WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SERVICE CAT AND AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT CAT?

Animals make great companions and they can help us humans with both mental and physical challenges. With the growing realization of the therapeutic benefits of human-animal companionship, it’s helpful to know how therapeutic animals are defined and what their purpose is in helping their human companions.

Currently, there are three types of designations for animal companions which include service animals, therapy animals and emotional support animals (ESA’s). Each type has a very specific definition that can include certifications and special privileges that go along with that designation.

SERVICE CATS 

Can cats be service animals?

The short answer is no. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) dictates that a service animal must be a dog or miniature horse. A service animal helps a person with a disability perform functions of daily living. A service dog (or miniature horse) can help people in a variety of ways like:

  • Helping guide blind people
  • Alerting a person with epilepsy of an impending seizure
  • Carrying items and transporting them
  • Calming someone with PTSD
  • Other medically necessary functions

THERAPY CATS 

Can cats be therapy animals?

Yes. Cats can definitely be therapy animals. The distinction between a service animal and a therapy animal is that the therapy animal donates their time to help provide comfort to others. The therapy animal/therapy cat works together with you as a team to help others. Therapy animals, including therapy cats and therapy dogs, are often found volunteering in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

What kind of cats make good therapy cats?

There isn’t any one particular breed of cat that makes a good therapy cat. Instead, focus on your cat’s traits and personality. You will want to be sure that your cat is friendly, outgoing, and genuinely enjoys the company of others. Never try to make your cat into something it is not. Consider the following:

  • Does your cat love to be around other people?
  • Does you cat have a very laid back personality?
  • Does your cat mind wearing a leash and harness?
  • Does your cat enjoy being held?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then your cat might make a good therapy cat. But that’s not all. Don’t forget that YOU are half of the equation. You will be working with your cat as a team so you also have to have the right personality and temperament to deal well with the public. You’ll be expected to have great communication with your pet. Your pet should have the ability to understand and obey simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESA’s)

Can cats be emotional support animals?

  • Yes. An emotional support animal provides comfort to their human companion who may be struggling either mentally or emotionally. ESA’s do not assist with physical tasks, they are limited to providing emotional support. Any pet can be an emotional support animal and you can register your pet with a reputable ESA service.
  • While any pet can technically be an emotional support animal, you should ensure your cat has the temperament to want to be an emotional support animal. As a responsible pet owner, you should be sure that your pet will be happy being an emotional support animal — particularly if you plan to travel with your cat. Many cats do not like leaving their home, so be sure to put your cat’s feelings first. Your cat cannot help support you if your cat feels afraid, unsafe or threatened.

Which cat breeds make good emotional support cats?

All cats are different, so just choosing a breed of cat doesn’t guarantee that he or she will have the personality traits to make a great emotional support cat. With that said, certain breeds tend to be more outgoing than others. Get to know these breeds and then visit your local shelter to find a cat with similar characteristics. Remember  that temperament is the most important factor and many cats are distressed in a shelter environment, so consider fostering if you’re not sure. The following are considered some of the friendliest cat breeds: Ragdoll, Birman, Manx, Persian, Russian Blue, Maine Coon, Siamese, American Shorthair, Bengal, Sphynx, Abyssinian, and Burmese.

Do you think your cat would be happy being your official emotional support cat?

If you believe your cat has the confidence and temperament to enjoy being an ESA, then you should talk to a licensed mental health professional in your state to get a prescription. Then contact a reputable ESA service to get your ESA letter.

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