Every afternoon on the Westin Pier in Key West an unusual and intriguing act takes place. As a part of the Setting of the Sun celebration Dominique Le Fort, known as Dominique the Catman, introduces his star performers — his cats. His half-hour show, enjoyed by all ages, features his own brand of French humor, mime and eccentricity. Dominique is almost cat-like himself with his shaggy blond hair, and often in leopard print costume. He introduces his cat troop Oscar, Cossette, Sara, Chopin, George and Mandarine who he has trained to perform amazing tricks — as anyone with a cat will know this is no mean feat!
Originally from France Dominique traveled to Paris, Montreal and then on to America with a circus and cabaret act. Over twenty years ago he incorporated his first cat into his act, Chaton who came to Dominique for protection as his five-year old daughter Vanessa liked pulling his tail. Dominique started training Chaton, and his show changed for ever. Unfortunately on his opening night Chaton suffered from stage fright and hid for the whole performance. Dominique has since worked for Disney, performed at New York's Madison Square Gardens, and made appearances on Animal Planet.
Today his show features around six cats that jump from stand to stand, walk on their hind legs and jump through flaming hoops on Dominique's commands. The audience also get involved — making human stepping stones for the cats to jump over. Three of the cats, George, Chopin and Mandarine were found under a porch after Hurricane George, and others have been strays, rescued and trained by the big cat himself.
