What Are Therapy Cat And What Do They Do?

Therapy cats are specially trained felines that provide comfort and emotional support to people in various settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Unlike service animals, therapy cats do not perform specific tasks but help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression through their calming presence.

The rise of therapy cats as a mental health service reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Their gentle demeanor and purring can soothe nerves, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Therapeutic cats mostly appeal to individuals who prefer the quiet companionship of a cat over a dog, including seniors, children, and those with sensory sensitivities or social anxiety.

Cats are capable of becoming effective therapy companions due to their calm nature and strong emotional attachments with humans. Their purring is known to have a soothing effect, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Similarly, cats are relatively smaller than other service animals. Their small size makes them ideal for individuals who may be overwhelmed by larger energetic animals.

However, cats as therapy animals may have limitations. They are generally more independent than dogs and may not always be as responsive to training or as willing to engage with unfamiliar people. Their effectiveness largely depends on their temperament, as some cats are more social and adaptable than others.

Benefits of Therapy Cats

• Cats are low-maintenance and require less space than larger animals.
• Their purring has a proven calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Cats are quiet and less likely to overwhelm individuals in therapy settings.

Problems with Therapy Cats

• Cats can be more aloof and less predictable in their behavior than dogs.
• They may not tolerate unfamiliar environments or people as well as some other animals.
• Some people may have allergies to cats, limiting their use as therapy animals.

Before understanding the responsibilities of a therapy, you should know the distinction between a therapy and a service animal. Unlike a service animal, therapy cats are not trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.

Instead, their role is to provide general comfort and enhance emotional well-being. Therapy animals are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and do not have the same public access rights as service animals.

These are considered to be the major services provided by a therapy cat:

Emotional Support

Therapy cats provide invaluable emotional support to individuals dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Their non-judgmental presence can create a safe and comforting environment for those who feel isolated or overwhelmed by their emotions.

Additionally, petting a cat or having a cat sit on a lap can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. The purring vibrations are also believed to have therapeutic effects.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The rhythmic act of petting a cat is known to lower heart rates and reduce blood pressure. This physical interaction provides calming sensory feedback, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and panic.

In therapy sessions, a cat's presence can provide a grounding effect as individuals can focus on the comforting tactile sensations of the cat's fur rather than their stressors. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders or those who experience panic attacks.

Elderly Companionship

Therapy cats provide companionship to elderly individuals, particularly those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Many older adults experience loneliness and isolation, especially if separated from family or friends.

A therapy cat can offer a sense of companionship and routine to seniors who have lost loved ones or have limited social interactions. Seniors are encouraged to gently pet, talk to, or play with the cats. It helps improve motor skills and encourages social interaction with staff and other residents. Caring for or spending time with a cat can provide a sense of purpose and daily structure to senior citizens.

Therapeutic Interaction

In educational settings, therapy cats are used to help children with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. For children who struggle with reading or other tasks, reading aloud to a non-judgmental listener like a therapy cat can boost confidence. The cat's presence can also teach empathy, patience, and nurturing behaviors.

Similarly, in healthcare, therapy cats can assist in pain management and recovery by providing distraction and comfort to patients. Their company has been shown to reduce the perception of pain and discomfort. The calming effect of felines can also help improve mood and reduce the need for pain medications.

Training a cat to become a therapy animal involves modifying its emotional and behavioral traits. Unlike dogs, cats naturally possess a more independent nature, so the training focuses on making them comfortable around humans and socializing them through positive reinforcement.

1. Socialization and Temperament Assessment

Socialization focuses on exposing the cat to various people, environments, and situations to build their confidence and adaptability. This process often begins in the cat's early life stages, where kittens are gradually introduced to different types of handling, sounds, and sights.

Additionally, a personality analysis is conducted to determine if the cat has the right personality for therapy work. This involves observing the cat's behavior in different situations to ensure they are not overly timid, aggressive, or stressed. Cats that show curiosity, friendliness, and a calm demeanor are considered ideal candidates for therapy training.

2. Desensitization Training

This training prepares therapy cats to handle various stimuli they may encounter in therapy settings, including loud noises, wheelchairs, or sudden movements. The step involves gradually introducing the cat to these stimuli in a controlled environment to prevent fear or anxiety.

For example, the cat may be exposed to the sound of a vacuum cleaner or the presence of strangers, starting from a distance and slowly moving closer as the cat becomes more comfortable. This training helps the cat build resilience and adaptability to unpredictable situations.

3. Positive Reinforcement

This method focuses on rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. Whenever the cat exhibits calm, friendly, or appropriate behavior, they are rewarded with treats, praise, or petting. This approach helps the cat associate these positive behaviors with positive outcomes, reinforcing their calm and sociable nature.

