Rescue cats featured in unique mindfulness video
An animal charity has teamed up with mindfulness experts to deliver what they believe is the ultimate stress-busting routine - an at-home meditation video featuring clips of rescue cats.
Meditation is widely thought to be beneficial to human health. Research also suggests that watching cat videos and listening to purring sounds can reduce stress. With this in mind, The Blue Cross has launched the world's first meditation class with cats.
Put together with the help of experts at the Mindfulness Project, the six-minute video class, 'Karma Kitties', combines the essential principles of mindfulness with imagery and sounds of rescue cats purring, playing and snoozing. It encourages the viewer to focus on the sensations, thoughts and emotions evoked by the animals.
Alexa Frey, co-founder and director of the Mindfulness Project, said she was excited to get involved in the unique venture. "There's so much research showing the calming influence of cats on humans and so it marries really well to the principles of mindfulness.
"We hope the class brings calm and tranquility to people across the country and encourages people to bring a rescue cat into their lives."
The video was trialled at a one-off event in London, where it proved popular with cat lovers. Christina Moore, 30, said she felt "incredibly happy" after watching it.
"Everyone loves cat videos, me included and as this combines the cuteness of cats and helps with my wellbeing, it's definitely something I want to get involved with," she added.
The video's feline cast is made up of homeless cats and kittens being cared for by the Blue Cross. The charity hopes it will not only be therapeutic for humans, but also raise awareness of the plight of rescue cats.
Laura Boyle, rehoming centre manager for Torbay, said: "This year, we have seen so many kittens and cats come to our centres in need of a new home. Owning a rescue cat can bring enjoyment, happiness and fulfilment to both owner and pet, so we hope this video will have benefits to both pets and people."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
