A cat can be more than a cute and adorable pet – she can provide real therapy.
A therapy cat is any cat that is trained to provide comfort and support, emotionally, physically or medically, to humans in need who are dealing with disabilities or disorders. Humans develop special bonds with animals, and cats are no exception. Sessions with therapy cats use this bond to heal and alleviate pain, loneliness, or anxiety.
For example, if an elderly person in a nursing home is feeling lonely, a therapy cat can be a great companion. Alternatively, in childhood or in adult age, therapy cats can be essential for dealing with emotional trauma.
Therapy cats are particularly effective with patients fighting depression and anxiety disorders. These issues are often associated with feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, social anxiety, and fear. These symptoms can make it very difficult for someone to connect with other people, or even get out of bed in the morning. A therapy cat works to alleviate these symptoms and offer a stress-free emotional connection.
Depression is also common among those suffering from physical impairments. It is easy to fall into despair when you no longer have mobility or the ability to accomplish daily tasks. This is yet another situation in which therapy cats can work wonders on a patient’s emotional well-being. Cats instinctively like to curl up on your lap and purr. This show of contentment naturally brings about joy and helps relieve feelings of sadness, even if you are physically unable to return the favor.
Let’s take a look at a few traits cats possess that enable them to be superior therapy animals:
• Cats enjoy physical contact. It can be incredibly soothing to hold and pet a cat, to feel it purr and enjoy your touch.
• Cats become emotionally attached. Though cats may be a bit more independent than dogs, they still become attached to their owners and people in general. They simply show their attachment in different ways.
• Cats can sense negative emotions. Just like dogs, cats are able to pick up on human emotions based on behaviors, vocal cues, and facial expressions.
• Cats can communicate well. Cats use a variety of physical and vocal cues to communicate. The typical “meow” is reserved specifically for communicating with humans.
• Cats are low-maintenance. While dogs need to be walked every few hours and fed specific amounts of food at specific times, cats are much easier to handle.
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