14 October,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Samruddhi Trivedi
A previous cat-themed event in Versova
What happens when artistic ambitions meet curious cats, or yoga mats become a playground for puppies? Pawga, co-founded by Sinduja Krishnakumar and Subhashree M, is an experimental adoption drive for animals. Through creative, animal-friendly activities, the initiative connects people with pets seeking homes while giving the animals a chance to socialise and bond with humans.
Its upcoming Mumbai sessions this weekend pair Halloween-themed pumpkin painting with feline company and a beginner-friendly yoga class featuring shelter dogs.
At this pre-Halloween pumpkin-painting session, participants can decorate pumpkin cut-outs as cats and kittens pad around, inspect the brushes and perhaps supervise the artwork. Fancy a ghoulish grin, a luminous orange creation or an enigmatic black-cat design? Let your imagination run wild. Paints and supplies will be provided, so there is no need to bring an art kit or professional skills.
The felines from shelters and foster homes, are looking for permanent families. Meeting visitors gives them an opportunity to become familiar with people beyond their usual surroundings. For cats that have had limited individual attention, such gentle encounters can encourage socialisation and help potential adopters get a better sense of their personalities.
"All our activities are hand-picked and curated to be pet-safe," says Krishnakumar. With curious noses and wandering paws nearby, your artistic process might attract some extra scrutiny. Bring your creative instincts, leave room for feline mischief and see whether your pumpkin earns a passing inspection from its four-legged audience.
ON October 17; 11 am to noon
AT Cat Café Studio, Harminder Singh Road, Versova, Andheri West.
LOG ON TO pawgapetsyoga.com
COST Rs 1270 onwards
Yoga mats are out, the instructor is ready, but these cute canines have no intention of following a routine. Pawga's beginner-friendly session combines a professional-led yoga flow with shelter dogs roaming freely around participants. Expect gentle stretches and mindful movement rather than complicated poses. No prior yoga experience is needed, and the dogs are free to move around at their own pace instead of being lifted into positions or expected to perform.
The session is designed to be a cheerful break for people and a positive experience for the animals, too. "Spending time with puppies can lift people's moods, ease stress and help with emotional release," says Krishnakumar. She adds that dogs can also experience anxiety and distress when isolated, making opportunities for social interaction valuable for their well-being. Meeting participants in a relaxed environment can help them grow more comfortable around humans, while giving prospective adopters a chance to connect with them.
A sprightly canine might trot past your mat just as you settle into a stretch, or pause for a sniff while you try to hold your balance. Let the instructor guide your movements and the dogs set their own pace. After all, the idea is not to master every pose but to enjoy a relaxed hour in good company, with a few wagging tails around you.
ON October 18; 4 pm to 5 pm
AT The Community Studio, Main Avenue Road, Santacruz West.
LOG ON TO pawgapetsyoga.com
ENTRY Rs 1270
