Yoga with Pets: Cat & Dog Yoga for Fun, Calm, and Bonding

Have you ever unrolled your yoga mat, taken a deep breath, and then… felt a wet nose on your leg? Or maybe a fluffy tail flicking across your face during Savasana? If so, congratulations—you’ve already had a taste of Yoga with Pets.

Whether cat and dog yoga, puppy yoga, or just your curious furball interrupting your practice, there’s something special about moving and breathing alongside our furry friends.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• What it really means to do yoga with your pet
• Whether pets can actually do yoga
• Why your dog might love yoga time more than walkies
• Easy and fun dog yoga positions to try at home
• Real benefits (and funny moments) from pet yoga
• And how to start your own cozy, tail-wagging yoga routine

Let’s dive in, paws first.

What Is Yoga with Pets, Really?

Yoga with pets is exactly what it sounds like: practicing yoga while including your cat, dog, or even a rabbit in the mix. But don’t worry—it’s not about teaching your Labrador to hold a Warrior II pose. (Although that would be amazing.)

Instead, it’s about:

• Creating a calm space where your pet can be near you
• Inviting them to interact naturally
• Using the time to bond, breathe, and relax—together

The most common version is dog yoga, also called Doga, but cat yoga is growing in popularity too. And yes, puppy yoga classes are now a real thing, where people do yoga surrounded by playful little pups.

Can Pets Do Yoga?

Let’s answer the big question: Can pets do yoga?

Well… not exactly the way humans do. But in their own way, pets:

• Stretch naturally (especially cats)
• Love calm energy and peaceful spaces
• React to your body language and tone
• Often join in during your yoga practice, just by being nearby

In fact, many pets mimic yoga poses without even trying. Think about it:

• Ever seen a dog do a deep stretch with its paws forward and rear up in the air? That’s literally called Downward Dog.
• Cats are experts at twisting, curling, and stretching—some might say they’re the true yoga masters.

So no, your pet won’t follow along with every pose. But yes—they can totally be part of your practice.

Why Do Dogs Like It When You Do Yoga?

You might have noticed this: the moment you get on the floor for yoga, your dog magically appears. Why?

Here’s why dogs love when you do yoga:

1. You’re at Their Level

Most of the day, you’re standing tall and rushing around. During yoga, you’re finally on the floor with them. To a dog, that says: it’s playtime or cuddle time.

2. The Calm Energy Feels Good

Yoga is peaceful. You move slowly. You breathe deeply. Dogs are super sensitive to your mood and body language, and they love the relaxed energy.

3. They Want to Be Close to You

Dogs are pack animals. They don’t want to miss out—especially when you’re doing something fun (and maybe a little strange) on the floor.

4. Yoga Mats Are Comfy

Let’s be honest: your yoga mat is probably your dog’s new favorite bed.

So yes, dogs like it when you do yoga because it feels like bonding time, it smells like you, and it’s cozy and calm.

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The Real Benefits of Cat and Dog Yoga

Practicing yoga with pets isn’t just cute—it’s good for both of you.

For You:

• Reduces stress: Being around pets can lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
• Improves mood: A wagging tail or a purring cat can lift your spirits instantly.
• Makes yoga more fun: You’ll laugh, smile, and stay present—even during hard poses.
• Strengthens your bond: Spending quiet time together builds trust.

For Your Pet:

• Feels safe and included: Pets enjoy being near you when you’re calm and relaxed.
• Encourages gentle movement: Especially helpful for older dogs or stiff cats.
• Relieves anxiety: Your breath and energy help them feel secure.

And the best part? There’s no pressure. You don’t have to be a yoga pro. Your pet doesn’t need to do anything fancy. Just being together is enough.

How to Start Practicing Yoga with Your Pet

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to ease into yoga with pets.

Step 1: Set the Scene

• Choose a quiet space with soft lighting
• Lay down your yoga mat—and maybe a blanket or towel for your pet
• Remove any distractions (toys, food bowls, etc.)

Step 2: Create a Calm Vibe

• Play soft music (or pet-calming sounds)
• Use a diffuser with pet-safe essential oils (lavender is great)
• Speak gently and move slowly

Step 3: Begin Your Practice

Start with simple, seated poses. Your pet might:

• Sit beside you
• Lay across your mat
• Crawl into your lap or under your arm

And that’s totally fine. Let them explore and join in at their own pace.

Easy Dog Yoga Positions (and Some Cat-Friendly Ones Too)

You don’t need to pose your pet—but here are some fun dog yoga positions you can try with them.

1. Heart-to-Hound Pose

• Sit cross-legged
• Place your hands gently on your dog’s chest or back
• Breathe together for a few minutes

2. Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)

• From hands and knees, stretch your arms forward and lower your chest
• Your dog might join you in this natural stretch

3. Downward Dog

• Classic yoga pose for humans and pups
• From a hands-and-feet position, lift your hips high
• Your dog might do it with you… or crawl under you

4. Supine Twist with Pet

• Lay on your back with knees bent
• Drop your knees to one side
• Let your pet curl up in the curve of your belly or legs

5. Savasana with a Snuggle

• The final resting pose
• Let your dog or cat rest on or near you as you breathe deeply

Let your pet move freely. No pushing, no forcing. If they just want to nap on the mat, that’s yoga too.

Readmore: Easy Yoga Poses for Kids at School and Home

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What About Cats?

Cat and dog yoga is a thing—but yoga with cats is a different experience.

Cats tend to:

• Do their own thing
• Interact when they feel like it
• Use your body as a jungle gym

And that’s the charm.

With cats, try to:

• Include them during floor poses
• Let them climb, rub, or nap beside you
• Avoid fast movements that might scare them

Bonus: Cat purring has been shown to reduce anxiety and even support healing. So let that purring furball stay during Savasana.

Puppy Yoga: Yes, It’s a Thing

If you’ve seen videos of people doing yoga surrounded by a sea of squirmy puppies, you’ve seen puppy yoga.

These classes:

• Often involve rescue puppies
• Focus on gentle movement and lots of cuddles
• Are less about perfect poses and more about joy

People leave smiling, relaxed, and usually a little covered in fur.

Want to try puppy yoga? Search for local classes, especially through shelters or pet-friendly studios.

Common Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

Yoga with pets isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s how to deal.

“My dog is too hyper”

• Try short sessions after a walk
• Begin with calming breathwork
• Give them a chew toy to settle down

“My cat attacks my feet during poses”

• Keep your movements slow and soft
• Distract with a toy away from your mat
• Or just pause and play—it still counts as mindfulness

“My puppy thinks it’s playtime”

• It kind of is. Let them interact, but guide them gently
• Use treats to reward calm behavior
• Keep sessions short at first

Patience is key. And honestly? The imperfections are part of the fun.

Funny Moments from Real Pet Yogis

Practicing yoga with pets often leads to laughs, like:

• A cat perfectly blocking your face during meditation
• A dog lying exactly where your hand needs to go
• A puppy bringing you a toy mid-sun salutation

These moments remind us to let go, breathe, and not take ourselves too seriously.

That’s real yoga.

Final Thoughts: Yoga + Pets = A Whole Lot of Love

Whether it’s your first yoga class or your hundredth, adding your pet to the mix brings something beautiful:

• More laughter
• More connection
• More presence

You might not always hit the perfect pose—but you’ll always have a loyal cheerleader (or nap partner) right there with you.

So roll out your mat, grab your fur baby, and try a little yoga with pets. It might just become your favorite part of the day.

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FAQ: Yoga with Pets