Prepare for the Puppy Bowl

Every year Animal Planet hosts the Puppy Bowl, a spin-off of the Super Bowl featuring cute and cuddly puppies.

This year marks the ninth annual Puppy Bowl. The action starts at 2 p.m. (central time) Sunday.

This year's Puppy Bowl features a loveable lineup "that's itching to play in a winning combination of terrier tackles, touchdowns, puppy penalties, fumbles and Fido first downs," according to Animal Planet.

Viewers can expect the usual Water Bowl Cam, hedgehog cheerleaders, the kitten halftime show and more. And, new this year, slow motion replays will be made possible by a Cute Cam, according to the show's website.

Fan favorites will once again be featured: the Water Bowl Cam, the slow motion "Cute Cam," hamsters flying in a blimp, the kitten halftime show, "Meep" the Tweeting bird sideline reporter tweeting game updates (follow @MeetTheBird), and the hedgehog cheerleaders.

New this year is the debut of the puppy hot tub, where puppy players can take a break from the action and relax. Also new: puppy penalties and behind the scenes footage.