Imagine this: a sun-drenched room filled with the gentle hum of calming music. Yoga mats are neatly laid out, anticipation buzzing in the air. But this isn’t your typical yoga session. Scattered around the mats, playfully batting at yarn balls or napping in sunbeams, are a dozen adorable kittens. Welcome to the innovative world of cat yoga at the Everett Animal Shelter (EAS), where downward-facing dog meets playful paws, creating a purrfect blend of fitness, feline fun, and increased adoption rates.
How Cat Yoga is Taking the Stretch Out of Shelter Life at Everett Animal Shelter
The brainchild of Lindsay Roe, Development Manager at EAS, cat yoga isn’t just a trendy gimmick. It’s a strategic program designed to benefit both the shelter and its furry residents. With a deep love for animals and a keen eye for community engagement, Roe, who has spent nearly five years at EAS, constantly seeks ways to expand the shelter’s reach and impact.
“We care for about 3500 animals each year,” Roe explains, “and most of them come in as strays. We reunite them with families when possible, but sometimes they need a little extra help finding their forever homes.”
That’s where the magic of cat yoga comes in. Having successfully implemented cat yoga at her previous shelter, Roe was confident this innovative program would resonate with the Snohomish community.
A purrfect opportunity would present itself when Mahad Yoga & Wellness, a local studio known for its welcoming atmosphere, reached out to EAS looking to partner and support their work. Roe, ever the advocate for creative solutions, saw the potential for a mutually beneficial collaboration.
“I asked if they’d be interested in teaching a yoga class at the shelter with kittens,” she explained, “and they were completely on board and excited!”
Partnering with Mahad Yoga & Wellness, the first cat yoga class was held in April 2024. “We expected it to do well,” Roe admits, “but it sold out even faster than we anticipated! It was a delightful surprise.”
The Purrfect Match: Yoga, Kittens and Increased Adoptions
The program’s success lies in its ability to create a win-win situation. For participants, cat yoga offers a delightful departure from the traditional studio setting. The playful presence of kittens enhances the gentle stretches and mindful breathing. People walk in with a sense of anticipation, eager to meet the furry stars of the show. The room transforms, filled with a delightful energy that transcends the confines of a typical yoga session. For some, the focus might even shift slightly, with a downward-facing dog taking a backseat to a playful kitten batting at a dangling string.
But beyond the entertainment factor, cat yoga fosters human-animal interaction, a crucial factor in increasing adoption rates. Studies have shown that spending time with animals reduces stress and anxiety while also promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. For kittens in shelters, these interactions are vital. Shelter life can be stressful for young animals, filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. The social interaction provided by cat yoga helps them become more comfortable and trusting around humans. A gentle stroke, a playful chase after a toy, or simply curling up in a participant’s lap – these interactions create positive associations with humans, making them more adoptable.
Roe can attest that the results speak for themselves.
“At our first class, we had two kittens get adopted right after,” beamed Roe. “One by a participant and one by a member of the media who was there documenting the event. It was super fun to see these people connect with a specific kitten so quickly!”
In addition, events like the EAS’ Kitten Yoga Class not only contribute to increased adoption rates but also generate positive publicity for the shelter. It allows the community to see EAS’s work beyond just housing animals. It’s a chance to showcase the love and care they provide, reminding everyone of the importance of animal welfare.
The Future of Cat Yoga and Expanding the Circle of Care
While cat yoga remains a hopeful addition for future seasons, EAS prioritizes caring for the influx of kittens during “kitten season.” This busy period demands their full attention as they ensure these tiny creatures receive the medical care, socialization, and love they need to blossom.
And kittens aren’t the only cuddly creatures at EAS needing some TLC. Currently, the shelter provides a safe haven for a diverse range of animals, from playful puppies to curious bunnies. Looking ahead, innovative initiatives are taking root to expand their services and impact in the community. Already, Roe has a plethora of ideas.
“I have definitely thought an outdoor puppy yoga session would be fun, but we don’t have any solid plans yet,” she shared, “Right now, we are working on a doggie day out program that we are excited about as well as a dog sensory garden which will help dog enrichment, anxiety, and stress.”
While puppy yoga remains a distant paw-sibility, the focus at EAS remains the well-being of all animals entrusted to their care. Their mission extends beyond finding loving forever homes; it’s about educating the community on responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare. Through innovative programs like cat yoga, “doggie day out,” and the sensory garden, EAS creates a brighter future for animals in Snohomish County. Their dedication and passion for animal welfare are an inspiration, reminding us of the profound bond we share with our furry companions.
Proceeds from events like cat yoga and all donations received by EAS go directly into their Fund for the Animals. This vital fund pays for essential veterinary supplies like medicines, equipment, vaccines, outsourced procedures, and surgeries. Without this critical support, EAS would be unable to help the vast number of animals they do, nor would they be able to provide the specialized care each animal deserves. Cat yoga, therefore, serves not just as a delightful community event but also as a crucial fundraising tool, allowing EAS to extend its reach and impact on the lives of countless animals.
The Everett Animal Shelter’s impact is as everlasting as the bond between humans and animals. Through innovative programs and unwavering dedication, they enrich lives, foster connections, and create a brighter future for all creatures, great and small, in our Snohomish County community.
Everett Animal Shelter
333 Smith Island Road, Everett
425.257.6000