During training, handlers may use clicker training or other reward-based systems to mark and reward specific behaviors, such as sitting quietly, allowing petting, or interacting gently with people. Over time, this consistent reinforcement helps shape the cat’s behavior, ensuring they remain relaxed and cooperative in various therapy settings.

4. Certification and Evaluation

This is the final step in training a therapy cat, testing whether the cat meets the standards required for therapy work. Organizations like Pet Partners or Love on a Leash provide certification programs that assess a cat’s behavior and temperament in controlled settings. The evaluation includes testing the cat's ability to remain calm around loud noises, unfamiliar people, and medical equipment.

The cat must demonstrate a consistent ability to remain relaxed, friendly, and responsive to commands throughout the assessment. Regular evaluations are also conducted to ensure the cat continues to meet the required standards over time.

Therapy cats and therapy dogs both provide comfort and emotional support. But, they greatly differ in their nature, training, and the environments where they are most effective.

Therapy dogs are generally more social and outgoing, often engaging with people more readily. Besides providing emotional support and companionship, they can be trained to perform specific tasks or follow commands. Dogs are more active and can participate in structured activities, which can be beneficial in physical therapy or rehabilitation programs.

On the other hand, therapy cats are typically more independent and low-maintenance. Their quiet nature makes them ideal for settings where a less intrusive presence is needed, such as nursing homes or mental health facilities.

Cats offer a soothing presence through their purring and gentle companionship. However, unlike dogs, they are not made to follow vocal commands from their owners.

Not all cats are alike; some breeds are better suited for therapy work than others. Still, capable kittens are chosen to serve as therapy cats, regardless of their breeds.

Often, breeds with more sociable and adaptable instincts are chosen for therapy work. Some of these include:

Ragdolls

Ragdolls are known for their going limp like a "ragdoll" when held, hence their name. They are exceptionally friendly and enjoy human interaction.

Additionally, ragdolls are patient and can adapt well to various environments and handlers. Their gentle nature helps soothe anxiety and stress, ideal for settings like hospitals and nursing homes.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons are renowned for their friendly, sociable, and patient nature. They are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, but their gentle disposition makes them approachable and comforting.

This breed can become affectionate without being overly demanding, and they also enjoy human interaction. Their playful yet calm demeanor allows them to engage with individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly.

Siamese

Siamese cats are incredibly vocal and possess a strong desire to interact with people. They form strong bonds with their handlers and thrive on attention, often following their human companions around and engaging in interactive play.

Moreover, these cats also boast high energy levels and curiosity, while their loving and loyal nature provides comfort and emotional support.

Persian

Persians have a serene demeanor and love being petted. They enjoy sitting on laps for extended periods, providing comfort and relaxation to their handlers.

Persians are typically low-energy and easygoing, preferring quiet environments where they can relax and be close to their human companions. Their affectionate and laid-back nature helps to create a calming atmosphere. Overall, their plush fur and gentle personality make them the perfect companions.

Burmese

Burmese cats are often described as "velcro cats" due to their tendency to stick close to their human companions. Their friendly and interactive nature makes them particularly effective in environments where engagement and connection are essential.

These cats are well-suited for therapy work with children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs. Their loving disposition and calm presence can help alleviate anxiety and promote emotional well-being.

Unlike normal pets, therapy cats can't be simply bought from a store. Developing a therapy cat can take years, even with highly experienced trainers. Once their extensive training is completed, they may get adopted by an in-need family or become therapy cats for hire.

Normally, you can hire a therapy cat from a local cat-assisted therapy program. These programs provide packages for individuals looking to rent emotional support animals. On average, hiring a therapy cat can cost you anywhere between $50 to $200 per visit. This includes 2-3 sessions of up to an hour.

Some commonly known therapy cat programs that operate in the US include:

1. Pet Partners

• Founded In: 1977
• Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington, USA
• No. of Active Therapy Cats: 150+
• Average Hiring Cost: $50-$150 Per Visit

2. Love on A Leash

• Founded In: 1984
• Headquarters: Oceanside, California, USA
• No. of Active Therapy Cats: 100+
• Average Hiring Cost: Free but donations to the organization are encouraged.

3. Therapy Animals of Utah

• Founded In: 1996
• Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
• No. of Active Therapy Dogs: 30+
• Average Hiring Cost: $50-$100 Per Visit

4. Paws for People

• Founded In: 2005
• Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
• No. of Active Therapy Dogs: 50+
• Average Hiring Cost: $25-$75 Per Visit

5. Compassionate Paws

• Founded In: 2006
• Headquarters: Rome, Georgia
• No. of Active Therapy Dogs: 20+
• Average Hiring Cost: $50-$100 Per Visit