Watch CBS News

This Weekend, An Unusual Animal Circus In Old City Philadelphia

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's not your typical circus: the Acro-Cats are coming to town this weekend.

The Amazing Acro-Cats is one of only four performing housecat troupes in the country.

Thirteen felines are in the hour-long show -- jumping  through hoops, walking tightropes, balancing  on balls, and even playing  musical instruments.  The "Rock Cats" are assisted by a chicken on cymbals and tambourine.

Professional animal trainer Samantha Martin is the ringmaster of the circus.

"We use something called clicker training, which is all positive reinforcement," she explains.  "It's kind of a negotiation -- if you do this, you get this great treat -- and it's really a positive thing and it's something that everyone should do with their own cats because it gives them mental stimulus and physical activity, and cats enjoy it."

Training demonstrations are also given.

There are also four rats and a groundhog in the show.

The performances will take place July 12-14th, at the Painted Bride Art Center in Old City.  For tickets and more information go to circuscats.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.