5 surprisingly paw-some ways soccer stars and cats are alike
(BPT) - Soccer players and cats have a lot in common. The athleticism, the motivation, the occasional disregard for the rules.
"If you have a cat, you have a mini-athlete at home," said Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina pet behaviorist. "Their bodies are made for movement, allowing them to leap onto your counters and bookcases with ease, pounce on a toy mouse with big-cat ferocity and gracefully land on their feet."
Soccer players have been known to do the same. One famous player who fully embraced big-cat energy on the field is former U.S. Women's National Team member and self-described cat grandma Brandi Chastain. Her legendary goal celebration in 1999 was an un-furr-getable soccer moment that went down in sports history. Chastain has teamed up with Friskies, an official partner of U.S. Soccer, to bring that energy to the pitch this summer with the launch of Certified Frisky on the Field*, a summer-long celebration of soccer and cats that will give away 1 million cans of Friskies.
"Soccer players and cats share the same energy - they're fearless and they do everything on their own terms," Chastain said. "Embracing that catlike attitude and channeling that feline dexterity and drive can make a huge difference on the field."
Below, Dr. Annie and Chastain offer insights around the similarities between cats and athletes:
Born to run
Cats and soccer players are both known for their explosive energy and speed. If you've ever seen your cat get the zoomies, it's reminiscent of the incredible sprints strikers achieve when they have a breakaway goal. That's because cats can bolt at an unbelievable speed of 30 mph, outrunning the average athlete!
Leaps and bounds beyond the competition
A regulation soccer goal measures 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. That means soccer goalies have to make unbelievable jumps and dives to fend off attacks from the opposing team.
While cats can't jump 8 feet high, the average house cat can leap five feet or more without running! That's about seven times their own height. If cats were as big as their human companions, they could outshine even the tallest and most dexterous goalie.
A-meow-zing agility
One of the joys of watching soccer is witnessing your favorite player outmaneuver their opponents. By quickly changing direction and using fancy footwork, they can confuse the other team and score from angles that shouldn't be possible.
Sound familiar? Even if you've never played soccer, if you're a cat owner, you've probably seen a similar trick.
"Cats are experts at changing directions at a split second and leaping over opponents," said Valuska. "It's what makes catching your cat before they sneak into their treat cupboard so challenging!"
Acting on catlike instinct
How does a soccer player know the right moment to shoot the game-winning goal or which way to dive to make an incredible save? Practice does make purr-fect, but it often comes down to instinct.
"The best moments are the ones you can't plan for," Chastain said. "When I've let pure instinct take over, I've made shots that not only surprise others but also myself."
Just like when felines know the perfect moment to pounce, soccer players have honed catlike instincts to make incredible plays.
Unbeatable drive and motivation
When a cat wants something - whether it's a toy, treat or attention - they'll stop at nothing to get it. It's that same fur-ocious drive that turns soccer players into soccer stars that go down in history.
Celebrate goals with free Friskies
This summer, sit down with your favorite feline and watch the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) bring catlike energy and attitude to the pitch - and you could score free Friskies.
From now through July 19, when the U.S. Men's National Team scores a goal, and the celebration captures that unmistakable catlike spirit, Friskies officially declares it Certified Frisky*, triggering a Friskies giveaway for cat-loving fans. Fans will have 30 minutes from the time of the goal to enter for a free $10 coupon for Friskies wet cat food on the MyPurina app, while supplies last.
The first USMNT goal of the match also triggers a 100,000-meal donation to cats in need at shelters in match cities. So, whether you're a soccer fan or a cat person, you've got a reason to cheer. To learn more, visit Purina.com/CertifiedFrisky.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ (19+ in AL & NE) who are registered myPurina App rewards members. Starts 12:00:00 AM CT on 5/31/26 until 11:59:59 PM CT on 7/19/26. See rules atPurina.com/CertifiedFrisky. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Nestlé USA, Inc.
Source: BrandPoint
