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Appeasing the roar of the crowd – Putting the tiger in Tiger Stadium

Photo: Courtesy of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Since 1936, LSU football fans and visitors alike have prowled Tiger Stadium on game day hoping to catch a glimpse of Mike the Tiger, the university’s magnificent live mascot.

Knowing how much the faithful appreciate the presence of their intimidating icon, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine student handlers spend the summer working with the big Bengal/Siberian mix to get him ready for home football games.

“We know how important it is to the fans that he be in the stadium, but we can’t force him to do so, and we absolutely would never do that even if we could,” says LSU’s attending veterinarian David Baker. “Mike’s safety and well-being are most important to us, and we know that these are important to the fans as well.”

Fortunately, the 500-pound cat is neither sedated nor forced to enter the trailer, so Mike’s attendance is voluntary. Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 2007, Mike VI has attended 32 of 43 home games. And, on occasion, he has proven to be one finicky feline.

Since arriving at LSU in August 2007 as a two-year-old, Mike VI has matured and become more cautious and less inquisitive. All of which, Baker says, are signs of typical tiger development.

And, perhaps, with age has come wisdom. Why would Capital City’s most celebrated cat leave his $3-million, 15,000-square foot habitat complete with lush landscaping, live oaks, a stream and waterfall for a glorified kitty carrier?

Besides Mike’s mood, other factors also come into play including the weather and whether the field is too wet for his trailer.

“If Mike VI does not attend the pre-game festivities, it is important for fans to know that this does not mean that something is wrong,” explains Baker. “Mike VI is a healthy, normal tiger.”

Still, even those without a ticket have an opportunity to view Baton Rouge’s favorite Bengal mix at miketheriger.com and click on the Tiger Cam. And, fans can figure out whether or not Mike VI has loaded into his trailer for a home game by visiting his Facebook page or his Twitter page. Game-day updates are posted on both sites.

While these cats have earned their stripes at Project Purr BR, they are still looking for forever homes. They don’t need a huge habitat with a waterfall and landscaping just a family with plenty of time and attention to give.

Beau is a loving, cuddly and quite gentle giant. This one-year-old declawed boy is a little shy at first but will warm up to his family. He would do best in a calm household.

Three-month-old Madonna is an adorable, fluffy and cuddly little orange tabby girl.

Fletcher is a young gray and white shorthaired mix. Fletcher needs some time to adjust to new environments and people. But, once he is comfortable, he is an absolute lovebug. This sweet boy is not very demanding; but, he will ask to be petted occasionally. Fletcher also loves the climb the cat tree, watch the birds out of the window, play with a laser pointer or bird toy and fall asleep on the top level of the cat tree or back of the couch. He gets along well with cats as well as large dogs. He can often be found rubbing on his foster family’s German shepherd.

Dexter is a fun, playful kitten looking for a family to entertain.

Verona is a sweet and affectionate adult Himalayan/Maine Coon mix. She would prefer a home without other animals, as they tend to scare her. My sister, Milan, is the exception. Just like her sister, Milan is sweet, affectionate and talkative.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Project Purr. For more information, visit projectpurrbr.org.