Learn about cat-assisted therapy

Cats are among the most beloved animals by thousands of people around the world. Despite their independent and easygoing nature, cats make excellent pets. Studies conducted in Belgium and recent experiences show that, when well socialized and trained, they can become excellent therapeutic companions.

As every year, this Friday, August 8th, marked International Cat Day, established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. This is a day to raise awareness about cats and learn about ways to help and protect them.

Cats are such noble animals that, as already mentioned, they are used for assisted therapy. Find out more below.

What is cat-assisted therapy?

Cat-assisted therapy is an emerging therapeutic modality that takes advantage of the companionship and unique characteristics of these felines. to promote the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of people.

This form of therapy offers benefits ranging from motor stimulation and stress relief to support for emotional and cognitive processes , making it a valuable alternative in contexts where innovative and effective methods are sought to improve the quality of life of different populations.

A practice supported by science

That cats have a relevant role as assistance animals is influenced by Japanese culture. This country has long had a close relationship with cats and, far from considering them merely pets, values them as symbols of good luck, prosperity, and protection against evil spirits.

In recent decades, it has become common to find them in coffee shops, especially in so-called neko cafes. These spaces offer the opportunity to pet and socialize with cats, which has a therapeutic effect in a society with high levels of stress.

Due to the observed benefits, some Japanese companies, such as Qnote, have launched similar initiatives to improve the work environment and reduce stress among their employees.

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In Europe, particularly in Poland and Belgium, This positive relationship caught the attention of the scientific community. Nine years ago, the University of Warmia-Masurian Voivodeship already considered the use of cats as assistance animals for people with physical and mental illnesses. This year, several Belgian institutions and Washington State University confirmed that cats, like dogs, can provide comfort to those in need.

"We have this myth that cats are aloof, that they can't socialize, and that all they do is bite, run away, and scratch you. But the truth is that, when properly socialized, cats can facilitate various therapies, for example, for people with motor disabilities or children with autism. They also serve as companions, especially in nursing homes, and some therapists use them to facilitate speech development in children with language problems ," said Claudia Edwards, a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at UNAM.

On the other hand, in a separate study, scientists at Washington State University conducted an experiment with university students that involved petting assistance dogs and cats. The result was a significant decrease in levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Because of this, they highlighted that this therapy could be especially beneficial for people facing stress. anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders , as it improves mood.

How do cats achieve therapeutic functions?

For a cat to perform therapeutic functions, it is crucial that it be adapted from before birth. Although some can be trained in adulthood, tolerance to human contact is related to processes that They must begin when the feline is in the mother's womb. This is because cats have Merkel cells in their skin, which make them up to 25 times more sensitive to touch than humans.

"These cells are very sensitive, and work is needed from the mother's pregnancy to help the kittens tolerate contact. This explains why some cats enjoy being petted, while others prefer to avoid contact. Therefore, not all cats can be used as assistance animals," Edwards explained.

Belgian studies underline that, in addition to this sensitivity, also personality and temperament aspects must be considered , since not all cats have a sociable disposition suitable for therapeutic environments.

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Mental health projections indicate that, by 2040, the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety and depression could increase significantly . Given this scenario, cat-assisted therapy takes on particular relevance, thanks to its multiple physical and emotional benefits.

Edwards stated that it is indeed pertinent to consider it in health systems. However, he stressed The importance of promoting the therapeutic use of cats already present in homes , as an accessible way to provide emotional support.

"I think we cat owners know that they identify our moods. They come, lie down, comfort you, and play. So, spending time with one of them beyond what's normal can bring enormous benefits. In the clinical setting, it's also necessary to consider them, but ensuring they meet certain requirements: be sociable, have a stable temperament and, of course, ensure the well-being of the animal. "Just playing with them relaxes you and helps you disconnect from your worries," he said.

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