Feline Fans: Cats Mesmerized by Gymnastics at Paris 2024 Olympics

Quick Smiles:

• The Paris Olympics 2024 saw an unusual audience – our furry feline friends, which were captivated by the gymnastics routines.
• The abrupt motions and unpredictability of gymnast routines seem to mimic prey movements, sparking cats’ inherent hunting instincts.
• Renowned cat behaviorist, Dr. Rachel Geller, explained this fascinating occurrence and also proposed methods to keep your cat engaged after the Olympics.

@goosecommasilly

@Simone Biles he said your flight was rock solid 💯 #womensgymnastics #olympics2024 #paris #catsoftiktok #fy @Baby Jo @suni @hezrivera @Jade Carey @USA Gymnastics @USA Gymnastics @Olympics @paris2024

♬ Star Spangled (Bass Boosted) – SNC

During the Paris 2024 Olympics, the breathtaking performance by the USA Gymnastics Team, led by the remarkable Simone Biles, had spectators fascinated. Intriguingly, it wasn’t just humans who seemed entirely captivated by the event.

The online world has been flooded with videos of cats, engrossed in their screens, closely scrutinizing the gymnasts’ every move. During the Women’s All-Around final, where Team USA secured gold, to individual apparatus performances – these lovable felines were spied engaged in the action, occasionally reaching out with their paws in amazement.

One particular video that seized significant attention was of a white cat named Goose. Shared by TikTok user @goosecommasilly, the video displays Goose perched on the TV stand, his eyes wide as he enthusiastically watches Biles perform her beam routine. The cat’s fascination amplified as the remaining gymnasts demonstrated their acrobatic skill.

This intriguing phenomenon prompted many to ponder: Why are cats so captivated by gymnastics?

Renowned cat behaviorist, Dr. Rachel Geller, provided some insight: “Cats are highly responsive to movement,” she expounded. As natural predators, the unpredictability of the gymnasts’ routines resonates with the movements of prey, igniting the feline’s instinctive chase drive.

She further expanded on this by stating, “prey will stop and start at different times or play dead to try and deceive predators.” While the gymnasts are certainly not prey to cats, their highly kinetic routines intrigue the innate hunter within.

Consider the floor exercise, where a gymnast rapidly sprints, executes gravity-defying flips, and then pauses before more twirls. This rhythm reflects the erratic movements of prey, appealing to the cats’ interest.

Dr. Geller went on to elaborate, “In bars, they have all those movements and then they transition between the bars, hold a handstand. The exciting linear movement is very interesting to cats.” It seems these gripping performances not only amaze human viewers but also cater to the cats’ hunting predispositions!

According to Dr. Geller, this is all very beneficial as cats are at their happiest when they’re chasing. But once the gymnastics events conclude, how can we keep our feline companions entertained?

She recommends triggering their hunting instincts with cat TV or interactive toys. For example, a simple fishing pole toy can be utilized to replicate a prey’s movement. Move it up and down, conceal it, pause and finally let your cat capture the “prey” at the tip of the toy.

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