Take meowt to the ball game: Durham Bulls appeal to cat owners on special night
Forget “Bark in the Park.” Cats got their opportunity to have a night out and, no, it wasn’t a complete cat-astrophe.
The Durham Bulls hosted their first “Whisker Wednesday” at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for their game against the Charlotte Knights, allowing fans to bring their felines for an evening of baseball.
My 8-year-old black cat, Kiki, not only enjoys going outside but loves being around people (seriously, she is a terrible guard cat), so I decided to take her to Whisker Wednesday and see what it was all about.
We packed up her stroller with a portable fan, cold water, her favorite water bowl, treats, and her harness and leash. She has been leash-trained for more than six years.
As a sports fan and reporter, I always felt like cats were overlooked. There are plenty of stereotypical scaredy cats, but some are well-behaved and enjoy being out and about. They deserve their own opportunities for social interaction, too.
Other cat parents felt the same, wanting to take advantage of the chance to spend time with their kitties in public.
“It’s nice. I never thought I’d bring my cat to a Durham Bulls game; that they would have a cat night here,” said Carla Light, owner of 6-year-old tabby Hermione. “That’s so cool. I love that they’re doing it.”
Andie Spence and Avery Acierno brought their 1-year-old cats Steve and Wanda, brother and sister from the same litter. Twister and Tyrion came with their cat dad, Cam Bellando. The humans said they brought their furry friends because they don’t typically get chances to bring their cats to events.
Let me say I loved the idea, but I think the execution was flawed.
Feline fans were required to be up to date on all vaccines, kept on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Additionally, they were seated in a cat-specific section. I understand the separate seating areas, but with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch, putting the felines in the outfield section — with the late afternoon sun shining on them — was not the ideal location. At least not without any sort of cooling tent, shade or fans. (Dogs are also seated there for Bark in the Park events, which I think should change.)
I counted nine other cats, including the famous “Bull City Kitty” Keeley Jones, so the contingent was tiny but mighty. We also met Elvie and Scotland, though there were a handful that showed up after we left or that we did not interact with directly. With such a limited number of pet patrons, I think there could have been a dedicated section along the left field line, near the bullpen, that would’ve provided a cooler temperature and space away from the general fan population.
Kiki had a wonderful time experiencing the sights and sounds early in our visit. She appreciated receiving pets from new friends, posing for photos and walking around. After all, she’s known around our neighborhood for being the cat on a leash.
But, unlike some of the other cats, we only lasted an hour before heading home. Maybe I should’ve arrived closer to 7:30, when the sun had disappeared behind the stadium, like some of the other pet parents. I learned re-entry is allowed at DBAP if you speak to a gate attendant, so cooling off in the car and returning is allowed. That may be an option for us in the future.
The event follows the emergence of several cat-themed promotions from minor league teams across the country. The Rocket City Trash Pandas (Alabama), Richmond Flying Squirrels (Virginia), Worcester Red Sox (Massachusetts) and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Florida) all hosted their own cat nights — appropriately named “Toe Bean Tuesday” or “Purr in the Park” — in the past month.
“I’m so excited. I saw on social media other ballparks doing it. I tagged the Durham Bulls, and I was like, ‘Come on, let’s go,’” said Kim Rider, owner of Kimie’s Kritters Pet Sitting and cat mom to Scotland. “I’m hoping that’s part of why we have it. I think it’s great. I think it’s so fun. It’s such a good opportunity, you know? I think it’s wonderful.”
Some social media users expressed criticism, calling the events a bad idea or saying all felines are antisocial and afraid.
Every owner and team, including the Bulls, encouraged attendees to consider their cats’ needs before bringing them to the event and to only bring those that can handle being around people, other felines and possible loud noises.
Rider and Light said fans need to know their cats. Just as some dogs are not suited for Bark in the Park, not every cat will thrive at Whisker Wednesday. Additionally, pet parents need to be aware when they might need to leave early for their pets’ safety.
“I think cats all have different personalities, just like people,” Rider said. “Some cats [enjoy this], and that’s the ones you bring. Some don’t, and you don’t bring them. I think it’s as simple as that.”
All cats were required to have a ticket. Proceeds were donated to Second Chance Pet Adoptions, reflecting the Bulls’ longstanding partnership with local animal rescue organizations and support of animal welfare. Proceeds from the team’s regular Bark in the Park events also go toward animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts. In addition to Second Chance, the team has partnered with Animal Protection Society of Durham and Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue.
Carolina Panthers mascot Sir Purr and North Carolina Courage mascot Roary attended the event, as well.
Overall, I enjoyed spending time with my girl and meeting other pet parents. I would attend another game with Kiki, if there is another Whisker Wednesday, but suggest the Bulls make seating modifications or that fans arrive after first pitch. This could also be a great promotional opportunity for college baseball and softball teams, especially during fall or early in the regular season when the weather is milder.
When I asked Kiki her thoughts, she meowed in agreement. It wasn’t purr-fect, but maybe we can try again under different conditions.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
