A groundbreaking study reveals that some cats possess the sociable, calm personalities needed for animal-assisted therapy, opening doors to new ways of providing emotional support and stress relief beyond the traditional therapy dog.
Key Points at a Glance
- New research suggests cats can thrive in animal-assisted services (AAS), similar to therapy dogs.
- Cats chosen for therapy display high sociability, tolerance for handling, and people-oriented behaviors.
- Feline therapy could appeal to individuals preferring a calmer, quieter animal companion.
- Therapy cats are currently more common in Europe than in the U.S., but interest is growing.
- Experts emphasize the need for further research to safeguard feline welfare in therapy roles.
For years, therapy dogs have been the gold standard in animal-assisted services, offering comfort and companionship in schools, hospitals, and therapy settings. But new research from Washington State University (WSU), in collaboration with Belgian scientists, suggests it might be time to make room for a different kind of four-legged therapist—cats.
Published in the journal Animals, the study co-authored by WSU professor Patricia Pendry challenges the long-standing assumption that cats are too aloof or independent to provide effective emotional support in structured settings. Instead, it reveals that some cats naturally possess behavioral traits similar to those of therapy dogs, making them surprisingly well-suited for animal-assisted services (AAS).
“There’s this perception that cats just aren’t suitable for this kind of work,” said Pendry. “But our study shows that some cats may thrive in these settings.” According to the research, therapy cats are often more sociable, enjoy human interaction, and tolerate being handled—including being picked up—much better than the average feline. These qualities make them ideal companions for therapy environments where calmness, patience, and affection are essential.
The team surveyed hundreds of cat owners in Belgium, using standardized behavioral assessments to compare cats participating in AAS programs with those that weren’t. The study didn’t find a link between breed and therapy suitability. Instead, the researchers focused on individual personality traits—whether the cat was people-friendly, sought out attention, and was comfortable around other animals.
One of the major takeaways from the study is the potential for therapy cats to reach individuals who may not connect with dogs. While dogs typically bring energy and enthusiasm, cats offer a quieter, more soothing presence. This could be particularly appealing to people who prefer less stimulation or are looking for a different kind of emotional connection.
Currently, feline-assisted therapy is more common in parts of Europe, like Belgium, where the study was conducted. In the United States, therapy animals are still largely limited to dogs, but Pendry hopes this new research will help broaden perspectives. “It’s about recognizing that some cats may genuinely enjoy this kind of interaction and, in the right setting, can provide meaningful support to people who need it,” she said.
Despite the promising findings, the researchers stress that more work is needed to understand how therapy impacts cats themselves. Unlike dogs, cats are not typically trained for therapy roles. Instead, their involvement often relies on their inherent sociability. Pendry and her team point out the need for future studies to determine whether these desirable traits are innate or developed, and to ensure feline welfare remains a top priority in any therapy program.
The study represents an exciting step toward diversifying animal-assisted therapy, offering new ways to connect people in need with the healing power of animals. And as Pendry jokingly puts it, “If any animal could turn lounging around and receiving affection into a legitimate career, it would be a cat.”
Source: Washington State University
