Not everyone is as strong or agile as a professional athlete, but anyone can enjoy sports just for the fun of it—even animals! Whether it’s a cat who likes to chase a ball or a Labrador ‘tee’ Retriever who helps out at high school football games, there are so many ways animals can have fun while showing off their athletic skills.
For one playful cat in New Zealand, that includes daily putting lessons at his local golf course! On January 15, the funny feline was spotted interrupting a golfer’s game in a desperate, and irresistible, attempt to get attention. So many pet parents know what it’s like to have such a velcro animal around the house, but it takes lots of patience and practice not to let it interrupt such a delicate game!
This golfer has pro-level focus, even in the midst of an adorable distraction. If I were in his shoes, it would take so much self-control not to forget the game altogether! Somehow, he ignored the friendly kitty rolling at his feet just long enough to get in a solid swing.
But then, all bets were off! The cat distribution system knew this man would be a friend to a kitty in need of attention, though something tells me this golf course cat makes new friends at his ‘job’ every day. @Mellyballistic was right on par when she wrote, “she’s your new catty!”
Related: Tiny Orange Cat Helping Golfer on the Putting Green Makes the Perfect Coach
No one knows for sure whether this is a stray cat who wandered onto the course or a local resident who’s made themselves at home on the green, but at this rate, it hardly matters. This love bug could win over just about anyone, whether they’re helping with their new friends’ golf games or not!
It’s exactly like commenter @shaylabryant7 said, “That baby has a collar, and I bet, 20+ community Facebook posts. That’s the neighborhood cat.” Whoever they are, they are certainly popular.
Animals on Golf Courses
Spotting a cat on the course would make any golfer’s day, but cats are far from the only animals who wander onto golf courses. Some animals, like one curious coyote, even steal golf balls right off the green!
Wildlife encounters are never off the table at golf courses, which is why it’s so important to stay vigilant. You never know who could be sneaking up on you, ready to interrupt your game!
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.