If you're looking for a fun way to kick-start your New Year's fitness goals, I've discovered the perfect exercise for animal lovers: kitty yoga. Finding the motivation to work out can be tough, but adding cats to the mix is bound to make it more exciting.
Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Yoga Kawa, says: "Yoga with cats is such a delightful experience. Cats make us feel peaceful and happy – their calming purrs and funny quirks turn them into walking stress-busters.
"Studies even show that a cat’s purring frequency can promote physical healing and reduce inflammation. Combine that with yoga’s grounding and mindfulness benefits, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for relaxation and joy. Cats also bring a playful energy to the class, encouraging you to stay present and embrace the moment."
I tried a class in London where six British Shorthair kittens joined me for a session – here's how it went:
My experience with cat yoga
I don't know about you, but I have to psych myself up for ages before doing any kind of exercise – even if it's something I enjoy! However, I'd been looking forward to this class all week for a change.
As someone who usually finds yoga incredibly boring, I can vouch for cat yoga being a completely different ball game. I had a basket of two adorable kittens in front of me, so whenever things felt challenging, their little faces looking up at me powered me through.
If you're wondering whether the kittens actually do any yoga, the answer is no. Instead, they're free to roam around or snooze in their cat beds while you practice your poses. You can give them a little stroke if they come near you. It's the same as a regular yoga class, just with a few extra furry classmates.
The room was dotted with baskets, blankets, toys, and scratching posts, along with the best cat treats for you to feed them. At the end of the session, we had 20 minutes of playtime, which didn’t involve any yoga (and, admittedly, this was my favorite part!).
The only thing I would note is that, since it was the kittens' first time doing the class, they were a little shy and hesitant. Thankfully, there was a cat expert on standby to offer handling advice and ensure the kittens were okay.
In the future, I would opt for a class with older cats who felt more confident around people and seemed happy to be involved. It's also worth researching whether the animals are vaccinated and regularly checked over by vets.
The session was pretty expensive too, costing around £35 (which is around $44) for a ticket, compared to the average £12–£15 ($15–$18) for a standard yoga class in London. That said, you are getting kittens included, which makes it a unique experience!
How to try cat yoga at home
Most classes are located in city centers, which can make them tricky to get to for some people, and they can also be pricey if you're attending regularly. If you're a cat parent, you might want to try a session at home instead.
We asked Echo for her three top tips for practicing cat yoga – here's what she said:
1. Stick to floor work and gentle sequences, like sun salutations or stretches from the mat.
2. Cats are curious by nature, so let them move around freely. They'll swing by when they feel like it.
3. They might take their sweet time to warm up, so patience is key. They might even wander onto your back! And don’t stress about it being a 'perfect' yoga session. It’s half yoga and enjoying the moment together.
Looking for more ways to stay active with your cat? Check out these outdoor activities to try with your pet and our guide to hiking with cats. And check out our New Year’s resolutions for pet owners, too.
