🐾 Why Cats in Yoga Classes is the Purr-fect Idea
Stretch, breathe… and don’t mind the tail in your face.
If you’ve ever tried to hold Warrior II while a whiskered friend winds through your legs, you know: yoga with cats = a surprisingly magical combo. Their soothing presence, playful interruptions, and peaceful purring can turn a regular yoga session into something truly joyful.
But there’s more to it than cuteness. Having a cat nearby during your yoga practice can actually benefit your mind and body in surprising ways. Let’s explore why.
🧘♀️ The Science of Cat Cuddles and Calm
Did you know? Petting a cat can increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which help improve mood and reduce stress. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2023) found that even just watching animals during mindful movement reduced anxiety symptoms in adults and teens.
Did you know? A cat’s purr ranges between 25 and 150 Hz, a frequency shown to promote healing in bones, tendons, and muscles. Researchers believe these vibrations may even help reduce inflammation and stress.
So when your cat curls up next to you during child’s pose? That’s not just sweet—it might actually be therapeutic.
🐱 Benefits of Cats in Adult Yoga Classes
Cats bring a calming, grounding presence to the yoga space. They model natural movement and relaxation—just watch how a cat stretches! Yoga is often about stress relief, mindfulness, and body awareness. Cats happen to be natural experts in all three!
Benefits of having a cat around during yoga:
- Relax more deeply: Petting or simply watching a cat can increase serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and lowering stress.
- Stay present: Whether they’re strolling across your mat or purring beside you, cats keep you grounded in the moment.
- Let go of perfection: It’s hard to take yourself too seriously when a tail flicks across your face mid-pose—and that’s a good thing!
🐾 Benefits of Cats in Kids Yoga Classes
Yoga is a wonderful tool for helping children develop focus, coordination, and emotional awareness—and yoga with cats make it even more enjoyable. When kids have a cat nearby during yoga time, it can:
- Spark imagination: A real cat brings poses like “Cat Stretch” (“cat” in Cat-Cow pose) and “Lion’s Breath” to life.
- Teach empathy and gentleness: Kids learn to move carefully, be mindful of others, and develop emotional connection.
- Help with focus: Children tend to settle down around animals. The presence of a calm cat naturally encourages quiet, steady energy.
Did you know? Kids who spend time with pets tend to develop stronger emotional intelligence and better stress-coping skills, according to recent studies in child psychology (2024).
😻 Real-Life Pawsitive Vibes
There’s something grounding about a cat’s presence during yoga. Whether they’re interrupting your sun salutation or dozing nearby during savasana, they remind us to slow down, soften, and stay curious.
In my own practice, our cats Maleficent and Salem are often nearby. Their quiet company brings warmth to the space and makes every session feel a little more magical.
🐾 Paws-On Practice: Try Yoga With Your Cat
🐾 Try This: Cat-Inspired Mini Yoga Flow at Home
Here are some fun things we do with our cats in the yoga studio:
Set aside 5–10 minutes for this playful practice with your cat. Don’t worry if they don’t follow along—they’re the co-host, not a student!
1. Cat-Cow Pose (of course!)
Come to hands and knees. Arch and round your back slowly, just like your cat might do when stretching after a nap. If your cat joins you on the mat, take a moment to gently stroke their back between movements.
2. Seated Forward Fold
Sit tall with legs extended. As you fold forward, let your hands reach toward your cat if they’re lounging nearby. If they approach, pause to pet them—let it be a moment of connection, not perfection.
3. Savasana with Purring Partner
Lie back, close your eyes, and let your cat rest wherever they choose—on your belly, near your head, or just somewhere in the room. Feel the weight of their presence as a grounding, calming force.
🌟 Final Stretch
At its heart, yoga is about connection—connection to your breath, your body, the present moment… and sometimes, a whiskered companion. Having cats around during yoga is soothing, uplifting, and genuinely healing. Whether you’re seeking peace, play, or just a good stretch, yoga with cats is a purr-fect way to make your practice even more meaningful.
So next time you roll out your mat, don’t be surprised if a curious feline shows up. Let them stay. Let them purr. And maybe let them teach you a thing or two about the art of stretching, stillness, and simply being.
🎨 Free Download: Yoga with Cats Coloring Page!
Bring our yoga-loving cats to life with color!
Download and print this fun Yoga with Cats coloring page featuring our two studio cats, Salem and Maleficent, enjoying our yoga studio.
To access your free printable, just sign up for our newsletter—once you’re in, you’ll be instantly directed to the download link!
