Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Are the Acro-Cats? Facts, History & FAQ

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Animal lovers on a mission are always looking for ways to get our attention. If you have recently heard of the Acro-Cats, but you’re not quite familiar with what they do, allow us to enlighten you. The Amazing Acro-Cats are a group of domestic cats that are specially trained cats to perform circus tricks.

The Acro-Cats were founded by an animal trainer named Samantha Martin. Their little act raises awareness for pets all over. Let’s get to know what they do a little better.

divider 2 cats

The Acro-Cats Are Out to Perform

The Acro-Cats have a strict schedule, and they’re not messing around! These cats are booked out all year long at different touring points across the United States. These cats impress audiences with their many musical talents and ability to perform circus tricks.

First, the Acro-Cats take the stage, putting on a show-stopping event, acting out feats that both entertain and impress. Then, the Rock Cats take the stage by storm with their musical stylings of guitar, drums, and piano—sorry! No vocals.

Finally, the Jazz Cats stop by with a grand finale playing the saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet.

The Acro-Cats
Image Credit: Property of Morton Theatre. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

Who Runs Acro-Cats?

Acro-Cats is owned by Samantha Martin. She is a trainer that guides her lot of circus performers on the stage. She has been at the game since 2005, and Acro-Cats has thrived since. In 2009, there was a tour bus that took the troupe around to all sorts of venues and stages.

Martin used a series of clicks and tricks to get their attention, directing them to perform tasks to perfection. Martin uses tuna and chicken to reward the cats so they will keep impressing us with their lovely talents.

Samantha started training her family dog at the young age of only 9. She stayed devoted to animal training throughout her adolescence and ended up meeting a real game-changer named Tuna. This kitty spawned her love and commitment to cat training.

She owns her own animal talent agency called Amazing Animals and her business allows commercial work in Illinois and Georgia.

‘Cat People’ on Netflix

You might wonder how the Acro-Cats gained popularity. While they weren’t unheard of before, it certainly helped when they were featured in a Netflix special called Cat People. Episode 2 is called “The Amazing Acro-Cats”. You can watch the Acro-Cats in live action and hear the whole backstory.

If you’re a cat person, you might just dive into the whole series and smash it in a weekend.

How Do Acro-Cats Help Other Cats?

The Acro-Cats tour totally supports homeless cats! Proceeds from their nonprofit organization go to cats in need! So, if you are wanting to support a good cause and pat several talented cats on the back, you should certainly attempt to see the show.

You can check out available showtimes on their website.

Rock Cats Rescue, Inc. Mission Statement

Here is the exact description per the Rock Cats Rescue page of their mission statement. We couldn’t have said it more perfectly ourselves:

“Rock Cats Rescue, Inc. aims to save cats one click at a time. We accomplish our mission through three different means:

  1. Educating the public about the physical and emotional benefits of clicker training,
  2. Rescuing and fostering homeless cats,
  3. Initiating clicker training programs and animal shelters across the nation to increase adoption and retention rates.”

So, as you can see, the rescue certainly has their hands full. What would we ever do without people who devote their lives to animals?

Social Media Accounts

Acro-Cats has many social media platforms to spread the word about their services. They put on one heck of a show and can’t wait for you to come check it out. If you want updates, there are several ways you can get information, be sure to check out their Instagram (@acrocats), Facebook, TikTok, and other social media accounts.

You Can Train Your Cats Too!

Acro-Cats aims to show owners how important cat training actually is. Many people buy a cat and because that cat doesn’t seem interested in performing, they give up and let the cat do whatever they want.

However, if you want to treat your relationship with your cat more like you would with a dog, all you have to do is motivate them to perform. They aren’t as concerned with the way that human beings feel as dogs are, so it might be a little harder to convince them initially, but it’s also helpful if they’re getting some kind of reward. They will be motivated to perform a variety of actions.

You can stick with it and follow a YouTube tutorial or two. This will guide you on how to carry out these training portions to get the best results. You can also reach out for the help of a professional. That’s right. There are paid feline training professionals scattered all over!

You can ask your vet for recommendations or give it a quick Google to see what’s available in your area. Keep in mind that even if you don’t have a local cat behaviorist on hand, there are still virtual options!

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

So now you have gotten to know Acro-Cats a little better and what they stand for. If you are a cat lover, you will no doubt be impressed with Samantha Martin’s work. It is astonishing to see what our felines are capable of, and Samantha’s cats are surely special!

All felines can learn these training concepts, so let your cat amaze you with their intelligence and commitment. Plus, you can always support a wonderful cause and catch an Acro-Cats show soon!


Featured Image Credit: Property of MIDTOWN ARTS & THEATER CENTER HOUSTON. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.