Therapy Cats Make a World of Difference

No Comments

Photo of author

By Adrea

thearpy kitty lacey 1
Lacey, Prince Edward Home, is a therapy cat helping to keep patients in the dementia wing happy. (Photo: Lindsay Carroll/CBC)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

While dogs have long been considered a benefit for a variety of therapeutic needs, cats are starting to come into their own.

Draven, The Therapy Cat, is a rescue who visits both hospitals and assisted living centers in Pennsylvania weekly, His specialty? “Foot rubs.” He is also known for sticking out his tongue when he purrs. (Photo: Draven the Therapy Cat Facebook)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Meet Lacey, who for almost a years has been keeping the residents at the Prince Edward Home who are suffering from dementia happy. A ragdoll, her breed is particularly well-suited due to low dander and shedding issues and their very likable personalities. In an article from CBC News, facility administrator Andrew MacDougall shares that residents have really taken a shine to the lovable cat.

therapy-cat-mim
Madam Mim, who was abandoned outdoors in a carrier, has taken her rescue to heart, now comforting others in need. (Photo: Madam Mim Instagram)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Everyone knows the impact that animals can have on people’s emotional well being. You know, animals are loyal, they’re loving, they give a sense of companionship and we’ve seen various occasions where the cat almost in a way can sense when some residents are having additional difficulties, and there can be more of a connection.”

Dexter brings love to Hospice patients, among others, spreading his special kind of therapy to both you and old, alike. (Photo: Dexter the Therapy Cat Facebook)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Many other locations have done likewise, as cats often seem to have an innate ability to know when someone just needs a cuddle. Many animals who are rescues become therapy animals, as well. Perhaps this elicits an additional empathetic response making them extremely adaptable to these special, often unique, circumstances.

Vivo made her first “official” visit as a certified Pet Partner Therapy Cat to a local library at the beginning of July. (Photo: Durham Therapy Cats Facebook)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Pet Partners‘ Mission Statement reads, “Pet Partner’s mission is to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond.” 

Pet Partners teams interact with a wide variety of clients including veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities and those approaching end of life.  The impact of these interactions is felt one million times a year.  Pet Partners’ curriculum and continuing education for licensed Instructors, Evaluators and Handlers is the gold standard in the field.

On their website, you can learn more about volunteering and certifying a pet to be a therapy animal. Animals in these roles do so much to comfort others in need whether simply being a presence in the room to offering a cuddle and a purr.

therapy-cat-mike

This is Mike, Director of Feline Service, at Aurora Santa Rosa Hospital. (Photo: Therapy Cat Mike Instagram)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Whether visiting hospitals, hospices, schools, or any number of other facilities, therapy animals can make an incredible difference to the lives of those with whom they interact.

therapy-cat-raul
Raul loves working with kids and there is no doubt that he (and everyone else) enjoys the experience. (Photo: raulthetherapycat Instagram)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

 

 

About Author

Leave a Comment