[photo credit: Tail Town Cats]
The $20, one-hour class represents part of the organization’s “core movement programs” where science-backed wellness meets animal rescue. A long-standing friend and yogi of Tail Town leads an “all levels non intense yoga session.” Participants ages 6 and older must bring their own mats and towels.
The timing carries particular resonance for a community still recovering from January’s Eaton Fire. When flames threatened the facility on the Altadena-Pasadena border, staff and volunteers evacuated more than 30 resident cats before the building could be damaged. The cafe survived and reopened Jan. 17.
“Studies have found that petting cats for even 10 minutes decreases stress, and we’re grateful that we can reopen to provide a place where the community can come in, breathe easy, and take a few minutes to take their mind off of the events with new kitty friends,” said Gwendolyn Mathers, acting executive director.
The approach combines two evidence-based stress reduction methods. Research shows yoga reduces stress through decreased cortisol levels and lower blood pressure, while cat interaction increases oxytocin and dopamine levels.
Tail Town operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnering with Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles. Since opening in July 2021, the organization has found homes for over 500 animals. The facility houses 30 to 40 cats that roam freely in the 2,000-square-foot space.
Cats on Mats: Yoga will run on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Tail Town Cats, 1780 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 219-0077 or visit https://www.tailtowncats.com/events. Ticket prices: $20.
