CATS CLIMB LADDER

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27912, 8 March 1956, Page 6

CATS CLIMB LADDER

STRAYS TRAINED IN DUNEDIN “The Press” Special Service DUNEDIN, March 7. Before he feeds his cats, Mr Andrew F. Gorrie makes them put on an act. Strays brought from the streets to his home by Mr Gorrie, the three cats are an example of what can be achieved by daily coaching, using only a step-ladder and some home-made hurdles. First, the cats scale a step ladder at Mr Gorrie’s command. Nigger, the eldest, goes to the top of the ladder, sits up on his hind legs and begs, and then the other two—Ginger and Whisky—follow to their appointed rungs. Mr Gorrie throws pieces of meat which are quickly snapped up. The meal over, Mr Gorrie puts the cats through their paces in a hurdling exhibition.

“People often wondered how I managed to train strays,” said Mr Gorrie, “but cats, although they are quite unfaithful—not like dogs—are most intelligent, and can be trained to do almost anything.” Mr Gorrie is a competent whistler and has performed at community sings and concerts. Before he suffered an arm injury some years ago he was a better than average gymnast.

Scottish-born. Mr Gorrie served as a quartermaster in the Merchant Navy during World War 11, and in 1942 was adrift in the open sea for several days after his ship, the Viceroy of India, had been torpedoed.

Mr Gorrie intends to add to his family of cats until he has a large team of capable performers.