Do you enjoy meet-cutes with adoptable animals? Give cat yoga at River Kitty Cat Cafe a try. Evansville Living staff visited to see how the fur flies.
The Scoop
Since 2023, River Kitty’s cat room has let patrons meet felines available for adoption through Vanderburgh Humane Society. Cat yoga ups the cute ante.
Participants should bring their own mats and arrive 10 minutes early for the hourlong class, which often is led by Elizabeth Maurer and Brooke Armbruster. While a maximum of 15 humans are led through a continuous flow of simple poses, about a half-dozen cats wander between participants.
The Verdict
During Jan. 25’s class, five cats were playful with participants, with some demanding attention or lying down on yoga mats. Others expressed interest in playing with human toes or touching hair. Participants often broke their positions to pet the cats and take photos, giving the class a relaxed atmosphere.
“Spending time with adoptable cats is always a good time for cat lovers, but the cats benefit the most! It’s enrichment for them — meeting new people and experiencing something new,” says Laurie Miller, Development and Public Relations Coordinator with VHS.
Need to Know
Monthly classes are held on Saturdays and cost $20. Registration is required. Half-hour sessions for $8 are subject to availability. Classes are open to participants over age 12 and all skill levels.
