Do Yoga With Shelter Cats (And Maybe Adopt One)

These days, you can do almost anything while surrounded by feline friends. From cat cafes to cat libraries, shelters are constantly working to find creative ways to put adoptable cats in front of prospective cat parents. The latest option for cat enthusiasts? Yoga with cats, offered by Yoga at Connie’s, a Latham, Illinois-based studio.

 "I love cats, so obviously it was going to be great," yoga teacher Connie Pease told The Dodo.

Last week, local shelter Homeward Bound sent six cats to mingle with students at the studio. The shelter's social media volunteer, Jeanette Skaluba, came up with the idea after a video of a cat riding on her shoulder went viral. Skaluba believed that the event would bring attention to the shelter and help increase adoptions. 

"By taking the cats to something like a yoga class, people have the opportunity to see and interact with them outside the shelter," Skaluba said. "It gives these cats exposure and shows their personality. I think people can envision these pets in their home easier because they're outside the shelter."

So far there has only been one session, but the event raised more than $500 and led to the adoption of one of the cat participants. Because of its success, the studio plans to host more Cat Yoga classes in the future.

Looking for a new pet in your area? June just so happens to be Adopt-a-Cat month, which means now is a great time to visit your local shelter. 

[h/t: BoredPanda.com]