Finding Zen with Feline Friends: Cat Yoga Brings Joy to Columbia Animal Shelter

Kate Haldeman (left) does yoga with instructor Beverly Kelley at the Columbia Animal Shelter.

At 6:50 Monday evening, 14 enthusiastic people lined up at the Columbia Animal Shelter to participate in yoga.

Once inside, enthusiasts rolled out their mats as furry felines wandered through. Obviously, this isn't your typical yoga class—it's "Cat Yoga," a unique wellness experience where relaxation meets animal interaction.

A yoga practitioner is joined by a feline shelter resident.

The idea behind cat yoga is simple: Participants do yoga conducted alongside the shelter's resident cats. They can choose to practice in one of four spaces—the kitten room, female cat room, male cat room, or the lobby. 

Instructor Beverly Kelley typically guides the class through gentle stretches and positions, as shelter cats accompany participants. "We'll do a little yoga and a lot of playtime and loving on the cats and kittens while we're here - and hopefully an adoption or two," says Kelley. 

Rochelle "Rock" Gutierrez Meiskey joins instructor Beverly Kelley before class. 

Kelley had just gotten certified at the end of last May as a 200-hour certified yoga instructor. The program began last summer when she collaborated with Rochelle "Rock" Gutierrez Meiskey at Rock's CardioBox. (Columbia Spy posted a profile of Rock's classes HERE.)

The yoga program serves a dual purpose. While participants benefit from stress reduction and physical activity, the cats receive socialization. Proceeds from the sessions go directly toward supporting the shelter's operations.

Cat Yoga classes are held monthly at the Columbia Animal Shelter. 

Participants may not bring their own cats, to ensure the safety and comfort of shelter animals and attendees. Sessions are held one Monday a month at 6 p.m., with 15 spaces available. Sessions are $25 for 75 minutes. Registration is required. Go HERE for more information.