Feline-Assisted Therapy
Why Feline-Assisted Therapy?
Feline-assisted therapy is a guided medium of therapy where cats are incorporated into the healing process with clients. As with other species of animals; cats can help reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, increase confidence, improve focus, foster engagement in therapy and help distract from uncomfortable thoughts in the moment. Feline therapy is also a great alternative for clients who would prefer a quieter, smaller animal to work with due to fears or allergies. Feline therapy is suitable for clients ages 5 and up.
Feline-Assisted Therapy can provide:
Sensory integration and regulation
Cats offer opportunity for connection with something soft. This sensory input can be soothing for clients with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression and trauma.
Emotional Regulation
Studies have shown that petting an animal reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and blood pressure in humans. Petting and being with an animal also releases endorphins (mood boosting hormones) in the human brain which can ease depression. The warmth, softness and presence of the cat can help clients in regulating their bodies physically and emotionally when working through trauma, depression, anxiety and more. Clients who have difficulty with impulsivity, emotional outbursts, and frustration tolerance are motivated to practice mindfulness and regulation skills when engaging with the cats.
Acceptance and Physical Connection
Interacting with the cat allows clients to give and receive physical affection in a healthy and appropriate way while processing difficult things during therapy, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed, and emotional during the session. The cat also provides clients with the opportunity to work on healthy boundaries, empathy and impulse control.
Engagement and Communication in Therapy
Often clients who are withdrawn or have difficulty engaging in sessions are motivated by the cats to be present in the session and to open up about themselves and their experiences.
What happens in a session?
Every session is uniquely tailored to each client and their goals or needs in therapy. Some examples of feline activities may include:
• Holding and petting the cat while talking with the therapist or practicing regulation techniques.
• Feeding, grooming and playing with the cat while practicing empathy, nurturance, caregiving, social connection and communication.
• Playing fetch with the cat while connecting with the animal and the therapist in a positive way
• Having the cat play a role in the story the client is acting out or telling.
• Talking about the client’s feelings and story but as if it is the cat who has experienced these things, allowing the client to express at a safer distance emotionally.
• Simply having the cat in the room provides a sense of safety and comfort for the client.
Meet our feline therapists
Glitch
My name is Glitch, and I have BIG paws and a BIG heart. I am a polydactyl cat which means I have more toes on my feet than are supposed to be there. In fact, if you took my extra toes, you could make two more full paws!
Something else to know about me, I used up one whole life already! I know right? Living life on the edge. I snuck out of my house and was struck by a car. I had to spend 3 days in the ICU in an oxygen chamber because I had a collapsed lung. It was really scary, but I pulled through just in the nick of time.
I work with my human partner Dani-Lyn Neufeld and my brother Thor to help people in therapy sessions. I provide a big dose of cute and a whole lot of comfort. You could say I am an emotional support fluffball.
My specialties are: purr-scription strength cuddles, headbutts – my love language, catnip inspired zoomies, nap enthusiast and being a professional snacker.
I enjoy the time I get to spend with the humans who visit me, from little ones to adults. I support each person in just the way they need. Some ways in which I help are as follows:
• Emotional support
• Engagement in session
• Fostering empathy
• Increasing focus and attention
• Sensory integration
• Building confidence and self-worth
• Social support
I can’t wait to meet you! Catch ya later!
8 lives left, zero regrets – Glitch
Thor
My name is Thor and I am the CEO of knocking things off tables. I am also a renowned cuddle specialist in the world of cuddle enthusiasts. Many have spoken of my gifts and talents, and it has been said that I am the size of a panther, which is simply not true I am in fact about 2 inches shorter than your average panther.
I work with my human partner Dani-Lyn Neufeld and my brother Glitch to help people in therapy sessions. I am made of pure muscle and fluff, a powerful tribute to my jungle counterparts. I provide loads of love, and my purrs are my superpower.
My specialties are: playing fetch with my favorite foam ball, meowing loudly when no one throws my favorite foam ball, snack connoisseur-ing, sleeping for cardio and panther-sized purring.
I enjoy the time I get to spend with the humans who visit me, from little ones to adults. I support each person in just the way they need. Some ways in which I help are as follows:
• Emotional support
• Engagement in session
• Fostering empathy
• Increasing focus and attention
• Sensory integration
• Building confidence and self-worth
• Social support
I can’t wait to meet you! Ciao!
Fluff Level: Expert. Drama Level: Legendary – Thor
