A surfing cat is poised to become a global phenomenon thanks to a new Netflix TV series.
Maverick, a three-year-old Bengal cat, is master of the West Coast beaches often catching surf and hanging out at the beach.
The gorgeous fur ball also dispels the long-held myth that no cats ever like water or to swim, regularly taking a dip in pools or the ocean.
The brave feline started taking to the water at just eight weeks old.
Owners Kayla Tabish and Nick Liam Heaney treat the cat like 'a family member' joining them wherever they go – from bars to beaches.
Now cameras have followed Maverick's adventures, as well as other felines and their owners, for Cat People, a new show on "Netflix .
'Maverick is a one-in-a-billion animal,' Tabish told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.
Maverick, a three-year-old Bengal cat, is master of the West Coast beaches often catching surf and hanging out at the beach
The cat dispels the long-held myth that no cats ever like water or to swim, regularly taking a dip in pools or the ocean
Maverick's journey to stardom began when the adventurous eight-week-old kitten became interested in his owners lounging around on floaties in their swimming pool
He soon joined his owner Nick Liam Heaney by balancing on him and on floats while on the water
'He is a member of our family, who truly believes he's human,' Tabish said.
'When you talk to him, he'll look you directly in the eyes. When new people interact with him, he's alert and listening almost as if he can understand English.
'Maverick did not learn overnight. It took several months with daily training to build his confidence from the ground up.
'We never forced anything on him, but he loved floating, the water and enjoying experiences with us. Now he has a love for the water.
'The connection is built on trust, and we really guard his confidence in the sense that we make every experience a positive one.
Tabish said her aquatic cat has changed her and her partner's lives – and the change was all led by Maverick.
'Our lives have definitely transformed. Our mission is to smash the perception that cats have to stay home,' she said.
'We know that Maverick's love of the water is one in a million. And if anyone was ever concerned about his level of happiness or willingness when it comes to the water, I'd encourage them to see one of the many videos where he jumps onto his board from either the beach shore or the pool ledge with excitement.
'It is completely of his own will that he accomplishes these feats. We never place him on the board, he always must be in the mood to willingly jump aboard.
'We would never do anything which would upset him, he just loves it.'
Owners Kayla Tabish and Nick Liam Heaney say the cat is like 'a family member' joining them wherever they go – from bars to beaches
'Maverick did not learn overnight. It took several months with daily training to build his confidence from the ground up,' owner Kayla Tabish said
Independent film producer Kayla, 38, says her partner adopted a 'pro athlete approach and mentality to teaching Mav the ways of surfing'
Heany set up pool surfing activities – which Tabish affectionately called kitty surf camp – training him in daily 20-minute sessions
Maverick's journey to stardom began when the adventurous eight-week-old kitten became interested in his owners lounging around on floaties in their swimming pool.
He soon joined Heaney balancing on him and on floats while on the water.
Soon actor Heaney, an X Games contender and wakeboarding world champion, soon decided to work with Maverick on his skills and balance on floating items.
He set up pool surfing activities – which Tabish affectionately called kitty surf camp – training him in daily 20-minute sessions.
Independent film producer Kayla, 38, says her partner adopted a 'pro athlete approach and mentality to teaching Mav the ways of surfing.'
'We started Kitty surf camp, Nick him put a board in the pool, and we used treats to be sure that it was always fun for him to jump on to the board,' she said.
'After a few weeks of surf camp in the pool, we saw the results. The number one attribute for pro athletes is discipline. Nick applied that mentality to Maverick's training.
'Physically he improved but mentally he was absolutely committed to it and it became part of his daily routine. He enjoyed it. We started with baby steps and 20-minute sessions and then it gradually progressed to an hour.'
Aged four and a half months, with the couple confident that Maverick was 'strong and safe' they took 'the natural' on bigger adventures.
'Before we knew it, he had gone from a regular cat to a cat that craved adventure.
'We found that conquering fears in small baby steps lead to a positive training experience. We graduated up to the calm waters of lagoons and lakes.
'Maverick really seemed to have a good time with it, so the natural progression from there was to surf in the ocean. 'Because of the gradual acclimation to water, he was
