Holly the Aquatic Cat

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By Karen Harrison Binette

Holly is a 14 year old cat who spends most of her time lounging on the bed in comfort, in front of the TV.  Without much interest in play, Holly got to be a big and out of shape girl. When her petmom got her into the pool, Holly took to swimming, got into shape, and now is healthier and more able to get around.

Holly’s petmom Danny Lawhorne works as a pet care professional at the Olde Towne Pet Resort’s Dulles, VA location, where she assists doggie guests with water play activities. That put her in the right place to think of trying Holly out in the facility’s pool. Danny, who has had Holly since she was a tiny kitten,  had bathed her at home at times over the years, noting that her cat didn’t seem to mind the water like some do.

She discusses Holly’s transformation from lazy girl to aquatic cat at the Pet Resort’s blog in a post from May of 2012, Olde Towne Pet Resort’s Very Own “Aquatic Kitty” .

“I have become very concerned that Holly simply isn’t interested in any kind of physical activity,” Danny said in the post.  “I guess I kind of thought since Holly doesn’t mind the water so much, perhaps she’d be OK to take a dip in our indoor lap pool.”

“I really feel Holly needs some type of physical activity. She can’t just sit around day after day without getting any exercise. My hope is she will enjoy the indoor pool experience enough and, if she does, then I’ll keep bringing her back at least a few times each month.”

After her first session, Danny said “Seeing her actually move was wonderful. She’s about 17 pounds. She’s got super tiny small paws and walks around like she’s wearing stilettos all day.”

Holly took to her sessions and earned the nickname “Aquatic Kitty”. Visitors to the boarding/day care/training/spa facility can see Holly in the pool, where she sometimes stays for up to 20 or 30 minutes in her supervised sessions, wading and paddling in her life vest before meowing to get out and dry off.

 

 

Photos, Olde Towne Pet Resort at Facebook

 

This video shows Holly’s first time in the pool.

 

 

 

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