Pets as Therapy?

[Leanne]

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.

  I bet thats a lovely site, Findlay holding their tails

[Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's)]

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.

[dolcetta46]

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!!

[Leanne]

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.

[puggy1975 Zoe]

They do say that pets are great for therapy

[JackSpratt]

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.

[maryas]

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 

Mary

[Mark]

I have met a couple of PAT cats. They were the most laid back cats I have ever met 

[Claire_smc]

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