{"id":6905,"date":"2025-04-22T16:17:46","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T21:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/?p=6905"},"modified":"2025-04-29T22:24:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T03:24:55","slug":"therapy-cat-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/therapy-cat-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Therapy Cat Training: What to Know About Therapy Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Therapy Cat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s care centers, and mental healthcare centers, where they spend time with residents, curl up on beds, and bring a playful attitude to every person\u2019s day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Cats Really Be Trained for Therapy?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cats don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Can I Take My Therapy Cat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which Cat Breeds Are Best for Therapy Training?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>emotional support cats<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n