THERAPY CATS: Sharing the LoveFrom the Purring Post
When our feline friends run to greet us after a long day away, it affects us physically. Many studies have shown that having a cat can calm nerves, lower blood pressure, help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic pain, strengthen the immune system and even help you live longer. One researcher even suggests that those who own pets tend to be happier in general than those who do not.
By interacting with people or by simply purring or being petted, Therapy Cats often work miracles. They have been known to help significantly combat a variety of physical illnesses, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, loneliness and developmental disabilities. A visit from a Therapy Cat is always a welcome treat.
If patients are initially shy or hesitant to speak, a Therapy Cat with a festive accessory or costume, such as a vest or tiara, sometimes makes a difference. Seasonal pet costumes have also been known to spark memories and can give strangers common ground to get conversations going. Meet Hope, Glitter and Niko
In recent months, Hope has made numerous hospital visits to a an elderly woman, a serious accident victim that was hospitalized for eight months of re-habilitation, an elderly pastor afflicted with ALS, several cardiac patients and a gentleman who was 103-years-old. Hope also cheered a hospitalized heart patient and 'helped' deliver a Christmas dinner to her. The patient missed her own cats at home and she still talks about how Hope's visit made her whole Christmas holiday. Hope is also known as 'Beauetchere HopeUDance of Perzot,' her CFA registered name, and she maintains a full show schedule. Shirley Peet, Hope's owner, says that she and her husband David originally got Hope when she was born in May, 2000 and planned to start an exotic breeding program. Hope's list of awards over the years includes: CFA 5th Best Cat in Premiership 2007-2008 show season, CFA Best Exotic at CFA-IAMS Cat Championship Madison Square Garden in 2007; 4th Best Cat at The CFA International in Atlanta 2008, and 1st runner-up for CFA Idol at AKC-CFA Meet the Breeds in NYC 2010. "Hope has been the best Therapy Cat for us that anyone could imagine," says Peet. "She loves everyone, is very playful and enjoys going everywhere with me. She thinks our Chevrolet conversion van is the 'Hope Mobile' and that I'm her driver. When Hope sees car keys jingling, she knows that a ride to 'somewhere' is in her future. I use a large pink enclosed feline stroller for Hope and she enjoys going out visiting and being pushed around outside. She loves to watch birds, seagulls, ducks, bunnies and bugs and the occasional trip to PetSmart. Whatever flies in her path seems to entertain her." "Just watching the faces of patients when they see Hope or when she jumps on their beds, you realize that it makes them feel much better, even if only for a little while," Peet shares. "A smile goes a long way for all of the patients that Hope visits."
An unfortunate eye injury prevented Glitter from completing his "Campaign to Best," but he still became a CFA National Winner, finishing as Ninth Best Cat, in 2005. Yet, Glitter hasn't let a handicap hold him back. Since then, Glitter has become Kramanak's pet and a registered Therapy Cat with Pets For Life, Inc., based in Kansas City. Together they visit and greet senior citizens in assisted living facilities, school children and thousands of cat show spectators each year. Glitter also participated in a special ESL (English as a second language) school program, where children practiced their oral reading skills. The children were more comfortable learning their new language in front of Glitter, a patient listener, who never made fun of them when they made mistakes. "Although we never will quite know how high Glitter may have finished in his show career," Kramanak says, "he still managed a Top Ten National Win in only 22 shows. Today he's happy, healthy and excels at being my "BFF" (Best Feline Friend). He also enjoys watching "Court TV" whenever possible!" Claire Dubit, and her husband Bob, own Niko, a certified Tonkinese Therapy Cat that is active in CFA events. "A local group called Pets on Wheels (POW) certified Niko for his therapy work," Claire says. "His POW certification allows him to work in nursing and assisted living homes and also with autistic and other disabled children." Therapy Cats must be Healthy, Calm and Tolerant
Several requirements were necessary before Niko could be certified. "First, he had to obtain a veterinary certificate, ensuring his good health," Dubit says. "Then, an assigned veterinarian observed Niko in a room of other people and dogs. The veterinarian also handled Niko, held him upside down, rubbed his tummy and observed his tolerance level for being handled, for a period of over five minutes. It was then determined that Niko had the right personality to earn his certification." Niko's visits focus on nursing homes and working with autistic children. "He really enjoys working with children because of the freedom to go from child-to-child," Dubit says. "In working with these special needs children, the goal is to 'bring them out of their shell' and get them to communicate more. We usually work in small groups of four or five children at a time, as they take turns petting him. It is truly rewarding to watch the children begin to speak more each week, first about Niko and then about other things. Since Niko shows in the CFA Household Pet category, we always share the rosette ribbons he has won with the children. That always sparks more conversation about how Niko did and the children love taking the rosettes back to share in the classroom."
How does a Cat Become a Therapy Cat?There are many groups that certify cats as Therapy Cats, all with their own requirements for certification. One that is commonly mentioned is the Delta Society, a national not-for-profit organization that strives to help people live healthier and happier lives. They rely on individuals, foundations and corporations for their financial support. The Delta Society provides resources for healthcare, educational and other professionals so they can learn how to safely and effectively incorporate therapy animals into their practices. Volunteer training and screening for visiting animal programs are key offerings by the Delta Society, along with a comprehensive library resource center. At the heart of all Delta Society programs is a research foundation which underscores the many health benefits of therapy animals. They also maintain the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal-handler teams.
Other Types of Support AnimalsTherapy Cats are only one type of feline support animals. They should not be confused with other types of support animals, as defined by federal and state laws. The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Technical Assistance Center offers these distinctions:
A Cat is Medication without Side Effects
The countless stories of those who have benefitted in some way from a Therapy Cat's touch catch our attention and inspire us all. The French Renaissance thinker, Montaigne, summed up best the special bond we enjoy with cats: "When I play with my cat, how do I know that she is not passing time with me rather than I with her?" If you'd like to explore having your cat certified as a Therapy Cat, contact The Delta Society through their website: www.deltasociety.org Reprinted with permission from Linda Crandall, Editor The Purring Post Pet Healthcare Plan/PetPartners,Inc. |
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This program is supported by The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.