Last Updated on 18 January 2026 by Vanessa
Imagine strolling through the streets of Coolangatta, Australia, and suddenly witnessing a cat effortlessly skateboarding past you.
Sounds unbelievable, right?
Well, meet Didga, the talented feline who has taken the internet by storm with her remarkable skateboarding skills.
What started as a simple YouTube video turned Didga into an overnight sensation who captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
In this article, we delve into the fascinating tale of Didga, shedding light on her unique abilities and the dedicated animal trainer behind her incredible journey.
The incredible story of Didga: the skateboarding cat of Coolangatta
Didga’s rise to fame
Didga’s story began when Robert Dollwet moved from Malibu to Tweed Heads near Coolangatta, Australia.
In 2012, he adopted Didga as a rescue cat, not knowing that she would soon become a global sensation.
One day while out with Robert, Didga hopped onto a skateboard on her own. That’s when he knew she was special.
Robert had professionally trained animals in Hollywood for years, so he knew cats could learn too if they wanted to and training stayed fun.
It didn’t take long before he started training Didga as well.
Training cats
Many people hold the belief that cats are untrainable animals. However, Robert was determined to prove them wrong. He dedicated eight months to training Didga, patiently teaching her the skills required for skateboarding.
He mainly used gentle, positive reinforcement — lots of little steps and treats — to help her build confidence on the board instead of forcing anything she didn’t enjoy.
“A lot of people think cats just walk around and get fat and shed all over your carpet and couch,” Robert says. “Didga’s story challenges these stereotypes. She shows us that cats can be active, intelligent, and capable of learning complex tasks.”
According to Robert, teaching Didga to skateboard was a labor of love. Some behaviors had to be taught gradually to make sure that the process didn’t overwhelm her. “If you continue to drill it into their heads, it actually makes it worse,” he explains. This approach allowed Didga to master skateboarding while still enjoying the experience.
Not just a skateboarding cat
Skateboarding is but one of the many talents Didga possesses.
She can also flush toilets and even ride the waves while surfing. It is easy for her to adapt to different activities.
Her wellbeing and safety always comes first, though.
When they head out, she often wears a harness and leash, especially early in training or in crowded areas. As she’s grown more reliable and responds to her name, she sometimes gets supervised off-leash, but only because she always comes back when called — a trainer trick that comes from serious patience and trust, not shortcuts.
Didga’s promising future
Every new clip pulls in fans from around the world, and people already wait for her next highlight reel of wild tricks.
She even holds a Guinness World Record for the most tricks by a cat in one minute.
It’s safe to say the world has never seen a cat quite like Didga.
Meet Didga the skateboarding cat in person
Thinking about meeting Didga in real life?
Coolangatta sits at the southern edge of Queensland’s Gold Coast, where the beach meets a laid-back town vibe. Here’s how to get there.
By air
The easiest option is flying into Gold Coast Airport, also called Coolangatta Airport. The airport sits right in town, just minutes from the action. Flights arrive daily from major Australian cities and a handful of international destinations.
By road
Road trips work great too. The Pacific Motorway (M1) leads straight to Coolangatta. The drive takes about 90 minutes from Brisbane and around 10 hours from Sydney. Stick to the coast if you can — the views are worth it.
By bus
Several long-distance buses run to Coolangatta. Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service both offer routes that connect the town with major cities.
By train
Coolangatta doesn’t have its own train station, but you can stop at Varsity Lakes or Robina. From there, a short bus ride or taxi gets you the rest of the way.
Once there, keep your eyes open. You just might see a cat roll by on a skateboard like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
Related: Meet King, the feline monarch of Brighton Beach in Melbourne, Australia.
Final thoughts
Have you ever met Didga the skateboarding cat in person? What trick should she try next?
Stay in the loop: Subscribe to the Traveling Cats newsletter and get your paws on the coolest cat stories, feline-friendly travel tips, global kitty news, and our free ebook Best Cities in the World For Cat Lovers.
Source: Daily Mail
Pin the story about Didga the skateboarding cat!
