September 9th, 2009
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You’ve heard often about therapy dogs but did you know there are therapy cats, too? They are being used in convalescent homes, psychiatric wards, to help autistic children and more.
So how does your feline become a therapy cat? Therapy cats should work well with people, have a calm demeanor and they should be at least a year old. Short-haired cats were used most often in the past but long-hairs, such as Persians, are popular now, too. Stroking or grooming a cat can bring back memories for patients, relieve loneliness and act as a calming presence. Your cat can get certified through programs such as Pets Helping People, where cats learn to be comfortable in different surroundings. They can also earn their Feline Good Citizen certificate. Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
This post is perfect & much needed in todays society !
Excellent writing…
Keep up the great work !
God Bless…
Oh, thanks so much!
I’m happy cats can be therapeutic for patients also. I can’t see Ashley being a therapy cat, she just isn’t friendly with strangers but I know a few cats that would be awesome at it.
It’s like dogs, I guess – only some would be good at or benefit from it themselves. My cat Ed would be great but my dogs – no way.
I thought littlebit or scamp would be good therpy cat. we live right by two nursing homes. both are within walking distance. But their kind of set in their ways. Besides when people come over they run and hide. After a few minutes they come out to see who you are. Now Lady kitty is afraid of everyone especially men. If there is a strange man in the house she’ll hides for hours.talk to ya later
Yeah, I wonder what percentage of cats actually make good therapy cats – they can be so picky and have quirky ways.
Well, I can’t find a U.S. statistic. One group in the U.K. has @3500 therapy dogs and @90 therapy cats. So, dogs are still ahead but I think the use of therapy cats is going to continue to increase.