When you have four fluffy kittens frolicking around the room, everything else ceases to matter.
Kitten Yoga came to a yoga class at Ashlei Ballet School and with about 20 yoga practitioners doing their thing, the kitties brought in by the Pictou County SPCA – all from the same litter – did theirs, too.
“Everybody loves kittens, something furry,” says Pat MacCarron.
“It‘s becoming a trend now to do yoga with animals – for relaxation. It’s a little distracting, but it’s for a good purpose.”
The purpose McCarron was referring to is that Kitten Yoga was a fundraiser for the SPCA – about $450 was raised for the Pictou County chapter.
The kitties roamed around at their leisure, jumped around and played with each other, they tasted some treats brought in by those who signed up for Kitten Yoga, allowed themselves to be cuddled (as always, only when they were in the mood), they ran from one end of the room to another for no particular reason and occasionally checked themselves out in a floor-length mirror.
Whatever they did, they were the stars of this show.
“They are connecting and we’ll make sure they visit everybody,” said yoga instructor Kelli Cruikshank.
“There was such an overwhelming response, we actually had to have two classes back to back to accommodate everybody. We’re expecting about 45.”
Yoga is a series of controlled, subtle movements, “which is why it’s a good match with the kittens,” Cruikshank added.
“It’s a combination of kittens, being a fundraiser and yoga. Doing yoga with soft fluffy kittens, soft music and candlelight – you can’t go wrong.”
Lynn Stewart of the Pictou County SPCA said that her organization jumped at the chance when they were approached by Cruikshank.
“We were thrilled and excited to give it a hook, and try it,” she said.
“It’s a great idea, great awareness for the SPCA. It’s great to have it in Pictou County.”
The kitties might have held centre stage this week, but don’t worry, dog lovers: Cruikshank also has a Puppy Yoga planned for February.
