instagram post titled “Water Training for Cats.” They suggest setting up equipment inside the home so pets can get used to it before heading to a lake or river. They also recommend holding picnics on the shore to spend hours introducing the board or kayak to the cat.
The training method utilizes food and treats at the shore to teach cats how to hop on and off a board, kayak or floaty. The owners advise against rushing the process to prevent a negative experience, noting that a cat should always board the float willingly before leaving the shore.