You might say that you need therapy after trying to manage a difficult cat. But did you know that more and more cats are being used as therapy animals these days? I’ve written about cats that have become therapy animals for kittens in shelters. One, in particular, stands out in my mind—he was scheduled for euthanasia. He was old and cranky. No one wanted to deal with him. And then a litter of kittens came in. The kittens were drawn to the old crankster and began climbing all over him. Surprisingly, he tolerated and even seemed to enjoy the onslaught of kitten love. So this old guy got to stay and he became the shelter’s best kitten therapist ever.
You may have noticed how calming it is to sit with a purring cat on your lap after a difficult
day. They say that laughter is therapeutic and who can curb a smile, giggle, or belly laugh while watching a kitten or several kittens at play?
Cats are especially useful as therapy pets in senior centers as they can help in cases of loneliness and depression. https://www.petcentric.com/07-15-2009/therapy-cats
Here’s a sweet story of a young autistic artist and her beloved therapy cat—a Maine coon cat named Thula. http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/11/health/turning-points-iris-grace-autism/index.html
But they’re also using therapy cats out and about in public. For example, the newest member of the Denver International Airport Canine Airport Therapy Squad is a cat. Meet Xeli. Her job is to put people at ease for their flight. She can be recognized by the vest she wears that says, “Pet me.” http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2017/09/28/xeli-joins-unique-traveler-therapy-team-at-denver-international-airport-1/
