ARSENYEV, Russia — Most cats avoid water, let alone hurtling down a mountain at high speed—but Thoth is no ordinary feline. The adventurous Bengal mix recently made history by parachute-skiing alongside his owner, Ivan Kuznetsov, at Russia’s Gribanovka Ski Resort.
Kuznetsov, an experienced alpine ski instructor and skydiver, took Thoth on the extreme sport—a combination of skiing and parachute-assisted descent. To ensure the cat’s safety, Kuznetsov outfitted him with a custom harness, a miniature skydiving helmet, and a thick winter coat. The helmet was a gift from a friend who specializes in replica skydiving gear.
“Thoth trusts me completely and feels safe,” Kuznetsov told SWNS, describing their unique bond. “During the flight, he looked around with curiosity and was totally calm.”
This isn’t the first adrenaline-fueled activity the pair has tackled. In 2024, they tried downhill skiing, and Thoth took to it immediately. Since then, they’ve snowboarded, swam, and even gone on bike rides—with Thoth perching on Kuznetsov’s shoulder instead of staying in his carrier.
Their next adventures? Rafting and tandem rock climbing, according to SWNS.
For now, the fearless duo is proving that with trust and the right gear, even a cat can embrace extreme sports.
Related topics:
