ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s true what they say, cats know more than we think, and one trainer is proving that in her show, “The Amazing Acro-Cats.”
Samantha Martin, a world-renowned animal trainer, is known for training many cats you see on TV shows, commercials and movies. She’s bringing her show to Orlando Family Stage on Princeton Street from Jan. 24-28.
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Martin saves hundreds of cats each year through her nonprofit, Rock Cats Rescue. She then tries to include them in her all-cat circus-style show.
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So, what inspired her to start a show centered around felines? Of course, her story starts with a cat.
“In 2003, a very special cat named Tuna came into my life. She was unlike any other cat I had, and was very motivated to learn. She was the inspiration behind the show. Initially it was to get my cats used to other environments in hopes to get them film and commercial work,” Martin said.
She started her first shows in 2005, when she says it was definitely a learning experience.
“Honestly the show was horrible in the beginning because I was still learning what the cats needed to make them feel comfortable working in new environments. They taught me what they needed,” Martin said. “People started showing up in droves when they heard there were cats performing! They loved the show even when the cats didn’t do what they were supposed to do. Since people loved it so much, we started expanding, added music and found venues that we could rent.”
She said 2009 was also a turning point for her. She wanted to add another cat to the show, and of course, she wanted it to be a rescue. She said it’s hard to know right away which cat would be a good fit, so she decided to foster a litter and train them all.
“I started working with a rescue and they gave me my first litter to foster. That’s when I discovered just how many cats end up in shelters and are relinquished by their owners, because people did not have any sort of attachment or connection to their cat. I realized this was something I could help change,” Martin said.
She says a goal of her show, “The Amazing Acro-Cats,” is to show people just how trainable and personable cats can be.
“It’s a great bonding experience for cats and their humans and also helps prevent and fix behavioral problems. Since 2009, I have fostered and found homes for 325 cats and kittens! We currently have five little foster kitties that are coming to Orlando,” she exclaimed.
Martin said cats are incredible animals with extraordinary intelligence.
“They have complex brains that allow them to process information quickly, remember things, recognize faces, sounds, and problem-solve when necessary. They can also learn through observation and it is not uncommon for a cat to learn how to ring a bell, turn on a light switch, or even open the door, simply by watching their human companions or other animals,” Martin said. “Cats are underestimated, because they are a bit aloof and unlike dogs, usually do things to please themselves. When given the opportunity, cats excel and enjoy learning.”
Ahead of the show, Orlando Cat Cafe will be hosting an educational event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 23 where Martin will show you how to train your cat. Spaces are limited and it costs $20. The proceeds go to SPCA Florida.
Martin trains her cats through a positive reinforcement method called clicker training.
“A clicker is a small, handheld tool that makes a click sound when you press it. Whenever a cat does something that I like, I click and give them a treat. I spend time watching them play and seeing what their skill sets are and then come up with cute tricks to teach them, based on their interests and natural skill sets,” Martin said.
You can purchase tickets to the show here.
As for Martin’s favorite part of the performance?
“Watching the cats do their tricks (or not). Also, every show is different, depending on the cats’ mood, time of day, etc. Every show is exciting and different because we never know what is going to happen, so I do have to improvise a lot,” she said.
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