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Emotional support cats (animals) have become increasingly popular over the years due to the comfort and mitigation of negative thoughts and emotions that they can provide.
Whilst many people might immediately think of a dog when you consider an emotional support animal, there are many other animals that can make for excellent support animals for those in need, including cats.
If you are thinking about having a cat as an emotional support animal, either for yourself or for a loved one, then keep reading as we are going to be looking more closely at cats as emotional support animals, including what breeds of cats make for the best support animals.
Let’s get started.
What Is An Emotional Support Cat?
An emotional support cat is a pet that provides comfort and support to its owner through companionship and nonverbal communication. They are often used to help individuals who have mental or emotional disabilities, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Emotional support animals do not need to be trained to perform any specific tasks, but they must be well-behaved and able to behave appropriately in public settings.
To qualify for an emotional support cat, an individual must have a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the presence of the animal is necessary for the individual’s emotional well-being. This letter must be on the professional’s letterhead and must be current, typically within the last year.
Emotional support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, which allows them to live in housing that has a no-pets policy and to fly with their owners in the cabin of an aircraft.
However, they are not afforded the same public access rights as service animals, and they may be restricted from certain locations or activities.
It is important to note that emotional support animals are not the same as service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
It is also important to be aware of laws and regulations regarding emotional support animals, as it is illegal to fraudulently represent an animal as an emotional support animal.
Are Cats Good Emotional Support Animals?
Cats can be good emotional support animals because they offer comfort and companionship to their owners. Many people find that the presence of a cat helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness, and can improve their overall well-being.
Cats are generally low maintenance and can be a good choice for individuals who may not have the ability to care for a more high-energy or demanding pet.
However, it is important to keep in mind that not all individuals are comfortable around cats or may have allergies to them.
It is also important to remember that cats, like all animals, require care and attention, and owning a cat should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider whether an individual is able to provide for the physical and emotional needs of a cat before getting one as an emotional support animal.
Which Breed Of Cat Makes For The Best Emotional Support Animal?
There is no definitive answer as to which cat breeds make the best emotional support animals, as each individual’s needs and preferences are unique. Some people may prefer a particular breed of cat because of its size, appearance, or personality, while others may not have a specific breed in mind.
It is generally recommended to choose a cat that has a calm and gentle disposition, as this can make it easier for the cat to adapt to new environments and people.
Cats that are social and friendly may also be good choices, as they may be more likely to bond with their owners and provide comfort and support.
Some cat breeds that are known for their calm and gentle dispositions include the Maine Coon, Persian, and Siamese. Other breeds that are known for their social and friendly personalities include the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, and Scottish Fold.
Ultimately, the best emotional support cat is the one that meets the individual’s needs and provides comfort and support. It is important to carefully consider the characteristics and needs of a particular breed before choosing a cat as an emotional support animal.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the breeds that are known for their calm and friendly nature
- Maine Coon: The Maine Coon is a large, intelligent, and social breed of cat that is known for its calm and gentle disposition. These traits may make them a good choice as an emotional support cat for individuals who are looking for a pet that is easy to get along with and provides comfort and companionship.
- Persian: Persians are not only beautiful, but they are also gentle and quiet cats. They do require a lot of grooming, though, so keep this in mind if the Persian cat is a breed you are considering as an emotional support animal.
- American Shorthair: This particular popular cat breed is very intelligent and is known for their good-natured disposition, making them well suited as emotional support cats. They are also known to get on well with other pets and children.
- Siamese: This affectionate and loyal breed is well suited to emotional support work, but they are also an intelligent breed that can be trained easier than other cat breeds.
Final Thoughts
Cats are definitely a good choice when it comes to emotional support animals due to their low maintenance and their affectionate nature.
However, due to every cat being unique and having different needs and personalities, it is important to do the appropriate research and consult with a professional animal behaviorist or a veterinarian before you make the decision as to which breed of cat is the best suited to be an emotional support animal.
Don’t forget that in order for your pet to qualify as an official support animal, you will need a letter from a mental health professional.
