Therapy cats play a vital role in providing emotional support and comfort to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. Certifying your cat as a therapy animal involves a structured process, including training, temperament evaluation, and formal certification. This guide outlines the steps to help you and your feline companion succeed.
Step 1: Understand Eligibility Criteria
Before pursuing certification, ensure your cat meets the baseline requirements:
Health Requirements: A clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian, up-to-date vaccinations, and freedom from contagious diseases.
Temperament: Cats must be calm, social, and comfortable around strangers, loud noises, and other animals. Shyness or aggression disqualifies a cat from certification.
Age and Experience: Most programs require cats to be at least one year old, with prior socialization and basic training.
Step 2: Train Your Cat for Therapy Work
Certified therapy cats need specific skills to interact safely and effectively with diverse populations. Focus on these areas:
Basic Obedience
Teach commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." While cats may not obey like dogs, they should respond reliably to their handler's cues.
Socialization
Expose your cat to various environments, people, and other animals. Practice walking on a leash, riding in vehicles, and staying calm in crowded or noisy settings.
Specific Tasks
Some programs require cats to perform simple tasks, such as allowing touch, recognizing stress cues, or retrieving small objects on command.
Step 3: Choose a Certification Program
Research reputable animal therapy organizations that certify cats, such as:
Therapy Animals International (TAI)
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
Pet Partners
Consider factors like program requirements, fees, and geographic coverage before selecting one. Review their documentation checklist, which typically includes vaccination records, a behavioral reference, and a completed application.
Step 4: Preparing for the Evaluation
Certification programs evaluate your cat's behavior and your ability to handle them in diverse scenarios. The assessment may include:
Temperament Testing
- Reaction to strangers
- Response to loud noises or sudden movements
- Tolerance for touch (petting, brushing)
Handler Skills
- Control during walks or in confined spaces
- Ability to redirect unwanted behaviors
- Communication with evaluators
Task Demonstration
Perform specific actions requested by the evaluator, such as sitting calmly during interactions or following directions in a crowded room.
Step 5: Maintain Certification
Renewal requirements vary by organization but often include:
- Annual health checks and vaccination updates
- Continued training and temperament assessments
- Logging a minimum number of therapy visits per year
Keep detailed records of your cat's therapy activities to streamline renewals and demonstrate consistent participation.
Conclusion
Certifying your cat as a therapy animal requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to their well-being. With proper training and preparation, your feline friend can bring joy and comfort to countless individuals. Always prioritize your cat's health and happiness throughout the process to ensure a positive experience for both of you.