THE CURIOUS TALE OF CATS AND BOXES
The curious tales of cats and boxes — including five reasons for this cardboard love affair backed by science.
The Winter Games…But Make it About Cats
While the world turns its eyes toward the icy slopes and frozen rinks of Italy, it’s only natural that cats have somehow found themselves in the spotlight.
From a viral feline who claimed a medal straight from its champion owner to the thousands of house cats cheering on the TV at every triple axel, it’s clear that cats are this season’s most dedicated fans and fiercest rivals.
But, first, did you know World’s Best Cat Litter® was competing this year too?
Meet the 2026 World’s Best Cathletes:
It turns out that peak athleticism isn’t just for humans; our feline friends have been training for this their entire lives (mostly between their 16-hour naps).
Whether it’s a high-flying ski jump similar to the leap they love to make from the bookshelf, or speed skating faster than those midnight zoomies, our World’s Best Cathletes appear to be in medal contention in Italy.
wins a gold medal…immediately gives it to cat
While figure skating phenom Ilia Malinin was busy making history on the ice in Italy, the real celebration was happening at home.
After leading the U.S. team to a spectacular first-place finish in the team event, Malinin proved that behind every great athlete is an even greater cat.
In a move that won the hearts of “Cathlete” fans everywhere, Malinin shared a photo of his cat, Mysti, officially claiming the gold. As it turns out, the first medal of the 2026 Winter Games didn’t end up in a trophy case—it ended up around the neck of a very fluffy, very unimpressed black cat.
Cats = Calm for this U.S. Snowboarder
U.S. Snowboarder Alessandro Barbieri, an up-and-coming halfpipe star from Oregon, reportedly includes his real cat in his ritual — a silver tabby Maine coon named Bella.
The 17-year old said his mom sends him photos of the cat before competitions, which he said keeps him calm. Barbieri’s cat habit has even earned him the nickname “Kitty Kitty Meow Meow.”
Cats Can Be the Ultimate Hype Man
Whether they are “judging” the competition from the comfort of the sofa or providing moral support during a tense broadcast, cats have proven to be the ultimate winter sports companions.
From viral videos of cats mimicking the movements of elite skaters to those “assisting” the judges with some serious “cat-itude,” our four-legged friends are bringing a whole new level of energy to the screen.
@jayjohnsonceramics Judges deducted points for excessive cat-itude! #olympics #cats #funny #winterolympics #figureskating ♬ original sound – Jay Johnson Ceramics
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