Synchronized Napping

Synchronized Napping

(on the left) Gracie - George (on the right)

We've been convinced for years that Synchronized Napping would become an Olympic sport, and like most completely reasonable and rational parents, we were sure that our little George was a sure bet for Gold!  He showed an amazing aptitude for napping and really didn't seem to mind the hours and hours of training that were required to succeed in this grueling sport.  All we needed to do was find him a partner.  Enter Gracie!

Training was initially difficult due to a massive size difference, and the fact that Gracie didn't immediately seem to want to put the hours of napping in that George did.  We solved both of these issues by feeding them massive amounts of turkey flavored cat food (it's fattening and the tryptophan in turkey induces sleepiness).  We've been training non-stop for the last couple of years in preparation for 'Rio 2016'.  It's a real sacrifice we make as a family - the constant kitty blanket prepping, providing laps whenever needed, even bringing in outside coaching when we're out of town - but it's all worth it.  We feel confident that we'll make the US Olympic Synchronized Napping Team, but we have a backup plan just in case politics get in the way.  George is a Turkish Van, so he could compete for Turkey.  Gracie is an American Shorthair, but Turkey is pretty relaxed about their citizenship requirements.  We're ready to nap for gold!  Check out our progress:  

The "Spooning Buddha"

This is called a "Reverse Inverted Yin/Yang"

Their focus on the compulsory moves is outstanding.

This "Kitty Stole" is a little sloppy, but artistic value points are part of the scoring.

A "Double U" with a kick-out.

We've been working on a "Reverse Spooning Buddha" but it's not ready for competition yet.

Just in case the IOC decides to add props.

We're still deciding on costume choices, but thinking of going with a "siesta" theme.

Spacing is important.

We've told them that if they want to be champions, they have to eat, drink, and sleep Synchronized Napping.

This is a new trick we're working on.  We are calling it the "Pillow Top Paw Cross".

A nearly perfect "Heart Nap" - Gracie just needs to extend her tail and this is max points!

The "Cold Shoulder" - every team will have this trick, so we have to really nail it.

Even when you aren't performing a trick, on-bed spacing and synchronization is key to high scores.