Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Claire_smc on August 03, 2010, 19:49:26 PM

Title: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: Claire_smc on August 03, 2010, 19:49:26 PM
I am currently looking for volunteering opportunities in my area and came across an advert for Pets as Therapy, this is the ad:

The opportunity
Volunteers and their pets (dog or cat) are needed to visit various establishments such as Hospitals, Hospices, Nursing / Residential Care Homes on a regular basis. Please note that all pets have to undergo a 'Temperament' test to ensure their suitability for the role.

Has anyone done this before? I think it's a brill idea
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: Mark on August 03, 2010, 22:42:34 PM
I have met a couple of PAT cats. They were the most laid back cats I have ever met  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: maryas on August 04, 2010, 00:21:12 AM
Hi Claire

My friend used to take his dog, Mouse in to hospitals the dog and the patients loved it.

Dean did have to pay though - something to do with insurance from what I can remember - it was 2 years ago, Mouse is at the Bridge now.

Here's a pic of Mouse - Irish Wolfhound  :Luv2:

Mary
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: JackSpratt on August 04, 2010, 10:09:00 AM
Mouse was stunning, bless him.

Heard of it and think it's wonderful, but don't think any of ours are suited to it, really. ;)
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: puggy1975 Zoe on August 04, 2010, 12:15:58 PM
They do say that pets are great for therapy
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: Leanne on August 04, 2010, 12:25:16 PM
When I looked into doing it I am sure it was your own vet who had to certify the temperament.

I wanted to do it with Milo but my Husband wasn't keen on the idea.
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: dolcetta46 on August 04, 2010, 20:29:17 PM
I know a facebook friend from Canada who does this with her cat.  They visit nursing homes regularly, and it has been a great success for them.  I do agree it is a wonderful idea, as pets do offer great therapies in many ways.  However surely the cat must have a personality for the role.  Even if they are even tempered and docile, so many of them are rather anti-social who do NOT enjoy the attention of all those strangers.  If your kitty is on a social side who enjoy greeting and meeting visitors, it will be much more promising... good luck!!
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) on August 06, 2010, 15:12:59 PM
Mine have all got the temper etc for it but as they aren't neutered they aren't allowed to do it  :(  Orion in particular was *born* to be a PAT cat as he will meet someone for the first time and be all over them like a rash cuddling them and purring (he makes Bilbo look like he was anti-social!!).

One thing that rules some cats out as well is that they need to be happy on a harness and lead for doing it which a lot of cats aren't.

Mine however do it in an unofficial capacity for Findlay  :) He's currently having a hypersensitive day and is getting highly stressed by light, sound, textures etc but he currently has 2 x 4 month old kittens in his cot with him who are purring at him and happily letting him hold their tails and fur which is making him smile.
Title: Re: Pets as Therapy?
Post by: Leanne on August 06, 2010, 15:29:19 PM


Mine however do it in an unofficial capacity for Findlay  :) He's currently having a hypersensitive day and is getting highly stressed by light, sound, textures etc but he currently has 2 x 4 month old kittens in his cot with him who are purring at him and happily letting him hold their tails and fur which is making him smile.

 :Luv: :Luv: I bet thats a lovely site, Findlay holding their tails