Florida Couple Replaces Wedding Ritual With ‘Cat Toss’ To Help Animals In Need
Weddings are always special, and for many couples, they’re an opportunity to add unique touches that reflect their personalities and passions.
Cassie and Jonathan Roth from Tampa, Florida, did exactly that—and in the most adorable way possible. Rather than sticking with the traditional bouquet toss, the couple delighted their guests by introducing a playful “cat toss” during the reception.
Now, before you picture anything too wild, here’s an important disclaimer: no cats were harmed during this wedding! In fact, no live cats were tossed at all.
Cassie and Jonathan used a soft, velvety plush toy designed to look like a sleek black cat with sparkling gold-rimmed eyes. Whoever caught the plush didn’t just snag a cute keepsake—catching the “cat” symbolized a commitment to adopting a rescue kitten.
This clever twist was a sweet nod to the couple’s lifelong love for cats and a creative way to include them in their big day.
With help from Ilana Karcinski and Kelly Nova, founders of FairyTail Pet Care, the idea came to life. Their business specializes in helping couples include pets in weddings, and the “cat toss” quickly became one of their most memorable projects.
Although only one of Cassie’s bridesmaids caught the plush toy, FairyTail Pet Care made sure more than one kitty found a home that evening. Partnering with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, they brought five adorable rescue kittens to the wedding.
During cocktail hour, guests could sip drinks—some even named after the Roths’ own cats—while mingling with the kittens. For many guests, it was love at first sight, and some of the furry guests were adopted before the night was over.
For Cassie and Jonathan, this idea wasn’t just a gimmick. It reflected something central to their relationship.
The couple bonded over their shared love for cats back in high school, so weaving that theme into their wedding was a natural choice. As Cassie explained:
“We wanted to incorporate cats somehow in our wedding and help a few animals in need. Everyone loved it — they said they’d never been to a wedding like that.”
And really, who wouldn’t love it? The mix of romance, creativity, and animal rescue made the event unforgettable—not just for the couple, but for every guest who attended.
The moment didn’t just stay within the walls of the reception, either. FairyTail Pet Care shared a clip of the unique “cat toss” on TikTok, where it quickly went viral.
The video racked up more than 4 million views, with thousands of comments from people delighted by the idea. Viewers praised the Roths for thinking outside the box and applauded the fact that their celebration also benefited animals in need.
For Ilana and Kelly of FairyTail Pet Care, this was just one more example of how pets can be part of life’s biggest celebrations.
From walking pets down the aisle to creative moments like the “cat toss,” they’ve built a business around ensuring four-legged family members aren’t left out of the fun.
So, how about you? If you were planning your own big day, would you consider swapping out the bouquet toss for a “cat toss”?
Or maybe you’d have another creative idea to celebrate your love for your furry friends.
Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: Cassie and Jonathan’s wedding showed that when love for each other and love for animals come together, the results can be truly unforgettable.
Make sure to watch the heartwarming video down below!
