Could your cat be a therapy cat? Find out what it takes

PetSmart - Megan Dinchak

If you’re a cat owner, you can attest to the physical, social and psychological benefits of interacting with your cat. When you gently stroke her at the end of the day, you feel soothed by the vibration and contentment of her purrs. Suddenly, your stress disappears, your blood pressure reduces and your heart rate slows. In fact, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota's Stroke Institute in Minneapolis suggests that owning a cat could reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke by nearly one-third.

Therapy cats provide this same relaxation and companionship for sick, lonely or troubled patients in care facilities. Those of us who are lucky enough to share our lives with pets understand the importance of the unconditional acceptance and love they offer. The opportunity to share this with those who need it the most is a gift in and of itself. Is your cat a therapy cat?

The Delta Society and the Love on a Leash (formerly the Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy) are non-profit organizations that certify cats for therapy. Though each has different requirements, it is important for a therapy cat to be people-oriented with a laid back, gentle personality. Your cat could be a therapy cat if she:

• Enjoys being petted, touched and hugged
• Has behavior that is predictable, reliable, and easily controlled
• Seeks attention and interactions with new people in unfamiliar settings
• Is able to remain calm in disruptive or crowded settings
• Is outgoing, friendly and confident in new settings

If you think your cat has what it takes and you'd like to learn more about cats as therapy pets, contact the Delta Society at their site, www.deltasociety.org or the Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy at www.loveonaleash.org for more information on how to certify your cat for therapy.
 

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