Therapy cats are some of the most unique support animals around today, though many people tend to be skeptical about how a cat can be trained for therapy services. This is mostly due to cats having a reputation for being aloof and indifferent, something that all cat owners know is simply not true. Cats are loving, affectionate, and generally friendly creatures, even though some kitties have their personal quirks and preferences.
Therapy cats are cats that provide support and therapy either to their owners or individuals outside of the home. These cats are friendly, sociable, and perfectly happy in a variety of different situations, making them so adaptable.
If you are considering training your cat to be a therapy cat, or if you are wondering how a therapy cat can benefit your life, our article is here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about therapy cat training.
What Is a Therapy Cat?
A therapy cat is any cat that performs therapy services for individuals by providing companionship, an opportunity for playtime, and a distraction from negative emotions or pain. Therapy cats are often seen in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities, children’s care centers, and mental healthcare centers, where they spend time with residents, curl up on beds, and bring a playful attitude to every person’s day.
Therapy cats must be well-socialized, adaptable to different environments, non-aggressive, and friendly. These cats generally thrive when given attention from humans, and they find traveling to different locations easy and exciting.
Can Cats Really Be Trained for Therapy?
Cats don’t have the same reputation as dogs when it comes to trainability, and some people may believe that it is not possible to even train a cat for any type of skill or task. While cats cannot be trained to learn skills in the exact same way that a service dog would, for instance, they can be trained to understand certain cues, perform certain tricks, and become comfortable with the duties that a therapy cat must perform.
When training a cat, you must remember that more patience and time might be needed than when training a dog. You should always approach training with your cat slowly and build upon their skills as they become more comfortable and social.
Where Can I Take My Therapy Cat?
Therapy cats can visit a number of different places, though they are most commonly seen in long-term healthcare and mental healthcare facilities. These facilities help individuals who can greatly benefit from the experience of a therapy cat in their day, and many welcome therapy cats during visiting hours to help with the needs of individuals receiving care.
You may also be able to take your therapy cat to visit schools and outpatient care facilities. Keep in mind when figuring out where to bring your therapy cat, that you need to contact facilities beforehand and ensure they can accommodate a visit from you and your therapy cat. You cannot show up unannounced at any facility, as staff members will not be prepared for your visit, and you will most likely be turned away.
Which Cat Breeds Are Best for Therapy Training?
Any cat can potentially be a therapy cat, though some cat breeds are generally better for therapy cat work due to their temperament and naturally sociable natures. Below, we give you an overview of the most popular cat breeds for therapy cat duties. Some of these cat breeds also make excellent emotional support cats.
- Ragdolls: Ragdolls are friendly, loving, and perfect for cuddling, and these cats are generally sociable and ready for an adventure. Ragdoll cats love to be held and seek attention from humans, making them great therapy cats.
- Siamese Cats: Siamese cats are vocal, affectionate, and playful, and these kitties are always curious. They can learn how to adapt to different situations easily, and they love meeting new people.
- British Shorthairs: These cats are fluffy, round, and adorable, and they are generally calm and outgoing. Your British shorthair will love adventures, and they are happy to accompany you on any adventure.
- Abyssinians: These cats are playful, adventurous, and active, and they make great therapy cats due to their outgoing natures. These cats are inquisitive, and they love to play with the new people they meet.
- Siberian Cats: Siberian cats are known for having a more hypoallergenic coat, making them more tolerable to those with mild cat allergies. These kitties are affectionate, cuddly, and energetic, and they make great therapy cat companions.
Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and there are plenty of cats in shelters who would make amazing therapy cats. The main qualifiers of a therapy cat are not breed, but temperament, sociability, and the ability to be adaptable and versatile in different situations.
Therapy Cat Training: Everything You Need to Know
Training a therapy cat can be a time-consuming undertaking, as you will generally need to approach training slowly and make sure that you take the time to build on your cat’s skills and sociability over time. Cats move slower for the most part when it comes to learning how to enjoy new spaces, and some cats are naturally more reserved than others.
Below, we discuss the most important considerations you need to keep in mind for therapy cat training.
Socialization and Temperament
Socialization and temperament are the first things that you should be working on with your cat if you want them to be a therapy cat. While some cats will naturally have a more friendly and calm temperament, it can take time for other cats to warm up to the idea of being more social and comfortable traveling to new places often.
The best way to start with socialization training for your cat is to start them when they are as young as possible. Bring your cat with you to new places and have them meet new people and even other cats often. Always monitor their safety and stress levels in these situations and work your cat up from meeting new people at home to traveling with you to pet-friendly areas.
