Cat as therapy animal?

Question

Does any one have any advice or information for me? I would like to get my cat certified as a therapy animal. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm using Wooki (see my photo) for therapy. Cats are not ideal animals for therapy. You will have to train him hard to be able to use him in therapy. Wooki have been trained since he was 12 weeks old to be around people in any environements. He does all sort of trick (giving paw, laydown, sit, stay, go, walk on leach, etc.) and still I have difficulties to get him to stand still for a long time as he approach one year old. That's young so maybe he'll calm down later but unlike dog, cats are a little bit more impatient.

The most important thing is to get the cat used to being pet EVERYWHERE on his body. Most cat don't like being pet on their belly and on the rear flank. So it's important to pet your kitten everywhere and get him to like it when he is very young.

It goes without saying that walking on leach is a must.Using a body leach not a collar.

Another important thing is to expose him to a lot of different environements. Bring him out in the park, in the pet shop, go on the boardwalk near a shoping center and sit down while people goes by. Encourage people on petting him.

You should also do a lot of sudden movement around him. That's the part I have most difficulties with. You would be surprised how often people make sudden movement around an animal. A cat who panic can do all sort of things and the results may be catastrophic for you patient.

There is also another factor to take into account. A lot of people are allergic to cat saliva (therefore to their fur). Bringing a cat in a place like a senior villa is sometime hard.

Good luck

Answer 2

If I wanted my cat certified, I'd call the Humane Society, or animal shelter, to see if it's necessary. Both my parents were in a nursing home at the same time. I have a very friendly cat, who I would bring in with me during visits. The patients loved him, and he loved the attention. The charge nurse told me that pet therapy is good for the patients. My local Human Society routinely brings friendly pets into the nursing homes. So check with them, or the nursing homes/hospice that you want visit. Great and kind idea. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, for starters, make sure your cat is friendly towards other people, and VERY tolerant of a little rough petting. It is better to start younger cats as therapists, rather than older cats, simply because younger cats are less finicky and more likely to adapt to the constant contact with different people.

Also, having a licensed therapy cat is difficult. If you really are wanting to get into it, you have to understand that it pays little to nothing, and takes up a LOT of time and money. Yes, it can be highly rewarding, but keep in mind that it is not a monetary reward.

Finally, make sure that your cat is leash and crate trained, has a microchip in it, and has an up-to-date tag and collar. Keeping your cat on a leash will help prevent it from getting spooked and running off. Crate training it will ensure that in the car or while waiting, your cat is comfortable and happy. The microchip and tag/collar will ensure that if you cat does get away from you, or it is stolen, it will be returned to you.

I hope what I've said has helped. Good luck!