DO CATS MAKE GOOD THERAPY ANIMALS? THE NEW TREND SHOWING FELINES MAY BE MORE COMPLICATED THAN WE REALISE

Dogs are known for being social, enthusiastic, and are commonly used to provide comfort in places like hospitals, schools, and care homes. But a growing number of people are turning to a different kind of companion: therapy cats.

Although the term “therapy cat” is often used casually in the media and inconsistently in scientific circles, the strict definition of animal-assisted therapy refers to structured sessions guided by healthcare professionals with specific clinical objectives.

Most cats in this field participate in broader animal-assisted programs. For clarity and simplicity, we’ll use the term “therapy cat” throughout this article.

Therapy cats help reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. They’re found in settings such as prisons, schools, hospices, care homes, and hospitals, and they’re especially beneficial for individuals who are afraid of dogs or may find it difficult to engage with larger animals like horses.

Therapy cats are often brought into environments like nursing homes and schools—places that can be noisy, unpredictable, and filled with unfamiliar people and stimuli. These are exactly the kinds of situations that would typically unsettle most cats.

Cats generally prefer stable, predictable surroundings. Like their wild ancestors, domestic cats value territorial security more than forming social bonds, whether with humans or other animals.

To feel safe, cats rely heavily on scent. They use the F3 pheromone to mark familiar places, creating an olfactory map that helps them identify “safe” zones within their territory.

However, a shift seems to be happening. Social media is full of images and videos showing cats accompanying their humans on campervan trips, flights, and even motorcycle rides. These cats appear to handle—sometimes even enjoy—situations long thought too stressful for felines. So what sets them apart?

For some cats, the presence of a trusted human can make unfamiliar environments feel less threatening. A 2021 study led by animal behaviour researcher Alexandra Behnke found that nearly half of the 42 cats tested exhibited what’s known as the secure base effect—a strong bond that lowers stress and encourages exploration when the cat is reunited with its owner. This bond might be key to helping therapy cats adapt to new and challenging settings.

A recent study led by Belgian human-animal interaction researcher Joni Delanoeije looked into how cats selected for animal-assisted services differ from the average household pet. The study analyzed survey responses for 474 cats, including 12 that had participated in such services. These therapy cats were generally more sociable with both humans and other cats, more inclined to seek attention, and less resistant to being handled or restrained.

The findings suggest that certain behavioral traits—such as sociability, tolerance, and comfort with handling—may make some cats more naturally suited to working in unfamiliar or high-stimulation environments. However, with only a small number of service cats included, more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

One consistent trait among these cats is a strong, trusting bond with their handlers. Early socialization and gradual exposure to new situations appear to be crucial in preparing cats for the unpredictable nature of therapy work.

Still, even cats that seem well-suited for service roles can face challenges. In a 2023 global study on cat-assisted services, U.S. psychologists Taylor Griffin and Lori Kogan found that even well-adjusted therapy cats can experience stress. In fact, 68% of handlers reported cutting visits short when they felt it was in the cat’s best interest.

These handlers often described a deep connection with their cats—a bond that likely plays a key role in helping the animal navigate therapy environments by providing a sense of safety and familiarity amid unpredictability.

How do therapy cats compare to dogs?

Cats differ from dogs in their social behavior, temperament, and adaptability to change—factors that must be thoughtfully considered when selecting them for therapy work. But these differences also bring unique advantages. For instance, therapy cats may resonate more with individuals who identify as “cat people.”

Research has linked this self-identification to specific personality traits. People who prefer cats often tend to be more independent, creative, and self-sufficient, while dog lovers are typically more outgoing, sociable, and group-oriented. As a result, cat enthusiasts might feel more comfortable in one-on-one therapeutic settings, whereas dog lovers may thrive in group-based interactions.

Species preference can also influence emotional reactions. In a 2022 study, researcher Jovita Lukšaite and colleagues used facial recognition software to analyze how people responded to images of animals. While both cat and dog images generally elicited feelings of happiness, dog images triggered significantly more fear. This suggests that for individuals who are anxious around dogs, feline-assisted therapy could be a more effective and comforting option.

While dogs often provide comfort through physical affection and energetic interaction, cats offer their own distinct form of support. One of their unique traits—their purr—may have therapeutic potential. A 2001 study found that cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 50 hertz, a range associated with promoting healing in humans. Although more recent scientific evidence is limited, a 2021 study reported that many cat owners find their cat’s purring to have a calming effect.

So, while dogs have long been the go-to therapy animals, cats are proving they have their own valuable role to play. With the right personality and proper socialization, therapy cats can offer a different kind of comfort—quiet, steady, and deeply soothing.