When we think of therapy animals, our mind naturally gravitates towards dogs that visit schools, libraries, and airports to provide comfort to people in need. Although dogs are the majority, according to Pet Partners –one of the world’s largest registries of therapy pets– cats come in second.
Training a cat to help people cope with boredom, stress, and other emotions is not an easy feat, but when human dedication meets a cat’s love for attention, lives are changed for the better. In this article, we will introduce you to three inspiring people and their therapy cats that bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.
Keegan Taylor and Rom: Kansas City, Missouri
For the LGBTQ+ community, finding a safe space and receiving support is crucial, and that is precisely what the Kansas City Center for Inclusion provides. Keegan Taylor, a professional groomer, and his therapy cat Rom, an orange tabby, regularly visit the center to offer support, especially to transgender youth who have faced trauma.
“Rom really helps when it comes to talking about difficult things,” Keegan says. “I bring him into the room, and if I see someone who is sad or upset, I offer them to hold him. He then gets passed around from lap to lap, getting lots of pets.”
Rom is one of the few therapy cats in the country whose focus is on the LGBTQ+ community. “The center touched my life,” says Keegan of his personal connection. “The people there really helped me grow into the person I am today.”
Rom came into Keegan’s life as a stray on his doorstep in 2020. The cat was covered in fleas and ear mites, but as a professional groomer with animal behaviour training, Keegan cleaned him up and realized he would make the perfect therapy cat.
“He just loves belly rubs and is mellow and adaptable. He was perfect,” he says. Knowing Rom’s special demeanor, Keegan leash-trained the 4-year-old cat, who is always on a leash during his support group sessions. Before each visit, the center informs all attendees that Rom will be there, just in case anyone is allergic to cats. Many attendees attend those specific sessions because Rom will be there.
Keegan says that although Rom clearly enjoys the visits, he does too. “Every time I go, I feel a sense of satisfaction that I am helping my community,” he says. “I get to merge my passion for animals with my passion to help people who may be suffering. It’s an amazing experience for both of us.”
Dawn Wise and Reba: Alpharetta, Georgia
Reba, the all-black cat, had a challenging start in life. Born into a hoarding situation, the tiny kitten had such a severe upper respiratory infection that one of her eyes had to be removed. She then came down with ringworm and had to isolate for four months.
Dawn Wise’s daughter fostered Reba during that time, and much to everyone’s surprise, Reba emerged as a social and loving cat despite isolating during a crucial stage of development. After everything Reba went through, Dawn’s daughter asked her mom to adopt the rescue kitty. The Georgia multifamily real estate analyst couldn’t say no.
Reba’s extraordinary personality impressed Dawn so much that she decided to spread her new kitty’s love of affection. She entered Reba in the Cat Fanciers’ Association and The International Cat Association’s local, regional, and national cat shows. Reba won numerous awards in both organizations’ household pet categories.
However, Dawn wanted Reba to do more than earn ribbons. The black kitty took Pet Partners’ therapy test and passed with flying colours. With that certification, the friendly feline can go to Atlanta-area hospitals, schools, and medical and government conferences. These visits are now a passionate side-hustle for Dawn.
“I like doing it because I love knowing my cat is helping other people,” she says. “I owe it to Reba to help her bring joy to others through emotional connections.”
Tracy Howell, Roger, and Sal: Scottsdale, Arizona
Tracy Howell, an IT manager at Arizona State University, ended up with two cats whose personalities were perfect for therapy work. Sal, an orange-and-white domestic shorthair kitty, showed up on Tracy’s doorstep, and she decided to keep him when she saw his wonderful demeanor. It didn’t take long for Sal to begin leading ASU students on hikes and make regular visits to the campus library and fitness center.
“His leadership skills are so exceptional that everyone follows him,” Tracy says. “He loves hiking and has a sense of adventure. He can jump on the roof of my condo and then jump into surrounding trees. I once took him on vacation to California, and he was amazed by the ocean. He just sat staring at it for hours.”
Then there’s Sal’s brother, Roger, an all-grey domestic shorthair. Roger primarily does hospice work, consoling people who are facing their last breaths, and giving sick children hope at Phoenix-area children’s hospitals.
“He has an amazing ability to sit with people while they are dying, calming them in their last moments,” Tracy says.
During the pandemic, Roger even appeared on Zoom calls at his local public library’s “memory cafes,” helping keep people connected to one another during a time of mandatory seclusion.
While Tracy often takes her cats to schools, hospitals, and corporate events, she also goes to these places alone. She volunteers at hospitals, escorting other therapy animal teams around to the various patients who need special visits. She also does her part to support the therapy community as a local evaluator for Pet Partners, helping test other cats who could be therapy animals.
With a full-time job and pet therapy activities taking up all her free time, the cat mom is living life to the fullest. She believes in giving back to her community through volunteering and providing her personal pets as a comfort to others. It gives her a sense of satisfaction and a life full of happy, feline-filled moments.
In conclusion, therapy cats are a meaningful initiative that deserves more recognition. They may not be as outgoing and expressive as dogs, but cats have traits that make them unique therapy animals. These three inspiring people and their cats are just a few examples of the positive impact therapy cats can have on people’s lives.
