{"id":2836,"date":"2020-06-29T15:07:19","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T20:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/?p=2836"},"modified":"2025-05-28T19:49:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T00:49:37","slug":"emotional-support-cat-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/emotional-support-cat-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional Support Cat Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cats have been with us since early civilization. It is one of the few animals that people throughout history have kept purely for affection and love. Unlike dogs, which were used for hunting or guarding, cats were merely pets to be pampered around the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats are generally clean animals, and they are very loyal. On a cold and lonely evening, nothing is more cheerful than the purr of a happy cat curled up on your lap. It is no wonder that cats are used for emotional support.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever you sit on the sofa or lie down on the bed, cats curl up beside you to keep you company. Since cats don\u2019t make a lot of noise, you won\u2019t get into any trouble with your friends or neighbors.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have heard of an emotional support animal (ESA), you would be forgiven for thinking that it only applies to dogs. When you consider the gentle nature of cats or the fact that not everyone is a dog person, cats become an excellent alternative.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Emotional support animals are any type of animal that provides emotional assistance to the owner. The most common of these are dogs, but cats are a popular choice, especially when someone does not like dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

ESAs are protected under the<\/span> Fair Housing Act<\/span><\/a> (FHA), allowing the animals into any no-pet policy building.<\/span><\/p>\n

While rabbits, pigs, horses, and many other animals are used as an ESA, the most common are cats and dogs. These two species are widely accepted because of their mobility. It\u2019s easier to get into a restaurant with a cat than with a horse or pig.<\/span><\/p>\n

ESAs are excellent support when it comes to managing chronic pain, especially as a result of loss, mental illness, or loneliness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats are vastly intelligent and don\u2019t get in your way. They are also friendly and mostly independent. When you need a comforting presence, a cat is unmatched by other animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional Support Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dogs are excellent emotional support animals. They are energetic and work hard to put a smile on your face. If you are ready for lots of time spent in play and activity, then dogs can help you keep fit in the park or on morning walks along the street. Not everyone is capable of handling the energy and enthusiasm of dogs all the time, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs are also needier compared to other pets. You will need to take the dog for walks or playtime regularly. It is one of the reasons cats are a better choice for people who are looking for an emotional support animal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats need you to feed them, but they are quite capable of taking care of themselves on every other level\u2014you won\u2019t need to take your cat out for a walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Friendly felines are also generally calmer than dogs, which makes it great company when you are feeling low or exhausted from work. Cats will help you bounce back from depression or anxiety episodes faster and keep stress away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Registering your cat as an emotional support animal is only a few clicks away. If you have a mental illness or condition that needs an emotional support animal, you are in excellent hands. Start the simple process with USSA today!<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Is Eligible for an ESA Cat?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The great news about ESA cats is that anyone with a relevant diagnosis is eligible! As long as you have a mental health condition that’s verified by a licensed mental health professional, getting an ESA cat is as easy as providing some information about yourself and your cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you also speak with a mental health professional to have them approve and write your ESA letter. An ESA letter isn\u2019t legitimate unless it\u2019s written by a mental healthcare professional licensed in your state of residence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain states may have laws about establishing a relationship with a professional before they can write your letter, so be sure to check that out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does an ESA Letter for Cat Include?<\/span><\/h3>\n

An ESA letter for cats is a letter that’s written by a licensed mental health professional. The letter details why you need an emotional support animal, why a cat is the right choice, and more personal information about you and the cat. For example, most ESA letters will have a description of you and the cat, along with any unique traits.<\/span><\/p>\n

These letters are what you need to legitimize your cat as an ESA letter. Landlords can request to view this information and if your ESA letter is from a legitimate source like US Service Animals, it enables you to live in housing that’s otherwise not pet-friendly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Emotional Support Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n

Emotional support cats enjoy certain privileges over other pets. Under the FHA, for example, you can have your emotional support cat in buildings that don\u2019t support pets \u2013 subject to fair use.<\/span><\/p>\n

You have a right to live with your emotional support regardless of where you are or where you stay. All you have to do is get a valid ESA letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a myriad of conditions that emotional support animals, and more specifically, cats, can help you to overcome. They can do this by:<\/span><\/p>\n