Research Indicates Potential for Therapy Cats in Animal-Assisted Services

A study published in the journal Animals, co-authored by Patricia Pendry, a professor at Washington State University, investigated the behavioral traits of therapy cats in collaboration with researchers from Belgium. The research involved surveying hundreds of cat owners, leading to the identification of specific behaviors that set therapy cats apart from other felines in AAS programs.

Pendry noted that the findings challenge the common perception that cats are not suited for therapy work. "Our study shows that some cats may thrive in these settings," she said, emphasizing that the traits seen in therapy cats, including high sociability and a desire to engage with people, mirror those found in therapy dogs.

The research revealed that therapy cats are generally more social with humans and other felines, seek more attention, and display greater tolerance for handling, particularly when being picked up.

The dominance of dogs in AAS has traditionally limited the options for emotional support, but incorporating cats could offer a comforting presence for those who may find a dog's high energy overwhelming. However, Pendry cautioned that not every cat is suited for therapy roles, as these animals are typically not trained like therapy dogs. She acknowledged that while some breeds, such as Ragdolls and Maine Coons, are often viewed as more sociable, the study did not focus on breed comparisons but rather on the individual behavioral traits within a wide range of cats.

Currently, therapy cats are more prevalent in Europe than in the U.S., where the concept has been slower to gain traction. In Belgium, the study’s location, cats are increasingly included in AAS settings, while American institutions continue to prioritize therapy dogs.

Despite the encouraging findings, researchers highlight the need for further studies to explore whether the desirable traits in therapy cats are innate or developed over time, as well as concerns regarding the impact of therapy work on feline welfare.

As awareness grows and research expands, therapy cats may become a more recognized resource in the U.S. Pendry emphasized that the study’s aim is not to rush cats into therapy roles but to acknowledge that some cats may genuinely enjoy human interaction and provide valuable support in appropriate environments.

Pendry concluded, "If any animal could turn lounging around and receiving affection into a legitimate career, it would be a cat."