Cats Gain Ground as Therapy Animals, But Not Without Complications
-
- May 3, 2025
Dogs have long dominated the field of animal-assisted therapy. But recent studies and anecdotal evidence suggest cats may be quietly gaining ground, though not without raising a few questions.
Felines are increasingly being introduced in environments traditionally reserved for therapy dogs, such as care homes, hospitals, and schools. Some have even been used in prisons and hospice settings. Experts say their presence can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and loneliness, particularly for individuals who are fearful of dogs or unable to engage with larger animals.
The term therapy cat is often used loosely, but in clinical settings, it typically refers to animals involved in structured activities overseen by healthcare professionals. Most fall under broader categories of animal-assisted services.
While dogs are widely considered sociable and adaptable, cats are known for their preference for predictable environments. Domestic cats, much like their wild relatives, are territorial and rely heavily on scent to feel secure. This instinct can make unfamiliar, noisy settings, like schools or hospitals, challenging for them.
Yet social media trends and emerging research suggest some cats may be more flexible than previously assumed.
Certain cats have been seen traveling via plane, campervan, or even motorbike — tolerating, and in some cases thriving in, environments once thought too unpredictable for the species. Researchers studying this shift believe a strong bond with a trusted human may help some cats cope with change. One study found that nearly half of the cats tested showed signs of a secure attachment, meaning their owner’s presence helped reduce stress.
Other studies suggest cats involved in animal-assisted services tend to show specific behavioral traits: greater sociability with both people and other cats, increased tolerance for handling, and a higher likelihood of seeking attention. These characteristics may make them better suited for therapeutic environments, although researchers caution that the sample sizes remain small and further studies are needed.
Training and early socialization also play a role. Experts emphasize that gradual exposure to new people and settings can increase a cat’s ability to tolerate stress.
Still, even the most well-adjusted therapy cats may struggle in practice. A 2023 study reported that more than two-thirds of handlers had to cut sessions short in response to signs of distress in the animal. Handlers also noted that a strong relationship with the cat was critical for the animal’s comfort and consistency during sessions.
While dogs and cats offer different kinds of support, each has its advantages. Research indicates that individuals who identify as “cat people” — often described as more independent or introverted — may respond more positively to feline companionship. For those individuals, cats could provide more effective emotional support than dogs.
Some researchers have even explored whether cat purrs offer unique therapeutic value. Domestic cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 50 hertz — a range associated with healing in humans. Though the science remains limited, anecdotal reports suggest that many owners find their cat’s purr calming during times of stress.
Even seemingly small factors can affect how well cats adapt to therapy work. One spokesperson for Boxie, a pet care brand focused on feline wellness, notes that “environmental consistency — from scent to surface — can make or break a cat’s comfort level. Something as routine as a familiar litter type or a clean, neutral-smelling travel crate can significantly reduce anxiety before a session.”
Despite their reputation for independence, cats may be better suited for therapy work than once thought, provided the right training, temperament, and environment are in place.
They are unlikely to replace dogs outright. But for some, they may offer a quieter, equally meaningful kind of comfort.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
