Four adorable kittens had the purrfect afternoon at the first ever Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats class at the Prince George Humane Society.
“Today was definitely an experiment and I think it went over smashingly,” says Zandra Ross of the Nov. 26 event.
Ross, who is a lifestyle coach, has collaborated with the Prince George Human Society to create Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats. It's a series of light yoga class with the presence of cats and kittens who need to find loving homes.
The four kittens explored, played and enjoyed some cuddles during the hour-long session, led by Ross.
“It’s a little bit about yoga and a lot about getting these cats homes,” Ross tells PrinceGeorgMatters.
Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats at the @PGHumaneSociety was everything I hoped it would be! 😻#CityofPG pic.twitter.com/cmTaqxF4FO
— Hanna Petersen (@hannaepeter) November 26, 2018
Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats became a success before the classes even began; that’s because most of the cats have already been adopted.
A few days before the first class, the humane society had 12 cats in need of homes. By the time the class took place, the society only had five cats left, four of which took part in the inaugural kitty cat yoga class.
“It’s about being with the animals and this time of year, especially, having a connection with other people and other living creatures is so important,” says Ross. “It’s about people, too, and making sure everyone feels that connection.”
Angela McLaren, executive director of the Prince George Human Society, says she was overwhelmed with the positive response to the class.
“I didn’t know the response would be this good. I think it’s something new and it’s something different and I don’t think it’s been done in Prince George,” she says.
She notes she and Ross also thought the classes could be a useful stress reliever.
“We spoke a little about mental health and how important it is to spend time with animals and how that helps us through the healing process and how it helps us feel better,” explains McLaren. “We also wanted to get people down to the centre to see what we have and learn what we do and support the cause.”
Participant Michelle Frechette says although she isn’t looking to adopt, the class was exactly what she needed after a busy week.
“I didn’t need an intense yoga session. I’ve been in meetings all weekend so it was a good stretch before I got to bed and it was the perfect way to end my week,” she says.
The class will take place every Sunday until Dec. 23. Ross and McLaren say if all of the cats get adopted before the series is over, they're willing to improvise. During next week’s class, they are planning on bringing in puppies.
“It will be interesting to see how they deal with it because puppies like to chew but I think people want to come out and laugh and have a good time,” says McLaren
As the society does take in over 1,000 cats a year, McLaren notes the class will have different cats, and possibly other animals, circulating every week.
For those who are unable to make the kitty cat yoga class, the Humane Society has another way for you to get your kitty cat fix. They also have a 24/7 live cat-cam in the cat adoption room, which you can check out through the Humane Society’s website. (All the action usually happens around 9 p.m.)
The next Kitty Cat and Yoga Mats class is Sunday, Dec. 2. It's happening at the Prince George Human Society, at 1839 First Ave. It starts at 5:15 p.m.