If you have an older cat, you can start socialization by having them meet more people at home, and then taking them with you to other places for a day trip. You can warm them up to car rides by associating their carrier with positive things, and by frequently taking them out on short car trips, making sure to give them lots of rewards and attention.
Cats are generally food motivated, and most love attention and gentle pets, so start very small by socializing your cat at home and then moving on to bigger challenges.
Harness and Leash Training
Harness and leash training are equally as important as socialization when it comes to training a therapy cat, as you cannot let your cat run wild in different locations without a leash or some kind of safety measure in place. Additionally, many facilities and pet-friendly areas will require that you have control over your cat when out and about in public to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
It’s generally recommended that you utilize a harness for your cat that is snug to their upper body while still leaving room for them to breathe and move comfortably. Many cats do not enjoy the feeling of a harness and leash, so it’s important to take this part of training slowly and allow your cat plenty of time to get used to the sensation.
Always utilize positive reinforcement when training with a harness, and start your adventures somewhere safe and enclosed, like the hallway of your home. Move on to outdoor spaces, and then more busy public spaces (spaces that are still safe, like a pet-friendly store!) to ensure your cat can adapt to plenty of different locations while wearing a harness and leash.
Trial Runs
You always need to start small when training a therapy cat and build up on your companion’s skills. We recommend teaching your cat at home, and then visiting the home of a family member to get your cat used to new spaces and people – this gives them a chance to practice while still maintaining a controlled environment. Once your cat is used to visiting new homes or rooms with ease, you can enter public pet-friendly spaces, and then work your way up to performing therapy cat duties.
Make sure that your cat has access to their carrier or a safe space at all times when practicing or performing therapy cat duties so they can feel secure and take a minute for themselves. A scared cat can be a risk to themselves and others, and you should never push your cat beyond their limits whether they are new to being a therapy cat or experienced.
Care and Upkeep
A big part of therapy cat training is monitoring your cat’s needs and emotional levels. During therapy cat training, you will have the opportunity to form a stronger bond with your cat and truly learn their signs of happiness, nervousness, and fear. It’s important to take note of these signs and your cat’s specific comfort levels so you can be an effective partner to your therapy cat.
You should also be sure that you maintain your cat as normal by grooming them, trimming their nails, playing with them, and ensuring they receive veterinary care as needed. Just because your cat can perform therapy duties doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be cared for like the beloved pet they are.
Does My Therapy Cat Need Certifications?
Typically, your therapy cat will not need a certification, as there are not really standardized certifications for therapy cats. Therapy cat training is still a relatively new thing, and while you can take an online training course with your cat and watch videos to learn more about therapy cat training, you are unlikely to be required to present any kind of certification when registering your companion for therapy cat work in your area.
Are There Training Courses for Therapy Cats?
There are select training courses for therapy cats, and these may be local in your area, or they may be online courses. There is a wealth of information online that discusses how to keep your cat social, how to harness train, and the skills necessary for your cat to be an exemplary therapy cat. Pay attention to all of this information and enroll in a reputable (make sure to do your research!) course online if you need more instruction.
How Do I Know If My Cat Would Be a Good Therapy Cat?
You can attempt to train any cat to be a therapy cat, though some felines are more tolerable of therapy cat duties than others; take note that some cats never learn therapy cat duties, and that’s ok – they may be too shy or have a history of trauma that makes them bad candidates for therapy cat work.
The best qualities in a cat that can make them suitable for being a therapy cat include a calm temperament, friendly and social nature, curious and adaptable behavior, and playful energy. Therapy cats are loving, observant, and intelligent, and they are generally comfortable in new places and around new humans.
How Do I Keep My Therapy Cat Happy?
Keeping your therapy cat happy is a matter of remembering that your cat is not a therapy cat all the time – when they are not working, they are your furry family member, and you should treat them the same as you do any other pet. Give them lots of places to nap, physical and mental stimulation, and a healthy diet when they are not working to keep your cat happy. Play with your cat often, groom them as needed, and make sure they receive routine veterinary care to keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Seeking Support From Therapy Cats
Therapy cats are some of the most wonderful companions due to their affectionate nature and the unique experience of receiving love and comfort from a feline friend. If you want to train your cat to be a therapy cat, you will need to start training slowly, after making sure that your kitty companion has the right temperament and gentle nature for this kind of work. Speak to local organizations once your therapy cat is trained to learn how you and your kitty can benefit others with a play session, a cuddle session, or simply the comfort of a cat curled up on a lap.