ICAT - International Cat Agility Tournaments

Junior Handler Program

Many thanks to Sharon and Tati Kalani for creating ICAT's Junior Handler Program. Tati is our first Junior Handler. Click here for a video clip of Tati training her kitten at home for agility.

Purpose:

• To introduce and encourage Junior Handlers to participate in the sport of cat agility, providing them with a meaningful competition in which they can learn, practice and improve in all areas of training, handling skills and sportsmanship.
• To provide the opportunity for Junior Handlers to be come knowledgeable about training and care of cats.
• To encourage quiet, affectionate handling of their own and other people’s cats in the agility ring, applying their knowledge and experience.
• To use the signals the owner suggests when handling the cat.
• To know the rules and regulations of ICAT.
• To provide opportunities for participation in cat agility by juniors ages 8 through 16.   When the program grows large enough, there will be three divisions, ages 8-10, 11-13, 14-16.  

Certificate:

The ICAT Junior Handler Certificate will be awarded to Junior Handlers who complete the requirements, and their names will be listed on the ICAT website as Junior Handlers.

• Junior Handlers are ages 8 through 16, eventually in three divisions, ages 8-10, 11-13, 14-16.  
• Apply to the program by on the ICAT website. Juniors age 8-12 must have their parent/guardian fax or mail the application form and sign it. There will be a link.   
• Three clean runs on any course advanced the Junior Handler to the next level.
• The program participant is responsible for giving their Tracking Sheet to the Agility Official before entering the ring each time. Over 10 sessions (same or different cats, one or more days), with the Agility Official must approve the Junior Handler’s performance, or require more experience.   Rather than time or the cat’s performance, attention will be given to:
  1. Does the handler look neat and appropriately dressed?
  2. The cat and the handler appear relaxed?
  3. Did the handler use the method of guiding requested by the owner?
  4. Is the cat is responsive to the handler?
  5. Do both the cat and the handler work as a team, with good communication, patience and affectionate encouragement?
  6. Is the handler aware of the rules and scoring for the cat?
• The Junior Handler will answer three questions about ICAT Rules and three about cat care and training, drawn from the recommended training materials, scored by an Agility Official or taken online.Two or more incorrect answers scores Unfavorable and the test must be re-taken at least a week later.
  

Achievement Awards:

After earning their Certificate, Junior Handlers will earn points during their years in the program towards the top Junior Handlers in each division of the year and towards all-time top Junior Handlers, and their achievements recognized on the ICAT website and elsewhere.   

Scoring will include a component of the clean run legs completed, satisfactory completion of ten sessions, cats trained or other extra credit, and recommendation of the Agility Officials.

Preparation:

• Advance knowledge about ICAT and the Junior Handler program outside the ring.
• Seek the advice of agility cat owners to learn about training presentation, grooming, and general cat care.
• Read books on cat care and training, obtain videocassettes and pamphlets recommended by ICAT.
• Assist in the ICAT competition rings with set up and clean up, adjusting obstacles to levels of difficulty, making sure exhibitors sign in for each cat before entering the ring.

Tracking Sheet:

Click here for the Tracking Sheet.