Is ”Yoga with pets” beneficial or harmful for young kittens?

Kittens are undeniably adorable and captivating creatures, often sought after for commercial purposes. Currently, there’s one yoga studio operating in Prague, that uses kittens in their stretching lessons. The studio also uses puppies from 7 weeks of age in their “Yoga with puppies” lessons. However, it is crucial to recognize the harmful consequences of subjecting kittens under four months old to stress, particularly when they are exploited as props for commercial endeavors. This article aims to shed light on the detrimental effects of stress on young kittens, emphasizing the importance of their well-being and discouraging the use of kittens as mere accessories for commercial gain.

1. Physical and Emotional Distress:
   Using kittens as props in commercial settings exposes them to a multitude of stressors. These includes handling by unfamiliar people, exposure to unfamiliar and potentially overwhelming environments. Such circumstances can cause physical and emotional distress, leading to a range of negative consequences.

   In the case of this practice in Prague, on an extremely hot day the kittens were brought to the studio with the queen. Two fans were working in the room, but they didn’t help much with the temperature, according to what a participant reported. The kittens were tired and wanted to rest in the corner. They didn’t initiate play, so the people were given rods to get kittens to interact. 

    

   

   The picture was taken by a participant during “Stretching with kittens” by PetsYogaPrague
   15.07.2023

   
   

   Weakened Immune System:
   Stress can significantly weaken a kitten's immune system, rendering them more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Kittens under four months old already have developing immune systems, and subjecting them to stressful situations exacerbates their vulnerability. The commercial prop environment, with its crowded setting increases the risk of contagious diseases and can have long-lasting effects on the kitten's overall health.

   
   

   Impaired Growth and Development:
   Kittens experience rapid growth and development in their early months, forming the foundation for their future well-being. Stress disrupts this critical period by interfering with their nutrition and sleep patterns (on a “Stretching with kittens” lesson at Yoga with pets in Prague, a lady woke the kittens up and brought them to people to play, while they wanted to rest as were tired after the previous lesson). When used as props for commercial purposes, kittens may be deprived of proper care and attention, hindering their physical and cognitive development. This can lead to stunted growth, diminished learning abilities, and reduced social skills.

   
   

   Behavioral Issues and Fear Response:
   Stressful experiences during a kitten's formative stage can contribute to the development of behavioral problems. Kittens subjected to the commercial prop environment may exhibit fear, anxiety, and aggression due to the intense exposure to unfamiliar surroundings and handling. These negative experiences can have long-lasting effects on their behavioral tendencies, making it challenging for them to trust humans and establish healthy relationships later in life.

   
   

   Psychological Trauma and Long-term Consequences:
   Exploiting kittens as props for commercial purposes during can cause psychological trauma with long-term consequences. Stressful environments, inadequate care, and exposure to unfamiliar stimuli can deeply impact their emotional well-being. Such trauma may lead to chronic anxiety, fear-based responses, and even affect their overall quality of life in the future. Kittens deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, free from the harmful stress associated with commercial use. Pets Yoga in Prague as it is now is potentially dangerous for the health and well-being of kittens.

   
   

    

   Promoting Ethical Treatment and Responsible Practices

   It is crucial for society to advocate for the ethical treatment of kittens and discourage their use as props for commercial purposes. Animal welfare organizations and individuals alike should promote responsible practices, emphasizing the well-being of these vulnerable creatures over commercial gain. Alternatives, such as using stuffed animal props or creative digital imagery, can help eliminate the stress and potential harm inflicted on young kittens.

The well-being of kittens under four months old should be a paramount concern, particularly in commercial settings where they are often used as props. Stress has significant detrimental effects on their physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term development. It is essential for society to prioritize the ethical treatment of kittens, promoting responsible practices and discouraging their use as accessories for commercial purposes. By doing so, we can ensure that these precious beings are given the love, care, and environment they need to thrive and live fulfilling lives. 

Sources:

Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the ‘Five Freedoms’ towards ‘A Life Worth Living)

https://mro.massey.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10179/8653/Updating_Animal_Welfare_Thinking_Mellor.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Rodan and Heath (2015) Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9781455774012/feline-behavioral-health-and-welfare

Atkinson (2018) Practical Feline Behaviour: Understanding Cat Behaviour and Improving Welfare.

This post is a personal opinion of the authors based on their research and experience.