Downward Dogs with Cats: Do Yoga at Philly’s New Cat Cafe Every Monday


Cats & Mats Yoga at Le Cat Café | Photo courtesy Katharine Livingston

Cats & Mats Yoga at Le Cat Café | Photo courtesy Katharine Livingston

So, remember this past summer, when I asked this VERY important question: Will Philly’s new cat cafe offer yoga? When I asked that question, I was wondering about Kawaii Kitty Cafe. But another Philly cat cafe (yes, another one), Le Cat Café, actually opened their doors before Kawaii Kitty Cafe — and guess what? They do, in fact, offer yoga with cats. Crazy cat ladies, rejoice!

The first class happened this past Monday evening, Katharine Livingston, instructor of the cafe’s weekly yoga classes, tells me. The hourlong class is taught in the back area of the cat cafe, with adoptable felines roaming around. To some, I’m sure this sounds like a complete nightmare, but to others (myself included), it sounds like a dream come true. And when it comes to the cats, “Not all of the cats were as into the yoga as others, but there were definitely a few cats participating,” Livingston says. You can’t see me, but I am basically a living version of that heart-eyed emoji right now.

cat cafe

Cats & Mats Yoga at Le Cat Café | Photo courtesy Katharine Livingston

The all-levels yoga class at the cat cafe, located at 2713 West Girard Avenue, will happen weekly from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays. Space is limited to 10 people, so if you want to snag a spot, best to try and get in early. Registration will run you $18 (paid at the time of the class) and gets you some hang time with the cats before class — yogis are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before class, Livingston says — and a tea or coffee afterward. And make sure to bring your own mat if you have one; they have a limited number of mats available at the cafe. You can learn more and sign up here.

Oh! And, according to Le Cat Café’s website, they plan on adding Purrlates (Pilates with cats, duh) to the lineup too, though info for that is TBD.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly — here’s how: