A Feline Skydiver Soars Through the Skies
A fearless cat named Thoth made headlines after taking part in a skydiving adventure, proving that even the smallest creatures can have big dreams. The one-year-old Bengal mix soared through the skies wearing a custom-made helmet, showcasing his bravery and adventurous spirit.
Thoth was securely strapped to his owner, Ivan Kuznetsov, during the jump from a plane over Ussuriysk, Russia. The daring feat took place on July 5, with the pair freefalling from an altitude of 1,500 meters. Despite the high-stakes environment, Thoth remained calm and collected throughout the entire experience.
Ivan first noticed Thoth’s adventurous nature during a bike ride when the kitten crawled out of his backpack and perched on his shoulder for the rest of the journey. Since then, Thoth has joined Ivan on numerous adrenaline-fueled adventures, including rafting, skiing, and snowboarding. Skydiving was the latest addition to their list of thrilling experiences.
Ivan, an alpine ski instructor and skydiver from Arsenyev, Russia, said he was inspired by a video of a skydiver jumping with a cat. He thought, “Why not?” for himself and Thoth. “Thoth has always loved adventure, and this was our next step towards exploring more fun adventures together,” he explained.
To ensure Thoth’s safety during the jump, Ivan designed a special container lined with animal bedding and equipped with a cold pack to prevent overheating. The harness was attached using two steel carabiners and a shock-absorbing safety line. The container was inspected and approved by Ivan’s instructor, and they even trained for emergency situations such as a parachute malfunction.
“I was mostly concerned about safety and how Thoth would feel on the plane,” Ivan said. “We agreed that if he panicked, we’d cancel everything. But my brave friend stayed calm even during freefall.”
After the parachute opened, Thoth tucked into the container and peeked out to take in the view. When they landed, he jumped out and headed straight to his feeder as if nothing had happened.
Thoth, who prefers cycling and roller-skating, has already proven himself to be a thrill-seeker. Ivan shared that the feline has been on various adventures, but skydiving was a new and exciting challenge.
“This was our first jump together, but maybe not the last,” Ivan added. The story of Thoth and Ivan highlights the bond between humans and their pets, showing that with proper preparation and care, even the most daring feats can be achieved.
Preparing for the Big Jump
The process of preparing for the skydive involved several key steps:
- Designing the Container: Ivan and his team created a custom container to safely transport Thoth during the jump.
- Safety Measures: The container was fitted with a cold pack to keep Thoth comfortable and included a shock-absorbing safety line.
- Training for Emergencies: Both Ivan and Thoth were trained for potential issues, such as a parachute malfunction or container failure.
- Inspection and Approval: The container was inspected and approved by a professional instructor to ensure it met all safety standards.
The Experience
During the jump, Thoth displayed remarkable composure:
- Freefall: Even during the initial freefall, Thoth remained calm and unbothered.
- Parachute Deployment: After the parachute opened, Thoth curled up inside the container and peered out to observe the surroundings.
- Landing: Upon landing, Thoth immediately returned to his routine, heading to his feeder without any signs of distress.
This incredible adventure not only showcased Thoth’s bravery but also highlighted the trust and bond between him and Ivan. Their story is a testament to the possibilities that arise when curiosity, preparation, and courage come together.
