**Olympic Skater Ilia Malinin Chats About Cats and Recent Triumphs in Figure Skating**
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Ilia Malinin, the renowned Olympic figure skater famously dubbed the “Quad God”, recently opened up about his life with his beloved feline companions, Mysti and Miu Miu. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Malinin spoke about the absence of the affection he longs for from his pets, especially in light of his successful year on the ice, which culminated in winning his third consecutive world title.
Despite his impressive athletic accolades, including a noteworthy performance at the 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships held in Prague, Malinin quipped that the adoration of his cats remains elusive. “Even though I’m, like, a pretty decent skater… my cats don’t know that,” he remarked with a hint of amusement. This comment reflects the comedic disconnect between his status as an elite athlete and the indifference displayed by his two cats, who he often jokingly claims treat him poorly.
As a loving cat parent, Malinin expressed a desire for more interaction with Mysti and Miu Miu. He lamented, “They ignore me all the time. It kind of makes me upset because I like to hang out with them; they make me feel better and help me skate better.” His candid sentiments resonate with many pet owners who often find themselves at the mercy of their pets’ whims.
Malinin has recently partnered with Sheba on an initiative dubbed “Ignored to Adored,” aimed at helping cat owners win their pets’ affection within a set timeframe. The programme promises results in just 12 days or offers a money-back guarantee. The 21-year-old skater is keen to document his experience throughout this venture on social media, hoping to transform his cats’ dismissive behaviour into a more affectionate bond.
Describing his recent progress, Malinin revealed, “Giving them [Sheba food] is really helping. I’m starting to notice a lot of differences! They’re really coming up to me for more attention and trying to be more intimate. I’m realising it very slowly… but it seems to be working.” His personal journey to win his cats’ hearts is a light-hearted contradiction to the pressures of his sporting career, which prominently featured moments of both triumph and disappointment.
Reflecting on the past year, Malinin discussed the emotional rollercoaster he has experienced, particularly after securing a gold medal with Team USA before competing individually. His Olympic journey in Milan was marred by challenges, including a disappointing final skate that failed to match his expectations. However, his resilient spirit shone through as he celebrated his recent success at the World Championships.
For Malinin, the victory at the World Championships held a different significance than his Olympic experiences. He described the event as less pressured compared to the high-stakes nature of the Olympics, stating, “Honestly, it didn’t feel the same. For me, the World Championships really felt like more of, ‘This is the last competition season. Let’s just skate it over with’.” This perspective allowed him to rediscover his passion for skating, facilitated by a shift in mindset that welcomed the joy of performing rather than solely fixating on outcomes.
His achievement as a three-time world champion was accompanied by a wave of emotion. “It felt good. It felt really relieving,” he remarked, acknowledging the pride of again standing on the podium. However, he also mused that such accomplishments can feel hollow in the grand scheme of life. “It taught me that sometimes medals aren’t everything,” he added, punctuating his sentiments with a playful note regarding his cats’ indifference to his achievements. “Well, clearly, my cats still ignore me when I won the medal!”
As Malinin endeavours to bond with his cats and navigate the world of competitive figure skating, he remains a source of inspiration for fans and fellow skaters alike. His ability to maintain a sense of humour in the face of both personal and professional challenges exemplifies his resilience—a quality that he hopes will not only win him medals but also the companionship of Mysti and Miu Miu in the days to come.