Hi, I’m Nicole! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my distinguished Burmese, Mr. Baby Cat.
If you’ve ever practiced yoga with a cat nearby, you know they have a way of making the experience uniquely their own. Baby Cat has been my husband’s and my faithful yoga partner for years, always ‘enthusiastic’ about our sessions (enthusiastic to get near the mat and then head straight into meditation, no asana practice for Baby). While he always has the chance to lay beside us, I think he loves it when we’re down on his level instead of him always needing to come up to ours.
Baby has been beside me throughout my yoga journey, through various styles, lengths, and poses. He has never complained if he sees a yoga mat on the floor (unlike his dog siblings, who dislike them because they would prefer going out on a walk or run, and a yoga mat means mom and dad are exercising at home).
Baby Cat’s Yin Yoga Training
As I trained for my Yin yoga teacher certificate in 2016, Baby Cat was my support crew and got his honorary certificate alongside me. Yin yoga consists of long-held, passive poses, and it quickly became Baby’s favorite style because of its potential for long, uninterrupted snuggle sessions.
Practicing Yin yoga with Baby was always a balancing act, but not in the traditional yogic sense. Especially during my training, I would settle into a pose, find stillness, and without fail, he would meander over and assess the best place to park himself. More often than not, he’d choose my butt, back, stomach, or legs as his personal throne, preventing me from moving so much as an inch, and forget transitioning into a new pose. I’d sometimes get bread made on my stomach–try meditating through that!
While I appreciated his enthusiasm for shared mindfulness, the challenge presented itself after the several-minute pose hold when it was time to transition. I’d often ponder whether it was worth it, or if I should just hold the pose for longer. Eventually, I’d brace myself for his reaction. A groan, a sigh, or an exaggerated stretch would punctuate his displeasure as I gently lifted him off of me and onto the floor beside me. Every time. I’d feel so guilty for disturbing the little angel, even though he always returned for the next pose.
Geriatric Cat Yoga
Now that he’s an older gentleman, his yoga habits have evolved. Thankfully, after many sessions and faster-paced yoga practices like Vinyasa flows, Baby Cat learned to only hop onto me when I am in savasana, the final resting pose of a practice. Before having a baby (now toddler), I could stay a lot longer in savasana (sometimes even falling asleep for an evening nap before dinner after a long day at work). It’s always easy to get comfy with my living hot water bottle on me.
With Baby not as keen on sprawling directly on the mat, or me, he lies just beside the mat, close enough to feel involved but far enough to keep from being disturbed every few minutes.
He only needs to get comfortable once, and now I don’t have to feel guilty when I change poses. But Baby’s presence is still a constant reminder of the simple joys that yoga can bring, whether I’m holding a challenging pose or just enjoying the quiet company of my furry friend.
Lessons from a Yoga Cat
Practicing yoga with Baby Cat has taught me more than I could have imagined. He’s a reminder to find joy in the small things, to honor the body’s need for rest, and to embrace the imperfections of practice. Yoga with him hasn’t always been smooth or predictable, but it’s always rewarding.
These days, when I roll out my mat and he settles nearby, I’m grateful for his quiet companionship. Yoga, for both of us, is less about achieving the perfect pose and more about the shared experience of presence and connection. And if savasana is his way of finding peace, who am I to argue? My little Zen Yoda Yogi Cat can get into the meditative zone on cue and let all of the noises of life wash away around him. I have so much to learn from him.
1. The Power of Stillness
Baby Cat’s ability to fully relax during savasana reminds me to embrace stillness and be present in the moment. His calm demeanor during meditation is a gentle nudge to slow down and appreciate the now.
2. Adaptability is Key
Whether it’s finding a new favorite spot beside the mat or adjusting to my movements during a pose, Baby Cat demonstrates the importance of adapting gracefully to change—both on and off the mat. He used to groan when I’d move him, but he’d forget about it almost instantly as he became comfortable in the next position, and then the next.
3. Rest is Essential
Baby’s love for Yin yoga and long-held resting poses is a reminder that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. His unapologetic relaxation encourages me to listen to my body and take breaks when needed. We never judge a cat for choosing their own nap schedule throughout the day, so we should go easy on ourselves and allow ourselves to rest when we need it.
4. Imperfection is Beautiful
Yoga sessions with Baby Cat are rarely perfect. From his groans when he used to get moved to his insistence on lying exactly where I need to be, he’s taught me to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the imperfect moments.
5. Connection Matters More Than Poses
Sharing yoga with Baby Cat reminds me that the practice isn’t just about physical alignment, but rather about connection—whether it’s with ourselves, our environment, or those we share our space with. Connecting with my little man in this space has been so special, and I cherish all of the sessions we’ve shared together.
Namaste, Baby Cat
The light within me bows down to the light within you. Without words, Baby issues me this greeting every practice, and I’m reminded that yoga isn’t just about what happens on the mat. Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the purring companion beside it.
This article is a part of Nicole and Baby Cat’s series.