ALLIANCE, Ohio – Every cat is extremely agile, but Sprite is in a class of his own.

Sprite is the reigning champion of the Cat Fanciers Association’s Best Cat in Agility  competition. He’ll show off his skills to the public at the Feline Historical Museum, 260 E. Main St.

Sprite’s visit is a highlight of the grand reopening celebration of the museum, which had closed in November because of a staffing shortage and the departure of its curator.

The CFA Foundation, which operates the museum, is inviting cat lovers, families and history enthusiasts to visit Aug. 19-21 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to tour the museum and see Sprite. Admission is $5 (free for children under 10).

Sprite loves to race through the agility course – soaring over hurdles and through hoops and tunnels. His championship time is 7.94 seconds.

A few obstacle jumps will be set up in the museum during his visit, and visitors are welcome to see if they can entice the cat to do his thing.

Feline agility is a competitive sport and a feline enrichment activity. Handlers lure the competing cats through obstacle courses, with the fastest cat declared the winner.

The obstacle courses are modeled after those used in dog agility and equestrian show jumping competitions. They include tunnels, hoops and weave poles.

An 18-month-old ruddy Abyssinian male, Sprite is an exceptionally friendly cat that also loves  attention, including petting and snuggles. 

His accomplishments go beyond agility awards; Sprite was CFA’s 2nd Best of Breed Abyssinian and the Great Lakes Region’s 6th Best Kitten and 7th Best Cat in Championship. In addition, he was the Best of Breed Abyssinian in the Canadian Cat Association. 

“Sprite’s visit brings a lively and entertaining dimension to our grand reopening,” said Roeann Fulkerson, president of the CFA Foundation. “His agility demonstrations showcase the extraordinary intelligence and athletic abilities of cats, while the museum’s collections allow visitors to explore their important place in art, culture and history. We look forward to welcoming the community back to this one-of-a-kind museum.”

Sprite is owned by Karen Lawrence of Canada, the former curator of the museum and a cat breeder and show judge.

In addition to meeting Sprite, guests can explore the museum’s remarkable collection of feline art, artifacts and memorabilia. Highlights include:

  • Feline artwork dating to approximately 1810.
  • A vintage cat house designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Rare books, show records, collectibles and other memorabilia documenting the history of cats and the development of the cat fancy.

The Feline Historical Museum was founded in 1990 by the Cat Fanciers’ Association as a nonprofit organization to collect and record the history of all cats, pedigree cats and the cat fancy. 

The first 100 visitors will receive a coupon for $2 off admission at the cat show that will take place Aug. 22-23 in Medina, which will also feature a Feline Agility competition ring. 

Pictured at top: Sprite, an agility champion Abyssinian cat, jumps a hurdle on an obstacle course.