Those of the two- and four-legged variety are able to participate in yoga sessions at the Abington Community Library that will benefit other cats.
The library has hosted several cat yoga classes this year, the first being in the spring, with another one taking place Sunday. The sessions, which last 30 minutes, are led by Hilary Steinberg, owner of Jaya Yoga Studio in Clarks Summit, with participants given time to interact with the cats. Cats from KitKat’s Mission, a foster-based rescue organization, freely wander around as people partake in the yoga.
Judy Detter, the library’s project coordinator, came up with the idea after participating in a similar yoga class with goats and fostering several kittens herself from KitKat’s Mission. She thought it would be a good idea to support the organization by offering cat yoga.
Detter said they chose August to hold it because kittens born in the spring will be of age to be adopted.
The first class was so well received they decided to offer another and may offer additional ones in the future if interest remains.
Steinberg said the first session was well received, with participants embracing the fun of the event. She said having cats during a yoga session teaches participants to be present.
“There’s no better way to do so than to have cats around,” Steinberg said.
Sunday’s two sessions will include five kittens, all of which have been medically cleared, available for adoption. Volunteer Dawn Uscowskas will bring them.
While there is no registration fee, participants can bring a suggested donation fee of $10, or cat food or litter.
A cat walks by as Hilary Steinberg, owner of Jaya Yoga Studio in Clarks Summit leads a class at the Abington Community Library in the spring. A second cat yoga class will be offered Sunday and library officials hope to offer another this year depending on demand. (Submitted)
Both sessions on Sunday are full but people can sign up to be on a waitlist by emailing Detter at jdetter@albright.org.
Uscowskas, a volunteer with KitKat’s Mission and For the Love of a Feral, said any money raised during events like cat yoga is appreciated and goes directly into a fund that covers medical expenses for the cats, including spaying and neutering, and treating medical conditions. She said even low-cost spaying and neutering is expensive — $156 for spaying and $75 for neutering, which does not include vaccinations and testing. Donations also support the organizations’ work of trapping, neutering and releasing, and adopting cats.
“Any money that we get is going to go directly to the vet fund,” Uscowskas said.
She also said she appreciates the community coming together to put on an event like cat yoga.
“It takes a community to make this, something like this, work,” Uscowskas said.
Detter said she hopes people understand the need to foster and adopt cats.
“I’m just grateful we have the flexibility to offer something like this to the community and work with other organizations and groups,” she said. “I’m thankful for the collaboration portion and hopefully some of these little cats find a home this weekend.”