Did you know that cat meditation is ‘a thing’? It really is!

We’ve seen fitness gurus come and go over the years, and wellbeing trends fall in and out of fashion, but could cat meditation be here to stay? In fact, have we been doing it for millennia without even realizing? Cats live in the moment and they can often have a soothing influence on the people around them; and simply stroking a cat can be a therapeutic exercise for many people.

Cats apparently have more nerve cells than humans in a part of their cerebral cortex that emits a higher degree of alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation and contemplation, which is probably why cats can spend up to 80% of their time sleeping.

Observing a sleeping cat can be a way to de-stress and become more mindful, and all you need is a comfy chair and an obliging feline friend. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Begin by looking at your sleeping cat and noticing their posture, quietness and contentment.
2. Observe their slow, gentle breathing.
3. Lower your gaze.
4. Bring your awareness to your breath, noticing the rhythm of breathing in and out. Then breath in and out for a count of three or four, maybe even try to mirror the slow breathing of your cat.
5. Now become aware of your body as a whole and how it feels – hot or cold, heavy or light, or any other sensations.
6. Now move through each part of your body in turn, paying special attention to the way each area feels. Start with your feet and toes, then gradually move up your body in stages until you reach the top of your head.
7. Then, when you are ready, gradually come back to the sounds of the room and take a moment to observe your sleeping cat, and enjoy your renewed sense of calmness and relaxation.