Pause Cat Cafe in Bournemouth opened in 2017 and is currently registering as a charity, with their mission of using animal assisted therapies to nurture the bonds between humans, animals and the environment. 

‘Cat Yoga’ is yoga with a twist - the cafe’s 11 resident rescue cats are free to roam during the activity. Their presence provides an ice-breaker to help people relax into the session. The class, suitable for beginners, includes breathing techniques and body poses that help to reduce stress and anxiety. 

Surrounding Pause’s concept of wellbeing and mindfulness, the classes aim to provide a unique therapeutic experience for attendees. Spending time with animals has been found to reduce stress, calm anxiety, relieve depression and release serotonin (1) as well as boosting mood and lowering blood pressure (2). 25% of people in the UK suffer from mental ill health, and Bournemouth is significantly above the national average (3). Pause Cat Cafe provides an environment in which healing interaction with animals is overseen by the trained and experienced cat care team, who can ensure safety for both cats and visitors. 

Cat Yoga was popular at Pause pre-lockdown but was put on hold for safety during the COVID pandemic. The monthly class will restart this Sunday 26th March at 10am. The £20 tickets include a 45-minute class led by trained instructor Bex Triggs with an additional hour after the session to enjoy food, drink and relax with other cat yoga enthusiasts. Any proceeds will go towards taking care of the cats in their non-profit home.

“We are so excited to bring this opportunity back after the pandemic. Pause is a real healing space and Cat Yoga is such a lovely event for humans and animals to relax and bond together. The cats really get involved and have been known to copy the poses!” says Jaya Da Costa, founder of the cafe. 

Visit www.pausecatcafe.com to find out more.