Koshkoterapiya: the best circus performances and exclusive methods of raising children from Yuri Kuklachev
April 12 marks the 67th anniversary of the most famous “cat lover” and “cat specialist”, the founder of the circus dynasty, the Creator of the “cat Theater”, People’s artist of Russia Yuri Kuklachev. The favorite of children is not only a clown and a trainer, but also the author of an original method of raising children, which he was helped to develop by cats.
Back in 1976, Yuri Kuklachev received international recognition: in Vancouver, he was awarded the Golden crown prize for outstanding achievements in training, for humane treatment of animals and promotion of humanism. Circus critic E. Gortinsky wrote about him: “Every clown preaches what he is devoted to. Yuri Kuklachev’s philosophy is the philosophy of integrity, respect for people and the same respect for animals.”
Shocking materials have repeatedly appeared on the Internet that Kuklachev allegedly trains cats with very cruel methods. The artist responds to this: “Cats are very touchy. It is useless to beat them and poke their noses – they will only flatten their ears or run away. And then they will definitely do it to spite the offender. You see, cats don’t know how to pretend, they always Express their emotions honestly. To say that I train cats is wrong. I look closely at cats, try to understand what they like to do, and fix it with certain techniques.”
Dmitry Kuklachev-the successor of the circus dynasty, fully agrees with the arguments of his father, arguing that it is impossible to train cats, but you can watch them and develop their natural abilities.
More than once, cats saved the life of Kuklachev and his family: “Once in Japan, we showed a cat to guests, and suddenly our affectionate and obedient pussy screamed wildly and rushed out into the street. Everyone ran out after her. After 2 seconds, an earthquake occurred. The house we were in collapsed. And Charlie the cat saved our cottage from a fire. When a burning splinter fell out of the stove and the rug caught fire, he screamed so loudly that we ran from the yard and managed to extinguish the fire.”
Kuklachev is convinced that the circus is intended not only to amuse and entertain children, but also to have an educational impact. During performances, he talks to children, tries to explain what to strive for and what not to do. According to its programs, special “lessons of kindness”are held in schools.
Given his experience working with children and cats, the artist encourages parents to do the same as him – not to “train” children, but to notice their talents and develop them, help set worthy goals and go to them.
Kuklachev demonstrates his method of raising children in children’s educational institutions. So, recently he visited Kolpino colony for minors. The artist is convinced that the only way to influence children is kindness: “my Main task is to help children learn to hear their hearts. Only then can you become kinder and give your warmth to others. To everything you need to go only an honest way, work hard, cultivate willpower. How do we get children to listen and hear us? Only through kindness.”
Sick children are also brought to the performances-Kuklachev is convinced that positive emotions have a healing effect: “my wife Lena and I constantly feel this on ourselves. And our son Dima for any illness comes to be treated in our cattery. Right in the enclosure, he lies on the floor, the cats will cling to him from all sides, and in just 20-30 minutes he feels a tremendous surge of strength. You should never drive away a cat if it strays to you.”
