Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole has recently revealed his passion for cats and his efforts to recruit fellow NBA players into what he calls the “Secret Society of NBA Cat Dads.” Poole has become an unofficial patron of this unique community, which includes some surprising members.
Poole’s journey as a cat dad began in 2019 when he adopted two cats, Kai and Cota, from the San Francisco Animal Care & Control. Since then, he has been actively promoting the joys of cat ownership to his teammates and friends in the NBA. Poole’s enthusiasm and the adorable pictures and videos he shares have sparked curiosity among his peers, many of whom are traditionally dog lovers.
One of Poole’s notable recruits is his former Golden State Warriors teammate, Stephen Curry. Poole coyly admitted that he may have played a role in convincing Curry and his family to adopt a cat. Per the Washington Post:
“I may or may not have convinced [Steph Curry] to get a cat… It’s sort of a cool community. Like a cool cat community. We just kind of keep it in-house. You’ve got to knock a couple times for us to let you in. Secret code.”
Other members of the society include Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner and James Wiseman, Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware, and Utah Jazz sophomore Keyonte George.
Poole highlights the benefits of having cats as pets, especially for NBA players who have demanding schedules and frequent travel. Cats require less maintenance compared to dogs and can be great companions without needing constant attention. This makes them an ideal choice for athletes who are often on the road.
The Secret Society of NBA Cat Dads has gained attention not only for its unique concept but also for its positive impact on animal adoption.