I’m guessing you’ve heard of a type of yoga that’s been rapidly growing in popularity in recent years called cat yoga.
But what is cat yoga exactly, and how beneficial is it?
Cat yoga is simply doing yoga with your cat – and it’s incredibly beneficial!
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or someone interested in starting, why not do it with your cat or at a class for an added fun factor!
What Is Cat Yoga?
Cat yoga is simply doing yoga while your cat is in the room, or at a class where they have cats.
I know what you’re wondering, why would someone do yoga with a cat?
And, how can cats be trusted to help out and take part without just wandering off or taking a nap?
Well, to answer the first question, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or someone interested in starting to do yoga, if you love cats then why not do yoga with a cat?
For me, it sounds like it would make a yoga class a lot more fun – and it does.
Cats are curious, playful creatures. When playing with your cat, I’m sure you’ve noticed that they like it when you’re on the floor at their level.
They’re much more inclined to play with you when you’re on the floor with them, and this is also true of yoga.
I’m not sure how it began, but I can imagine someone decided to do yoga at home and their cat decided to get involved thinking they were playing.
To answer the second question, you can’t trust a cat to ignore you, wander off and take a nap, or even annoy you by scratching at your yoga mat.
Cats will be cats.
The main focus is yoga, having a cat stretching out next to you is just a bonus.
But, cat yoga hasn’t been rising in popularity without good reason. If you love yoga and cats, it’s an awesome combination!
Still need convincing? Check out this short video:
Related – Huge list of yoga-inspired cat names to help you name your cat!
Is Cat Yoga Real?
You might think this is some sort of joke, April fool’s, or a hoax – it’s really not.
Cat yoga is definitely a real thing that is happening all over the world, and it’s becoming more and more popular.
I’m not sure when or where it started, but I first heard about cat yoga a few years ago and thought it sounded like a fun idea.
I did a quick search online and found that there are actually classes you can take where they have cats!
I was surprised and intrigued and knew I had to try it out.
So, I signed up for a class and loved it.
It was so much fun having a cat around while doing yoga, and it definitely made the class more enjoyable.
You can, of course, just do it at home. All you need is a yoga instructional and a cat!
What Is the Benefit of Doing Cat Yoga?
So, now you know cat yoga is real and people are enjoying it – but what are the benefits?
Yoga is beneficial for both your mind and body, and adding a cat into the mix has only positive benefits.
Cats are known for being calming creatures, so having one around while you’re doing yoga can help you to relax even more.
They also provide a sense of support and can make you feel less alone while you’re doing yoga.
If you’re new to yoga or feel intimidated by the idea of going to a class, starting with cat yoga at home is a great way to ease into it.
Having a cat around will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed, and you can take your time learning the poses without feeling like you’re being watched.
There is even a cat yoga pose, which is easy to master and is said to power up your brain and improve focus, coordination, and mental stability!
How to Find Cat Yoga Classes Near You
If you’re interested in trying cat yoga, there are a couple of ways to find classes near you.
The first way is to do a quick online search by simply Googling “Cat Yoga Near Me”.
As I said, it’s becoming very popular and there are now a lot of websites that list cat yoga classes, so you can easily find one in your area.
Another way to find cat yoga classes is to ask your local yoga studio if they offer them or know where you can find a class.
Many studios are now offering cat yoga classes. Or, who knows, they might ask you to bring your cat and be the first to host a cat yoga class with them!
Finally, and this is my favorite way, you can check if your local cat cafes are also running any cat yoga classes.
I often see cat yoga on the menu (not literally) at cat cafes as they already have the cats socialized and ready to mingle.
What to Expect From a Cat Yoga Class
If you’ve never been to a cat yoga class, you might be wondering what to expect.
First of all, don’t worry – the cats are pros and should be very well-behaved. They are there to provide support and assistance, not be a distraction.
The class will likely be small so that the cats have enough attention, and the instructor will go over some basic yoga poses with you.
Then, it’s time to get started! The instructor will put on some calming music and start leading the class through various yoga poses.
The cats will wander around as they please, and may or may not come over to you during the class.
If they do, simply enjoy their company and let them do their thing!
In Summary
Cat yoga is very real and is a fun and unique way to do yoga, and it has many benefits.
If you’re interested in trying cat yoga, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a class near you – or alternatively, you can simply do yoga at home with your cat!
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Image credits – Photo by Sweetyoga Justine on Unsplash
